Saving You a Seat on North 3rd Street

Northside Church of Christ welcomes newcomers with a simple message: "We're Saving You a Seat." On Sundays, Wednesdays, and monthly evenings of small groups, that seat is waiting at 3401 N. 3rd Street on the north side of Temple, Texas. The congregation belongs to the Restorationist branch of the churches of Christ, treating the Bible as its sole authority and following New Testament patterns for worship and church life. Christ sits at the center of everything the church does, from its preaching to its benevolence work, and members describe their common purpose in three phrases: to glorify God, grow in Christ, and make disciples.

A Weekly Rhythm Around the Lord's Supper

Sunday is the heart of the week at Northside. Bible classes for all ages begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by the morning worship service at 10:30 a.m.. A second, more intimate service meets on Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m., with one important shift each month. There is no evening service on the fourth Sunday; instead, the church disperses into small groups hosted in members' homes, where the focus shifts to prayer, conversation, and shared meals. On the rare months with a fifth Sunday, the morning service is followed by a fellowship potluck that brings everyone back together around a table.

Midweek study continues on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., when adults and teens gather again for Bible classes that build on recent sermons and explore Scripture in greater depth.

In keeping with its Restorationist convictions, Northside observes the Lord's Supper every Sunday as part of the worship gathering. Prayer, preaching, congregational singing, and the weekly collection each have their place in the service, mirroring the worship patterns of the New Testament. Visitors are welcomed at 3401 N. 3rd Street; the phone line at (254) 773-3531 is staffed for anyone who wants to confirm times before arriving.

Christ, Scripture, and the Church's Witness

The congregation's statement of faith is concise and Christ-focused. Northside is devoted to following the Bible as its sole authority in faith and practice, and members affirm the divine inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. The church confesses one God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - who has revealed himself most fully in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the church's Savior.

Baptism by immersion is practiced as the essential culmination of saving faith, the moment a new disciple is united with Christ in his death and resurrection. In worship, the church seeks to honor God "in spirit and in truth" through prayer, preaching, singing, giving, and the Lord's Supper each Sunday. Outside the assembly, members strive to live out their faith through love, service, and ongoing discipleship, with the larger goal of making disciples who follow Christ in every aspect of life.

That last phrase shapes the church's ministry priorities. Discipleship is not confined to the assembly, and the church's missionary and benevolence work is meant to flow out of the same gospel proclaimed from the pulpit.

Elders, Deacons, and a Preaching Minister

Northside is led by a team of elders who shepherd the congregation, deacons who serve in specific ministries, and a preaching minister who handles the pulpit and other teaching ministries of the church. The leadership describes the team's shared commitment to "wisdom, humility, and a heart for service."

Paul Merideth serves as the church's preaching minister alongside his wife, Amanda. The elders of the church are Larry Holleman, Paul Iversen, James Koenig, Doug McDonald, and Darin McDonald. Each is named alongside their spouse, reflecting the family-centered character of the leadership team. The deacons currently serving the church are Troy Beeksma, Cale Bryant, Adrian Cannady, Michael Hanna, David Martin, Allen Lovins, Jody Owens, Glenn Talbott, and David Utterback.

The church is also connected to Christian Light Preach, a preaching resource network, and recent guest speakers have included Aaron Hill, Asberry Mitchell, Bill Hardy, Chris Wheat, Gantt Carter, and Hunter Zajac. The variety gives members exposure to different preaching voices while keeping Scripture as the constant text.

King's Kids, Youth, and Adult Discipleship

Northside's ministry program is built around age-specific groups designed to help every generation grow in faith together.

King's Kids welcomes every student through fifth grade. The group plans a steady stream of special activities for children, ranging from service projects that introduce the idea of giving, to fellowship events that build friendships among families. Parents can expect their children to find both learning and fun throughout the year, with regular opportunities to be part of a community that takes the next generation seriously.

The Youth Ministry is family-centered and disciple-focused. Teens meet for informal devotionals, Bible classes, and conference trips alongside adult leaders, with regular opportunities to serve in the church's outreach ministries. The aim is to shape young people whose faith will prepare them for both life and eternity. Activities range from relaxed gatherings to service projects, providing regular chances to connect, grow, and serve.

For adults, Northside offers Bible studies, fellowship groups, and service opportunities that aim to help members grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve others. Small Groups are a particular highlight of the ministry calendar: on the fourth Sunday of every month, groups gather in members' homes to share a meal, pray together, and grow through meaningful conversation. The church describes the setting as "the perfect environment for building deeper connections within our church family while encouraging and supporting one another in our walk with Christ."

From Temple to the World: International Missions

Northside's missions ministry reaches well beyond Temple. The church partners with missionaries and organizations to support evangelism, community outreach, and service projects in the Caribbean, Africa, India, and the South Pacific. Members participate through prayer, financial support, and hands-on involvement on short-term trips, framing the work as a response to the Great Commission and a way of sharing what the church calls "gospel hope and transformation" with people they may never meet face to face.

Caring for Neighbors: Local Benevolence

Closer to home, the Local Benevolence Ministry works with community partners to serve neighbors facing difficult times. The ministry provides food, clothing, and financial assistance to individuals and families in need, and it actively supports area children's homes with resources, encouragement, and volunteers. The team partners with local organizations and mobilizes the congregation, aiming to be "a source of hope and compassion, reflecting God's care for our neighbors."

Sermons, Giving, and Staying Connected

Audio sermons from Northside are posted online and can be browsed by speaker or by month. Paul Merideth's recent messages have walked through a long series on the twelve minor prophets, beginning with Hosea ("When Love Won't Let Go") and finishing with Malachi ("Spiritual Drift"). Other series and standalone sermons cover a wide range of Scripture, including "Generous Marriage" from Ephesians 5, "Faith That Moves Mountains" from Matthew 17, "Elder-Led Leadership" from 1 Corinthians 12, "Mary Magdalene" from John 20, and "Come & See" from John 1. Guest speakers including Aaron Hill, Asberry Mitchell, Bill Hardy, Chris Wheat, Gantt Carter, and Hunter Zajac have also contributed messages in recent months, giving the pulpit variety while keeping Scripture as the constant text.

Online giving is available through the church's giving portal, framed as "an act of worship and gratitude." Every gift supports ministries, missions, and outreach - both the global partnerships and the local benevolence work that defines much of Northside's identity.

The church stays connected with members and visitors through Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where additional media and sermon archives are shared.