Pastor supports, grows future church leaders

by Samantha Lumpkin 

Jordan Neimetz, worship and young adult pastor, recently won the Leader Development Award through the Ohio Ministry Network. He was nominated for this state level award because of his efforts in identifying, training, resourcing and equipping new leaders within Rockside Church in Independence.

As a credentialed pastor through the Ohio Ministry Network, Neimetz and his wife, Leah, have been serving at Rockside Church since October 2019. The OMN hosts an annual Celebration Tour, visiting 13 areas across Ohio to celebrate the local Assembly of God churches. As part of this tour, the OMN recognizes leaders who excel in their four “Every Disciplines,” which are leader development, church health, church multiplication and missions partnership.

To satisfy these disciplines, Neimetz developed the church’s musicians through an activity called Jam Nights. In 2019, he launched a monthly night for people to come together, learn the basics of playing an instrument or singing, and explore their musical gifts. This initiative became a pipeline for developing musicians and vocalists to serve with Rockside Church’s Sunday worship team. Since then, the team has doubled, with new leaders stepping up and individuals growing confident in their musical ability. 

He also empowered leaders at Vitalia Active Adult Community. Shortly after connecting with the Vitalia Active Adult Community, church leaders began hosting Bible studies for residents three times a month. While Neimetz is the official lead of the team, he is intentional about giving others the chance to lead lessons, music and prayer times.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see our team members grow in confidence and step into leadership, often allowing me to simply support and watch as they thrive,” he said.

Recently, Rockside Church has seen an influx of young adults joining their community, and the church started a monthly “Life Group” where the young adults eat, discuss the Bible and pray together.

“I had the privilege of mentoring a newly married couple who met through this group, as they stepped up to lead it,” said Neimetz. “I provided oversight and guidance initially, but my goal is to fully hand off leadership to them and watch them grow. The journey to becoming a leader in these areas has been unexpected but rewarding.”

About a month after starting at Rockside, Rockside Church Lead Pastor Michele Thompson asked Neimetz to teach a breakout class for those involved in lay ministry. When guiding this ministry, he said he asks himself, “How do you grow your team?” For him, the answer is to “give it away.”

“It’s not really ‘my’ team; everything comes from God, and I’m simply stewarding what He’s entrusted to me,” he said.

Thompson said Neimetz has shown his commitment to the church and its mission of worship over the past five years and acts as a multiplier for the church. ∞

Main photo: Jordan Neimetz (center) receives the Leader Development Award this fall. Photo submitted.