Sometimes, the beginning of something meaningful comes from an ending nobody wanted. For Brandon and Sheridon Storm, the end of one chapter of ministry became the unlikely beginning of Common Ground Church, a congregation built on a simple idea: church should be a place where everyone has a place, especially those who aren't sure they belong.

Today, Common Ground carries the slogan “Church for the Rest of Us,” a reflection of the couple's desire to reach people who are de-churched, have never been part of a church or simply don't feel at home in traditional church settings.

That vision wasn't where Brandon initially saw himself. Brandon had served as an associate pastor at a Bellefontaine church when a difficult decision about staffing left him without a position.

Brandon and Sheridon understood the decision, but understanding didn't make it painless. They had shared life with the people in that congregation, building relationships through small groups, ministry and the everyday connections of doing church together.

For Brandon, the experience left a deep hurt. He took what he described as a “mindless” job with a septic installation company and had little interest in returning to ministry….READ MORE…