In 2010, about 20 college-aged individuals convened in an effort to unite people from various local churches into a faith-based community. As a result of this gathering, the Christian ministry movement called Awakening was created.
Since that time, the leadership team within Awakening has employed a variety of activities that have worked to stimulate the growth of a spiritually healthy young adult community. These efforts have also indirectly stimulated a collaborative effort among local churches to meet a common need.
One way Awakening has done this is through its biweekly worship gatherings. Every other Friday night, members of Awakening travel to various locations—both faith-based and secular—in the greater Richland County area where they feature fellowship time, worship music, artistic demonstration, and a time of open sharing or testimony. These events average three hours in length and attract a regular attendance of 80 plus people.
Another signature event hosted by Awakening is its Bible study dubbed SNASS (Sunday Night Awakening Scripture Soiree), offered every Sunday night at different locations.
Awakening, characterized by its organic nature, has recently grown through engagement in both state and federal incorporation processes through the formalization of an Awakening Oversight Board (AOB). This board is comprised of 11 members from area churches, colleges, and other organizations. The AOB provides a regular opportunity for these community-involved members to stay informed on the latest Awakening happenings and, in turn, for these members to give the Awakening movement information about what is going on in other realms of the community.
Senior Pastor at Ontario Christian Fellowship and President of the AOB, Kim Maurer, noted, “Awakening is serving our community by providing a needed outlet for connection and community of young adults in a safe, healthy environment. In the past, high school seniors couldn’t wait to graduate and leave Mansfield for bigger cities. Awakening is meeting a need that helps young people put down roots in our community. Awakening also provides personal development and leadership training that helps grow young people into responsible adults.”
Awakening functions as an ecumenical movement, meaning it is characterized by a unified effort of many local churches working together for a specific purpose. To that end, Awakening has hosted worship gatherings in over 25 different churches. Also, each of these nights has seen a vast diversity regarding attendees’ denominational affiliations.
Maurer further explained, “Many young adults at Ontario Christian Fellowship are actively involved in Awakening,” to which he added, “This almost always contributes to an increased enthusiasm and participation in our church fellowship. Awakening is not in competition with the existing local churches; rather, Awakening helps equip young people to minister more effectively in their own churches.”
Awakening member and member of the AOB, Emily Depew, said, “Through the community God formed in Awakening, I was personally awakened to God’s wholeness for my life. I love how God shines through His believers united in His Name for His glory.”
Awakening’s mission is rooted in the Biblical scripture of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, “This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
With this in mind, members of Awakening seek to love one another and serve the community. This is demonstrated by Awakening’s upcoming Mission to Mansfield service project. For five days in July, Awakening will partner with both secular and faith-based organizations in Mansfield to offer assistance to those in need.
“Awakening is having a very positive impact on the younger generation in our community. Having attended many Awakening events, I see true joy and peace in their lives. These are young people who are prioritizing an intimate relationship with God from which flows healthy relationships with other people. When you love God, you love others,” said Maurer.
