Movement Church Adapts to Reach its Community

When Pastor Mark Artrip first began serving at Movement Church in Hilliard, Ohio, cross-cultural ministries were not something he was well versed in. But over the past 14 years, he has watched God place Movement Church in the middle of a remarkably diverse Muslim community and guide them toward cross-cultural relationships.  

Hilliard has a growing Muslim population, including many immigrant families, and approximately 20% of students in Hilliard schools are Muslim. For Pastor Mark, it became increasingly clear: If Movement Church wanted to love and reach Hilliard, it needed to learn how to love and reach its Muslim neighbors. “We have to have a heart for Muslim people if we’re going to have a heart for Hilliard,” he says. 

Movement Church has approached this mission with a posture of learning. Rather than assuming they already knew how to engage their Muslim neighbors, the church began looking for people who could help them understand the culture and build relationships wisely. 

This summer, the church offered a community group called Reaching Your Muslim Neighbor, led by church member, Richard Dawkins. Participants learned how to honor their neighbors’ heritage, ask thoughtful questions about their beliefs, and consider what it looks like to be “salt and light” in a different cultural environment. 

The church has also brought in people with firsthand experience like Betsy from Encompass. She shared her testimony with the congregation and helped teach church members how to share their faith with Muslim people. The church also connected with The Crescent Project, an organization that provides resources for Christians seeking to reach Muslims with the gospel. 

These relationships have been essential for Movement Church and its leaders. “Lean into people who know the culture,” Pastor Mark says. “Use a ministry that’s been there, done that. And use already-established resources.” The goal isn’t to have everything figured out before beginning. In fact, he readily admits that Movement Church is still learning and that it will take more time. 

The church just wants to be faithful right where God has placed them. They want to know their neighbors, love them well, and be ready to share the gospel with them. For its members, that often means being intentional with ordinary moments at school, the gym, or in line at the grocery store. As relationships develop, they trust that God will organically provide opportunities to listen, ask questions, and even share their faith. 

If you’re a church leader interested in something similar, Pastor Mark’s advice is, “Start small and start where you are.” You don’t need a large program or a perfect strategy. “Our job is to scatter seed,” he says. “Start doing something. As you are obedient, God will use it.” 

What kind of people has God gathered in your church’s neighborhood?