At Faith Church in Sandusky, Ohio, ministry has always been about more than Sunday services. Under the leadership of Pastor Tom Groot, the church lives by a simple conviction: be a church for the community, not just a church in it. That conviction is what led Faith Church into partnership with Backyard Orphans.
“Caring for widows and orphans isn’t optional. It’s a mandate,” Pastor Tom shared. “But not every church is called to do the same thing.”
For years, Faith Church supported foster children through practical, tangible support such as gift cards at Christmas. But as Pastor Tom looked deeper, a sobering reality emerged. Children are being placed in homes out of county, often separating siblings, because there simply aren’t enough foster families locally. “That’s when it hit me,” he said. “The problem isn’t small. It is hidden.”
Rather than feeling overwhelmed, Faith Church became energized. Erie County’s size made the challenge feel solvable, and the church’s strong relationships with civic and county leaders created an opportunity to respond quickly and collaboratively. “If even a few churches catch the vision, we can address the need in our county!” Pastor Tom said hopefully.
Rather than rushing into a ministry model, Faith Church is taking a thoughtful, sustainable approach—discerning leadership ownership, building internal support systems, and inviting Backyard Orphans to help train and guide the process. “We want to create a safe on-ramp,” Pastor Tom said. “A place where people can say yes to God’s call without being overwhelmed.”
While they’re still in the early stages of formalizing the ministry, the vision is clear. With trusted partnerships, community credibility, and a growing awareness of the need, Faith Church is positioning itself to change trajectories for children, families, and the community right in their own backyard.