A Heritage on North Oak Trafficway
Gashland EPC meets at 8029 North Oak Trafficway on the north side of Kansas City, Missouri, in the heart of the city's Northland. The congregation traces its roots to 1945, when ten families replanted Barry Presbyterian Church and purchased the land for a new church site for $1,750. The following May the church was renamed Gashland Community Church, and in August 1948 it was officially incorporated under the pastoral charge of James Teener. On Christmas Day 1949 the first worship service was held in a sanctuary that still anchors the campus today. A Christian Education Building and Chapel were dedicated in 1965, the first board of deacons was installed in 1960, and in 2001 a major expansion added the church offices, the Adult Sunday School hall, the Children's Ministry rooms, the Student Ministries wing, the south lobby, and the Ministry Center that now hosts the contemporary service.
On September 23, 2007, the congregation voted to leave the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and affiliate with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. When the PCUSA sued for the church property, the matter reached the Missouri Supreme Court, and Gashland prevailed in 2012, clearing the way for any other Missouri PCUSA congregation wishing to depart for a more biblically faithful denomination to keep its own buildings. A fall 2022 capital campaign paid off the remaining $335,266.22 in mortgage debt, and that same summer the session voted to build a new playground for the children's ministry. Through every chapter, the people of Gashland see God's faithfulness in the story and look to the next one with confidence.
Love Jesus, Live as Family, Look to the Fields
The congregation summarizes its calling in a single sentence: "It is our vision to be a church that loves Jesus, lives as family, and looks to the fields." Each phrase is rooted in Scripture. Loving Jesus grows out of Deuteronomy 6 and Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5: "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." Living as family draws on Ephesians 2:19 - members of the household of God - and is sustained by three habits Gashland sees modeled in Acts 2: discipleship, community, and care. The third phrase comes from John 4:35, where Jesus tells His followers to lift up their eyes and look at the fields, white for harvest.
To deepen the congregation's grasp of historic Reformed Christianity, Gashland walks through the Westminster Shorter Catechism together. The church focuses on one question each month, incorporates it into the worship services, and teaches it in song form so families can learn it at home. The Westminster Confession of Faith serves as the denomination's confessional standard, and members are encouraged to read the Larger and Shorter Catechisms alongside it. Affirmation of the Nashville Statement rounds out the church's public witness on the issues of human sexuality and the dignity of the body.
Two Sunday Services in a Reformed Liturgy
Gashland runs two Sunday services that share the same Christ-centered, expository preaching and the same structured Reformed liturgy but use markedly different musical styles. The Traditional Service begins at 8:30 a.m. in the upstairs Sanctuary and features congregational hymn-singing accompanied by piano and organ, a chancel choir that presents an anthem most Sundays from September through May, and an occasional hand bell choir that fills preludes, offertories, and special services during Advent, Lent, Christmas, and Easter. The Contemporary Service at 11:00 a.m. is held downstairs in the Ministry Center, where a praise team leads worship with guitar, drums, keyboard, bass guitar, and vocals, singing modern hymns and songs chosen for their theological depth. Both services run about an hour and fifteen minutes. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month, with gluten-free bread available and an open invitation to all who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Between the two services, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., the entire church gathers for Sunday School, with classes for adults, middle school, high school, children, and a Little Lambs nursery for the youngest disciples. Both services are livestreamed, and an audio archive of every sermon reaches back years, organized by series, speaker, and book of the Bible. A weekly email called The Vine carries announcements, sermon notes, and event sign-ups.
Where to park and where to go
People come dressed in anything from shorts and a t-shirt to a suit and tie. For the 8:30 a.m. service, the suggested parking is the main lot on the backside of the church; the easiest approach is through the red doors up front, where a greeter will welcome you and direct you to the Welcome Center in the upstairs lobby. For the 11:00 a.m. service, the South Parking Lot (marked by outdoor basketball hoops) is closer, with the red doors leading straight into the Ministry Center and a Welcome Table in the downstairs lobby. Bibles are available as pew Bibles in the Sanctuary at 8:30 and on the screens at 11:00; if you would like your own copy, the church would love to gift one. There are 140 parking spaces on campus.
