What the Gospel Is
and how to articulate this life-changing message of hope
Reach Columbus is a collaborative community of local Christian leaders (including pastors, nonprofit leaders, and marketplace leaders) who are passionate about evangelism.
They are committed to championing evangelism as a (or the) central part of the Gospel movement in Columbus and throughout central Ohio through unified, holistic, and sustainable efforts.
Communicating the message of the Gospel in a winsome and culturally relevant way is necessary to the flourishing of our city. As a community of Christian believers, we have experienced a renewed conviction and enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel in our city Columbus, Ohio. Through passing on what we have been learning, we hope to elevate the conversation on evangelism in our citywide movement from now until Jesus’s return.
State of Columbus Evangelism
The population of Columbus is approximately 2.2 million people.
1.4 million is unsaved (have not accepted the free gift of salvation through Christ).
250,000 have never even heard the Gospel.
The population will increase by 1 million by 2050.
Yet, each year, we are losing 1% of the population – despite its growth – from the church.
Obstacles to Evangelism
Common reasons that keep Christians from being actively engaged in evangelism:
Belief that it’s wrong to try and change someone’s mind
Lack of motivation
Not a priority in their time
Fear Factors
Not equipped
Lack of relationships with non-believers
The Big Picture
71% of the population says they are NOT on a quest for spiritual truth, yet, the majority of people are open to conversations about faith…
IF two key conditions are met:
- It’s in a one-on-one or small group casual conversation
- And they don’t feel judged or like someone is trying to force a conclusion
Non-Christians are seeking “Sincere, friendly engagement.”
Reach Columbus exists to re-center Christians on:
What to Say
in meaningful conversational evangelism in casual settings
How to Engage
without pressure or judgment, in a way that is wise, gracious, open and clear
Who Is Reach Columbus?
Reach Columbus is part of the gospel movement for Columbus called for Columbus. For Columbus exists to join God in cultivating measurable change for the whole person, into the whole city. We are laboring to pull together the Church of Columbus as interdependent followers of Jesus, with diverse backgrounds and disciples to develop working solutions together that renew central Ohio with the love of Christ.
As part of for Columbus, Reach works within the Spirit of Agreement:
We, the Church of Columbus, affirm a Gospel community that is a visibly united and sustainable movement of the Holy Spirit. As unique congregational ministries, specialty ministries, and marketplace ministries, we commit to the transformation of our city by sharing and proclaiming Jesus Christ, pursuing justice and reconciliation, presenting a faithful public witness, demonstrating biblical generosity, and building authentic relationships across all cultural boundaries.
GOSPEL VISION
(“… Jesus is Lord and Christ” Acts 2:14-41)
GOSPEL VALUES
(Acts 2:42-47)
Reach Columbus Partners
The Reach Columbus team is made up of a collaboration of members from the following organizations:
