As a church we recognize that we exist to strengthen one another and to reach others in need of redemption, grace, and hope. We do not seek to be a country club or social gathering where everyone pretends to have their stuff together. We reject the modern trends of Evangelical Christendom seeking to sell a “comfortable, painless, and easy” faith. We do not seek to “live our best life." We seek to follow Jesus. It isn't easy--but it is beautiful. We recognize that we are a raw gathering of misfits who seek to be made holy through our allegiance to Jesus because of our pursuit of him.
The foundation for such a radical pursuit began many years ago in the 1970’s. During this time a radical church was birthed with a vision to reach young people for Christ. Through evangelism, church planting, and radical outreach the goal was to see revival come to North East Ohio. This original church was birthed as “High Mill Christian Center.” It was named this because of the road where it was founded--High Mill swim park in Jackson, Ohio. High Mill accomplished many beautiful things locally and globally formed partnerships in Central America, Europe, Eastern Africa, the Middle East, and more which continue to this day through Compassion. The radical story of High Mill and those who paved the way--especially the founders Chuck and Diana Schumacher-- have left a legacy that continues even today through the vision and relentless work of the Compassion Church team.
As the years went on the leadership recognized it was time for a radical shift. Beginning in 2018 the pastor and leadership team decided it was time to do something radical. They recognized the church they were leading was in need of fresh vision, new direction, and a radical return to the simplicity of the book of Acts. Over a period of time the entire team would begin the long process of overhauling the vision, mission, values, and overall direction of the church. While maintaining the rich Spirit-filled theology of the past they brought with them a firm commitment to modern relevancy and simplicity. With many challenges, and victories--they did just that.
The name “Compassion” was a product of the team intentionally seeking God and His wisdom regarding the new season that was upon them. When looking at the heart of God in the Old Testament as well as the message and life of Jesus in the New Testament it was clear that "compassion" was most fitting for the future identity of the church. Their primary source of inspiration was a fresh and Spirit-led reading of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
Ironically, in the midst of this overhaul Noah and Michelle had a unique opportunity. On January 30th, 2019 following his inability to donate a portion of his liver to save his mothers life (who eventually received a life saving liver donation herself), Noah decided to donate half of his liver to an anonymous child in need who was an identical match. Through risking his life for the sake of another he was able to inspire others through this act. Pastor Noah states that the truly inspiring one was his wife Michelle who was by his side for three months of recovery. It was a story picked up by national news outlets because of the “outlandish compassion” demonstrated by someone for a stranger. Naturally, this action only furthered the emerging identity of what God was birthing at the church. To read more on how this came about visit his initial blog entry here at https://noahdschumacher.com/2019/01/16/i-am-donating-my-liver/.
As of January 19th, 2020 Compassion Church was birthed. A declining church was resurrected with fresh vision and new life. The result? A newly formed community focused on bringing the power and message of Jesus to their surrounding region and beyond. Our identity is not formed around a charismatic leader, brand, or any other man-made entity. Our identity is centered around Jesus and what the Holy Spirit is doing within and through us. We are seeking to be a faithful community of Jesus followers who please the One we follow; bringing as many as we can with us on the journey.
We realize our approach is unique. We take seriously what it means to follow Jesus. In an age of American Christianity where it seems that comfort, power, and influence have taken the prioritized position--we recognize that we serve a King who chose a different path and empowered people in the margins. He began an upside down Kingdom. He sought validation not from people but from his Heavenly Father. He chose to serve not with prestige and influence but rather humble nonviolence and meekness. With this understanding we seek to be a community that embodies the life of Jesus in everything we set out to teach, pray, and accomplish. Doing so will tell a story that an unbelieving and dying world is longing to hear.
The foundation for such a radical pursuit began many years ago in the 1970’s. During this time a radical church was birthed with a vision to reach young people for Christ. Through evangelism, church planting, and radical outreach the goal was to see revival come to North East Ohio. This original church was birthed as “High Mill Christian Center.” It was named this because of the road where it was founded--High Mill swim park in Jackson, Ohio. High Mill accomplished many beautiful things locally and globally formed partnerships in Central America, Europe, Eastern Africa, the Middle East, and more which continue to this day through Compassion. The radical story of High Mill and those who paved the way--especially the founders Chuck and Diana Schumacher-- have left a legacy that continues even today through the vision and relentless work of the Compassion Church team.