Children at the services
During the 8:30 a.m. service, Little Lambs is offered for ages 0-3 and a Sermon Search booklet helps older children follow along with the sermon. From 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., Sunday School is open to every age. During the 11:00 a.m. service, mothers with babies under two are invited to use the Mother's Room at the back of the Ministry Center, where they can watch a live feed of the service while caring for their little ones. Little Lambs is again available for ages 0-3, and children ages 4 through 1st grade are dismissed just before the sermon for Children's Church. Children in 2nd grade and up are encouraged to follow along with Sermon Search. Children of any age are always welcome to remain in the service with their families.
Christ-Centered, Verse-by-Verse Preaching
The same pastor preaches at both Sunday services and walks through books of the Bible in expository series that show how every passage points to Jesus. Recent series have included a study of 1 Samuel titled After His Own Heart and an extended summer on the attributes of God drawn from Daniel, Job, Revelation, Genesis, Psalms, and Acts titled Who is Like You? Earlier congregational studies have worked through Psalm 23 (The Shepherd), the life of Elijah (The Return), Colossians (For Him), 1 Corinthians (Undivided), and Isaiah (The Promised One). The sermons are recorded, posted in audio, and indexed by series, book, and speaker.
Wednesday Nights Around the Family Table
Wednesday evenings draw the church together for Family Fellowship, a shared meal followed by age-specific ministry. Catered dinners from Chick-fil-A, Jimmy John's, Pizza Hut, and other local restaurants begin at 6:00 p.m., accompanied by a salad bar, coffee, drinks, and member-supplied desserts. A suggested donation of $5 per person ($15 max per family) helps offset the cost, and gluten-free options are always available. From 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., children in kindergarten through 5th grade gather for KidsQuest in the Children's Ministries hallway, middle school and high school students meet in the youth room, Little Lambs is offered for the youngest children, and adults step into Discipleship Groups - small gatherings of four or five believers who meet weekly through the school year to read Scripture, pray, challenge one another, and talk about how to live out the Christian faith in everyday life. Family Fellowship runs during the spring and fall semesters.
From Little Lambs Through Fifth Grade
The youngest disciples at Gashland are cared for by Little Lambs, a ministry led by Amanda Ewing, the Little Lambs Ministries Director. Every Sunday, trained and background-checked volunteers share prayer, a Bible story, worship through song, snacks, and playtime with babies and toddlers. Little Lambs is available at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. (during the Sunday School hour), and 11:00 a.m., and again on Wednesday evenings during Family Fellowship. The Mother's Room on the back of the Ministry Center lets nursing moms watch the live feed of the service on screen while tending to babies under two.
Children's Ministries, led by Nicole Moncada, serves children ages 4 through 5th grade. Sunday School meets from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. downstairs in the children's hall, with classes divided by age and led by two committed teachers. Children's Church meets during the 11:00 a.m. service, with kids dismissed just before the sermon to gather in rooms adjacent to the Ministry Center for a Bible story, activities, and crafts that point to Jesus. On Wednesday evenings during Family Fellowship, KidsQuest gathers at 6:30 p.m. for singing, Bible content, Scripture memory, and prayer. The curriculum is The Gospel Project, an arc through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation that is Christ-centered, biblical, and theologically rich. Every Children's Ministries volunteer is screened, background-checked, and trained. Each room has surveillance cameras, and the staff maintains radio contact with the team during services.
Student Ministries in Middle and High School
Student Ministries is led by Josiah Durfee, the Student Ministry Director. A graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity in counseling student at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Josiah oversees both Sunday morning and Wednesday evening programs for students in sixth through twelfth grade. On Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., middle schoolers and high schoolers gather in separate rooms for fellowship and Bible study. On Wednesday evenings, students come together for a meal in the gym at 6:00 p.m., then move to the youth room at 6:30 p.m. for games, worship, teaching, and small-group breakouts. The emphasis throughout is on knowing, experiencing, and serving Jesus in every relationship, in school, and in the wider world.
