About IPC
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For more than 100 years, we’ve been part of the spiritual fabric of the Ohio State University and the greater Columbus community
Who we are.
Founded in 1916, Indianola Presbyterian is a Christian church located in the University District of Columbus (a block behind Buckeye Donuts).
We’re progressive and traditional, young and aging, tree-huggers and white collars, open-minded and learning, contemplative and questioning, prayerful, creative, and active. Folks just like you.
People who are just trying to figure out the mysteries of God, and better understand what all God has do with us.
We are home to artists and activists, queer and questioning, OSU students/faculty/staff and life-long learners, families and singles, introverts and extroverts, natives and transplants, Neighbors from this neighborhood and from almost all of Columbus’ other neighborhoods.
Our worship is casual & informal, and the Spirit moves through classic & contemporary songs, stories, rituals, prayer, and art.
What we believe.
Indianola belongs to the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination.
We use the full range of scriptural and traditional language, reflecting God’s diversity as feminine & masculine, powerful & vulnerable. We honor the integrity of the cultural language of oppressed people groups, though we may find it unsettling. We seek to imitate Christ’s language of peace and equality amidst the oppressive, patriarchal culture reflected in the Bible.
We speak of inclusion, deliverance, and justice for all people.
and then we believe in following up that belief with our actions.
The PC (USA) affirms all LGBTQ people and defines marriage as a lifelong covenant between any two people.
Land Acknowledgement
Indianola Presbyterian Church occupies the ancestral and contemporary lands of the Shawnee, Potawatomi, Delaware, Miami, Peoria, Seneca, Wyandotte, Ojibwe, and Cherokee peoples [citation]. The church resides on land ceded in the 1795 Treaty of Greeneville and the forced removal of tribal nations through the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Even our name “Indianola” (originally chosen for the church because we are situated in the historic neighborhood “Indianola Forest”) derives its origin from the word “Indian” and the Spanish Word “ola” or “wave.” We are committed to not only acknowledge the wrong done to the native peoples of this land, but also heal and repair that wrong as we advocate for their rights and their welfare in this country.
We believe in putting our faith into action. Together, we strive to address the needs of those who are marginalized in our neighborhood and city. Each Week, we collect and donate food to Neighborhood Services Inc., our neighborhood food pantry. Motivated by the climate crisis and our love for creation we became an Earth Care Congregation committed to doing our part to stop climate change, reduce waste, and ensure our planet’s future welfare. national and international crises involving refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers, we became a sanctuary church and continue to serve and support those affected by these issues.
Our staff
Emeriti Staff
We give thanks and recognize the years of humble service and faithful ministry given by our Staff Emeriti.
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Rev. Susan Warrener Smith
Associate Pastor Emerita
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Dr. Douglas Slusher
Director of Music Emeritus