As we enter this new season of growth and a time of building, let's recall the rich history of blessing and growth our church has experienced for more than 50 years.
Each stage of our development was propelled by the willingness of our church family to respond to God's calling. People caught God's vision for the facilities, staff and programs we have today and stepped out in faith to make them happen. We are the beneficiaries of the legacy of their hearts. Because of their investment of time, energy, prayer and money, since 2004, over 4,200 children, teens and adults have accepted Christ as Savior at Westside Church. Our missionaries span the globe--supported by you. Here at home, the hungry are fed, the hurting are comforted, the lonely find true friends, kinds are loved and people are maturing spiritually--thanks to you!
There have been many defining moments in the life of our church and assuredly there are more to come. Right now, we face our greatest challenge and great opportunity so far. Actively pursuing God's vision means we all must enter into a process of Growing Better, so we can continue the Westside Legacy of Hearts.
"Through the power of prayer, God not only spared my life countless times, he has given me a new heart, mind, body and soul that ambitiously longs to serve Him in all that I do. Wlking through life together with support from others who have chosen this same walk, makes all the difference in the world."
Todd Gobeille
a heart for the generations...
Thousands of people in our community have eternal needs that God wants us to meet through expanding our hearts, our capabilities, our services and our facilities.
a heart for the young...
A couple of generations of drifting youth urgently need our attention. They face unprecedented challenges and spiritual opposition. Young people need venues that properly attract and keep them by blending kid-relevant style with Biblical substance. They need spiritual fathers and mothers who will reintroduce God to their generations and lead them to an understanding and acceptance of the truth of Christ. Westside Church currently serves about 1,500 young people. Our programs are the largest and most dynamic in Bend. It’s a great platform. If we fail to reach for the kids, who will?
a heart for young adults...
56% of the population of Deschutes County is age 35 or older. Most are baby boomers – a generation that has been characterized by the pursuit of personal pleasure. But as this group ages, it searches for significance. Boomers see their parents’ age, children drift and grandkids lost. Mortality becomes real. The question of eternity and who they will share it with is at hand. They need God and they need us. We can reach them and show them how to move from doing their own thing to doing His thing. We can help them become the servant leaders and disciples Jesus wants them to be.
a heart for all people...
God is asking us to grow more like Jesus. He wants us to join Him in changing our town. He wants us to love more, serve more and give more than we ever have before. He wants us to build new places for worship, Christian schools and training centers. He wants us to spread God’s message, bring thousands to Christ and care for over 12,000 people – one person at a time. Young people and old, weak and strong, rich and poor, broken in body, broken in mind, broken hearted, broken in spirit. 12,000 wonderful people just like us. He promises He’ll take care of us as we respond in faith and that we’ll all find grace together.
1954
From its beginning in 1954, Westside church has been about Loving god and Loving Others.
1982
Westside church began with a handful of people in the Rosie Berra community center, and grew to a church hundreds on 14th street.
1990
Soon after, the church moved into its current location of Shevlin Park Road, with the vision to love God and Love People.
2007
In 2007 with 1 Saturday evening service, 3 Sunday services and 1 weekday service, weekly attendance has grown to over 3000 people.
Over the years, Westside church built the 180 youth building, remodeled its children’s classrooms, added the family room, purchased the Dream Center and acquired 2 acres of land on adjacent property.
Westside church continues to grow as it seeks to reach seekers and build believers through worship, connecting, growing, serving and sharing.