Sunday Morning Worship on Sullivant Avenue
St Mark's United Methodist Church stands as a United Methodist congregation on the west side of Columbus at 5200 Sullivant Avenue, where Sunday morning worship has gathered the surrounding neighborhood week after week for decades. The church describes itself as a spiritual and community anchor, a place where people from all kinds of backgrounds come together to nurture a community grounded in faith and love. Both longtime residents and those new to the area are welcomed into the Sunday morning service, which is built around inspiring sermons, uplifting music, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to bring family and friends as the congregation seeks to deepen its connection with God and with one another.
Over the years the Sunday morning service has been the setting for an unusually deep walk through individual books of the Bible. The sermon archive shows long-running book studies that have worked through Romans, 2 Corinthians, Ecclesiastes, Ephesians, the Psalms, John's Gospel, the Gospel of Luke, Job, 1 Peter, 1 and 2 Timothy, 1 Thessalonians, and Proverbs, with shorter series touching on Hebrews, James, and other New Testament letters. Special holiday services around Christmas, Easter, and Mother's Day round out the calendar each year, giving members and visitors seasonal occasions to gather for familiar passages such as Luke 22:14-23 around the Lord's Supper, Luke 1:67-80 during Advent, and John 20:11-18 on Easter morning.
Traditional and Contemporary Services
The church offers two distinct worship expressions under the same roof. The traditional service features classical hymns, liturgical elements, and meaningful sermons led by the church's clergy and musicians, creating what the church describes as a sense of reverence and spiritual connection. The contemporary service is described as more modern and dynamic, with vibrant music, engaging sermons, and an atmosphere that encourages active participation. Together the two services give members and visitors a choice between a timeless, classic style of worship and a more upbeat, expressive expression of faith.
Each style is supported by the same pastoral team and the same music ministry. The church welcomes anyone who walks through the doors, regardless of which style they are more comfortable with, and encourages newcomers to come as they are. For those who want a more in-depth experience, an evening series on the Gospel of Luke and other books has historically run alongside the morning schedule, and a range of guest preachers and visiting teachers have offered their own perspectives on Scripture through the year.
Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
Children and young people are a clear emphasis at St Mark's. The church runs a full Sunday School program with age-appropriate lessons for children, alongside a vibrant youth ministry that the church calls Foundations Youth Ministries. Through engaging activities, age-appropriate teaching, and mentorship programs, the church seeks to cultivate a love of God and a strong foundation of faith in its youngest members, helping them grow into compassionate and faith-filled adults. The children's ministry also includes special events designed to bring families together across generations.
Child care is provided during services and church events, making it possible for parents to participate in worship and small group activities knowing their children are looked after. Family ministry at St Mark's is woven through every part of the church's life, with the church understanding the importance of investing in the next generation and providing a nurturing environment for children and youth to embrace their unique gifts and talents.
The youth program includes youth groups and special events that foster spiritual development and encourage young people to use their gifts. Camps and retreats are part of the rhythm as well, giving young members additional opportunities to deepen their faith in a community of peers. The Men's Prayer Breakfast, with its long tradition of gathering men of the church for fellowship and prayer, complements the family ministry by giving parents a place to connect with one another across ages and stages.
Small Groups and Bible Study
Small groups and Bible studies sit at the heart of adult life at St Mark's. The church runs a range of small group ministries for fellowship, study, and spiritual growth, where participants engage in meaningful discussions, ask honest questions, and build relationships with one another. The church's Bible study and small group sessions are designed to provide opportunities for personal growth, spiritual reflection, and the development of authentic relationships within the wider congregation. These gatherings welcome newcomers looking for a smaller setting in which to explore faith alongside others.
Book clubs and other adult study groups offer additional ways to engage with the Christian life in more conversational settings. Sunday school classes for adults round out the educational offerings, and special interest gatherings - like the long-running Men's Prayer Breakfast - give members additional space for fellowship around shared interests. Together they form a network of small communities within the larger church, each one a place where members can be known, supported, and encouraged in their faith.
