October 22, 2026
Setting Our Hearts
Doug Redford
Ministries & Organizations
Ohio
Restoration Movement ministries, missions, colleges and organizations.
25 organizations
AllMissionsIndependent Christian ChurchEducationConferencesChurch of ChristConsultingPublishingChurch Planting OrganizationCohorts
Independent Christian ChurchLifeline Christian MissionLifeline Christian Mission is a Westerville, Ohio-based ministry partnering with local leaders to strengthen churches, youth,…Independent Christian Church · Missions
Lifeline Christian Mission
Lifeline Christian Mission — Organization Profile Lifeline Christian Mission is a Christian missions organization that has partnered with local leaders since 1980 to develop holistic solutions for vulnerable communities. The organization is based in Westerville, Ohio, and works through local…
Lifeline Christian Mission — Organization Profile Lifeline Christian Mission is a Christian missions organization that has partnered with local leaders since 1980 to develop holistic solutions for vulnerable communities. The organization is based in Westerville, Ohio, and works through local churches and community leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean, including ministry partnerships connected to Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Peru. Lifeline’s approach centers on the conviction that sustainable change comes from within a community. Rather than importing one-size-fits-all programs, Lifeline describes walking alongside “godly, visionary people” already embedded in their neighborhoods and villages, helping them identify needs, strengthen local capacity, and pursue long-term, locally led solutions. On its website, Lifeline explains that it aims to “transform tomorrows” through four…
Lifeline Christian Mission — Organization Profile
Lifeline Christian Mission is a Christian missions organization that has partnered with local leaders since 1980 to develop holistic solutions for vulnerable communities. The organization is based in Westerville, Ohio, and works through local churches and community leaders across Latin America and the Caribbean, including ministry partnerships connected to Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, and Peru.
Lifeline’s approach centers on the conviction that sustainable change comes from within a community. Rather than importing one-size-fits-all programs, Lifeline describes walking alongside “godly, visionary people” already embedded in their neighborhoods and villages, helping them identify needs, strengthen local capacity, and pursue long-term, locally led solutions.
On its website, Lifeline explains that it aims to “transform tomorrows” through four key areas of focus: Churches, Youth, Health & Nutrition, and Economic Empowerment. These focus areas show up in practical, on-the-ground initiatives such as regional Bible institutes and leadership development for church leaders; schools, vocational training, and children’s ministries for youth; brick-and-mortar and mobile clinics plus health education for families with limited access to care; and business training and microloan support to help households move toward stability.
Economic Empowerment is often implemented through business training based on biblical principles, paired with microloans and mentoring connected to the local church. Lifeline describes coaching and accountability as part of helping small business owners establish or expand income-producing work, with the goal of strengthening families and reducing dependency.
Lifeline also creates hands-on on-ramps for churches, groups, and individuals to serve. Mission trips are designed to connect teams with real people and ongoing local strategies—Lifeline highlights a trip example in Honduras that emphasized building relationships with local families and supporting a small income-generating project rather than focusing only on construction tasks. In the United States and Canada, Lifeline operates regional centres that mobilize volunteers through experiences like meal packing and other customized service opportunities.
Supporters can engage by volunteering, going on a trip, partnering through child-focused and community initiatives, and giving toward projects that align with Lifeline’s focus areas (including hunger relief, education, leadership development, health access, and job training). Lifeline also invites people to participate through recurring generosity communities and other giving pathways that help sustain long-term partnerships with local leaders.
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ConsultingThe Elemental GroupThe Elemental Group is a Mason, Ohio-based consulting and resourcing team providing affordable tools, assessments, coaching,…Consulting · Independent Christian Church
The Elemental Group
The Elemental Group — Organization Profile The Elemental Group is a consulting and resourcing team that serves churches and faith-based nonprofits with cost-effective strategic tools, coaching, and leadership development. Their stated aim is to make practical help accessible for leaders…
The Elemental Group — Organization Profile The Elemental Group is a consulting and resourcing team that serves churches and faith-based nonprofits with cost-effective strategic tools, coaching, and leadership development. Their stated aim is to make practical help accessible for leaders who need clarity and momentum but may not have the budget for traditional consulting. The organization’s work is designed to be both actionable and team-based, helping leaders move from vague goals to shared direction and measurable next steps. A distinctive of The Elemental Group is its “elements” framework, built around four qualities it identifies in healthy, effective organizations: integrity, passion, servanthood, and imagination. These elements shape the assessments and tools the team develops, with the goal of helping leaders diagnose…
The Elemental Group — Organization Profile
The Elemental Group is a consulting and resourcing team that serves churches and faith-based nonprofits with cost-effective strategic tools, coaching, and leadership development. Their stated aim is to make practical help accessible for leaders who need clarity and momentum but may not have the budget for traditional consulting. The organization’s work is designed to be both actionable and team-based, helping leaders move from vague goals to shared direction and measurable next steps.
