
OUR VISION
“Let’s not just talk about love, let’s practice real love.
This is the only way we’ll know we’re truly living
in God’s reality.” 1 John 3:18
Clay and Kristin Powell have a deep rooted passion to see people living a life full of freedom and serving others with a relentless love. Their heart is to plant a life-giving church of diverse people -- a relationally healthy community that fosters a culture of invitation and generosity. After years of seeking the Father’s direction in prayer and dreaming, they are stepping out in faith and planting Elkhart City Church in January of 2022!
Clay and Kristin are originally from Texas. Clay is from Houston and Kristin is from Midland, but their paths did not cross until they were in ministry school in Springfield, MO. It was there that they fell in love and began a lifelong ministry together. They married and started a beautiful family while serving all over the country. They have three children, Jordan, Riley, and Cameron. Clay and Kristin want to lead this community to live on mission with the heart of God to love all people. There will be mountains to climb and valleys to weather and they don’t promise to do it perfectly, but they promise to do it together.
Our Story


OUR PEOPLE
Elkhart City Church is a community of people helping each other find hope, purpose, & authentic relationships. We think ECC has some of the best people you'll meet!
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What does Ethos mean?The characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations. Our Ethos is love for all people, in Jesus’ name.
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Where do I go when I get there?You’ll be warmly greeted in the parking lot and directed towards the entrance. Once inside, head to the “In This Together” area, and we’ll take it from there!
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Can I attend if I'm ___________?Yes. Fill in the blank with whatever you’re worried about: single, divorced, gay, straight, white, black, addicted, hurting, poor, super-successful, a nonbeliever, atheist, Michigan fan, etc. At Ethos Church, we’ll welcome you as you are. You belong here!
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What about my kids?We love kids! Our facility is clean, safe, and staffed with loving, trained, and background checked servant leaders. We offer a dynamic children’s ministry called Ethos Kids. When you arrive, you’ll see signage that directs you to our Kids Check-in booth where we will guide you to our kids classrooms and ensure a fun and engaging environment. Your kids will have a blast as they worship, learn biblical teaching, watch videos, meet friends in small groups, and play games. Sundays will be the best part of your child's week.
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What should I wear?Want to wear shorts and a t-shirt? Awesome! Looking to dress up a bit for church? Sounds good to us. At Ethos, you can dress however you feel comfortable.
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What if it's my first time?If you are a guest, we will not embarrass you, have you stand up, or ask you to give money. We know that many people want to check out the church and “be anonymous” for awhile – that’s fine with us! Come in, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and see if Ethos is home for you.
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LIVING AS A FAMILY is our priorityWe are always better together. What God has called us to collectively is greater than anything He may ask of us individually.
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KIDS are our responsibilityOur greatest investment may not be something we do but the children we raise.
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FUN is our personalityWe unapologetically love to smile, laugh, and enjoy life together. We believe church and life are meant to be enjoyed, not endured.
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THANKFULNESS is our lifestyleIt’s not something we do, thankful is how we live.
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WORSHIP is our anthemEverything we do is to connect people to Jesus. We believe that worship opens the hearts of those who have closed their hearts to God.
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SERVANT LEADERSHIP is our identityWe believe the greatest leadership is service to others. Every leader is a servant first. From the pulpit to the parking lot, every role looks different but each is of the utmost importance.
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EXCELLENCE is our spiritWe are determined to give our best while consistently asking, “Is this the best way to _____.”
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PEOPLE are our heartOur heart is for ALL people because we believe that everyone is a “10” at something.
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GENEROSITY is our privilegeWe take action. We are generous with our time, energy, and resources. God has given us so much, we freely give in response to Him.
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JESUS is our messageJesus + Nothing = Everything. Everything – Jesus = Nothing. We don’t simply live life for Christ, we live life with Christ.
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Is there an experience for my Junior High or High School Student?Ethos YTH, our weekly experience for students, will continue to meet in person the first three Tuesdays of each month at 7:00PM. To receive Ethos YTH updates through the Remind App, text “@EthosYTH” to 81010.
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Will restrooms be open?Yes, all restrooms will be open and will undergo routine cleaning.
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If I choose not to attend in person, will there still be an online curriculum from the Ethos Kids ministry?"Yes, you will still be able to find resources for your child online. Go to the "Church Online" page.
