A church for the city we love
Lumen began as a living-room Bible study and became a community of nearly a thousand. We still start with a simple question: what would it look like to be good news here?
How Lumen started
In 2019, twelve friends began meeting in a Short North apartment to read the Gospels together. No one was planning to plant a church. They just kept coming back, and bringing others.
By the next winter we had outgrown three living rooms, a coffee shop and a rented theater. In 2022 we moved into our current home, a restored warehouse on Gay Street.
Today Lumen is a mix of students, nurses, artists, engineers and everyone in between. We are not perfect, but we are honest, and we are glad you are here.
What drives us
Honest
We say what is true, including the hard parts.
Present
We pay attention to the people in front of us.
Creative
We make music, art and space for beauty.
Sent
We exist for the city, not just for ourselves.
How we got here
A few moments that shaped who we are today.
The living room
Twelve friends begin reading the Gospel of Luke together.
First public gathering
We meet in a rented theater and welcome 120 people.
Gay Street warehouse
We open our permanent home downtown.
Lumen Neighbors launches
Volunteers begin weekly projects in five neighborhoods.
Our team
Lead PastorMarcus Reyes
Marcus is a former touring musician who now spends his weeks with people more than songs.
Teaching PastorPriya Nair
Priya writes and delivers most of our Sunday messages.
Worship DirectorJonah Ellis
Jonah leads the band and mentors young songwriters.
Groups DirectorClaire Duval
Claire connects newcomers with small groups across the city.
What we believe
- God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and he is good.
- Jesus is the light of the world and the hope of every person.
- The Bible is true, trustworthy and meant to be lived.
- The Spirit empowers us to love and to serve.
- The church exists for the good of its city.
Help us keep the lights on for the city
Here is what to expect, so you can walk in feeling like you have been here before.