A distinctive of The Elemental Group is its “elements” framework, built around four qualities it identifies in healthy, effective organizations: integrity, passion, servanthood, and imagination. These elements shape the assessments and tools the team develops, with the goal of helping leaders diagnose what is strong, what is missing, and what needs attention. This framework also supplies a shared vocabulary for leadership teams who want to address culture, systems, and mission alignment together.
For churches, The Elemental Group offers a range of tools and processes that support church health and effectiveness. These include the Elemental Inventory (a church health assessment), EnVision (mission clarification), FOCUS (strategic planning), and Vibe (first impressions and hospitality). They also offer coaching and consulting for pastors, churches, and parishes, providing guided support that helps leadership teams interpret results, set priorities, and follow through on implementation.
The Elemental Pathway is presented as a comprehensive, multi-phase process that combines tools, coaching, and team development. The Pathway is designed to help leadership teams identify challenges and opportunities, clarify mission and priorities, strengthen first impressions and systems, and develop a 1–2 year strategic plan. In addition to individual church support, the organization also serves cohorts and groups within networks and denominations who want a shared process for leadership development.
For nonprofits and faith-based charities, The Elemental Group provides practical services such as advancement and fundraising planning, grant writing, organizational development, and support for launching a 501(c)(3). Their nonprofit offerings include tools like the Nonprofit Pulse Check and FOCUS for Nonprofits, along with other services aimed at strengthening boards, building sustainable systems, and increasing organizational effectiveness.
The Elemental Group is based in Mason, Ohio, and serves churches and faith-based nonprofits across the United States through coaching, consulting, and self-guided tools. Churches, ministries, and nonprofit leaders can engage by exploring the available tools, scheduling a conversation with the team, participating in a guided process like the Elemental Pathway, and supporting scholarship-based access through the organization’s giving options.
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ConsultingThe Center for Church LeadershipThe Center for Church Leadership strengthens church leaders across the United States through coaching, ministry cohorts,…Consulting · Independent Christian Church
The Center for Church Leadership
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative…
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative learning communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, the CCL helps leaders build the clarity, confidence, and resilience they need to Lead Strong for the long haul. The CCL's work focuses on many of the areas most critical to a church’s strength and health. Preachers sharpen their craft through Level Up Preaching Cohorts. Children's ministers grow through KidMin cohorts and certification. Leadership teams develop healthier systems and stronger cultures through Healthy Church Co-Ops. Leaders pursuing advanced ministry training can earn an…
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile
The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative learning communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, the CCL helps leaders build the clarity, confidence, and resilience they need to Lead Strong for the long haul.
The CCL's work focuses on many of the areas most critical to a church’s strength and health. Preachers sharpen their craft through Level Up Preaching Cohorts. Children's ministers grow through KidMin cohorts and certification. Leadership teams develop healthier systems and stronger cultures through Healthy Church Co-Ops.
Leaders pursuing advanced ministry training can earn an accredited master's degree through the Russell School of Ministry, a division of Central Bible University. The CCL also produces online content, including the “Leading Together” webinars and the “Ministry &” podcast. These platforms provide practical tools, fresh ideas, and encouragement for leaders navigating the challenges of ministry.
Collaboration is central to everything CCL does. By partnering with other ministry organizations and networks, more leaders are strengthened and more churches flourish.
The Center for Church Leadership traces its roots to Cincinnati Christian University. Today, the Elliott Library and Museum resides at the CCL's headquarters in Florence, Kentucky, preserving and celebrating the heritage of CCU and the Restoration Movement.
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Consulting4C Ministry Institute4C Ministry Institute (4CMI) is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that equips churches through a two-year ministry certificate,…Consulting · Independent Christian Church
4C Ministry Institute
4C Ministry Institute — Organization Profile 4C Ministry Institute (often shortened to 4CMI) is a nonprofit ministry that equips churches and Christian nonprofits by training ministry leaders to be biblical, experienced, and sustainable in ministry. The Institute’s approach blends academic…
4C Ministry Institute — Organization Profile 4C Ministry Institute (often shortened to 4CMI) is a nonprofit ministry that equips churches and Christian nonprofits by training ministry leaders to be biblical, experienced, and sustainable in ministry. The Institute’s approach blends academic coursework with practical formation so emerging and developing leaders grow in both competency and character for long-term service. A centerpiece of 4CMI’s work is its two-year Certificate in Ministry. The certificate is built around three integrated components—classroom-based learning, supervised residency experience, and discipleship training—so students can connect theological foundations to real ministry settings. The Institute describes its training outcomes in terms of experience, skills, knowledge, networking, and credentials, and notes that coursework may be transferable into accredited bachelor’s or master’s…
4C Ministry Institute — Organization Profile
4C Ministry Institute (often shortened to 4CMI) is a nonprofit ministry that equips churches and Christian nonprofits by training ministry leaders to be biblical, experienced, and sustainable in ministry. The Institute’s approach blends academic coursework with practical formation so emerging and developing leaders grow in both competency and character for long-term service.