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I’m not comfortable returning to in-person gatherings yet. Can I continue to be a part of the online experience?Of course! We encourage you to continue joining us online each weekend. Our weekend worship experiences will continue to be streamed every Sunday on Facebook, YouTube and will be On Demand following on the "Watch" page.
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Will I need to wear a mask?We will be following State of Ohio and CDC guidelines by asking all guests over the age of 5 to wear masks throughout their visit. We are closely watching local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure all recommended safety precautions are implemented to ensure your safety.
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How will Ethos practice social distancing on Sunday?We will have dedicated Service Hosts to help seat you and any guests on Sunday morning to help ensure safe social distancing. Additionally, we will be seating every row 6 feet from the next row to keep a safe distance between families within the auditorium. Additionally, we ask to have 2-3 seats between each group seated in the same row. We ask that every individual practice social distancing while in the lobby or common areas.
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Will Ethos be limiting the capacity of their buildings?Yes, we are limiting our capacity to ensure social distancing in our auditorium and overflow areas. As the local, state, and federal guidelines evolve, we will update our seating limitations accordingly and keep you updated.
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Can my kid(s) join me in the worship experience?Yes. Any child who is not in Ethos Kids on a Sunday morning at Nationwide Conference Center will be invited to join their parents for the worship experience. Children joining their parents/guardians will receive an activity bag before entering the auditorium.
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How can I continue giving?During this time, we will not pass offering buckets. We will be encouraging digital giving. You can give online on the "Give" page or text any amount you’d like to give to 84321, then follow the link in the message you receive.
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What safety precautions and procedures can I expect for my children?When classrooms are open, Ethos Kids will be taking several precautions to keep your kids and our servant leaders healthy and safe: Masks and temperature checks are required for all Ethos Kids servant leaders. Temperature checks are required for all children and parents during Ethos Kids Check-In. One parent will be allowed in the Ethos Kids area for drop-off and pick up to limit traffic. We are asking that all kids (grades K-5) wear a mask. All other ages will not be asked to wear masks. Hand sanitizing will be offered and encouraged before entering the Ethos Kids area for all servant leaders, parents and kids. Room capacity limits will be set to provide adequate social distancing. All non-essential items from home (like toys and blankets) will need to stay in the hallway or in your vehicle. Essential items include; baby carrier, diaper bag, bottle and other items to care for a child. We will be sanitizing rooms, surfaces and toys frequently. Items placed in the month of a child will be placed aside to be cleaned and sanitized before use of said item by another child. Our servant leaders are washing their hands and/or sanitizing often, and we’ll encourage your child to do the same.
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I’m new to Ethos Church; how do I get connected?If you haven’t already, we encourage you to fill out a connect card, text “EthosNEW” to 94000 and we’ll be in contact with you. You can also join us on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to the Ethos community.
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What is Ethos Church doing during this time to serve the community?As always, we’re committed to meeting the needs of our communities locally and around the world. To serve our city through COVID-19, we have supported local businesses, launched a grocery giveaway, provided relief domestically and internationally, partnered with local organizations to serve the city, and engaged Ethos servant leaders in I Love My City Projects.
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When and where will Sunday morning gatherings take place?Nationwide Conference Center // 10:00 AM Initially, we will host a single 10:00 AM worship gathering at Nationwide Conference Center*. Additional gathering times will be communicated as they are added. Please follow us on Instagram for the most up-to-date information. *Ethos will continue meeting online through Facebook and YouTube live at 10:00 AM, and On Demand following. Please consider following Ethos on Facebook and YouTube.
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Will there be Ethos Kids available for my children?Yes. However, classrooms will slowly be opened over time. Our plan is to first open the elementary rooms and communicate with parents when additional rooms are opened. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for your children while you attend the worship experience. To receive Ethos Parent updates through the Remind App, text “@EthosKid” to 81010
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Will Ethos be screening those who attend in person?Temperature checks will be required for all our staff, servant leader teams, and all children attending Ethos Kids. We ask everyone to use good judgment. If you are feeling ill or have a family member who is feeling ill, please stay home and participate in our live-stream online experience.
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How is Ethos cleaning its facilities?In partnership with Nationwide Conference Center, we will conduct regular cleanings between gatherings to ensure proper sanitation. Additionally, hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout Nationwide Conference Center.
