History
Xenos originated as a "underground" Christian newspaper called "The Fish House" first published in the 1970 around Ohio State University, in Columbus, Ohio. The newspaper sparked the formation of bible study groups around the university. Up to 1991, home churches were allowed to "do own thing". Some members refused to accept the church hierarchy, and its interpretation of the Bible. Around 1,400 members left the church in this three-year church conflict.
The remaining leaders added accountability mechanisms and structures to standardize church doctrine and regulate house churches. House church leaders are required to meet what the church feels as biblical qualifications, the character qualifications given in I Timothy 3. Leaders are also trained in classroom settings and given examinations.
In 1991 Xenos launched Urban Concern, a Christian inner-city charity recognized by President George H. Bush in his "Thousand Points of Light" awards. Together with Columbus city government and business leaders, Xenos continues to expand Urban Concern and contributes the majority of its financial and volunteer resources. In 2007 Xenos constructed a Christian school and community center in the inner city. Xenos also provides two free clinics for the underprivileged in the Columbus area.
Read more about this topic: Xenos Christian Fellowship
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