imported>Jjazz76 at 21:32, 4 April 2026

2026-04-04T21:32:27Z

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{{Short description|Christian organization based in Columbus, Ohio}}
{{Infobox church
| name = Dwell Community Church
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| image = Dwell Community Church.jpg
| image_size = 270px
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| caption = Main building
| mapframe-caption = Primary church location
| coordinates = {{coord|40.104919|-82.955891|region:US-OH_type:landmark |display=inline,title}}
| location = 1340 Community Park Drive, [[Columbus, Ohio]]
| country = United States
| language(s) =
| denomination = Nondenominational [[evangelical]]
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| membership = ~5,000<ref name="WOSU"/>
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| former names = Xenos Christian Fellowship, Fish Christian Fellowship
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| founded date = {{start date|1970}}
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| seniorpastor = Ryan Lowery, Conrad Hilario
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'''Dwell Community Church''', formerly '''Xenos Christian Fellowship''', is a non-traditional, non-denominational, institutional [[cell church]] system.<ref name="CTReach"/> Unlike traditional churches, Dwell is centered on [[house churches|home church]] activities rather than traditional Sunday morning services. These small groups typically contain 15 to 60 members.<ref name="Homechurches"/> Dwell also holds weekly multi-house church gatherings called central teachings.<ref name="HowDoWeGetThere"/> As of February 2009, Dwell has approximately 5,000 members and 300 home churches.<ref name="churchinchurch"/>

The church has been described by some as a cult, a label Dwell rejects. The church has faced allegations of abuse and control of its members.<ref name="WOSU" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=February 21, 2022|title='It's really tragic': Former members speak out against Columbus church|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/investigates/its-really-tragic-former-members-speak-out-against-columbus-church/|access-date=2022-02-22|website=NBC4 WCMH-TV|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|date=2022-02-24|title=Ex-Xenos members detail experiences leaving the church|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/ex-xenos-members-detail-experiences-leaving-the-church/|access-date=2022-02-24|website=NBC4 WCMH-TV|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-02-24|title=Leadership of Columbus church responds to allegations of abuse|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/leadership-of-columbus-church-responds-to-allegations-of-abuse/|access-date=2022-02-24|website=NBC4 WCMH-TV|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|date=2022-02-25|title=Former Xenos leader describes tactics, manipulation used by church|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus/former-xenos-leader-describes-tactics-manipulation-used-by-church/|access-date=2022-02-25|website=NBC4 WCMH-TV|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Name==
The church was originally called Fish House Fellowship when founded in 1970. In 1982, the church adopted the name Xenos Christian Fellowship, with [[Xenos (Greek)|Xenos]] meaning "stranger" or "alien" in ancient Greek.<ref name="history"/> According to church literature, the primary use of the name Xenos in the [[New Testament]] denotes [[sojourners]] in a foreign land, a biblical description of Christians whose ultimate home is in heaven. A secondary usage of the word Xenos denotes "one who provides hospitality."<ref name="history" />

In 2020, the organization changed its name to Dwell Community Church.<ref name=":0"/> Dwell said the name was aimed to better reflect the church, sound less antiquated, and be easier to pronounce. Critics said the name change was an attempt for the church to distance itself from allegations and controversy.<ref name="WOSU"/>

==History==
Dwell originated as a Christian [[underground newspaper]] called "The Fish" first published in 1970 around the [[Ohio State University]], in [[Columbus, Ohio]], by brothers Dennis and Bruce McCallum.<ref name="TheFish"/><ref name="WOSU"/> The newspaper sparked the formation of [[Bible study (Christian)|bible study]] groups around the university.<ref name="CTReach"/><ref name="history"/> Bible studies were conducted for several years at the "Fish House," a large campus-area residence where a group of OSU students lived. The group was known as "Fish House Fellowship" at the time. During this period, the leaders, Dennis McCallum and Gary Delashmutt, supported themselves as house painters, with some occasional help from fellowship members, under the name "Christian Brothers Painting". As the church grew, it was permitted to use at least two local churches for its central meetings, and eventually rented out large warehouse spaces located near Sinclair Road. Coincident with this growth, McCallum and Delashmutt quit house painting and were supported by church donations and pledges. The name "Xenos Christian Fellowship" was adopted in 1982.<ref name="WOSU"/> Up to 1991, home churches were allowed to act somewhat independently. 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. In February 2020, the church again took on a new name, Dwell Community Church.<ref name="WOSU"/>

The remaining leaders added accountability mechanisms and structures to standardize church doctrine and regulate house churches.<ref name="ShrinkChurch"/> House church leaders are required to meet biblical qualifications, the character qualifications given in [[I Timothy]] 3.<ref name="ShrinkChurch" /> Leaders are also trained in classroom settings and given examinations.