A centerpiece of 4CMI’s work is its two-year Certificate in Ministry. The certificate is built around three integrated components—classroom-based learning, supervised residency experience, and discipleship training—so students can connect theological foundations to real ministry settings. The Institute describes its training outcomes in terms of experience, skills, knowledge, networking, and credentials, and notes that coursework may be transferable into accredited bachelor’s or master’s programs through university partners.
Beyond the certificate pathway, 4CMI also offers “a la carte” course enrollment for students who want targeted training without entering the full program. This provides a flexible option for leaders, volunteers, or ministry teams seeking structured instruction in Bible, theology, and ministry leadership. In addition, 4CMI makes lecture content available as a way to strengthen churches through leadership onboarding and development for elders, staff, teachers, and other volunteer leaders.
4CMI also supports local congregations through its Church Residency Program, providing coaching, resources, and tools to help churches train ministers through supervised, local residency experiences. This emphasis on church-based formation helps align learning with a congregation’s mission and context, while giving students practical responsibilities and mentoring as part of their preparation.
Alongside training and residency support, 4CMI offers church assessment instruments designed to help leaders evaluate health and effectiveness. These tools include a Leadership Culture Assessment that gathers perspectives related to multiple factors shaping a church’s leadership culture, as well as a separate ministry-focused assessment that measures effectiveness across distinct areas of church life. In combination, these resources aim to help leaders make informed decisions and strengthen ministry systems with clarity.
4C Ministry Institute is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, and its work serves churches, students, and partners across the United States through online courses, local residency placements, and a growing network of churches, coaches, and educational partners. People can engage by applying to the certificate program, enrolling in a course, exploring church residency support for their congregation, and partnering financially to support leader development for the local church.
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Church Planting OrganizationStadia Church PlantingStadia Church Planting is a church planting organization founded in 2003 that supports leaders through assessment,…Church Planting Organization · Independent Christian Church
Stadia Church Planting
Stadia Church Planting — Organization Profile Stadia Church Planting is a church planting organization that helps leaders start new churches designed to thrive, grow, and multiply—with a particular focus on reaching the next generation. Founded in 2003, Stadia describes its…
Stadia Church Planting — Organization Profile Stadia Church Planting is a church planting organization that helps leaders start new churches designed to thrive, grow, and multiply—with a particular focus on reaching the next generation. Founded in 2003, Stadia describes its vision as “a world where every child has a church,” and it works with churches, networks, and individual leaders who want to pursue church multiplication in their local context and beyond. Stadia’s approach is built around guiding leaders through the full journey of church planting and early-stage leadership. The organization emphasizes healthy leadership, local impact, and disciple-making multiplication, and it frames church planting as a practical pathway for Great Commission engagement in communities where new and accessible expressions of church…
Stadia Church Planting — Organization Profile
Stadia Church Planting is a church planting organization that helps leaders start new churches designed to thrive, grow, and multiply—with a particular focus on reaching the next generation. Founded in 2003, Stadia describes its vision as “a world where every child has a church,” and it works with churches, networks, and individual leaders who want to pursue church multiplication in their local context and beyond.
Stadia’s approach is built around guiding leaders through the full journey of church planting and early-stage leadership. The organization emphasizes healthy leadership, local impact, and disciple-making multiplication, and it frames church planting as a practical pathway for Great Commission engagement in communities where new and accessible expressions of church can take root.
A key entry point for many leaders is Stadia’s Discovery Center, which is designed to help potential planters explore calling, readiness, and competencies. Stadia also notes that the Discovery process represents a meaningful investment of tools, time, and coaching, and it is commonly pursued in partnership with a sending church, network, or denomination. This upfront discernment is intended to clarify fit and strengthen the planter’s foundation before moving toward launch.
For launch-stage support, Stadia offers Startup Services and related planning guidance to help teams move from vision to implementation. Stadia highlights that “church” can happen in a wide range of settings—such as coffee shops, schools, and other community spaces—reflecting a flexible, contextualized mindset for planting. After launch, Stadia’s Post-Launch Services are positioned to help new churches continue developing in health, leadership, and sustainability beyond the initial startup season.
Stadia also serves churches and partners who want to invest in multiplication, not only through financial support, but through relationships, prayer, and collaboration. The organization operates as a fully remote team, providing ways to connect through its website, events, Vision Trips, and ongoing resources. Engagement options typically include exploring church partnership, pursuing the Discovery process as a prospective planter, giving to support church planting efforts, and connecting directly with Stadia for next steps.
