humble beginnings...
In May of 2000, God orchestrated the meeting of four couples from diverse backgrounds, all with a desire to carry out the Great Commandment and the Great Commission while doing church in fresh new ways. He then used these couples - Mike & Stephanie Mitchener, Mark & Lisa Miller, Peter & Cindy Norton, and Bill & Michele Woodson - to plant Westside Fellowship. They met in the offices of a gracious local church (Integrity Community Church) on Wednesday nights, and even in each others' homes as they formed bylaws and a statement of faith. On Sundays each couple visited different healthy churches to conduct research and focus in on who they felt God was calling them to be.
In October, 2000, the first Sunday morning church service was held in the Elon Elementary Gym. Present were the four original families along with David & Tammy Brown and the Brown girls, as well as Chris & Elaine Shepherd and their two girls - 29 people in all (31 if you count Tess Shepherd and Josiah Mitchener who were in their mothers' wombs).
Six months later, on April 1, 2001, Westside held its official Kick Off Service with nearly 200 in attendance.
In October, 2000, the first Sunday morning church service was held in the Elon Elementary Gym. Present were the four original families along with David & Tammy Brown and the Brown girls, as well as Chris & Elaine Shepherd and their two girls - 29 people in all (31 if you count Tess Shepherd and Josiah Mitchener who were in their mothers' wombs).
Six months later, on April 1, 2001, Westside held its official Kick Off Service with nearly 200 in attendance.
god gets all the glory...
Our unique ways of "doing church" and our "come as you are" atmosphere allowed many to attend who would not have felt comfortable in a more formal church environment. God has used this strategy to produce much fruit, and Westside has grown in both numbers and depth. Lives have been eternally changed!
God accomplished much during our time at Elon Elementary, even without a physical church building. Westside was committed to preaching the absolute truth of scripture in an atmosphere where both believers and nonbelievers could "let their guard down" and allow the Word of God to penetrate their hearts.
a home for westside...
In December, 2002, Westside made the decision to purchase nearly seven acres of land adjacent to Western Alamance High School, and on March 28, 2003, the sale closed. A special Sunday morning tent service was held to celebrate the purchase, and the home located on the property (which is fondly called "The Big House") began to be used as a location for midweek Bible study and prayer, youth gatherings, and offices. On November 16, 2006, Westside moved to its new Worship Center on Highway 87 North.
On January 29, 2023, Westside held the ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of a new children's addition, which gave Westside six new classrooms for the children's ministry and small groups. From breaking ground on April 10th, 2022, to the final touches, the whole project was an exciting time in the life of the church, and watching God provide the funds for this addition was equally exciting.
In October of 2024, Westside broke ground for the sanctuary expansion project. As our church family grew over the years, we saw God continually provide for each new season. Our sanctuary expansion marked an important chapter in that story, creating more space for worship, community, and ministry. This project included expanding the existing worship center and adding offices for the church staff. Westside spent time meeting at Western Alamance High School, and moved back in to the new sanctuary in June of 2025. The Lord has been so faithful to use this space for the church, the community, and for His glory!
Our Leadership...
In November 2020, after a majority vote, former Worship Pastor, Jacob Danieley, was welcomed as the Senior Pastor of Westside Fellowship. He and his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children, began a new chapter in their lives and in the life of Westside.
God has been faithful to place his servants exactly where they need to be to best serve Him and His people at Westside.
God has been faithful to place his servants exactly where they need to be to best serve Him and His people at Westside.