In 1991 Dwell launched Urban Concern, a Christian inner-city charity recognized by President George H. Bush in his "[[Thousand Points of Light]]" awards.<ref name="AutoN9-1"/> Together with Columbus city government and business leaders, Dwell continues to expand Urban Concern and contributes the majority of its financial and volunteer resources.<ref name="AnnualReport"/> In 2007 Dwell constructed a [[Christian school]] and community center in the inner city.<ref name="AutoN9-2"/> Dwell also provides two free clinics for the underprivileged in the Columbus area.<ref name="AutoN9-3"/><ref name="LanternClinics"/>

==Facilities==
Dwell operates a study center near the [[Ohio State University]] campus, a site for students to read, study, and attend weekly church meetings.<ref name="WOSU"/>

===Schools===
Dwell runs three [[private school]]s and a highschool in the Columbus area: Dwell (pre-kindergarten), Calumet (pre-kindergarten–8th grade), and Harambee (pre-kindergarten–8th grade).<ref name="privateschools"/> The newest addition, Akili high school, opened in 2020. Akili boasts several features uncommonly found in area high schools, including strong emphasis on career, trade, and life readiness, as well as a satellite option for collegebound upperclassmen hosted on the [[Franklin University]] campus.

==Xenos Summer Institute==
The Xenos Summer Institute was founded in 1996 as the Crossroads Project. It was originally a 9-day [[apologetics]] conference, but has since transformed into a 3-day conference regarding a broader scope of interests.<ref name="AutoN9-4"/><ref name="AutoN9-5"/> Each year, one of the guest speakers hosts a course in conjunction with the conference that can be taken for college credit through [[Trinity Evangelical Divinity School]].<ref name="AutoN9-6"/><ref name="AutoN9-7"/> In 2013, there were 3,300 attendees at the conference.<ref name="AutoN9-8"/>

==Criticism==

Dwell has faced allegations of behavioral control, emotional abuse, and exploitation which critics claim constitute [[religious abuse]].<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2022-02-22|title=Former Columbus church members say mentors shared intimate sexual details|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/investigates/former-columbus-church-members-say-mentors-shared-intimate-sexual-details/|access-date=2022-02-23|website=NBC4 WCMH-TV|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2022-02-23|title=Former Xenos church members describe dangerous living conditions|url=https://www.nbc4i.com/news/investigates/former-xenos-church-members-describe-dangerous-living-conditions/|access-date=2022-02-23|website=NBC4 WCMH-TV|language=en-US}}</ref> Named and anonymous ex-members have shared allegations.<ref name=":8" /> A former member of Dwell maintains a website titled "Xenos Is A Cult", which shares hundreds of allegations of controlling and cult-like behavior, including over 150 testimonials of abuse from parents, friends, and ex-members.<ref name="WOSU" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Xenos is a Cult.|url=https://www.xenosisacult.com/|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Xenos is a Cult.|language=en-US}}</ref> Some stories date back to the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Xenos Deals with the Cult Accusation.|url=https://www.xenosisacult.com/how-xenos-deals-with-the-cult-accusation|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Xenos is a Cult.|language=en-US}}</ref> Rick Alan Ross, executive director of the [[Rick Alan Ross|Cult Education Institute]], said the criticism of Dwell is significant and that older, larger Christian organizations have not faced the same negative criticism.<ref name="Dispatch 2018" /> SpiritWatch Ministries, a Christian organization that monitors spiritual abuse and cult-like activities, say the practices ex-members describe are comparable to cults.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