Adults in Sunday School and Discipleship Groups
The Sunday School hour from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. is structured around six adult classes that meet simultaneously in different rooms.
- Crucial Questions works through R.C. Sproul booklets that tackle common questions of the Christian faith. Taught by Bob Williams, Jim Lorenzetti, and Matt Martinie in the Fellowship Hall.
- Mark: Verse by Verse studies the Gospel of Mark with Kelly Dunn in the Reception Room.
- The Men's Class: Our Role in Sharing the Good News of Jesus considers a different Bible passage each week with Tim Eckerley in Room 221.
- Abide is designed for youngish adults and adults with young families who want to grow in community and abide in Christ. Co-led by Justin Ewing and Landon Welch in the South Ministry Center Lobby, with coffee and pastries, the class is studying the Gospel of Matthew.
- Pray Always gathers in the Sanctuary with Mark Lancaster for a short lesson followed by open prayer.
- At His Feet is the women's class, currently working through the Gospel of Luke under Beth Schupp and Ruby Dunn in Rooms 218-219.
Adults who want a smaller community can join a Discipleship Group: four or five believers who meet weekly through the school year for shared Bible reading, prayer, accountability, and conversation about life and faith.
Men, Women, and Prime Timers
The Men's Ministry is supported by a team that includes Mark Blakley, Tim Eckerly, Aaron Kleinmeyer, Barry Cooper, Dallas Reeve, Chris Schupp, and Chris Stackpole. In addition to the Sunday School class, the men gather for a Friday morning Bible study at 6:30 a.m. at the church, with breakfast and discussion over the Scriptures, and a Saturday morning Bible study at 7:30 p.m. that walks through the previous Sunday's sermon. Every February the men gather for a two-night retreat at God's Mountain in Rushville, Missouri, with heated cabins, meals, fellowship, and a gun range. Other annual events include a Men's Worship and Work Day (worship followed by cleaning and fixing the facilities) and Shepherd's Fellowship, a December gathering for men and boys with a meal, singing, fellowship, and a gingerbread house competition.
Women's Ministry is led by Kristin Lee, Andrea Quinn, Kim Jensen, Brittany Johnston-Colle, Lori Funk, and Kathy Russel. Around the Table is a recurring opportunity for women to meet in groups of six over a brunch, lunch, or dinner of gospel-centered conversation. The Morning Circle Study meets on the second Tuesday of every month, September through May, at 10 a.m. at the church. The Martha Circle Study meets on the second Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., September through November and January through May. A Women's Precept Bible Study meets Mondays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. or Fridays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The local KC Northland BSF day women's class meets Thursday mornings from 10:00 to 11:35 a.m., with preschool and school-aged programming for children from birth through 18. Evening Gatherings are held Mondays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. for fellowship, biblical discussion, and prayer.
Prime Timers is the fellowship for adults 50 and older. Members gather for potlucks, bingo, and other activities throughout the year.
Family Discipleship Events
Four times a year the relationships team hosts a family discipleship event designed to give parents and kids intentional time to connect, grow, and have discipleship conversations. The four anchor events are the Mother/Son Adventure, the Father/Son Campout, the Mother/Daughter Tea, and the Father/Daughter Dance.
Music Across the Two Services
Music is one of the most visible ministries at Gashland because of the two distinct services it serves. The chancel choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m. from September through May and leads the congregation in song most Sundays during the school year. The choir is directed by Dr. Kelly Hackleman, who holds bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in piano performance and has served as the church's pianist and organist since 2013, assuming the Director of Choirs role in fall 2023. Larry Harris serves as the Traditional Service Worship Director and brings more than thirty years of experience in worship leadership. The hand bell choir performs roughly once a month and contributes to special services during Advent, Lent, Christmas, and Easter. No prior experience is needed to join any of these groups.
For the Contemporary Service, Carl Carney serves as Worship Director. He joined Gashland with his wife Caitlin and their two children in June 2023 and began serving as Interim 2nd Service Worship Director in January 2025. A graduate of UMKC's Conservatory of Music in Music Education, Carl leads a team that uses keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, violin, and vocals to lead a generation of modern hymns and songs. Both services rely on volunteer sound, slides, and livestream teams; no prior experience is required, only a heart and willingness to learn.
