Pastor’s Message
20 Years of Thankfullness
I am thankful for every minute that God has given me grace to lead His people, and pastor Living Word Church.
We did not begin this journey thinking in terms of where it would take us over the next twenty years, nevertheless, we are overjoyed to have an opportunity to serve our magnificent GOD and HIS wonderful people for over two decades.
I am thankful that my wonderful wife, Chelly, has stood beside me, behind me and before me every minute of the journey. She has been and is a fruitful vine, a true yokefellow, and a ministry and life partner. I am thankful for her prayers, her advice, her insight and her wisdom. She has never once complained that I give too much of my time to ministry. She has built her life around my life which is built around our life together in Christ. I am also thankful for children that serve alongside me in ministry.
I am grateful for those who serve with us in ministry. It is the tireless effort and sincere sacrifices of the servants of The Lord that make ministry enjoyable, fruitful and memorable. I absolutely love co-laboring with them.
I am thankful for our past. Our humble beginnings in a storefront on the east side of Columbus, Ohio have become a foundation stone for the many awesome things we have done together. We were blessed to purchase the former St. Paul United Methodist Church and the surrounding land in 2003. We have renovated, updated, retro-fitted and transformed this building over the years. We have seen many souls saved, recommitted to Christ, and delivered from diverse afflictions. We have given school supplies to over 10,000 students; served over 5,000 meals to the homeless community, we have extended the breadth of our Church to provide ongoing ministry to a women’s transitional living facility, a half-way house for men, and a facility for sex trafficking victims. We are making disciples!
I am thankful for our future. Our vision is taking shape. It is coming into focus. I am simultaneously grateful for the past, thankful for the present, and enthusiastic about the future of Living Word Church. It will not be long before we are worshipping our God and serving our generation from a new facility. The plan is coming together, the disciples are taking their respective places, sacrifices are being made, and hands are applied to the plow. There is no looking back! With The Holy Spirit leading the way, and great people like you by my side, there is no limit to what we can accomplish in ministry and for the Kingdom of God in the future!
Jeff Haygood, Pastor
Living Word Church