About Us
what are mennonites?
Mennonites are a Protestant Christian group that emerged during the 16th-century Reformation. They were part of the counter-reformation group called the Anabaptists. They were first given the name Anabaptist which literally means re-baptizer by their detractors because of their practice of re-baptizing adults who had been baptized as infants. They later took the name Mennonite after Menno Simons, a Dutch Catholic priest who played a significant role in organizing the fledgling church. Mennonites are a Jesus-centered people known for their commitment to believer’s baptism, peace, community, and service. Today there are over 2.13 million Mennonites in the world with 2/3rds living in Africa, Asia, and South America.
Our History
The roots of Oak Grove Mennonite Church began in the 1840’s when many
Amish families moved from Pennsylvania to Logan and Champaign Counties in Ohio. They formed house churches that shared leadership and worked together to live out their faith in a new land. Over the years we experienced many changes in language, music, dress, technology, organizational structure, relationship with society and government, and interaction with people from other cultures.
All these changes were met with some degree of resistance, but over time people learned to be gracious and open to all the talents and gifts that God has given to the church. In our more recent history we have been challenged to reach out beyond ourselves in missions and to be active participants in church, using the gifts that God has given each of us.
1856
The first church building was erected where the present Oak Grove Cemetery is today. The group became part of the Amish Mennonite Conference.
1875
A new building was completed at the present location and was named Oak Grove Church.
1915
The church building was expanded to make space for Sunday School classrooms.
1954
Oak Grove financially supported a full-time pastor for the first time.
1970s
An organ and piano were purchased for worship.
1990s
The church had reached a breaking point with the challenge to either “grow or die.” And so, a major building addition was completed. And new forms of contemporary worship were explored.
2010s
The Grove was started as a form of community outreach in West Liberty. Youth participated in national and international mission trips.
1840
Amish families move into Logan and Champaign Counties from Pennsylvania and formed two home based churches under the same leadership –the North and South Districts. They met bi-weekly, and sermons were conducted in German.
1864
Sunday School was started for children and youth.
1900
Reconciliation, cooperation, and growth happened between the West Liberty Mennonite churches, and English services now became the norm.
1920
The Amish Mennonite and Mennonite Conferences merged together.
1960s
The church fostered a vision for missions. Many young men participated in 1-W service rather than enlisting in the military.
1980s
There were continued changes in music with the use of guitar and introduction of simple praise songs. There was encouragement to engage in community outreach.
2000s
The church now supported two full-time pastors and had two worship services, traditional and contemporary.
2020s
As a response to Covid, we expanded our reach by starting online streaming services. We continue to focus on robust worship services, Christian education for all ages, supporting one another throughout all life stages, outreach into the community, and missions in the world.
Despite the many changes we have undergone as a church, one thing that has not changed is our desire to look to the Bible, to follow Jesus, to accept His love and forgiveness, and share it freely with others. We are thankful for the part our ancestors have contributed to our faith journey today. Questions? Click the button below to learn more about what we believe.