Westside Church of Christ gathers in central Beaverton, Oregon, around the motto Loving God, Loving Others. It is known for being a smaller congregation with a deep concern for its church family and neighbors, simple a cappella worship shaped by participation across genders and ages, and an inclusive approach to Christian life centered on service and spiritual growth.
A Small Body with an Active Heart
Westside describes itself as the body of Christ and grounds its life in 1 Corinthians 12:12: as a body has many parts forming one body, so it is with Christ. The congregation gathers regularly to participate deeply in the life of God and says it is saved by God, sent by God, and led by God. Westside is candid about not being perfect, but it actively seeks to be diverse, loving, inclusive, forgiving, faithful, authentic, and joyful.
It also presents itself as a spiritual and community resource that is committed to God's truth and welcomes all. Its stated aim is to build relationships with people in the congregation and in the surrounding community. Wherever someone is on the journey, Westside says that person is welcome to the community.
Sunday Begins with Bible Class at 10:00
Each Sunday begins with Bible Class at 10:00 a.m., followed by worship at 10:45 a.m. Both gatherings take place at 5525 SW Menlo Dr., Beaverton, OR 97005. The church office is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and can be reached at (503) 629-9132.
Worship is simple and a cappella. On an average Sunday, the church does not use instruments. The service is participatory: the congregation says it hears from all church members and is fully inclusive of gender and age. The two-part Sunday rhythm moves from biblical study into shared worship.
Women, Men, and Children Take an Active Part
Westside's commitment to gender inclusivity is visible in worship and church leadership. Women have an active role in preaching, leading singing, public prayer, scripture reading, leadership structures, and decision-making. Men and women are encouraged to use their gifts in leadership, administration, and worship. The church cites Galatians 3:28 as its guiding principle for these values.
Children are likewise treated as part of the church today, not only as future members. Most Sundays, children take part publicly in worship, including leading a prayer or helping pass the communion trays.
Love God, Love Others, and Make Disciples
The church's mission is to love God and love others, all God's children, as visibly as possible and to spread God's mission of love to people who may not yet know they are deeply embraced. It seeks to obey Jesus' command to love God with heart, soul, and mind and to love neighbors as oneself, and it responds to his call to make disciples of all nations.
Life together is meant to produce obedience to God, celebration of God's majesty and grace in worship, service to one another and the wider community, and sharing faith with others. The result is a community identity that joins love of God with visible care for people.
What Westside Holds Essential
Westside celebrates its commitment to God's truth while welcoming all. It values diversity of thought and is proud that people within the church may hold different beliefs beyond the shared essentials.
- Westside believes in one God, who made the heavens and earth.
- Jesus Christ is the Word who was present at creation, was born of a woman, and grew and matured as one who announced, taught, and lived the coming of God's kingdom. Westside confesses him as God's only Son, crucified for salvation, dead and buried, raised on the third day according to scripture, seated at God's right hand, and coming again in glory to judge the living and dead; his kingdom has no end.
- The church affirms the Holy Spirit, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the dead, and the life of God's world to come.
Unity is another core value. Westside strives to work together in love despite differences, choosing unity over uniformity. It also prizes direct dialogue and speaking the truth in love. Together, these commitments shape a church that seeks spiritual growth through study, service, and conversation with the community of Christ.
Restorative Justice in the Neighborhood
Justice shapes Westside's active ministry in its neighborhoods. The church takes part in restorative justice work and partners with nonprofit organizations in ministries serving people who are economically, emotionally, or socially under-resourced. Westside carries out some of these ministries directly and works with other nonprofit organizations on others.
This outward focus is joined by a commitment to transformation. Westside values becoming like Jesus through the work God does in people and sees spiritual growth taking shape through study, service, and conversation with the community of Christ.
Family Business Meetings Guide the Church
Westside is led by Family Business Meetings. They meet regularly as a community to discuss matters that need attention. The arrangement makes collective discussion part of the church's regular life.
Biblical Teaching and Community Conversations
The sermon archive preserves messages credited to Aaron Metcalf, Jen Christy, Bonnie Miller, Kristy Sibley, and other speakers. Several entries form an extended biblical teaching through Acts, with subjects including Stephen's Speech, Ananias and Sapphira, Apostles Arrested and Tried, Simon the Magician, and Peter and the Ethiopian Eunuch. Other messages focus on hospitality to strangers, Christian community, warming bags, and interviews with community partners. Audio downloads are available for some messages. The subjects place biblical teaching alongside attention to relationships and community concerns.
The collection is available in the sermon archive.
Online Giving and the Sunday Rhythm
Westside offers a way to contribute online through online contributions. The church office can be reached at (503) 629-9132 or office@westsidecofc.net. Sunday Bible Class begins at 10:00 a.m. and worship follows at 10:45 a.m. at 5525 SW Menlo Dr. in Beaverton. In both belief and practice, Westside keeps its central measure simple: love God, love others.