In January of 2014, Christ the King Church planted its second campus in the eastern Cincinnati neighborhood of Mt. Washington. Over the past year and a half the church has grown steadily and has made great efforts to become an asset to the community. It quickly became clear that space was an issue in the Rec Center where they were currently meeting due to some rule changes the city made with building usage in their recreation facilities. Pastor Dustin Nimmo began looking for a new space and soon realized that the Rec Center was the only reasonable option even though it limited the capacity.
In May of 2014, Nimmo sent this to his congregation “Every door we’ve tried to open has been closed. In light of the text from this past Sunday, I’ve felt compelled to invite all of us to begin to pray in the way the Scriptures have commanded us to pray: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ” (Colossians 4:2-3) – Pray for an open door. Literally pray for an open door to a new space that can accommodate more people……..Pray for a major financial gift. Pray for the situation to change at the school. Pray for the rules to change at the Rec Center. Pray for a place that hasn’t been available previously to fall into our laps. Pray more than anything that God would open the door and we would be faithful to follow Him in obedience.”
Christ the King Church prayed earnestly for a year regarding their space issues. Little did they know Eastern Hills Baptist Church was five miles away and also praying regarding their future. Eastern Hills Baptist Church has been in decline for the past several years, and had been praying for God to move in their congregation.
In late April of this year, Nimmo received a call from the head Deacon of Eastern Hills Baptist Church. He was calling because he had gotten wind of Christ the King’s need for space and wanted to explore how Christ the King and Eastern Hills might work together. The pastors of Christ the King Church were overwhelmed by this prospect, especially because they couldn’t believe this could happen twice.
Christ the King Church was planted in 2010 by Michael Clary, and in 2012, Fairview Baptist Church voted to give Christ the King their building near the University of Cincinnati. The building has helped Christ the King Church grow and thrive in the urban Uptown area of Cincinnati, while still providing a space for Fairview Baptist Church to meet.
On June 14, 2015, Eastern Hills Baptist church voted unanimously to give their building to and join Christ the King Church. Christ the King Church will begin Sunday gatherings in the Eastern Hills building this Fall. Christ the King Church has a median age of 30 while Eastern Hills has a median age of 70. The churches couldn’t be more excited to see what God is going to do through the many years of ministry that awaits them on the east side of Cincinnati. It is clear that God is providing for the needs of both churches in a way that gives Him all the glory.
