Our Story
Laura and I met in 2020 and married in 2021. Immediately, we knew that ministry together would be an important part of our relationship and of out marriage.
In 2022, we began hosting a small group from our church. We were drawn to the connections that we were able to make, the discussions during our Bible studies, and the intimacy and simplicity of our meetings. After about six months, we began having a meal each week with our group. We were struck by how that time around the table deepened our relationships and our sense of family.
I began working in vocational ministry in 2023, first as a Connections Director, then as an interim pastor. Laura and I continued to learn and grow together and individually as we ministered to people in various settings.
When my time as interim ended, Laura and I found ourselves without a church for the first time in our lives as Christians. It was a bit disorienting and difficult. Looking back, we refer to that time as “The Wilderness.” We knew that our “wandering” was temporary and that God had something for us if we simply remained faithful.
As we began to look for a new church, we looked through the New Testament to look freshly at the early church. What were the things that those first-century churches did? What were the commands in the Bible regarding church and worship versus what were the man-made traditions that we were simply following because it was the only thing we knew? Commands are essentials, traditions are options.
As we read, particularly in the book of Acts, we saw that the early church typically met in houses (Acts 2:46, 20:20 and 1 Cor. 16:19 are a few examples). Around the same time, we were introduced to a local church planter who had planted a house church in the Mansfield area and learned that there was a local network of house churches.
In September of 2024, we attended a Church Intensive Training in Cleveland, Ohio. The Church Intensive is a part of Francis Chan’s organization, We Are Church. I had initially been drawn to the house church model in 2014 when Chan left his mega church and began planting house churches in San Francisco.
Through all of these things and after much prayer, we felt that God was calling us to plant a house church. We began meeting in January of 2026 and in May of 2026, became affiliated with the SEND Network (the church planting arm of the SBC) and Lifepoint Church Mount Vernon.
Tony Leprotti - Lead Pastor
Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and where you’re from
I grew up in Bedford Heights, a suburb of Cleveland. I spent about 26 years in Mount Vernon before moving to Mansfield in 2021.
My wife, Laura, and I were married in 2021, and together we have four adult children ranging in age from 23 to 30.
When did you meet Jesus?
I first encountered Jesus at the age of 14, when my cousin and her husband shared the gospel with my parents and me in our living room. Not long after, we began attending a church called Gospel House, which had its roots as a biker ministry.
My faith continued to grow during my college years at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Through many mountains and valleys over the years, the Lord has been faithful, and my faith has deepened. I’m excited to see what God has ahead.
What is one of your favorite Bible verses?
“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31
How do you hope your ministry will impact people?
My hope is simple: that our ministry would point people to Jesus. So many people are searching for joy and fulfillment in other things, but true life and lasting joy are found in Him alone.
What experience, education, or training has prepared you for your role?
I’ve spent decades involved in various lay ministry roles—leading small groups, mentoring young men, and walking alongside married couples with my wife. I also currently serve as a volunteer at Richland Correctional Institution, where I lead Bible studies with the men.
In 2017, I began studying at Ashland Theological Seminary and graduated in 2021 with a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. That experience not only strengthened my theological foundation but also broadened my understanding of the wider and more diverse expression of the Church.
What are some of your favorite shows, books, movies, music, etc?
I’ve been a lifelong fan of Star Wars—the first movie came out when I was eight, and I’ve followed it ever since. I also enjoyed the original run of Marvel movies, from Iron Man through Avengers: Endgame.
I read mostly non-fiction but also occasionally enjoy a good western, science fiction, or mystery novel.
Musically, I enjoy a wide range, but these days I mostly listen to worship and country. One of my favorite artists is Johnny Cash. My dad was a big fan, and I have great memories of him singing those songs. I especially appreciate Cash’s story—how he came to faith and used his platform to reach people, paritcularly those in prison.
What do you enjoy doing for fun?
My wife and I love books and coffee—usually together. We enjoy taking day trips around Ohio, finding a good bookstore and a coffee shop to spend time in.
I also enjoy watching NFL football (especially the Browns 😢) and playing guitar.