Allegations include giving alcohol and tobacco to minors,<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Drugs Examples|url=https://www.xenosisacult.com/drugs-examples|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Xenos is a Cult.|language=en-US}}</ref> overcrowded, dangerous and unhygienic conditions in church-organized shared living "ministry houses",<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Screen Captures|url=https://www.xenosisacult.com/resources-page|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Xenos is a Cult.|language=en-US}}</ref> lack of privacy,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name="Dispatch 2018" /> intimidation,<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Parents|url=https://www.xenosisacult.com/parents-1|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Xenos is a Cult.|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Submitted Stories|url=https://www.xenosisacult.com/new-index|access-date=2022-02-22|website=Xenos is a Cult.|language=en-US}}</ref> financial abuse,<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 6, 2019|title=Seven New Stories 3/6/2019|url=https://www.xenosisacult.com/new-index|access-date=2022-02-23|website=Xenos is a Cult.|language=en-US}}</ref> gay conversion practices,<ref name=":5" /> [[love bombing]],<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=Love Bombing|url=https://www.xenosisacult.com/lovebombing-examples|access-date=2022-02-23|website=Xenos is a Cult.|language=en-US}}</ref> controlling member's medical decisions,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Mental Health|url=https://www.xenosisacult.com/section-1|access-date=2022-02-23|website=Xenos is a Cult.|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> shunning to include shunning members suffering mental illness<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /> and shunning ex-members who leave of their own volition,<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |title=Dwell Community Church is a Cult {{!}} Xenos is a Cult {{!}} Columbus |url=https://www.dwellchurchcolumbusisacult.com/ |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=Dwell is a Cult |language=en}}</ref> mishandling accusations of sexual abuse,<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":5" /> shaming minors after their sexual information was extracted and shared with adults,<ref name=":2" /> time demands at the expense of school, work, and relationships with non-members,<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name="Dispatch 2018" /> pressure to cut ties with friends and family outside the church,<ref name="Dispatch 2018" /> and other forms of abuse and control.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name="WOSU" /><ref name="Dispatch 2018" />

Dwell has denied allegations of religious abuse and labeled claims by former members as miscommunication or interpersonal conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBC4 Dialogue {{!}} Dwell Community Church |url=https://dwellcc.org/NBC4Dialogue |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=dwellcc.org}}</ref> Articles on the Dwell website written by the church's co-founder, Dennis McCallum, denies claims of abuse or toxic practices within the organization, stating that allegations are often motivated by hate or are exaggerated interpersonal conflicts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Toxic Faith, By Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton: A Critical Evaluation {{!}} Dwell Community Church |url=https://dwellcc.org/learning/essays/toxic-faith-stephen-arterburn-and-jack-felton-critical-evaluation |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=dwellcc.org}}</ref>

=== Accountability Practices ===
Dwell's accountability system has led to members being removed from the church for not following what the church believes to be the teachings of the Bible. Some former members, such as former leader Ian Martin, call the practice of removal [[excommunication]].<ref name=":8" /> Members who have been removed have expressed that they feel isolated from the community and [[Shunning|shunned]] from within. While Dwell leaders publicly encouraged close and loving relationships with non-Christians, some Dwell members have felt while part of the church that they have been pressured to cut ties from "non-Christian" friends and family members. Dwell leadership claims many of the teachings of the church reflect a traditional interpretation of Christianity, although some of the church's practices have been described by the media and prior members as being cult-like.<ref name="Dispatch 2018" /><ref name=":9" />

