Remembering Pastor Roz, the Founder of West Ohio Christian Chamber
I write this through tears, with a heavy heart, as I honor a great man of God—a champion for the Christian Chamber movement, a front-line warrior pushing back against what the enemy sought to take. Pastor Roz saw the brokenness in our nation and businesses and took action to rebuild the wall (Nehemiah 1:1-7:73).
The West Ohio Christian Chamber of Commerce was the first Christian Chamber I helped launch, and Pastor Roz stood boldly at the forefront of this movement. His life ended far too soon, yet he built a lasting organization that will forever impact Lima and seven counties.
Our first encounter with Pastor Roz and his wife, Heather, was on November 20, 2022, when they connected with us through a pop-up form on our website. It was clear that this man was on a mission for God. As a longtime member of his local chamber, he had become increasingly troubled by its direction—events centered around alcohol, an annual meeting featuring gambling, and the addition of an adult products store named Adam & Eve listed alongside his business. Even more troubling, the chamber actively recruited and supported businesses that did not align with strong community values, while celebrating establishments like Adam & Eve with ribbon cuttings and promotions.
Pastor Roz knew he could no longer, in good conscience, support an organization endorsing such businesses.
When he raised these concerns, he was told nothing could be done. But as he prayed, he heard the Lord say that he had to do something. That was when he discovered the Christian Chamber model—God’s vehicle to reawaken the body of Christ in the business community of Lima and beyond.
With passion and vision, Pastor Roz assembled a team and got to work. The West Ohio CCC launched and flourished, growing to over 100 members in just 12 months. Even as he continued running the Neighborhood Relief Thrift Store and Neighborhood Relief Ministries, he remained dedicated to the Christian Chamber. His leadership was inspiring; many who sought to start their own Christian chambers turned to him for wisdom. When he spoke at the Central Florida Christian Chamber, his message was so powerful that an excerpt from his talk still resonates today click here.
His impact extended beyond his own community. He became a published author in Kingdom Commerce, contributing chapter 4, “Led by the Holy Spirit.” He and Heather attended the Christian Business Expo and Global Conference, not only as attendees but as servant leaders. Their generosity knew no bounds—they even funded multiple scholarships so others could attend and be equipped for Kingdom work.
Shortly after the conference, Pastor Roz was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. On January 22, 2025, he went home to be with the Lord. While he is no longer physically with us, the work of his hands, heart, and spirit lives on. He touched countless lives through his business, sermons, writing, ministries, and leadership at the West Ohio Christian Chamber of Commerce. He was a businessman who fully surrendered his life to God’s mission.
To learn more about Pastor Roz’s life, read his obituary here.
I was honored that he called me his friend, and I will deeply miss serving with him. If you feel called to serve beyond what you are doing today, don’t wait. There is work to be done, and a wall to rebuild. As Pastor Roz knew so well, we cannot do it alone. We need every soldier in this fight.
May we continue the mission Pastor Roz so faithfully led. His legacy will grow, strengthening businesses, transforming cities, and advancing the Kingdom of God through the marketplace.
Please take a moment to watch this video sharing Pastor Roz’s impact on the Christian Chamber movement.
