When churches unite: Godsfield brings denominations together to serve Mansfield

MANSFIELD — Churches across Mansfield are discovering they can accomplish more together than apart. That belief has fueled the growth of Godsfield, a faith-based nonprofit working to unite denominations around a shared mission: loving the city and restoring lives.

Founded by Rev. El Akuchie and Pastor Paul Lintern, the vision for Godsfield began decades ago. In recent months, however, it has gained renewed momentum, now operating as a nonprofit with a rotating board representing multiple denominations across the city.

31 nights of unity in action

That collaborative spirit will be on full display in March during the March of Prayer, Godsfield’s next major initiative — with invitations created by Raymond Cochran Jr., head pastor at Oasis of Love.

Each night in March, a different church will host a prayer and worship gathering at 6 p.m., creating 31 nights of citywide worship in a variety of styles. A few hosting spots are still available.

“Just as the human body is one but has many parts with different functions, so is the Body of Christ in Mansfield,” Akuchie said. “We are united to elevate Jesus, not a single church or denomination.”

Akuchie said Godsfield’s mission centers on bringing churches together to share the Gospel and serve the community collectively, with the March of Prayer serving as a visible example of that unity.

Churches, worship leaders and community partners have built the event through collaboration.

We aren’t against each other, but for each other.

Jessica Wilging, executive director of godsfield

Damien Beauford, executive director of Welcome Home Fest, said the March of Prayer brings believers from different traditions together around a shared purpose — seeking God on behalf of the community.

Through its partnership with Godsfield, Welcome Home Fest encourages cooperation among churches and worship leaders, emphasizing prayer and worship as powerful unifying forces.

Jordan Baker, president of Godsfield, said the March of Prayer has demonstrated the impact of believers from different backgrounds praying together.

“Since the start of March of Prayer in 2019, we’ve seen that when believers from different churches and backgrounds pray side-by-side, something shifts,” Baker said.

Unity has been brought in place of division, he added, creating space to lift up the name of Jesus across Mansfield through Godsfield.

“God’s creation is all about uniqueness, and nowhere have I found another community like the March of Prayer crowd,” Lintern said. “So many different fellowships gather night after night, with a different host, to pray and praise our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Jessica Wilging, executive director of Godsfield, said she grew up around multiple denominations and worship styles, shaping her passion for highlighting unity without erasing individuality.

This event, she said, allows churches to maintain their own expression while setting aside differences to pray collectively for the community.

The final night will be a collaborative service with different denominations coming together for worship. The location is still in the works, as Wilging said they hope to find a more neutral site instead of a church.

“We want churches to have their own expression while uniting through prayer for the community,” Wilging said.

Upcoming events and community initiatives

“We aren’t against each other, but for each other,” Wilging said. “If we are going to be effective, we need combined efforts.”

Staying connected to community needs has always been central to Godsfield’s mission. Wilging said she has participated in Godsfield events for as long as she can remember and stepped into a more active role last fall.

(Story continues below pictures. Pictures from past Godsfield gatherings. Provided by Jessica Wilging.)

Her passion for the recovery community has sparked conversations about expanding Godsfield’s outreach, including the possibility of a one-stop resource center for individuals dealing with grief, addiction or other challenges.

“We truly love people, and our hearts are for them,” Wilging said. “I would love to make it bigger with an outreach component. How can we bless the community — free haircuts, food or giveaways? We want to unify because we have a heart for the community.”

March of Prayer is just one of many unifying efforts coming up. May 7 marks National Day of Prayer — Wilging said she hopes to see this day serve as a blessing to the community.

“We don’t want to be confined to our four walls,” she said. “There are so many churches in Richland County. I want to see our community come together and pull something big off.”

Wilging said one of the bigger events still in the works is Festival of Hope.

“This will be a community-wide, gospel-oriented service located somewhere in the heart of Mansfield,” she said. “The goal is to unify races and denominations and tear down divisions and skepticism of each other.”

Wilging said organizers have not finalized a date.

Festival of Hope would include worship, prayer and a guest evangelist. People can donate online at Godsfield.org.