About Us
Ray & Connie Robinson are founders of one of the fastest growing, non-denominational and culturally diverse congregations in the heartland; CHRiST COMMUNiTY church in Columbus, Ohio.
Pastor Ray & Connie’s service to God spans over 30 years. Their passion to win the lost is demonstrated through successful ministries that began in 1975. Their ministry has been diverse and challenging and has been the foundation that has built them into the powerful leaders they are today. Just a few of their many accomplishments include:
CHRiST COMMUNiTY Church — When Pastor Ray & Connie answered the call of God and came to Columbus, Ohio, they were both extremely discouraged by the typical religious structure of what they knew as church. Pastor Ray states that his first priority in the establishment of this new church was to create a a structure without the restraints typical to religion. As strange as it sounded, especially in the beginning, his goal was to eliminate endless doctrines, creeds and dogmas that have served as the boundaries to keep the people of God separated and apart from each other. He was determined to establish a church that would be built on relationship, not religion. He envisioned a church that would focus on relationships that unite us, not doctrines that divide us. CHRiST COMMUNiTY is the result of that vision. CHRiST COMMUNiTY is church that is totally about ministry; ministry to the lost and ministry to the “general assembly of the first born.” It is a church that has broken down the barriers and walls common to cultural diversity. Every week, hundreds of racially and ethnically diverse people come together without the traditional restrictions and cultural hindrances.
The Life Empowerment Development Center — This ministry has been built around the special needs required to tap into resources earmarked for the Faith Based Community program under President George Bush. LEDC is a secular model that bridges the barriers between traditional religious activity outreach and secular social services assistance. The underlying purpose of Life Empowerment & Development Corporation is to help non-profits develop a strategy and plan to find alternative sources of revenues to fund their social programs by specifically taking advantage of programs that are supported by the Faith Based Initiative programs. Currently they are completing a $9M, independent single family residential living campus featuring 37 homes centered around the special needs of Seniors.
American Church Builders — In 1986 they founded American Church Builders which has successfully helped hundreds of churches in several states across the country with their building and administrative needs. Though the company was sold in 2000, Pastor Ray continues to assist in a consulting capacity Pastors and church leaders across the country as the wrestle with the complex and challenging issues that are associated with building programs.
Immanuel Ministries (God with Us) — Immanuel is one of his latest projects that God has placed on his heart. It is a very non-traditional ministry designed to meet the multitude of spiritual and societal challenges that underserved people face every day. Keep looking for coming announcements about this exciting ministry.
Pastor Ray has extensive expertise in both corporate and church management including a bachelor’s degree in Theology. Over 25 years of full time ministry has assisted them in understanding the unique requirements necessary for a successful and growing church. His seminar series “20 Steps to a Successful Project” has helped pastors nationwide avoid the pitfalls associated with church construction. They have been blessed with three wonderful boys; Jonathan, Jeremy & Jared who share their love for ministry and the work of God. Christ Community stands as a testimony to their abilities, dedication and leadership leading us from just 12 people in 1995 to several hundred today.
