Southwest Ohio RPC

Location: Manson, Ohio

Presbytery: Great Lakes - Gulf

Organization: Nov. 2015

Membership: 16 communicant; baptized

Pastor: Dick Knodel

Web Sites: www.ReformedOhio.com, www.sermonaudio.com/sworp

Our Origins

What is SWORP? The acronym by which we’ve become known stands for SouthWest Ohio RP Church. When Dr. Knodel and his wife, Susan, returned from working for the RP Church of Scotland (2006-’10), a group of Cincinnati believers who were starved for a psalm-singing church inquired about starting a new RP Church. An initial contact with Pastor Phil Pockras (Belle Center, Ohio, RPC) led to being adopted by Columbus, Ind., RPC in 2011, obtaining mission church status in early 2015, and becoming an organized congregation in Nov. 2015.

Our Vision & Labors

Cincinnati’s northern suburbs happen to be among the wealthiest, fastest-growing areas of Ohio. On account of its demographics, this area has plenty of churches. Why, then, would it need an RP church? Two reasons leap to the fore.

First of all, despite the abundance of churches, our area has a distinct lack of Christian influence! Most evangelical churches teach a pietistic theology that essentially separates the church from everyday life. But with our emphasis on the mediatorial kingship of Christ, the RPCNA calls all of life, a la Psalms 67 and 110, to be subject to Christ. We want to promote Christ, His kingdom, and all its benefits!

Second, we know from the Scriptures that “the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness” (Rom. 1:18). Any behavior that deviates from God’s righteousness incurs His displeasure, and His means of effecting this involves man’s institutions like prisons, schools, families, and corrupt politics (see Deut. 11, 27-28). While few people consider God’s displeasure as the single great cause for modern dysfunction, we do. And corrupt worship (Rom. 1:21, 3:23; Exod. 20:1-11) heads the list.

The RPCNA shines in its stated desire to worship God enthusiastically, according to His Word. The more the RP Church flourishes—celebrating both Christ’s gospel and worship—the more the true God of the Bible will be glorified. The more He is glorified, the more His peace and blessing will fall upon our land. We will see a clear reversal of all our modern ailments. Christ is the key, and He can use the Reformed Presbyterian Church mightily!

Our People

God has blessed us with wonderful members. After the Rufeners moved here in 2013, Rev. Steven and Jeannie Work also relocated nearby to take care of his elderly mother. Both families have been tremendous blessings. We attracted a recent convert who enjoyed street preaching with Pastor Knodel, and he led us to a regionally famous rock musician who was living on the street. Our diaconal ministry helped both of these men, who now share a rental. A Korean family, the Kims, began to worship with us, and a family associated with Cincinnati Christian University visited and ended up making professions of faith. A family of seven has contacted us and moved here in November. We rejoice to see God’s advance here in Southwest Ohio.

Prayer Requests

• For our public outreach and for the RP Mission teams we’ve hosted the last two years.
• For our further organization, as we elect officers and set forth as an organized church.
• For the pressures all our families are under.
• For our nation and Christ’s kingdom!

Fun Facts

• Oldest member: Wes Damerow, age 82.
• Youngest member: Anna Grace Jordan, born July 30, 2015.