Bio
Pastor Ray Vernon is a strategic ministry operator, gifted communicator, and lead pastor with a proven ability to scale systems, build leaders, and shepherd teams. As Lead Pastor of CO Church and former Executive Pastor and Chief of Staff at The Word Church, one of the fastest-growing churches in Northeast Ohio, he has spent his ministry helping organizations grow while remaining deeply committed to the mission of reaching people with the Gospel.
From an early age, Pastor Ray embraced the call to ministry. As a teenager, he launched The Outsiders, a youth ministry that attracted more than 400 students weekly, while also helping organize major gatherings such as the L.I.T. (Leaders In Training) Conference, which drew nearly 2,000 attendees. His leadership continued in college, where he co-founded The Melting Pot, which became Ashland University's largest student-led ministry and organization of the year.
Today, Pastor Ray serves as the Lead Pastor of CO Church in Columbus, Ohio, a church centered on the Great Commission and committed to helping people live, love, and lead like Jesus. Known for his unique blend of executive leadership, cultural awareness, and authentic communication, he has dedicated his life to developing leaders, building healthy organizations, and helping people discover their God-given purpose.
Pastor Ray also led The Young Followers, one of the fastest-growing young adult ministries in the region, and has become a sought-after speaker whose insight, authenticity, and leadership perspective have made him a trusted voice among both emerging leaders and seasoned pastors. His ability to connect across generations continues to create opportunities to speak and lead in churches, conferences, and leadership environments around the country.
In addition to his church leadership, Pastor Ray is the founder of VARR, LLC, a digital media platform curating authentic Gospel-centered content, and VARR Studios, a creative storytelling company dedicated to helping ministries, churches, and brands communicate their stories with excellence.
A Cleveland native, Pastor Ray holds a degree in Religion with a minor in Business from Ashland University and is currently completing his Master of Divinity at Ashland Theological Seminary where he graduates in December. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Pastor Ray and his wife, Pastor Anasja Vernon, are passionate about building strong families, developing leaders, and serving the local church. They are the proud parents of R.A. Vernon III and Morae Vernon and are excited to welcome their third child, Raxton Vernon, in August 2026.
Whether from the pulpit, the boardroom, or the community, Pastor Ray brings clarity, conviction, and innovation to every space he leads.
