Word Worship Center moves into former St. John’s Church
COSHOCTON – The Word Worship Center has a new place to call home. After St. John’s United Church of Christ merged with Central Christian Church, Pastor Jim Gross of the Word Worship Center saw an opportunity to expand his congregation and its ministry.
“The new building suits us,” said Gross. “It’s conducive to what we want to do for the community. The building we used to be in was not conducive.”
The first Sunday at the new building was Nov. 9 and Gross said volunteers came from all over the community to help with the move in October.
“Sometimes when a church moves, there’s a split in the congregation,” he said. “That didn’t happen with us. I saw mature Christianity being lived out.”
Some aspects of the new building have been remodeled to fit the new church’s needs. The pulpit has been removed as well as the choir pews to make more room on the platform for musicians. Although Gross doesn’t preach from the pulpit and the church is considered contemporary, he still preaches the Word of God.
“People in this day and age are always up in the air about whether to attend a contemporary church,” he said. “Even though we are considered contemporary, we are still traditional in many ways. I preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ without apology.”
Gross is hoping that the new building will allow the church to grow in ministry and better do the will of God.
“That building will afford us more opportunity to grow as we seek God’s direction,” said Gross. “We’re hoping that we will be ready for anything the Lord will call us to do to help Coshocton. As Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’ That is the motto and the goal of our church.”
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Faith