Who We Are

Rooted in grace, shaped by service, growing in love.

The Haven began in 1892 with twelve people gathered in a Columbus home. Over the years, the congregation has moved, merged, and grown—always rooted in God’s grace and a call to serve. In 1972, the church settled in the Sandy Hook neighborhood, where it became Sandy Hook United Methodist Church. In 2024, we embraced a new name—The Haven UMC—to reflect our deepening identity as a refuge of hope and healing. Today, The Haven seeks to be known as an inclusive church near Columbus, Indiana, welcoming all people to experience the love of God together.

As a United Methodist church, we are part of a grace-filled movement shaped by Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. Our story is one of resilience, welcome, and transformation—a community where everyone belongs and love is always the center. For anyone searching for an inclusive church near Columbus, Indiana, The Haven offers a place to explore faith, ask questions, and grow in community. We don’t have to agree on everything to journey together. What unites us is the Spirit of Christ, drawing us into mercy, justice, and hope.

Looking for an inclusive church near Columbus, Indiana? We're a Jesus-centered community cultivating a safe haven for all people to be loved, to belong, and to thrive.

Our Values

As an inclusive church near Columbus, Indiana, our values reflect a commitment to radical hospitality, compassionate service, and authentic connection with God and neighbor.
Authenticity
We embrace the vulnerability of Jesus. We share experiences in such a way that people see the real us. We admit our brokenness and the need for healing through Christ. We create a safe place for people to ask any and all questions.
Belonging
We embrace the family of Jesus. We provide a place for people to belong even before they believe. We build bridges with all people, regardless of labels.
Wholeness
We embrace the mission of Jesus. We partner with God to make the world better. We look for opportunities to join God at work in our city. We give generously of our time and resources to benefit others.
Grace
We embrace the love of Jesus. We extend God’s love to all people without shame or judgment. We will always default to grace.
Transformation
We embrace the way of Jesus. We submit to a process of radical change that orients our lives around the center of faith—Jesus. We teach the life of Jesus as the model for our lives.

Our Beliefs

Whether you’ve been part of church life for decades or are exploring faith for the first time, you’ll find that, as an inclusive church near Columbus, Indiana, The Haven is committed to extending grace, embracing diversity, and walking together in love.
Read our full statement of faith here.
About God

God is love—present, active, and relational. God is not distant or indifferent, but deeply involved in the life of the world. God’s love is not controlling or coercive; it is patient, responsive, and always seeking our good. In every moment, God invites, calls, and empowers—but never forces. Love is the very nature of God, and that love is constantly at work, bringing life, healing, and connection.

About Jesus

Jesus reveals God’s heart through self-giving, boundary-breaking love. Jesus is the exact image of the invisible God—the clearest picture we have of what God is like. When we look at Jesus, we see who God has always been: love. Through his birth, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus shows us a God who enters our world, suffers with us, and brings healing, dignity, and hope. He is not only the full revelation of God but also our example as the True Human. As we follow the Way of Jesus, we become more like Jesus, more human, more who we were created to be—more like Love.

About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is still moving—bringing healing, freedom, and renewal. The Spirit of God is not locked in the past or confined to a church building. The Spirit is alive and active in our everyday lives—comforting the brokenhearted, stirring up justice, and leading us into deeper love. Wherever people are being made whole, challenged toward compassion, or drawn into sacred connection, the Spirit is present and at work.

About Scripture

Scripture points us to Jesus and His Kingdom—we interpret it together with humility, curiosity, and love. We believe the Bible is inspired and sacred, but not always simple. Rather than treating it as a flat rulebook or weapon, we see it as a diverse library that tells the story of God’s love unfolding over time. We read it through the lens of Jesus—asking how it leads us toward love, not away from it. Scripture invites us into conversation, not control. It’s best understood in community, where we can wrestle honestly, hold questions faithfully, and stay rooted in grace as we grow.

About Salvation

Salvation isn’t just about the afterlife—it’s about healing, liberation, and transformation here and now. From the earliest creeds to Jesus’ own words in Luke 4, the Church has proclaimed salvation as good news for the whole person and the whole world. In Christ’s life, death on the cross, and resurrection, we encounter the depth of God’s love—a love that forgives our sins, breaks the power of evil, and begins the restoration of all things. Salvation is not just a future promise but a present reality. Through the Spirit, we are drawn into a lifelong journey of becoming more whole, more free, and more fully alive in God’s love.

Our Staff

Our staff leads with grace and care, guiding The Haven with love and shared responsibility. Their work reflects the heart of The Haven as an inclusive church near Columbus, Indiana where grace and belonging are a way of life.
Senior Pastor

Paul Dazet

“My heart beats for creating safe, grace-filled spaces where people can encounter Jesus.”
pastorpaul@sandyhook.org
Associate Pastor

Amy Linneman

“I am honored to join in the good work of The Haven’s little corner of the kingdom!”
pastoramy@sandyhook.org
Little Lambs Director

Mindy Smith

“My favorite part of my work is creating a safe, nurturing environment where God’s love is felt in everyday moments.”
llccm@sbcglobal.net
Family Discipleship Director

Melissa Hatton

“I'm amazed and humbled to have a ‘front row seat’ to so much of what God is doing through our church.”
melissa@sandyhook.org
Facilities Manager

Robert Clapp

“The Haven is my beloved church family, and I'm blessed to be able to serve.”
office@sandyhook.org
Pastor of Los Galileos (The Galileans)

Luis Otero

“I have a great passion for preaching the word to all, especially the Hispanic community in Columbus.”
office@sandyhook.org
Office Manager

David Walby

“I am happy to be a member of this church and I look forward to helping it grow!”
office@sandyhook.org
Minister of Worship

Logan Skinner

Logan Skinner serves as the Minister of Worship at The Haven at Sandy Hook. He is passionate about helping people connect with God through authentic worship, meaningful relationships, and a Christ-centered community. Logan has over 20 years of worship leadership experience and enjoys blending faith, family, and ministry in a way that encourages people of all ages. He and his wife, Aubree, along with their daughters, love being part of the Sandy Hook family and serving the community together.
logan@sandyhook.org

Our Leadership

Our Leadership Board is made up of faithful people who serve with humility and courage. Together, they help guide our community toward healing, wholeness, and love.
Staff-parish Relations Co-chair

Trena Carter

Staff-parish Relations Co-chair

Sean McAlister

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