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The church building is located at 4527 Freedom Drive in Charlotte, N.C. To get to the building from I-85, take Freedom Drive
(Hwy. 27) west.
What Is the Church of Christ? You may be wondering who we are and why you should care. Let me say first of all that we are your friends. If you knew us, you would probably consider us some of the best friends you have. Not that we are worth that much, but the One we know is; and we would like to share Him with you. May we suggest some time to get to know us better to see for yourself. The Church--the Body of Christ There are many who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, but that alone does not make them so. Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits," (Matthew 7:20). He also said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven," (Matthew 7:21). The way we know God's will is only from His book, the Bible. "Every Scripture is inspired of God and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly furnished to every good work," (II Timothy 3:16, 17). And, "...Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one," (Isaiah 44:8b). And, "But even if we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed," (Galatians 1:8). This gospel is the Good News of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save us from our sins (I Corinthians 15:1-11). When we obey this gospel, we have fellowship with God and with His Son, Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:9; II Thessalonians 1:6-8). This fellowship is found in His church (I Corinthians 1:2; 12:13, 27). How to Identify the Church of Christ The church of Christ is found by the doctrine it teaches (John 8:31, 32; I Timothy 1:3). It will not seek to please men, but God (Galatians 1:10). It will be only the Apostles' doctrine that is taught and followed--the New Testament of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 17:5; 10:40; Acts 2:42; Revelation 22:18, 19). Entrance into the church will be what Peter said in Acts 2:38, "Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized (immersed) in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Its worship will be only what is revealed in the New Testament (I Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 3:17): preaching the word of God (I Timothy 4:13); prayer (I Thessalonians 5:17); singing (Ephesians 5:19); with giving and the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week (I Corinthians 16:1, 2; Acts 20:7). The members will seek to live the life that reveals Christ in them (Galatians 2:20; 5:16-26). Individually and collectively it will be obvious that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11). Not a Denomination The true church of Christ will not glory in men, holding men's names or following men's doctrines (Matthew 15:7-9; John 5:43, 44). A denomination by definition is a part of a greater whole. Jesus' church is not a part of Christianity; it must be the full demonstration of it. What is more than His church is too much. What is less than His church is too little. Conclusion Please keep in mind that we are not asking you to follow us. We are not asking you to be our disciples. That is denominational. We are urging you to have fellowship with us in following the Bible alone as your only authority in religion, and together let us help each other be true to God through our Lord Jesus Christ, that we might enjoy together the pleasures of heaven with Him forever more. Won't you please study His word with us?
We are a
loving congregation serving the west side of Charlotte, N.C.
The History of Westside
Fifteen to twenty families who lived in or around the westside area and had formerly worshiped at the Plaza congregation formed the Westside church through many long, hard hours of planning by brother Dave Rickelton. Johnny Sewell served as minister. Financial assistance to start Westside came from the Plaza church in Charlotte (now the Providence Road church), the Dilworth church in Charlotte (now the Archdale Road church) and the Wingate church in Nashville, Tennessee. The present meeting house for Westside at 4527 Freedom Drive was completed and the first service held there in the summer of 1964, with Johnny Sewell as minister. Elders were first appointed in 1975. In July, 1985, eight Spanish Christians began meeting as a church of Christ for worship and classes in the multi-purpose room of the Westside church that was added to the facilities in 1968. As of April, 2001, the attendance in the Spanish assembly was 63. The brethren who have served Westside as elders from 1975 to the present
are: Many fine men have served here as deacons over the years. Our current list include: Rick Burgin, Clyde Eidson, Dennis Lively, Brad Pearce, Russ Widner, and Ben Womack. Evangelists who have served Westside over the past 40 years are: Johnny Sewell (1962-1967), Paul Kidwell, Sr. (1967-1969), R.C. Walker, Sr. (1969-1974), E.A. (Al) Furline (1975-1978), Ted Rush (1978-1984), Jerry Laxson (1985-1992), Phillip Johnson (1992-1996), J.T. (Terry) Wheeler (1996-present), Francisco Vejar (Spanish Congregation, 1985-1994), and Diomedes Damian (Spanish congregation, 1994-present). The following are supported efforts by the Westside church: the Spanish brethren with us, Michelle Goff in Venezuela, Reiner and Stephan Kallus of Germany, and the Gafners in Kenya, West Africa. |