As the years went on the leadership recognized it was time for a radical shift. Beginning in 2018 the pastor and leadership team decided it was time to do something radical. They recognized the church they were leading was in need of fresh vision, new direction, and a radical return to the simplicity of the book of Acts. Over a period of time the entire team would begin the long process of overhauling the vision, mission, values, and overall direction of the church. While maintaining the rich Spirit-filled theology of the past they brought with them a firm commitment to modern relevancy and simplicity. With many challenges, and victories--they did just that.
The name “Compassion” was a product of the team intentionally seeking God and His wisdom regarding the new season that was upon them. When looking at the heart of God in the Old Testament as well as the message and life of Jesus in the New Testament it was clear that "compassion" was most fitting for the future identity of the church. Their primary source of inspiration was a fresh and Spirit-led reading of the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
Ironically, in the midst of this overhaul Noah and Michelle had a unique opportunity. On January 30th, 2019 following his inability to donate a portion of his liver to save his mothers life (who eventually received a life saving liver donation herself), Noah decided to donate half of his liver to an anonymous child in need who was an identical match. Through risking his life for the sake of another he was able to inspire others through this act. Pastor Noah states that the truly inspiring one was his wife Michelle who was by his side for three months of recovery. It was a story picked up by national news outlets because of the “outlandish compassion” demonstrated by someone for a stranger. Naturally, this action only furthered the emerging identity of what God was birthing at the church. To read more on how this came about visit his initial blog entry here at https://noahdschumacher.com/2019/01/16/i-am-donating-my-liver/.
As of January 19th, 2020 Compassion Church was birthed. A declining church was resurrected with fresh vision and new life. The result? A newly formed community focused on bringing the power and message of Jesus to their surrounding region and beyond. Our identity is not formed around a charismatic leader, brand, or any other man-made entity. Our identity is centered around Jesus and what the Holy Spirit is doing within and through us. We are seeking to be a faithful community of Jesus followers who please the One we follow; bringing as many as we can with us on the journey.
We realize our approach is unique. We take seriously what it means to follow Jesus. In an age of American Christianity where it seems that comfort, power, and influence have taken the prioritized position--we recognize that we serve a King who chose a different path and empowered people in the margins. He began an upside down Kingdom. He sought validation not from people but from his Heavenly Father. He chose to serve not with prestige and influence but rather humble nonviolence and meekness. With this understanding we seek to be a community that embodies the life of Jesus in everything we set out to teach, pray, and accomplish. Doing so will tell a story that an unbelieving and dying world is longing to hear.
Your Story
If you don’t have a church to call home or are new to Christianity, we want to invite you into what God is doing here. If you have been burned by Christians or the Church--we get it. As our Lead Pastor often says, “I have seen the worst in humanity in the church by ‘Christians.’ However, I have also seen the best in humanity by Jesus Followers in the church.” Finding a church is difficult. Call us. Email us. Message us on FB. Let one of our leaders meet you for coffee so we can share our story after first listening to yours.
Our passion isn’t to convince you one way or another. Our passion is to hear you and connect you to what God is calling you to do with your life. Whether it is for Compassion or somewhere else--we want you to thrive. It would be our honor for you to allow us to serve, equip, and release you into greater things for His glory.
For any questions about our story--past, present, or future--please call 330-497-3166 or email [email protected] and we would be happy to meet with you.
Our passion isn’t to convince you one way or another. Our passion is to hear you and connect you to what God is calling you to do with your life. Whether it is for Compassion or somewhere else--we want you to thrive. It would be our honor for you to allow us to serve, equip, and release you into greater things for His glory.
For any questions about our story--past, present, or future--please call 330-497-3166 or email [email protected] and we would be happy to meet with you.
