From the Pastor's Desk
Fear the Right Thing

John Ennis • Lead Pastor
October 8, 2026

2 Minute Read
Attending school in the early 1970s was markedly different from the experience of students today. For example, we (Gen X) regularly participated in nuclear-attack drills. The concern expressed by the adults around us often made such an event seem inevitable. I remember crouching beneath my desk in the knee-head position and wondering how it could possibly protect me.
Every generation appears to face a new threat portrayed as catastrophic, yet life continues. Remember the warnings about depleted oil reserves, overpopulation, global warming, Y2K, and now AI. Each generation has had reasons to regard such concerns as potential extinction-level events.
This does not mean that we should dismiss legitimate risks or fail to take appropriate action. However, misplaced fear can lead to faithless living.
We must be careful not to fear the wrong thing (everything except God), but instead to fear God alone.
Our future rests with the sovereign God who remains fully in control. He knows our end; therefore, let us look to Him with confidence. We can trust the hope of 1 Thessalonians 3:13: May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Love you all, -PJ
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From this Author: John Ennis
October 29, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
I witnessed a horrifying scene this morning: a two-year-old child running toward a busy road. I was too far away to help, but fortunately, another driver stopped their car in time to intercept the child. We called the police because we did not know who the child’s parents were. Eventually, a confused parent who had been asleep arrived and claimed their child. The parent thanked us, but I was not sure they understood the gravity of the situation. It’s easy to pass judgment, but haven’t we all been guilty of being asleep—not only as parents, but also as spouses, employees, students, etc? The same question applies to our spiritual lives. Jesus warns us to stay awake! Why else would he warn us if we were not prone to spiritual sleepiness? In Mark 13:36-37, he says: “If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’ ” How do you know if you’re spiritually asleep? There is a long list of signs, but I think we understand spiritual slumber best when we understand what it means to be spiritually awake. Being awake means approaching Christ with a posture of obedience through daily prayer, reading God’s Word, and sharing our faith. It means expecting and watching for His return and staying alert to the devil’s schemes. It also means recognizing our tendency toward complacency and combating it with daily, holy surrender. In the words of Jesus in Luke 9:23: “…If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” So it’s time to wake up church! Ephesians 5:14 “…Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Thanks for taking the time to read. Love you all! —PJ

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

October 23, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Last night something really beautiful happened: A church, a national office and an elementary school celebrated the countries and cultures that make up our big, wide world. There were 250+ people in attendance, but it was the small relational moments that sealed the beauty of the event. For lot of people, it was a night of free treats, food and fun. For some though, deeper relationships were forged, new perceptions of Christians and church were cultivated, and a few even want to learn more about Jesus. Grateful for partnerships that seek the wellbeing of our community. The National Office team came to serve with us, and serve well! And grateful for you! Thank you for praying for this event, supporting it through your candy donations and volunteer hours, and taking time to invest in the school and our neighbors. Pray with me that this continues to fan the flame of Gospel advance in Reynoldsburg. Talk soon! -David

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

Currently Reading
October 8, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Attending school in the early 1970s was markedly different from the experience of students today. For example, we (Gen X) regularly participated in nuclear-attack drills. The concern expressed by the adults around us often made such an event seem inevitable. I remember crouching beneath my desk in the knee-head position and wondering how it could possibly protect me. Every generation appears to face a new threat portrayed as catastrophic, yet life continues. Remember the warnings about depleted oil reserves, overpopulation, global warming, Y2K, and now AI. Each generation has had reasons to regard such concerns as potential extinction-level events. This does not mean that we should dismiss legitimate risks or fail to take appropriate action. However, misplaced fear can lead to faithless living. We must be careful not to fear the wrong thing (everything except God), but instead to fear God alone. Our future rests with the sovereign God who remains fully in control. He knows our end; therefore, let us look to Him with confidence. We can trust the hope of 1 Thessalonians 3:13: May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones. Love you all, -PJ

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

September 10, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Go love God, love others, and live to serve. We say it every Sunday as we close the service—but how do we live it out? This invitation calls us to walk intentionally with the Lord and reflects Jesus’ words: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). For me, Men’s Group is one practical example. I value Men’s Group because it helps me love God, love others, and live to serve—not only during our hour together, but also in my family, neighborhood, community and workplace. Through prayer, encouragement, and the support of men who have my back, that one hour shapes the rest of my week. So, go and live it out: love God, love others, and serve. -John

