MANSFIELD, Ohio — A wave of spiritual renewal is igniting hope and collaboration across Richland County, Ohio as seven local churches unite under a shared vision of revival. The event series, titled Fan the Flame, brought together congregations from seven different churches over seven nights — marking a historic step toward unity, renewal, and what faith leaders are calling the birth of “Godsfield.”
The multi-church gathering drew hundreds from across the Mansfield community. Rather than a traditional gospel outreach, Fan the Flame focused on “fanning the revival flame” — rekindling spiritual passion and building lasting relationships among local faith communities.
A Domino Effect of Faith and Partnership
According to Jess Wilging, Fusion Lexington’s Director of Outreach and Recovery and one of the movement’s key participants, this unity is part of something much bigger happening across Ohio.
“A domino effect has happened where every time we obediently said ‘yes’ to working with other churches — like with The Avenue Church, the Charlie Kirk vigil, and Northlake Park’s *Call to Action* — God has opened doors for connection beyond denomination,” said Wilging. “I’m fervently praying for a unified vision among our churches and trusting God with the next step. It really feels like a movement — not a moment.”
William “Jody” Cole from Paradise Church first connected with Wilging during the Call to Action worship and prayer service at Northlake Park in October. What began as a fundraiser for the Rubies Women’s Group evolved into a powerful cross-church worship gathering. That night, Cole felt it was his turn to say “yes” to God, leading him to form a team of pastors who organized the seven-day revival.
“We might not all see things exactly the same, but we all see God the same,” said Cole on the final night. “If we could come together in unity, we’ll see our city saved!”
Churches Crossing Denominational Lines
Participating churches included The Avenue Church, Paradise Church, Fusion Church, Open Bible Church, Belmont Community Church, New Beginnings, Freedom Church, and several others from the Mansfield and Richland County area. Each congregation hosted one of the seven nights, bringing its unique worship style and message — but sharing one goal: revival through collaboration.
“We’re not trying to grow one church — we’re growing the Kingdom,” said Pastor Tina Yager of The Avenue Church. “There’s something powerful when believers from all walks of life gather to worship Jesus together. This is what real revival looks like.”
Pastor Jay Hill of Paradise Church added, “Fan the Flame is breaking down denominational barriers. What we’re seeing in Mansfield could become a model for how churches across America join hands to lift Jesus higher.”
Godsfield: A Vision for Revival Across Ohio
Pastor Paul Lintern is already looking toward the future.
“The spirit of Godsfield is growing. We plan to keep gathering monthly in 2026, fanning the flame and keeping this revival alive. Mansfield is becoming a beacon of spiritual fire.”
The term Godsfield has become shorthand for this growing collaboration — symbolizing a fertile ground where faith, unity, and revival can flourish. The movement emphasizes prayer, shared leadership, and sustainable spiritual renewal.
Attendees and pastors alike describe Fan the Flame as a catalyst moment, sparking plans for citywide worship nights and inter-church partnerships throughout Ohio — with the shared mission to win communities for Christ and truly make this region “Godsfield.”
Pastor Jeff Dible of Freedom Church — a newly planted and rapidly growing congregation — challenged others to take the movement beyond church walls.
“The enemy is in a movement trying to destroy our community… we must come together to fight back! The problems we are facing, we cannot face alone. We have to face them together.”
Connecting Faith and Community
The Fan the Flame initiative represents a new wave of Christian cooperation and revival energy radiating from Mansfield — a city once known for manufacturing, now gaining recognition for its spiritual resurgence. After all, Mansfield has long carried the nickname “The City of Churches.”
What’s Next for Godsfield: A Season of Unity and Revival
The movement that began with seven nights and seven churches is gaining unstoppable momentum. Across Richland County, pastors and faith leaders are planning new gatherings to keep the fire of revival burning.
In March 2026, Mansfield will host a citywide *March of Prayer, uniting more than 35+ churches for a walk of worship and intercession through the streets — symbolizing hope, healing, and transformation. Then, in July 2026, the community will gather for the *Festival of Hope, a large outdoor celebration bringing churches, families, worship teams, and speakers together for a weekend of encouragement and renewal. Organizers expect it to be one of the largest faith events in the region’s history.
Local churches are also preparing “Jesus in the Park” outreaches and evangelism and discipleship trainings throughout the year.
As Godsfield continues to grow, leaders are encouraging all churches in Mansfield and across Richland County to join the vision — to unite under one God, break down denominational barriers, and see true transformation take root in the community.
“We’re building something that reaches beyond any single church,” said Rev. El Akuchie. “This is about community, revival, and the presence of God transforming Richland County. Godsfield belongs to everyone who says yes to what God is doing here.”
For updates, upcoming events, and Godsfield gatherings, follow #GodsfieldOhio and #FanTheFlameRevival or visit Godsfield.org
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About Godsfield & Fan the Flame:
*Godsfield* is a growing revival movement across denominations in Richland County, Ohio, focused on uniting the Body of Christ and inspiring spiritual renewal through monthly worship gatherings and citywide collaboration.
Media Contact:
Jess Wilging
Website: www.Godsfield.org
Email: jess.fusionchurch@gmail.com
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