The Theodore Roosevelt High School auditorium has hosted countless school plays, concerts, and ceremonies. Its red chairs, red curtain, and high ceiling could belong to any high school. On September 22, instruments and a podium sat on the stage as they had at concerts and pep rallies. But because of God’s wonderful power and provision, the very ordinary gathering that Sunday was unlike any other in recent years as Parkside Kent’s congregation came together for the first time. 

For Jon Cameron, lead pastor, this journey started as the Lord confirmed the calling to plant a church through the encouragement and wisdom of godly men and women. With each step—settling on a location south of Parkside, finding a group of core people committed to helping plant the church, and adding to the team, Jordan Aho, pastoral assistant, God began to reveal his plans to plant a church in Kent.

A Great Need
Before settling down in Kent, the team had to make sure Kent needed another church, as the goal was not to compete with existing churches but rather to join those churches in meeting the needs of the community. God affirmed the decision to build in Kent at every step. Other Bible believing churches in the area confirmed that Kent’s need was greater than what the existing churches could meet. As Jon visited Kent and worked in local coffee shops, he left each time with a greater burden for the people of Kent. In the city and the University, thousands of people went about their days without God and without hope in the world. The mission was clear: the people of Kent needed to know Jesus. 

People
With the city selected, the church now needed people. Parkside Kent’s team repeatedly expressed thankfulness for the kind and gracious volunteers God provided for them. They are continually amazed at how these people are gifted in ways that are well suited to their needs. 

A Place
The question of where the church would meet on Sunday mornings still remained, but God revealed his plans one step at a time. First, he provided a place for the core team to meet on Sunday nights. Then, at one core meeting, just the right person came, and this individual helped the church get to an agreement to meet in Theodore Roosevelt High School. 
Between the city, people, place, and enormous support from Parkside Church, God was making a way for Parkside Kent. 

A Plan and Purpose
On September 22, the church congregated in the cafeteria after the service to enjoy fellowship and donuts. Some people approached the team and shared that Parkside Kent was an answer to prayer. Overall, the church’s leadership walked away that Sunday with gratitude. Jordan remarked, “It was refreshing. We are kind of a church now.” 
Parkside Kent hopes to learn to do Sunday services and Community Groups well, and they also have hopes to forge relationships with Kent State University and reach out to international students. “The ends of the earth come to Kent,” said Jon. “It’s not a cheat code to skip out on missions, but it is a great opportunity for gospel work with international students.”

The church has a long journey ahead, but the Lord is opening doors, and they are excited to see what happens next. You can pray for Parkside Kent in the following ways:

• Ask God to give the people of Parkside Kent a heart for the lost, a devotion to his Word, and a commitment to evangelism.
• Ask God to help Parkside Kent and its leadership to remain wholly reliant on him even when things start to feel routine.
• Ask God that people in Kent would grow in relationship with him or meet Jesus for the first time.
• Ask God to provide Parkside Kent with open doors into the community and to give the church wisdom for what to say and how to speak.
   

View Photos from Parkside Kent's First Service >