The church was formed just south of Kent State University, and as the university has expanded, the church has found itself right at the center of the campus.
“The church was envisioned for this purpose,” notes Dan Schomer, Eastminster’s general presbyter. “They’ve been serious for years about reaching out to the university, but over the last 10 years, there has been an increased commitment from them,” Schomer adds. “They’ve taken campus ministry to a higher level, not only by going to the students but by welcoming the students to come to the church and its facilities.”
Instead of a lease, students pay a program fee, providing them furnished apartments and entitling them to use other facilities in the building, such as a gym/recreational facility with basketball and multipurpose areas as well as lecture and forum space. There will also be a multipurpose space that could be used for conferences and banquets.
“The aim of the project is enhancement and expansion,” says Aaron Meadows, who is pastor of Kent Church. “We intend to use it to enhance our children’s, youth, and campus ministries.”