==References==
<references>

<ref name="WOSU">{{Cite web|url=https://news.wosu.org/news/2020-02-07/xenos-changing-church-name-to-dwell-but-skeptics-remain|title=Xenos Changing Church Name to 'Dwell,' but Skeptics Remain|date=8 February 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="CTReach">{{cite book|last=Yount |first=William |author2=Barnett, Mike |title=Called to Reach: Equipping Cross-Cultural Disciplers|publisher=B&H Academic|date= 2007-01-01|pages=200|isbn=978-0-8054-4066-9}}</ref>
<ref name="Homechurches">{{cite web|last=McCallum |first=Dennis |title=Home Groups: Why? What? and How? |website=Xenos.org |url=http://www.xenos.org/homegroups/theory.htm |access-date=2009-07-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090308011150/http://www.xenos.org/homegroups/theory.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2009 }}</ref>
<ref name="HowDoWeGetThere">{{cite book|last=Boren|first=M. Scott|title=How Do We Get There From Here|publisher=Touch Publications|date=May 2007|edition=Revised|pages=52, 63|isbn=978-0-9788779-1-0}}</ref>
<ref name="churchinchurch">{{cite news| last = Heagney| first = Meredith| title = Church within a church | publisher = The Columbus Dispatch| date = 2009-02-13| url = http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/faith_values/stories/2009/02/13/smallgroups.ART_ART_02-13-09_B4_SRCRORR.html| access-date = 2009-05-08}}</ref>
<ref name="history">{{cite web | title=History of Dwell| url=https://dwellcc.org/about-dwell/history| date= 2009-05-10| publisher=Xenos Christian Fellowship | access-date=August 24, 2021}}</ref>
<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Xenos to Transition to a New Name|url=https://www.xenos.org/namechange|access-date=2021-03-17|website=www.xenos.org}}</ref>
<ref name="TheFish">{{cite news|last=Shade|first=Rita|date=February 18, 1971|title='Fish' promotes Christ|url=https://osupublicationarchives.osu.edu/?a=d&d=LTN19710218-01.2.41&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN-------|work=[[The Lantern]]|access-date=February 15, 2021}}</ref>
<ref name="ShrinkChurch">{{cite book|last=Page|first=Frank|author2=Perry, John |title=The Incredible Shrinking Church |publisher=B&H Books|date=2008-03-01|pages=97–98|isbn=978-0-8054-4661-6}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoN9-1">[http://www.xenos.org/ministries/urbanconcern/history.htm history of Urban Concern].</ref>
<ref name="AnnualReport">{{cite web |title=Xenos Annual Reports |website=Xenos.org |url=http://www.xenos.org/aboutxenos/reports.htm}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoN9-2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.xenos.org/ministries/urbanconcern/HarambeeCenter.htm |title=Harambee Center |access-date=2009-01-20 |archive-date=2008-12-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218065633/http://www.xenos.org/ministries/urbanconcern/harambeecenter.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="AutoN9-3">[http://www.xenos.org/news/world-ministries/xenos-free-clinics Xenos Free Clinics] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626144037/http://www.xenos.org/news/world-ministries/xenos-free-clinics |date=June 26, 2009 }}</ref>
<ref name="LanternClinics">{{cite news| last = Hoover| first = Amy| title = Clinics offer affordable care| publisher = The Lantern| date = 2008-10-15| url = http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2008/10/15/Metro/Clinics.Offer.Affordable.Care-3486753.shtml| access-date = 2009-05-08}}</ref>
<ref name="privateschools">{{cite web | title=Xenos Christian Schools |date=2009-05-10 |website=Xenos.org |url=http://www.xenos.org/xcs/ |access-date=2009-05-10}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoN9-4">{{cite web|title=The Xenos Summer Institute Practical Affordable Home Church Conference|url=http://ratiochristi.org/news-events/event/the-xenos-summer-institute-practical-affordable-home-church-conference|website=Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoN9-5">{{cite web|title=FAQs|url=https://www.xenos.org/xsi/faq|website=Xenos Christian Fellowship|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoN9-6">{{cite web|title=TEDS Wrap Around Course|url=http://divinity.tiu.edu/xenos-summer-institute/|website=Trinity Evangelical Divinity School|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoN9-7">{{cite web|url=http://divinity.tiu.edu/extension-site/columbus-oh/|website=Trinity Evangelical Divinity School|access-date=5 October 2016|title=Columbus, OH | Trinity Evangelical Divinity School}}</ref>
<ref name="AutoN9-8">{{cite web|last1=Dillon|first1=Pamela|title=Xenos conference offers multiple focal points for outreach|url=http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/lifestyles/xenos-conference-offers-multiple-focal-points-for-/ngDjN/|website=Dayton Daily News|access-date=5 October 2016}}</ref>
<ref name="Dispatch 2018">{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Danae |title=Xenos critics say church is controlling |url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20181126/xenos-critics-say-church-is-controlling |access-date=11 November 2021 |work=[[The Columbus Dispatch]] |publisher=[[Gannett]] |date=26 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824224505/https://www.dispatch.com/news/20181126/xenos-critics-say-church-is-controlling |archive-date=24 August 2021}}</ref>

</references>

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.dwellcc.org/}}

[[Category:Evangelical churches in Ohio]]
[[Category:Christian organizations established in 1970]]
[[Category:20th-century Protestant churches]]
[[Category:Student religious organizations based in the United States]]
[[Category:1970 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Churches in Columbus, Ohio]]
[[Category:Christian new religious movements]]
[[Category:Religion fellowships]]

Dwell Community Church - Revision history

imported>Jjazz76 at 21:32, 4 April 2026