About Us
Founded in faith, rooted in relationship, and focused on transformation.
Our Story
The Upper Room Fellowship began in 1971 when a group of believers gathered in an upper room above a veterinarian's office in Columbiana, Ohio. This location reflected the biblical Upper Room where Jesus' disciples gathered to pray and wait for the Holy Spirit. United by a hunger for God's presence and a desire to experience authentic Christianity, they created a community where people could encounter God and build meaningful relationships.
For over five decades, we've remained committed to being a church that transforms lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. What started as a small gathering has grown into a thriving community dedicated to pursuing healthy relationships, accessing abundant wholeness, knowing our greatness, owning a supernatural lifestyle, treasuring His presence, and living the Gospel.
Today, we continue helping people in our community discover their God-given purpose and experience the freedom and fullness Jesus promised. We believe God is calling us to greater impact as we serve Columbiana and beyond with the love and power of Jesus Christ.
Our Beliefs
At Upper Room Fellowship, we believe that relationship comes before religion. While we honor essential Christian beliefs, our primary focus is on knowing God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit rather than emphasizing doctrinal disputes. We recognize that God is relational at His core, inviting us into His family rather than just a system of beliefs. That said, there are some foundational truths that shape our community:
About God
We believe in one personal God who created the universe and exists eternally in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are equal in power, authority, and glory. They are so pure and so united, they operate as one. We believe God is a being of unimaginably wonderful power, goodness, and love.
About Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who laid aside His divine privileges to become human. Born of a virgin, He lived a perfect life of love, bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth. Jesus died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world, was buried, and rose again bodily on the third day. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus is our master, teacher, savior, and friend who now reigns forever with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
About the Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit who regenerates and indwells every believer in Jesus. He reveals Jesus, guides us into truth, and empowers us for daily living. The Spirit provides supernatural gifts to equip the Church for ministry and gives us a foretaste of eternal life. He can be closer to us than the air we breathe, transforming us to be like Jesus and enabling us to effectively impact the world with heaven's goodness.
About the Bible
We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired written expression of God and, as such, are authoritative. The Bible reveals who God is and is intended to bring us into relationship with Him. The scriptures are unique and authoritative guides in faith and in action.
About Humanity
We believe that all people were created in the image of God to enjoy fellowship with Him, giving every person inherent dignity and worth beyond measure. Yet humanity willfully rejected the Lordship and glory of God. Because of this fall into sin, sickness, death and judgment entered the world, and creation now experiences the effects and consequences of sin. Human beings are estranged from God, from each other, from ourselves, and from creation.
About Salvation
We believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, which He shed on the cross, provides the only way for the forgiveness of sin and restoration with God. God freely grants salvation to all who place their faith in Jesus, receiving His death and resurrection as sufficient payment for their sin. Salvation cannot be earned; it is a gift from God.
About the Church
We believe in the universal Church, a diverse assembly of individuals from all races, languages, and countries who have faith in Jesus. The Church is the community through which God wants to bring love, healing, and growth to the human race, to which He invites everyone who is willing to follow Jesus. Instead of being an institution, the Church is described in the Bible as the body of Christ, with Jesus as its head.
About the Kingdom of God
We believe God does not intend for sin and suffering to get the last word but is at work to redeem and reconcile what He has made. We live in the tension of the Kingdom "now and not yet" and pray for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.
About Eternity
We believe in the personal, visible return of Jesus to establish His Kingdom on earth. Upon Christ's return, He will bring judgment, separate the righteous from the unrighteous, renew the earth, and reign as King forever. We believe God is creating a New Heaven and a New Earth where humans will dwell forever with God. This hope inspires us to godly living and commitment to the Gospel mission.
About Men and Women in Ministry
We believe God gifts both women and men to serve in ministry, including exercising leadership gifts as elder, pastor, teacher, and other ministry roles. We are an egalitarian church that values the contributions of all believers according to their calling and gifting, not according to gender.