Biblical foundation
The biblical foundation of the church (and its name) is found in
Ephesians 2:15-16 –
15: Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself one new man, so making peace;
16: And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
One Body by the Cross Church was founded in 2007 by Pastor "Sam" Blankenship due to an organization forcing UNscriptural doctrine on the congregation of which Pastor "Sam" was Senior Pastor of. Feeling it was unwise to stand with them, rather than go against God's word, he choose to not accept the worldly doctrine and resigned. Led by the Holy Spirit this ministry was founded on and in the TRUTH, not in the world.
On April 20, 2008, Pastor "Sam" Blankenship resigned from his position as head pastor of the church and chose to move out of state. Seeking the Lord's guidance and will for her life, Mrs. Brenda Blankenship took over all duties and responsibilities of the church and it's members. In May, 2010, after many prayers and a lot of studying, She accepted her calling as Pastor of the church, obtained her ministry license, and added the title of "Pastor" to her name.
The beginning of May, 2009 - due to a growing need within the church - Wednesday night services began. It was decided by the Board of Directors for this to become a "learning" service with the teaching of a message to be given, rather than the traditional Bible study that is generally held through the city. The concept behind the "learning" service was for the "message" to be based on subject topics submitted by the congregation via a "suggestion" jar. Pastor chose a suggestion, read and studied on the topic, then delivered the message to help each member grow spiritually. Occasionally, messages were given based on Bible stories, game "nights" were observed to keep the youth entertained, and a "reverse" message was also included.
Here we GROW again -- new members added and in July, 2012 - Pastor Brenda Blankenship became Pastor Brenda Dudas.
One thing we have learned more than anything is when there is a need one will be provided. In this case, the need of our Mid Week Service has decreased and as of November, 2013 has been placed on hold - until further notice.
October, 2013 - The church was relocated from 732 Main Street, Toledo, OH 43605 to the Community Room at Troy Villa, 3560 Truman Road, Perrysburg, OH. 43551.
April, 2015, saw the relocation of our Pastor from colder northern Ohio, to warmer, wetter South Carolina, and thus we went digital for our broadcasts.
May, 2015 - Seeking to increase our network, our presence was established on social media. Today our profile, in partnership with our webpage, carries our live service to anyone who calls our church "home" as well as those that are not able to attend a "traditional" service. Having added this outreach method came many years prior to the pandemic of 2019, thus allowing us to be ahead of many other flocks.
September, 2026 - After many months of collaborations, and ALOT of hard work, Brother Aaron led the charge of the webpage redesign, which was rolled out and posted for all to enjoy