A Church That Cares: Welcoming Pastor Tennille Power and a New Season of Grace

In a time when many are searching for belonging, purpose, and healing, two local congregations are coming together in a powerful expression of unity and hope. North Olmsted and Rockport United Methodist Churches have entered a Cooperative Church arrangement and welcomed a new pastor, Rev. Tennille Power—whose ministry embodies compassion, inclusion, and strength.

Pastor Power brings more than 10 years of experience in ministry, along with a unique spiritual heritage that spans the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and Catholicism. A native of Chicago and part of the Northern Illinois Conference, she previously served at First United Methodist Church of Elyria and was featured on the East Ohio Conference podcast for her inspiring call story. She joins us with her family, husband Bryant, and 3 adult children.

Her journey began in childhood, where the love of church and community took root. She was the first female altar server in her Catholic school and chose to delay law school to care for family—an early sign of the path her life would take. That path has since included pastoral care for thousands, including survivors of sexual violence, people navigating illness, and families yearning for connection.

Pastor Power doesn’t just preach love—she practices it. From joyful pastoral visits to creating space for children to feel free and welcome in worship, her ministry is centered on the belief that church should be a sanctuary of healing, joy, and belonging for all. She believes parents should be comfortable allowing their children to move about the sanctuary during worship so they can learn to love the community of family surrounding them. It’s a simple yet profound reminder that the church is alive when people feel free to be themselves.

As a woman of color in clergy, Pastor Power acknowledges the challenges of leading in spaces not always built for her voice. But with quiet strength and a deep faith rooted in Galatians 3:28—“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus”—she leads by example. Her message is clear: there is no hierarchy in God’s love.

In a world often marked by division and doubt, Pastor Power and the cooperative ministry between North Olmsted and Rockport UMCs stand as a living testament to what’s possible when churches come together to thrive in love and grace.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s still a place for you in church… there is. If you’ve been hurt, overlooked, or simply uncertain of where to turn… come and see. There are communities still committed to justice, kindness, and welcome. There are leaders who will listen. There is a seat for you, and a circle of people who believe, together, that the love of Christ is for everyone.

Take heart—these churches are proof that compassion and community are still alive, still growing, and still open to you.