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I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.
— John 16:12
What is Countryside Christian Fellowship? Countryside is a community of Christians located in Eugene, Oregon. No, we don’t live together, but we do gather together to love the Lord, and to serve Him and others. We believe that the Bible is the Word of God and should be taken seriously, so we also get together to study it, showing our love for Him even in doing that. You might want to check out our About Us page. It has additional information about how we got started and what we believe.
Do you have a statement of beliefs?
You bet! You can go to our statement of beliefs elsewhere on the site.
Are you a part of a denomination?
Countryside is a non-denominational church, for the most part what that means to us is that everyone is welcome without all the labeling. Many of the folks at Countryside come from denominational churches (including our pastor), and all are quite comfortable here — we love our Baptist, Presbyterian and Foursquare brothers and sisters. Countryside is in fellowship with Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, California, and other Calvary Chapels around the world, having found we share a like heart for the Lord and His Word.
How do I become a member of Countryside?
Do you go here? Well, if you do, you’re a member! Countryside has no formal church membership. Those who know Jesus as Savior, are actively involved in worship and study, and who are involved in serving the body are those that are members at Countryside. Welcome to the family!
Do you really teach the whole Bible?
Yes, we really teach the whole Bible — though we haven’t made it all the way through. Yet. The whole of the Bible is God’s Word, so we’re on Route 66, so to speak, covering all 66 books on our way through the Bible. If we study it all we‘ll be able to know all that the Lord wants us to know about Him. Thursday nights are our main study times, chapter by chapter, book by book. On Sunday mornings we usually study a specific verse or two, or a topic, from the chapter that we’ll be studying later in the week.
What is worship like?
Worship at Countryside is a real priority. In some of our services we use a full
band, in other services we take a more simple approach with a single guitar and voice. Our worship is both upbeat and rockin’, and worshipful and intimate. Some of our services (like Sunday mornings and Thursday nights) are a little more formal (Countryside-formal), and other services a bit more laid-back (like Sunday nights and Wednesday mornings.) You’ll likely see some of the folks lifting their hands to the Lord. As others feel led, they may stand or kneel during a worship service as well. All these expressions are offered in an appropriate spirit of freedom and reverence found in Biblical worship. At the same time, worshipers are sensitive to
those around them so as not to be a distraction to others. There might be communion available in the service, and baptisms are often a part of our services. As to the service itself, we worship together, and we study the Word together, and that’s just about that. We seek to keep things pretty simple (but we have a lot of fun) and dress is always very casual, and even more 'very-casual' during the summer when the shorts and Birks come out. Our style might be casual, but modesty is never out of style. When we’re outside in The Garden during the summer, be sure to bring a blanket or stadium cushion.
Do you have a nursery and classes for kids? What about youth groups for middle and senior high students?
Definitely. A well staffed nursery and children’s ministry through the sixth grade are available at all of our main services, providing a safe and nurturing environment for your kids. Since we ask that the little ones not be in the sanctuary during the Bible studies, there are also several closed-circuit TV
areas where you can view the service and minister to separation anxiety all at the same time, if necessary. You’re also welcome to join your child in their class until they have acclimated, if you wish. However, we find that most children adapt easily and enjoy being ministered to on their own level, while their parents connect in worship and study with the adults. We also have youth groups for Middle School and High School students. Check out the ministries for Children and for Teens/Students elsewhere on the site.
Do you have baby dedications?
We do. It is a great joy for the Body of believers here to stand with you and commit to the ongoing fellowship and discipleship of your family. Just speak to one of the pastors or elders after any service.
I'm new — how can I get plugged in?
We get asked that question a lot. Honestly, the best way to get plugged in is to show up! Anyone can remain unplugged if they’re the last one in the door, and the first one out after the ‘amen’ at the end of a service. There are a variety of services, at a variety of times during the week. The coffeehouse is always open before and after the services. Café Koinonia or the Garden Sacrifices and Burnt Offerings BBQs are great places to connect with people. Flocks groups may be the single best way to get to know people, and the heart of the Lord at the Fellowship. Other small groups include Bible studies for men, Bible studies for women, and groups for middle and high school students. Then, of course, Countryside also has many opportunities to serve the Lord and the Body if plugging in is really what you’re after. Talk to one of the staff to find out what opportunities are available.
Do you do weddings at Countryside?
Yes, weddings are often a big deal at Countryside, especially with The Garden, our outdoor sanctuary. Head over to the weddings area of the site for all the information.
I need prayer,
what do I do?
First, pray! Often the best praying for us is when we pray for ourselves. However, we also understand wanting to be prayed for — the Bible makes it obvious that we should. You’re always welcome to connect with a pastor, elder or other leader at the Fellowship after a service. Often though, the best prayer opportunity is to meet up with another brother or sister in Encouraging Words over a latte. Maybe the Lord will use you to pray for others? There are prayer services nearly every day at Countryside. You can also make requests for prayer using the forms in the bookstore or bulletin, or here on the site.
Does Countryside offer counseling?
Yes and no. Countryside does not offer long-term counseling. We do have spiritually gifted leaders available to offer Biblical discipleship and advice and spiritual encouragement. We strongly suggest you get involved in one of the many small group Bible studies at the Fellowship, becoming accountable to the Lord along with other believers. You can connect with someone after the service, or call the office if you have further questions.
Why should I be baptized?
Well, because the Bible says you should! The Bible emphasizes the need for all believers to express their faith and testimony publicly in baptism once they’ve become a Christian. There are special baptism days every summer in The Garden, but you
don’t have to wait until then — we use the river a lot. Talk to one of the pastors if you want to be baptized.
Why do you offer communion so often?
Because we can. It’s not that we have to do it, but we get to do it. There seems to have been a great deal of frequency with which the early church enjoyed communion together. In fact, it’s one of the things we’re told to which the early church was devoted. Communion at Countryside, for the most part, is not a formal affair (it hardly ever happens during our main services). Rather, communion is an extension of our worship of the Lord, our prayer to the Lord and our intimacy with the Lord. What better way to start any day than meeting with the Lord at the Table? Any believer is welcome to join us in communion at Countryside.
Are you a Charismatic church?
No. Well, yes. Well… that’s a hard one to answer as people tend to use the same words but attribute different meanings to them based upon
their experience. There are Christians that would call us Charismatic, others who would say that we’re traditional, fundamental, contemporary or Pentecostal. Then, you’d have to decide if you were talking about style or beliefs or some other thing entirely. As you can see, the whole labeling thing can get quite messy. Here’s the deal: we love Jesus. Join us and see what ‘style’ God has raised up at Countryside with which we worship in Spirit and truth.
What do you believe about the Rapture?
We believe that all believers should be ready for Jesus to return for the church at any moment. The rapture could happen at any time. This motivates us in a lot of ways, to holy living, heartfelt worship, committed service, diligent study of God’s Word, regular fellowship and joining in communion and baptism. There are several Bible studies that have been given at the Fellowship to help address your questions about this and other questions you may have about the end-times, the Tribulation, judgment, the Millennium and Bible prophecy.
Do you really charge for coffee?
Well, we are in the Pacific Northwest! Actually, because the Lord has blessed us with the Encouraging Words Coffeehouse we don’t have that can of Folgers perking in the Fellowship Hall anymore. But, you can get a really good (and cheap) latte or mocha anytime, and if you’re cash poor, please have a cup of java on us. All of the proceeds in the coffeehouse go to support Countryside Missions and Missionaries.