about
For Columbus UNITES the Church of Columbus to be FOR the city of Columbus.
We believe the good news of Jesus is not just for individual hearts, but for whole communities, systems, and cities. Therefore, we are cultivating a gospel city movement by turning Jesus’ prayer in John 17 into a tangible network of congregations, nonprofits, and workplaces for the flourishing of Columbus.
“that they may be one…so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them.” John 17:22-23
OUR FRAMEWORK
We are the city Church’s infrastructure for a gospel movement — connecting leaders, collaborating across siloed institutions, and catalyzing one united movement that no single organization can accomplish alone.
Here are a few ways we CONNECT | COLLABORATE | CATALYZE
connect
We host strategic gatherings that build trust, foster alignment of mission, and seek to love our city. We also curate and amplify Kingdom data through columbus.stateofourcity.com and stories of the citywide Church to promote connection.
collaborate
We build networks across the city that strengthen relationships around common mission– focusing on prayer, discipleship, evangelism, service, and church multiplication. Our goal is to have a collaborative network investing in every neighborhood and around every cause in Columbus, with leaders trained and equipped with tools, relationships, and frameworks for gospel-driven impact with an emphasis on collaboration.
.jpg)
catalyze
We multiply unified networks, initiatives, and movements that have a ripple effect across the city, state, nation, and world.
“When the whole Church connects in unity, collaborates in purpose, and catalyzes in love, the Gospel becomes a visible reality in the whole city.” - Nick Nye
every follower of Jesus has a part to play
Kingdom-minded ministry and marketplace leaders shaping the future of Columbus.
congregations
Pastors and ministry staff shepherding the spiritual life of a local church.
nonprofits
Directors and servants addressing the city’s deepest needs with compassion, innovation, and gospel conviction.
workplace & civic
Business owners, entrepreneurs, civic partners, and professionals who see their work as mission and influence as stewardship for the flourishing of Columbus.
Together, we form a Kingdom coalition. A unified community of Christians desiring to see God’s purposes realized in every part of our city.
OUR VALUES
Everything we do flows from who we are becoming in Christ. These values shape our character, our leadership, and the way we work together for gospel renewal in Columbus.
1. abiding deeply
3. wholehearted leadership
4. unity in diversity
We root our lives in Jesus, shaped by His presence and work.
We lead from our true selves in Christ, integrated and whole, not divided or performative.
2. humble curiosity
We lower ourselves to seek God’s wisdom together.
We embody God’s Kingdom by seeking oneness across every divide.
5. rooted in place
We love Columbus and labor for its flourishing.
OUR STORY
God has been uniting His Church in Columbus for decades.
What began as a handful of ministries faithfully serving the city has grown into a unified Gospel movement. Over the years, five unique organizations, Mission Columbus (est. 2000), For Columbus (est. 2011), Catalyst for Columbus (est. 2014), Pray for Columbus (est. 2014), and the Columbus Discipleship Network (est. 2018).
Each ministry carried a role: mobilizing prayer, equipping disciplemakers, forming cause-based networks, and cultivating citywide collaboration. As relationships deepened and missions aligned, it became clear that God was writing a bigger story for all of us—one of unity, shared impact, and Spirit-led renewal.
In 2023, these ministries merged to form a single, united expression “For Columbus” a movement committed to uniting the Church of Columbus to be for the city of Columbus. Today, the For Columbus team serves as stewards of a growing citywide movement, helping the Church connect, collaborate, and catalyze for Gospel renewal across Central Ohio.
Want to be part of this story?
SPIRIT OF AGREEMENT
In 2014, God gave a vision of a unified city to over a dozen Columbus pastors from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. After hundreds of conversations and many edits, we have Columbus’ “Spirit of Agreement,” our theological vision that draws Christ’s Church throughout the city together.
We are a Gospel community that is a visibly united and sustainable outworking of the Holy Spirit. We, as distinctive congregational ministries, specialty ministries, and marketplace ministries, are wholeheartedly dedicated to the transformation of our city. Our commitment lies in sharing and proclaiming Jesus Christ, actively pursuing justice and reconciliation, presenting a faithful public witness, demonstrating biblical generosity, and fostering authentic relationships that transcend cultural boundaries. Together, we strive to create a vibrant community where lives are impacted and our city thrives.
FOR COLUMBUS STAFF
NICK NYE
Executive Director
URSULA KEMP
Pray For Columbus Advisor
RACHEL SMITH
Columbus Discipleship Network Director
SHANE TUCKER
Networks Director
BRITTANY NYE
Communications Director
LYNDSEY EVANS
Administrative Director
SHAWNA SHEPHERD
Pray for Columbus Director
DANIEL NATHAN
Operations Director
BOARD AND ADVISORS
SCOTT MALLORY
Highland Real Estate
BISHOP LAFAYETTE SCALES
Rhema Christian Center
CHRIS WATKINS
COhatch
DON WELLS
Wells CPA
DAVE DURELL
George Edward Durell Foundation
JESSICA GATTON
Alpha USA
DWIGHT MONTGOMERY
National Christian Foundation of Ohio
BRAD GAMMONS
Irth Solutions
CHRIS KELLEY
Common Ground Development
WALLY MARTINSON, ADVISOR
Mission Increase
JOHN RUE, ADVISOR
Built to Lead