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Our Vision Statement

OSUKirk offers an open and inclusive understanding of Jesus and his call on our lives
to young adults and college students of central Ohio and on OSU’s campus
while giving a unique perspective of and opportunities from the Presbyterian Church (USA)

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About

OSUKirk and Jacob’s Porch

Our Collaborative Campus Ministry at The Ohio State University

Our Story

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A man with a beard playing an acoustic guitar in a music studio.
A smiling woman with curly silver hair and glasses stands in front of a bookshelf filled with colorful books.
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In 2021, The Presbytery of Scioto Valley decided to partner with Jacob’s Porch in shared ministry to Ohio State University.

Jacob’s Porch is a collaborative ministry between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church(USA), the Mennonite Church (USA), and the United Methodist Church. JP draws from each of these faith traditions to make space for all people to wrestle with questions and grow in faith regardless of their tradition.

In 2023, the OSUkirk Board, which oversees the Presbyterian Ministry at Jacob’s Porch, received a three year grant from the Presbytery to call the Rev. Taylor Barner to serve as the full time Presbyterian Campus minister at Jacob’s Porch.

The purpose of the Sustainability Fund Campaign is to be able to keep gifted pastors like Taylor in full time ministry with our students, without having to spend a significant portion of their time fundraising.

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OSUKirk is a proud member of UKIRK, a national network of Presbyterian Church (USA) campus ministries.

Learn More

Following Jesus calls OSUKirk and Jacob’s Porch to stand in solidarity with voices of oppressed and marginalized communities

including but not limited to: folks who are LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Women and Individuals impacted by reproductive rights, and any voice silenced by oppressive systems.

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Support Our Ministry THIS Year

Jacob’s Porch meets weekly
dinner + WORSHIP SUNDAYS @ 6:06 PM

“the thing” Small Group Discussions WEDNESDAYS @ 6:06 PM

at 45 E 13th Ave. Columbus, OH 43201

All Students, Faculty, and Staff of OSU, Capital, Columbus State, Otterbein, etc. and college-age young adults are welcome.

What our students are saying:

Gem Resendes - Active Student

“A space like Jacob’s Porch is important because there are a lot of students, especially queer students, that don’t feel like they have a safe place to explore faith. It is vital to show people that they are welcomed and loved and that happens here.”

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Andru Pettit - Alumnus

“What kept me coming back to Jacob’s Porch was a feeling of family and familiarity. I had a connection to the community and a desire to gain a better understanding of God and build a better relationship with Jesus Christ.”