Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Church can feel like a lot of things to a lot of people. For some, it's a place they grew up in and drifted away from. For others, it's somewhere they've never been but keep thinking about. And for some, it's a place that left a bad taste and they're not sure they're ready to try again.

Whatever brought you to this page, we want you to know that CedarCreek Toledo was built with you in mind. Not a polished version of you. Just you, as you are, right now.

What CedarCreek's Welcoming Culture Looks Like

We talk a lot at CedarCreek about belonging before believing. It's not just a phrase we put on a wall, it's the actual posture we try to take toward every person who walks through our doors. You don't have to have your faith figured out. You don't have to agree with everything you hear. You don't have to be on your best behavior or dress a certain way or pretend that life is going great.

You just have to show up. Everything else can happen at your own pace, in your own time.

That culture shows up in the small things. Our DreamTeam volunteers are there to welcome you, not recruit you. The service is about an hour and won't put you on the spot. The message connects to real life, not just church life. And the coffee is free.

How a First Visit at CedarCreek Toledo Feels

Walking into a new place for the first time takes courage, and we don't take that lightly. When you arrive at either of our Toledo campuses, South Toledo at 2150 South Byrne Rd. or West Toledo at 2600 West Sylvania Ave, someone will be there to welcome you, help you find your way around, and answer any questions you have. There's no membership card, no expectations, and no awkward moment where you have to introduce yourself to the whole room.

Services run about an hour and include live worship music, a Bible-based message that connects to everyday life, and time afterward to connect with others if you want to. If you're bringing kids, CedarCreek Kids runs at all the same service times so the whole family is taken care of together.

South Toledo meets Sundays at 9am and 11am. West Toledo meets Saturdays at 5pm and Sundays at 8:30am, 10am and 11:30am.

The People Leading Our Toledo Campuses

One of the things that makes our Toledo campuses feel different is the people leading them.

At South Toledo, Campus Pastor Seth Oswald leads with a story that a lot of people in Toledo connect with deeply. Before stepping into ministry, Seth faced years of drug addiction and brokenness. In January 2012, during his darkest season, he encountered the grace of Jesus and his life began to change. That experience shapes everything about how he leads the South Toledo campus, with honesty, compassion, and a genuine belief that transformation is possible for anyone. Seth and his wife Sam are raising their three boys right here in this community.

At West Toledo, Campus Pastor Ed Bellner has deep roots in the West Toledo community and has been part of CedarCreek since its early days. His approach is grounded and relational, built around meeting people where they are rather than where you think they should be.

Steps to Find Your Church Home at CedarCreek Toledo

Finding a church home doesn't happen in a single visit — and we're not trying to rush you toward anything. Here's how most people find their footing at CedarCreek Toledo:

The first step is just showing up to a service. Get a feel for it. See how it lands. You don't need to talk to anyone, sign up for anything, or make any kind of decision. Just come and observe.

From there, when you're ready, groups are one of the most natural next steps. They meet throughout the Toledo area and are built around shared life stages and interests — a low-pressure way to start building real friendships with people who are asking similar questions.

If you want to understand your purpose and where you fit, GrowthTrack is a free 4-week program that helps you do exactly that. And if you'd rather start from home before coming in person, every service is available live and on demand at watch.cedarcreek.tv.

Plan Your First Visit

What's Available Beyond Sunday

CedarCreek Toledo isn't just a Sunday experience. Both campuses offer Celebrate Recovery — a weekly Christ-centered program for anyone working through a hurt, habit, or hang-up. The CommunityCare Free Medical Clinic runs out of our South Toledo campus, providing comprehensive healthcare to uninsured and underinsured members of the community. And Second Saturday Serves happen monthly, giving you a way to serve your neighbors and connect with others at the same time.

There's also pastoral care available for significant life moments — support for weddings, funerals, and hospital visits — because we believe a church should show up for you in the hard seasons, not just the easy ones.

Get Connected at CedarCreek Toledo

FAQs

Q: How can I find a church home if I'm new to Toledo?

A: Start by visiting one of our Toledo campuses — South Toledo or West Toledo. Both offer a welcoming, no-pressure environment where newcomers can explore faith and community at their own pace, with no expectations on a first visit.

Q: What makes CedarCreek a welcoming church for newcomers?

A: We lead with belonging before belief. That means you're welcome here before you've figured anything out — no dress code, no pressure to commit, and no moment where you'll feel put on the spot.

Q: Can I visit CedarCreek if I'm unsure about faith?

A: Absolutely. A lot of the people in our community came in with doubts, questions, or a complicated history with church. Those things don't disqualify you. Watch a Service Online First

Q: What programs does CedarCreek offer for people looking to build community?

A: Semester-based groups for all ages, Second Saturday Serves, GrowthTrack, Celebrate Recovery, kids and student ministry, and year-round outreach programs — there are multiple on-ramps depending on where you are and what you're looking for.