FAQ
Someone's always asking us about...
What is Countryside Christian Fellowship?
Countryside is a community of Christians located in Eugene, Oregon (in the community of Coburg.) We don't live together, but we do gather together to love the Lord, to worship and 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?
We do! We believe what most Christians have believed since the time of Jesus. For instance we agree with both the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed which have expressed the core of Christian belief for hundreds of years. You can go to our own creed/statement of beliefs if you'd like to look into it further.
Are you a part of a denomination?
Countryside is a non-denominational congregation, for the most part what that means to us is that everyone is welcome. 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, CA.
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!
I was looking for more stuff to do at church; why aren't there more programs?
Countryside is a decidedly missional gathering of Christians. For us, that means that in many ways the Fellowship is a home-base for ministers (believers) who are bringing the Gospel and the Kingdom to light in their lives outside of our meeting together. We do meet together daily for communion and prayer, and there are a couple of main gatherings each week. Additionally, though we don't own a "full slate of ministries for the entire family" so to speak, various small groups, and occasional events are part of our life here together. We're not all that interested in filling up every day and night and weekend with "church activities." What we want to do is disciple that we might grow in faith and grace, enjoy the Bible, celebrate in worship, baptism and Lord's Supper and be a central spot for encouragement and edification for all those who call Countryside home, sending us out to bear witness to our communities and the world the love of Jesus.
Do you really study the whole Bible?
Yes, we really study 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. For the most part, 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 are worship gatherings like?
Worship is what we do at Countryside. It is everything we do in one way or another. But when most people ask this question they wonder what our "church service" or music is like. In some of our gatherings 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 times (like Sunday mornings and Thursday nights) are a little more formal (Countryside-formal), and other gatherings are 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 time 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 a communion celebration in the meeting, and baptisms are often a part of our services. As to the gathering itself, we worship together using music and prayer and Scripture, and we study the Scriptures 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?
Yes. A nursery and ministry to children through the sixth grade are available during our main gathering times, 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 discipleship opportunities for Middle School and High School students. Check out the information for discipleship opportunities for kids, teens and students.
Do you have baby dedications?
We do. It is a great joy for the Body of believers here to stand with families, new parents and new kids and commit to their ongoing fellowship and discipleship. Just speak to one of the pastors or elders after any worship gathering.
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 gatherings and services, at a variety of times during the week. The coffeehouse is always open before and after the services. Our Mid-week Family Meal or the Garden Sacrifices and Burnt Offerings BBQs are great places to connect with people. Small groups (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 ministry leaders 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/amphitheater. And of course, our pastors are available to officiate for weddings of members.
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, or just ask a friend here to pray. 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.
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 groups at the Fellowship, being nurtured by God's people and 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 shows that from the earliest days of the church baptism was a deliberate point of committment and witness to Jesus and connection to the Body of Christ. 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. 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 the Lord's Table together. In fact, it's one of the things we're told to which the early church was devoted. We believe it is the central act of affirming our faith and the center of our worship. Celebrating the Eucharist at Countryside, for the most part, is not a formal affair (it happens less frequently during our main services). Rather, the Lord's Supper is an expression 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 breaking bread 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.
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 kitchen 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 missionaries.