Food Pantry, Clothing Drives, and Local Outreach
Service to the wider community is woven through the church's identity. St Mark's operates a food pantry, organizes clothing drives, and offers assistance to individuals and families facing financial hardships. The goal of these ministries is to alleviate immediate needs in the neighborhood while promoting longer-term self-sufficiency. By collaborating with local organizations and volunteers, the church works to create sustainable change and improve the quality of life for the people who live within reach of Sullivant Avenue.
Education partnerships are part of this outreach as well. The church partners with local schools and organizations to provide tutoring, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities for students in need, aiming to create a supportive learning environment and equip the next generation with the tools they need to succeed. Community engagement also includes neighborhood clean-ups, health fairs, and cultural celebrations, all aimed at celebrating the diversity of the surrounding community and building strong relationships with neighbors.
Volunteers are the backbone of these ministries, and the church welcomes anyone in the community who wants to lend a hand. Whether someone has a few hours a month or a regular weekly commitment, there are ways to plug in - from sorting donations at the food pantry to mentoring a student to helping set up a community event.
Mission Trips and Global Outreach
In addition to its local work, St Mark's is committed to making a global impact. The church organizes mission trips to underserved communities both domestically and internationally, providing aid, support, and a message of hope and love to people who are marginalized or facing adversity. These trips allow members to put their faith into action, share the love of Christ, and return home with a broader view of how the church's calling plays out beyond the local neighborhood.
The church also maintains a network of missionaries it supports in their ongoing work. Through prayer, financial partnership, and personal encouragement, the congregation walks alongside these missionaries as they serve in their respective fields. Whether they are working overseas or in another part of the country, these missionaries carry with them the prayers and support of the St Mark's community.
Social Justice Advocacy
St Mark's is committed to standing up for social justice issues and advocating for positive change in the wider society. The church actively supports and participates in initiatives focused on equality, inclusivity, and addressing societal issues such as homelessness, hunger, and education. Members are encouraged to engage in social justice initiatives and advocacy efforts that promote a more just and compassionate community. Together the congregation works to create a more equitable society in which dignity, opportunity, and hope are extended to all.
The church frames this work as part of its broader calling to share the love of God in tangible ways. By partnering with local leaders and organizations, St Mark's seeks to be a voice for those on the margins and a place where conversations about justice, equity, and inclusion can be had honestly and prayerfully.
Support Groups and Pastoral Care
The church hosts a range of support groups aimed at providing comfort, encouragement, and healing. Whether members are navigating grief, working on addiction recovery, or facing other life challenges, the support groups offer a safe space for sharing, learning, and finding encouragement. These gatherings are part of the church's broader ministry of pastoral care and are open to anyone in the community who could benefit from companionship through a hard season.
Pastoral care at St Mark's is grounded in the conviction that no one should have to walk through difficulty alone. Members are invited to submit prayer requests, and the church maintains a prayer team that lifts up those needs regularly. Pastoral counsel, hospital visits, and ongoing support for members facing major life transitions are all part of the rhythm of care offered by the church.
Formation Classes: Admit, Believe, Commit and Grace Discipleship
Two formation programs anchor the church's intentional discipleship work. The Admit, Believe, Commit (ABC) class walks newcomers and longtime members alike through the basics of the gospel and what it means to follow Christ in the United Methodist tradition. The class is structured around three movements - admitting one's need for God, believing the good news of Jesus Christ, and committing to a life of discipleship - and serves as a clear pathway for anyone wanting to deepen their faith or prepare for church membership.
The Grace Discipleship Series is the second formation track. Focused on the depth and breadth of God's grace, the series invites participants to deepen their relationship with God and apply the riches of grace in everyday life. Topics covered in the series include grace itself, the practice of discipleship, and the Christian foundations of the spiritual journey.
