We are a community of encouragement

St. Barnabas is a diverse and inter-generational church, creating a warm and inviting community where children, youth, families, and older adults can grow together into a loving, liberating and life-giving relationship with God, with each other, and with the earth. We also have a rich history of lay-led ministry, celebrating the unique gifts of our members and promoting shared leadership.

The Episcopal Church

St. Barnabas is part of The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Southern Ohio. The Episcopal Church is a multinational denomination that welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ. 

The mission of the church is “to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.” 

In step with that mission, The Episcopal Church follows Jesus into loving, liberating, and life-giving relationships with God, with each other, and with the earth.  

We are the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement.

The Jesus Movement

The Jesus Movement is the ongoing community of people who center their lives on Jesus and following him into loving, liberating and life-giving relationship with God, each other and creation.

Together, we follow Jesus as we love God with our whole heart, soul and mind and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40), and restore each other and all of creation to unity with God in Christ (BCP, p. 855).

Jesus launched this movement when he welcomed the first disciples to follow his loving, liberating, life-giving Way. Today, we participate in his movement with our whole lives: our prayer, worship, teaching, preaching, gathering, healing, action, family, work, play and rest.

As the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement, and followers of Jesus’ Way, we seek to live like him. We’re serious about moving out to grow loving, liberating, life-giving relationships with God; to grow those relationships with each other; grow those relationships with all of creation.

History of St. Barnabas Montgomery

Back in 1981, the St. Barnabas Episcopal Community was born. Led by Rev. George Hill, it all began as a mission of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Kenwood. Instead of a traditional church building, our first gatherings were held in the welcoming homes of our members and other churches. Then, on December 1st, 1981, we held our very first service at Sycamore High School, which remained our spiritual home for a decade.

Right from the start, we knew we wanted to serve our local community. We built a lasting relationship with Findlay Neighborhood House in Cincinnati’s OTR, and launched an adult care facility in Montgomery. In 1990, our dedicated parishioners rolled up their sleeves and broke ground on our very own church building, saving money through months of hard work and volunteer labor. We started with a sanctuary and offices, then gradually added classrooms and a parish hall, thanks to our tireless volunteers.

In 1999, when a devastating F4 tornado hit Montgomery, St. Barnabas opened its doors to serve as an emergency response center, providing much-needed communications, supplies, and volunteer coordination. Being a pillar in our community was always part of our vision, and it continues to be at the heart of who we are.


St. Barnabas is a community that champions creativity, innovation and the arts. We've hosted a variety of musical groups and arts programs over the years. Today, we keep responding to the needs and hopes of our community, just as we've always done. We invite you to join us as we continue this beautiful journey.

Our Values

  • We believe our primary purpose is to invite people to grow in their relationship with God. Together, we create opportunities for worship, learning, and building friendships that support us in our faith journey.

    St. Barnabas is part of the Episcopal Church, a branch of the Anglican Communion, a family of churches around the world. We are grounded in a shared practice of common prayer. Learn more about the Episcopal Church.

  • All are welcome – we believe God loves us all, no exceptions! We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being.

  • We are courageous in faith. We believe that God is always inviting us to new opportunities and so we are a people willing to take risks, try new things, and remain curious and open to God’s guidance in all that we do. We believe that our faith compels us to action and a life of service, offering what we have to bring healing and hope in the world.

  • As a community of encouragement, we celebrate the diverse gifts of our members. We believe that ministry is the work of all God’s people. We welcome everyone to share in the leadership of our church and we value teamwork as we organize our church’s ministries. We are a church that likes to roll up our sleeves and build and create things together.