From Kansas City to the Ends of the Earth
Gashland supports a wide circle of missionaries and partner ministries. The Outreach Team oversees international missionaries including Greg and Elizabeth Mook, EPC World Outreach missionaries in the Middle East planting reproducing churches among refugees through Disciple Making Movements; Robert Mulumbi, who has planted seven churches in Kenya and serves as their bishop while overseeing the International Bible Institute and the Nancy George Primary Academy; Boaz and Ruth Glad, the church's longest-connected missionaries, broadcasting the Gospel into North Africa with radio and social media from a base in Malaga, Spain; Francisco and Claudia Arco, planting churches in northern Italy and reaching their communities through a ministry called The Hands of the Master; Nathan Moser, serving as a theological specialist with ITEN in East Asia; R&J, serving with World Outreach in Northern Macedonia; Nancy Morse, a senior translation consultant with Wycliffe serving in South America; and David and Sarah Kennedy, working with the Jesus Film Project near Paris to translate the JESUS film into new languages.
Locally, Gashland supports domestic missionaries and church planters through the EPC: Brad Pearce, a long-time Young Life staff member whose current work focuses on funding regional initiatives and the Castaway Club in Minnesota; James Cottier, who is planting Fountain City EPC in Overland Park, Kansas; and Nathan Edwards, who is planting Renew EPC in Lee's Summit, Missouri.
The church also partners with local Kansas City ministries that share the gospel through word and deed. Resource Health serves women facing unplanned pregnancy with services, counseling, and education while creating a culture of life. Hillcrest Transitional Housing moves homeless families, singles, and youth toward self-sufficiency. City Union Mission has provided beds, food, and the gospel to men, women, and children in Kansas City since 1924. Eleos Coffee opens coffee houses in economically depressed areas to make disciples through word and action.
Presbyterian Government with the EPC
Gashland is a member congregation of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, a denomination the church describes as Presbyterian, Reformed, Evangelical, and Missional. The Westminster Confession of Faith serves as the denomination's confessional standard, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms are studied alongside it.
The local church is led by a Session of elders, organized into elder-led teams identified by the acronym WORD: Worship, Outreach, Relationships, and Discipleship, with a fifth Coordinating Team handling denominational responsibilities. The deacons lead four additional teams: Mercy, Helps, Finance, and Property.
Two pastors share the staff leadership: Michael Morefield, Senior Pastor, and Josh Lee, Assistant Pastor of Community. Together they teach Getting to Know Gashland, a six-to-eight-week class offered each spring and fall during the Sunday School hour that walks through what the church believes, what it means to be Christian, Evangelical, Reformed, Covenantal, and Presbyterian, and what it means to belong to the EPC. The class is open to anyone curious about Gashland and serves as the first step toward membership.
Before You Visit
The church office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the phone is 816.436.3583. The mailing and physical address is 8029 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, Missouri 64118. The Vine, a weekly email, is the main channel for announcements, sermon notes, and event sign-ups, and a Prayer Chain email circulates urgent prayer requests. Both Sunday services are livestreamed, and an audio archive of every sermon is searchable by series, speaker, and book of the Bible. Giving is available online through Tithe.ly, in person during either Sunday service, or by mail; members and regular attenders may also arrange automated bank drafts, gifts of stock or mutual funds, IRA required minimum distributions, and bequests.
The Mercy Team provides help to those in need through care visits, phone calls, cards, Compassion Meals for births or illness, memorial meals after a funeral, the Mercy Fund for members facing financial crisis, HelpNet for yard work and small home repairs, and professional counseling referrals. For events, weddings, or group meetings held on the campus, the church shares its facility - 140 parking spaces, a Ministry Center, the Sanctuary, the gym, and classrooms - with members, non-profit organizations, and other community groups. Weddings at Gashland begin with a conversation with the Office Administrator during regular office hours.