Trinity Gospel Church grows

VERMILION — In its 11 years of existence, 2018 has been different for nondenominational Trinity Gospel Church.Its church attendance, averaging about 70 people, has grown, and programming is expanding, too."God's moving our church to another level," pastor Josh Budka said.Trinity Gospel's contemporary worship service takes place at 11 a.m. Sundays after Bible studies for all ages beforehand at 10 a.m. Its youth group, called Firehouse Youth, meets 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the church. His wife, Crystal, and son, Collin, are also pastors at the church.Each Sunday, the church livestreams its service on its Facebook page so anyone can watch."There's a lot of energy on Sunday mornings," Budka said. "We want to be relevant, but we don't want to dumb down the word of God."Budka, a Vermilion native, didn't see himself leading a church in his hometown. After turning to God at 18-years-old, he went to Bible college in Florida and visited Vermilion for time to time to visit family."It was after coming back to Vermilion so many times that we strongly felt we needed to come back and start a church," he said. "Our ultimate goal is to reach those who don't go to church."Seven years ago, Trinity Gospel's moved into a former church building on Decatur Street after starting in the city's YMCA.To further equip people with the Bible's teachings, a class will be offered at the church to go over the Old and New testaments"We want to make sure when people leave our building, they carry Biblical knowledge with them," he said.In recent years, Budka helped start "We Care," a program that connects those suffering from addiction to recovery resources. They've "helped enough people to know God's in it," Budka said."What's cool about the program is that we've grown in knowledge and we can make connections," he said. "We'll help them get to that location where they can get help."The church also support students and pastors in Africa, nonprofit Missions for Christ in Sandusky, volunteer at the Valor House in Lorain among more opportunities."I think the city knows who we are," Budka said. "We're trying to pastor the city, not just our church."Trinity Gospel Church also has an app, called Church Alive TGC, so people find volunteer opportunities and give to the church. It's available through the iTunes app store. Budka also expects the church's website to launch soon. "(The app has) increased giving and connections made with others," Budka said.With a number of changes occurring, the church has no plans to depart from Biblical doctrine."We're going to continue what we do," he said.Get to know Trinity Gospel ChurchAddress: 856 Decatur St., VermilionPhone: 440-319-6458Website: tgcAlive.comFacebook: Trinity Gospel Church (@TGCVermilion)Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodTrinity Gospel Church head pastor Josh Budka stands in his church's sanctuary on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Trinity Gospel Church at 856 Decatur Street in Vermilion on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018.