The pastor saw people struggle spiritually and economically in his native Nigeria. And he now sees people hurting in various ways in Columbus.
That’s why Pastor Emem Akpanekong wants to help. He said he wants to share God’s love with others to change their world.
And he hopes to do that through Christ Embassy Columbus Church that he launched in July at 3136 N. National Road in a 100-seat sanctuary.
“We want to be a light to our world, a city set on a hill, and we are here to bring the divine presence of God especially to people who are struggling, and people who don’t know Jesus,” Akpanekong said.
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The 38-year-old Greenwood resident is a software engineer at Cummins Inc. by day. He felt God nudging him to plant the local Christian church when local believers felt driving to the Indianapolis Christ Embassy Indianapolis Church was too far for each weekend worship.
The local house of worship currently averages 60 people weekly in attendance, which marks brisk growth for a charismatic church in Columbus, based upon other newer such assemblies here in the past two decades.
“People often go into business because they want to solve a problem,” he said. “And if you can solve a problem, you have special value.
“And in our church, I believe a lot of our growth is because God is solving problems. And when Jesus was on earth, he was delivering people from all kinds of problems.”
He said one woman with advanced, life-threatening cancer experienced healing in July confirmed by her doctor. He added other ailments such as ulcers have been healed.
He spoke about the church before a recent midweek service.
What would you like people to know about the church?
The No. 1 goal is to preach the gospel and allow people to receive the salvation that Jesus provided. And we want people to know that God loves them, that he can give their lives new meaning, that they can have faith in God, and that he can help them overcome challenges and solve their problems.
We’re also probably one of the more diverse churches in Columbus. And I think part of that is because we love everybody, and people know there is no discrimination at all.
And I believe everybody is the same, no matter what background, nationality, ethnicity or education you may have. Because God loves everybody the same.
And we want to show one and all the true love of God, which comes from the Greek word agape, and means unconditional. And we want people to know that God cares about their needs even more than they do.
You are well aware of racial tensions in the nation and world today?
Yes. And I believe that we have come on the scene at such a time as this to help heal hatred and discrimination going on today.
Why do you believe in healing even if some praying people may not see that healing happen?
When the word of God is preached and taught and properly understood, it will produce results. And some of the people in the church have testified how much more confident they are of their tomorrows now because of that.
You prefer to allow for some flexibility in your planned services regarding music and teaching and worshipers speaking?
We depend upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all that we do. And with what we do, it’s not just about the style of music or teaching. But it’s about the context of the music and the teaching — and really, it’s all one message.
We want to be directed by God and do things the way he wants it. He knows everything, and is the owner of all knowledge, and he always will meet us at our point of need.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About the pastor” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Emem Akpanekong.
Age: 38.
Born: Ibesikpo Asutan, Akwa Ibom in southern Nigeria.
Resides: Greenwood. Works in Columbus.
Came to the U.S.: 2009, to Miami, Florida.
Current roles: Pastor of Christ Embassy Columbus Church (part of a global network of Christ Embassy churches), launched in July at 3136 N. National Road in Columbus. Also a software engineer at Cummins Inc. in Columbus, where he is a senior controls engineer.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Federal University of Technology Owerri in Nigeria; master’s degree in electrical engineering, Florida State University; and master’s of business administration in supply chain management and entrepreneurship, IUPUI.
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What: Christ Embassy Columbus Church
Location: 3136 N. National Road.
Service times: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays.
Style/beliefs: Charismatic.
Atmosphere: Contemporary music with a range of comfort levels of dress, from suits and dresses to jeans.
Information: Facebook page for Christ Embassy Columbus and website coming soon at cecolumbus.org.
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