Church History
Beginning
In the Spirit Christian Church started as an outreach ministry in 1998 under the name of Sharyn Cosby Ministries. In 2002, the name changed to In the Spirit Ministries. The ministry traveled offering evangelism services, wherever called and frequently held services in correctional facilities. However, it was after attending Phillips Theological Seminary to further develop her theological education, that she felt the pull of God to form a new church. Subsequently, being led by the Holy Spirit on Sunday, January 7, 2007 she gathered five individuals in her home to worship. A lesson from Isaiah 61:1-3 was taught, communion shared and the group committed to move forward in the mission that God had set before them.
Forming
The group soon moved from the home of Rev. Cosby to the Martin Regional Library, located at 2601 South Garnett, Tulsa, Oklahoma. The gathering community grew from five to approximately fifteen over the next several months. They leased their first church building, located at 2001 North Atlanta Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma in June 2007. It was a small three room building, which included a sanctuary, kitchenette with sitting area and an office. The congregation was grateful to have a place to call home. A sign was hung, the community continued to worship and grow. Soon after moving to the Atlanta location Soon the congregation was presented its Covenant of Formation document from the Christian Church in Oklahoma. It was official; In the Spirit Christian Church was a congregation in formation.
Chartering
Ministries were soon developed, such as Spirit Praise, a praise team and Ruah (Spirit), an inspirational dance group. Additionally, the ministry provided various community outreaches and an under care ministry, which included weekly correspondence, support and care to incarcerated individuals.
The community proved to be a viable ministry in the Tulsa area. Subsequently, April 2008 during the Christian Church in Oklahoma Regional Assembly, In the Spirit was recognized as a chartered congregation and given its Church Charter.
Growing
In the Spirit later entered an agreement with the Oklahoma Disciples Foundation and the worshipping community moved to its current located, 409 South Pittsburg Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma , September 2008. With approximately 14,000 square feet , the new facility afforded In the Spirit the ability to not only offer an eclectic worship experience, inclusive of anointed preaching and teaching, spirited praise and worship. Outreach programming include high school partnership, children, women and men's ministry, SpiritKids Learning Center and Spirit Seniors.
Continuing
In the Spirit continues to touch and transform lives while ministering the Gospel. The worship community continues to grow in numbers as it God’s purposes is being fulfilled.
