Ohio for Jesus

About Ohio for Jesus

The Ohio for Jesus Podcast is a ministry resource for churches and leaders within the Assemblies of God Ohio Ministry Network.

Publisher

Ohio Ministry Network

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Jan 2021

Latest episode

1 Oct 2025

Latest episodes

1 of 54 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   1 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Navigating Insurance for Churches with Jimmy Spencer of Lightwell Insurance Advisors

   In this episode of the Ohio for Jesus Podcast, host Tara Zimmer is joined by Network Operations Director, Amy Parsell, for an insightful conversation with Jimmy Spencer, Executive Agency Director of Lightwell Insurance Advisors. Together, they unpack crucial resources and tools for pastors, churches, and ministry leaders in Ohio. From background check processes to insurance solutions tailored for churches and ministries, this episode is packed with practical information to help you protect your people, steward resources wisely, and stay compliant with important policies and procedures. Whether you’re a lead pastor, administrator, or board member, this episode gives you the tools you need to better serve your church and community. Connect with Jimmy Spencer 📧 jimmy.spencer@lightwell.com 📞 614-600-8450 Background Checks, HR Events, and Other Resources Mentioned Access the resource folder here (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1S1WmFwiRwCLbz2Y9BrJQEdAl5ejXeehy?usp=sharing) Customer Service Department (Lightwell Insurance Advisors) 📧 service.oh@lightwell.com 📞 800-282-9258 Connect with the Ohio Ministry Network: Web: ohioministry.net and ohioforjesus.com Instagram: instagram.com/ohioministrynetwork Facebook: facebook.com/OhioMinistryNetwork Key Concepts: Church insurance solutions in Ohio HR support for ministries and pastors Best practices for background checks in churches Risk management for ministries Resources for church administrators and leaders Lightwell Insurance Advisors services Ohio Ministry Network operations support

2. 

   13 May 2025

   Innovative Community Engagement Strategies

   In this episode of the Ohio for Jesus podcast, host Tara Zimmer interviews Dante Thomas, lead pastor of Elevation City Church, about innovative ways to engage the community, particularly through serving individuals with disabilities. Dante shares the journey of transforming a church parsonage into a group home, the challenges faced, and the positive impact on both the community and the church's growth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creativity in ministry, the financial sustainability of serving others, and the encouragement for pastors to remain faithful during difficult times.takeaways Engaging the community is essential for church multiplication. Innovative solutions can arise from challenges faced by the church. Transforming spaces can lead to significant community service opportunities. Community response to church initiatives can enhance growth. Financial sustainability can be achieved through service-oriented projects. Pastors should remain faithful during challenging times for revitalization. Collaboration with family and community can lead to impactful ministry. Serving those with disabilities can fulfill a vital need in the community. Tangible results from ministry efforts can inspire congregational support. Fresh vision and perspective can lead to new opportunities for ministry Connect with the Ohio Ministry Network: Web: ohioministry.net and ohioforjesus.com Instagram: instagram.com/ohioministrynetwork Facebook: facebook.com/OhioMinistryNetwork/

3. 

   29 Apr 2025

   Transforming Community Engagement Through Foster Care

   In this episode, host Tara Zimmer sits down with Sarah Reed, Community Integration Pastor at Clearview Church in Lorain County, Ohio. Together, they explore what it truly means to engage the community—not with assumptions, but with intentionality and humility. Sarah shares how her church has built a powerful, ongoing partnership with Lorain County Children's Services, offering practical, consistent support to children, caseworkers, and families involved in the foster care system. From Easter baskets and hygiene kits to furniture donations, warehouse outreach, and handwritten cards, this episode is packed with real stories and actionable inspiration for churches looking to make an authentic impact right where they are. “We didn’t create a need; we asked what the need was.” (03:20) The power of saying “yes” to the county—and letting God take care of the rest (08:20) What happens when a 5-year-old’s only possession is a red toothbrush in a donated backpack (18:08) How Clearview Church engages introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between (27:48) The shift from attractional to missional ministry—and why it’s needed now (24:20) Why community ministry is not about spotlight moments (22:48) Encouragement for leaders: “Start small. Stay faithful. Let God grow it.” (31:08) Ask before you act: Let those in need define the need. Every role matters: From writing cards to packing food, the entire church can serve. Partnership over platform: You don’t need to be in the spotlight to make an impact. Ministry is long-term: Faithfulness over time builds trust, favor, and fruit. Connect with Sarah Reed directly: sruthreed@gmail.com Learn more about foster care ministry through Father’s Heart with Paris Yanno for resources and support. fathersheartohio.com (fathersheartohio.com) Whether you’re a lead pastor, ministry leader, or someone with a heart to serve, this episode will encourage you to rethink what community impact can look like—and how your church can be part of a story that transforms lives. Follow the Ohio for Jesus Podcast for more inspiring stories, practical tools, and kingdom-minded conversations. Connect with the Ohio Ministry Network: Web: ohioministry.net and ohioforjesus.com Instagram: instagram.com/ohioministrynetwork Facebook: facebook.com/OhioMinistryNetwork/

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 32 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

51

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32