Knisley Profile

Craig and Niki Knisley

Elevation Community Church

Blanchester, OH

1) Describe your call to plant a church?

My call to start a new church came back in 2000 while I was a youth pastor in Indianapolis. I couldn’t shake the idea of leading a church. I prayed, consulted with leaders, and processed like crazy. I read a book on church planting. The end result was that the Lord had called me to be a church planter!

2) Describe the community where you are planting?

Our community is a mixture of suburban and rural. That being the case we have an interesting mix of both white collar and blue collar families. We are to the northeast of the city of Cincinnati.

3) How are you developing your core group?

We are not a typical core group since our church is two years old. However, since we are re-launching the same principles apply. Our development includes large group gatherings on Sunday mornings, small groups that meet in the week, and coaching opportunities with various leaders.

4) What is the church's vision, mission, and values?

Vision: To elevate the name of Christ by becoming a transformed community that transforms our community.

Mission: To connect disconnected people to Christ, His community, and His cause.

Values: C.H.R.I.S.T.

Christ above all
Healthy things grow
Reaching those far from God
Investing in the Kingdom
Small is really big
Tomorrow’s generation today

5) What does community life look like in your church?

Community life has two aspects: formal and informal. Formally we have created small group opportunities for people to connect with one another. These are vital for people to grow deeper in biblical community. Informally we try to create a relational culture where people want to hang with others.

6) How can we pray for you?

Pray that we would make a big splash in our new location and new building. Pray that we would have a large grand opening that will allow us to reach critical mass as a church.