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

August 27, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
It is hard to believe that we are already approaching the beginning of our fall ministry season. Subtle changes in the leaves, weather, and rhythms around us remind us that a new season is near. As you prepare for it, take a moment to reflect on where you were in your walk with the Lord this time last year. In what ways have you grown through His grace? How are you becoming more like Him, and what spiritual fruit reflects His work in your life? Then consider where you hope to be a year from now. Is there anything you need to surrender? Are there habits you would like to release or replace? How might you make more intentional time with your Savior? Prayerfully consider what you would like the Lord to do in and through you over the next twelve months. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you in this journey. Over the past year, we have studied James and Psalm 139, and we are currently concluding our time in Ruth. In the coming season, we look forward to exploring the Gospel of Luke together. September offers a meaningful opportunity to deepen our engagement with God and strengthen our relationships with one another. As we enter this season, may we prayerfully receive Jesus’ invitation in Luke 9:23–24: 23 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. Love you all, PJ

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

August 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
If you’re reading this, congratulations—your power is back on! Many of us lost electricity during Tuesday’s storm, including the church. I have a confession: even though I knew the power was out, I kept walking into rooms and flipping the light switch. I would laugh at myself, only to do it again in the next room. Be honest—did you do the same? Perhaps it was muscle memory, habit, or simply taking everyday conveniences for granted. Whatever the reason, it was a welcome moment when the lights finally announced that power had been restored. That experience made me reflect: as a follower of Christ, how often am I going through the motions without spiritual power—relying on my own strength instead of depending on the Holy Spirit? Sometimes we simply keep flipping the human switch without pausing to seek God. Ephesians 5 offers practical guidance for living in daily dependence on Him: Ephesians 5:18–21 “Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” So, before you flip the switch, pause and make sure the power is on. Love you all, -Pastor John

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

July 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Thank you so much to everyone who helped sponsor a backpack for the GR4S Campaign! As of today, we have ALL 110 BACKPACKS FUNDED! Praise the Lord! I’m truly looking forward to GR4S Sunday! What a blessing it is to help 110 students begin the school year with backpacks and supplies. Church family, let’s come ready to warmly welcome, love, and care for our community. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5: 13 “You are the salt of the earth…” 14 “You are the light of the world…” 15 “…put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” 16 “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Let’s shine brightly and be the salt of the earth this Sunday. Please make a special effort to welcome and connect with anyone you don’t know. Come early, grab a cup of coffee, meet someone new, and invite them to join you. Make room where you sit, introduce yourself, and warmly invite our guests to come back next week. CWC, we’ve got this, RIGHT!!! I can’t wait to see you all on Sunday! -Love you all, John

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

July 16, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
This morning, Beth said something that struck me: “I had a really good conversation; I steered it toward the spiritual.” It got me thinking… Think about your neighbors, school friends, coworkers, cashiers, or the person you keep running into. We often talk about the weather, sports (go Argentina!), gas prices, and—if you dare—politics. Those conversations matter because they help build relationships. Who is someone in your life who has moved from acquaintance to friend—someone whose name you know, and who knows yours? Take a moment to pray for that person right now. Then consider that it may be no accident you continue to see them—perhaps it is God-ordained. The next time you converse, gently steer the conversation toward spiritual matters. It can be done by mentioning your church, or asking how you can pray for them, or sharing something your pastor or group leader once said. Then listen for their response and for how God may be leading you next. Let me know how it goes! “Be ready in season and out of season.” 2 Timothy 4:2 Love you all, -Pastor John

John Ennis

Lead Pastor

June 8, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
From the Pastor's Desk
Years ago the elders asked a painful but important question: “Would this community miss us if we ceased to exist?” At the time, I believe the honest answer was, “No.” But over the years, by God’s grace, that began to change. Slowly, that “No” became a “Yes.” Today, I believe many people in our community—including an elementary school—would be deeply affected if we were no longer here. I was reminded of this when Donald was away for two weeks in early spring. By the eighth day, people were asking where he was. Cars stopped, windows rolled down, walkers paused, and children, teachers, and parents all asked the same question: “Where’s Donald?” I lost count of how many people noticed his absence. That question—“Would this community miss us if we ceased to exist?”—is not only a meaningful question for the church; it is also a meaningful question for each of us. Would your community—your neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends—miss the kindness, presence, and love of Christ in you if you were no longer there? Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13–16 -Pastor John

John Ennis

Lead Pastor