Frequently Asked Questions
What is UKirk and what does that mean?
1
UKirk stands for University Kirk. Kirk is the Scottish word for church and calls back to our heritage as Presbyterians. UKirk is our national coalition of PCUSA campus ministries all around the world!
You can learn more about UKirk here → https://ukirk.org/about/
What is the difference between OSUKirk and Jacob’s Porch?
2
Jacob’s Porch has been serving the Ohio State community since 1926 and was started by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Over time Jacob’s Porch has come to partner with other like-minded Protestant denominations, including the United Methodist Church, the Mennonite Church (USA), the Episcopal Church, and, through OSUKirk, the PCUSA. OSUKirk is the Presbyterian wing of Jacob’s Porch and started officially in 2023.
Who leads OSUKirk?
3
OSUKirk is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization, supported by the Presbytery of Scioto Valley. OSUKirk is maintained by a Committee Board comprised of clergy and lay members from a variety of PSV congregations. This Board maintains an autonomous financial structure, while supporting and working alongside Jacob’s Porch.
Beyond the Board, OSUKirk employs a full-time Presbyterian campus minister to work alongside the other ministers at Jacob’s Porch. Currently, Rev. Taylor Barner serves as our campus minister as of 2023.
What makes OSUKirk different from other campus ministries?
4
OSUKirk is aligned with the doctrines, confessions, and values of the Presbyterian Church (USA). While there are numerous options for campus ministry (especially at Ohio State), only OSUKirk is endorsed by the PCUSA. We present a natural next-step for students coming from Presbyterian congregations to continue their spiritual journeys during their college years.
OSUKirk and Jacob’s Porch are dedicated to ecumenical collaboration, interfaith dialogue, and the creation of spaces and programming that allow students the freedom to explore faith and their relationship with Jesus Christ without bias or fear of judgment. OSUKirk is proud to be an open and affirming ministry for all people regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or faith or creed.