Dayspring Christian Fellowship

The name “Dayspring Christian Fellowship” points to Jesus Christ, who is referred to in Luke 1:78-79 as “the Dayspring from on high” who has come to give light to those in darkness and “guide our feet into the way of peace.” From the beginning, Dayspring has had a conviction that Christ called us to be a light of hope and a voice of invitation to those who do not know the peace of Jesus. Our desire is to be a lighthouse and to serve the community around us in Jackson Township, Stark County and the world.

Dayspring is made up of a diverse group of people who are united in Jesus Christ seeking to live together in community. Within the body are individuals with special gifts in a variety of areas. Dayspringers may be found sharing a meal with a college student, replacing the roof of a house, or swimming in a pond at someone’s home.

As a body, our community is framed by five key words that are known as our “big rocks.”

Reach: We accept God’s call to share the good news of Jesus where God provides opportunity.

Teach: We accept scripture as instructive and authoritative for our daily lives, and use scripture as the source of what we teach.

Care: We accept God’s call to attend to the needs of those who hurt, beginning with needs within the fellowship and then beyond.

Praise: We accept the privilege of giving glory to God in corporate as well as private worship.

Blaze: We accept Paul’s challenge to Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God… for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline” (II Timothy 1:6-7).

In worship each week we want to meet Jesus. A strong emphasis is placed on music in a wide variety of forms, from traditional to contemporary. Along with music, a variety of visual arts are often used to portray worship themes.

To meet the unique needs of children, a special children’s church program is held during the regular sermon time twice a month. On the other Sundays, a children's lesson is often part of the morning worship service. A nursery is provided for the youngest members of the church family.

Jim Bartholomew has been the pastor since June 1986, and Kent Miller serves as associate pastor for young adults. As the church has grown and heard the call of God to serve a wide range of age groups, additional lay pastors have also come alongside. Delight and Curt Howells work with junior and senior high students, and Jan Wickline serves as interim children’s pastor. Working with the pastors and lay pastors in spiritual and operational leadership are three elders and a church council. Several committees function within the church giving direction in worship, finance, fellowship and gifts discernment.

Dayspring Christian Fellowship is affiliated with the Mennonite Church.