In September, Life Community Church in Hilliard, Ohio, turned 25 years old. A weekend of activities culminated on Sunday, September 11, as they reflected on the past and the changes that have come from saying “yes” to God.
Wanting the weekend to resemble a big family reunion, Life Community Church (LCC) sent out an invitation to present and past members. They kicked off the weekend on Friday evening with a bonfire and smores. On Saturday, they hosted a family-friendly carnival with food trucks and activities for children.
The Sunday morning gathering highlighted 25 years of change and God’s faithfulness. Highlighting these three eras, people sang worship songs from the 1990’s up to the present day as they journeyed through time. Founding pastor, Tom Bennardo, and current pastors, Dan Burmeister and Tom Burns, shared stories about the church from its beginning in a movie theater to its present-day facility which hosts the community food bank and a Spanish/English church. Lead Pastor Dan Burmeister said, “To see people from all eras of our church give glory to the Lord through worship and celebration was amazing! And His work continues in the powerful stories of transformation and healing that came out of the weekend.”
At its beginning, LCC met through small groups in homes. Although many aspects of the ministry have changed, they remain committed to being a church made up of small groups. Founding Pastor Tom Bennardo said, “Our dream for the church was to become a gospel outpost that would redefine church for this generation in the Columbus, Ohio area. It’s one of the greatest joys and honors of my journey with Jesus to be a part of what God is doing through Life Community Church, and He has fulfilled and sustained that vision for 25 years.”