Live Stream Services and Sermon Archive
For those unable to attend in person - whether because of work, health, or geography - St Mark's offers live stream services that allow individuals, families, and communities to experience worship from wherever they are. The church describes its live stream as a way to gather online as a virtual congregation, sharing inspiring messages and connecting with one another in real time. Archived sermons are also available, allowing people to revisit past messages or catch up on a series they missed.
The live stream service is offered at various times throughout the week, giving people in different time zones and life rhythms a chance to join. The sermon archive reaches back many years and covers both morning worship and Sunday evening series, giving newcomers a substantial library to explore. Whether someone is looking for a teaching on a particular book of the Bible or a seasonal message for Christmas or Easter, the archive offers a wide selection to choose from.
Music Ministry
Music is a vibrant part of worship at St Mark's. The church's music ministry supports both the traditional and contemporary services, with a choir and instrumentalists who help lead the congregation in song. The music ministry is described as a beautiful blend of melodies and meaningful lyrics that help worshipers connect with God through the gift of music. From the timeless hymns of the traditional service to the modern songs of the contemporary service, music plays a central role in the church's worship life.
Musicians and singers of all skill levels are invited to be part of the music ministry, whether they play a long-standing role in the choir or join the contemporary band. The music ministry welcomes anyone with a heart to serve through song.
Weddings at St Mark's
St Mark's hosts weddings as part of its ministry to the community. Couples interested in being married at the church are invited to contact the church office to discuss arrangements. The church welcomes weddings as an expression of its commitment to walking alongside members and neighbors through the major moments of life, and the building itself has long served as a setting for celebrations that mark the beginning of new family chapters.
Beliefs and Values
St Mark's is firmly rooted in the United Methodist tradition and follows the principles of the United Methodist Church. The church believes in the power of prayer, the divine inspiration of the Bible, and the unconditional love and grace of God. The community embraces diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
The church's values are organized around four anchors. Faith is the foundation, with worship services, educational programs, and outreach initiatives all built on a deep trust in God's work in the world. Love is the center, with the church embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ, who taught his followers to love their neighbors as themselves. Service is the practice, with members actively engaged in helping those in need both locally and globally through volunteer work and charitable contributions. Fellowship is the bond, with the church providing various opportunities for members to come together, engage in meaningful conversations, and form lasting friendships.
The church also embraces the work of social justice advocacy as part of its calling, supporting initiatives focused on equality and addressing societal issues. The community is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual is welcomed, accepted, and embraced.
About the Pastor
Pastor Kent Hobi serves St Mark's as pastor. Under his leadership the congregation has remained focused on three commitments: fostering unity across differences, encouraging spiritual growth through Scripture, and serving the wider community with purpose. He is described as committed to facilitating an environment where people from all walks of life can come together to explore and deepen their faith. He is known for his thought-provoking sermons and his emphasis on unity, hospitality, and service.
Through his preaching and community engagement, Pastor Kent has helped shape a church that places a high value on compassion, social justice, and the dignity of every person. Under his leadership, St Mark's has emerged as a driving force in the community, committed to addressing the needs of those around them and extending a helping hand to the vulnerable. Whether he is leading congregational worship, providing pastoral care, or engaging in community outreach, his work reflects the core values and teachings of the United Methodist Church.
The church also welcomes guest preachers and visiting pastors throughout the year, including pastors from partner congregations and teachers from affiliated institutions. These visits give the congregation a chance to hear fresh voices and to connect with the wider Methodist family beyond the local church.
Joining the St Mark's Family
St Mark's United Methodist Church invites anyone seeking a community of faith to join in worship, study, and service. Whether someone is exploring Christianity for the first time, looking for a new church home, or returning to a faith community after time away, the church opens its doors wide. The morning service, the Sunday school classrooms, the youth rooms, the food pantry, and the mission teams all welcome new participants.
For those interested in getting connected, the church office is the place to start. From there, members can find a small group, sign up for a mission trip, enroll in the Admit, Believe, Commit or Grace Discipleship classes, or simply find out more about what life at the church looks like throughout the week. The congregation is ready to walk alongside newcomers on their faith journey, wherever that journey may lead.