Encounter . . .
Monday, September 06, 2010

The Ministry of Encounter:

     Encounter is the College and Young Adult Ministry of Countryside Christian Center and under the leadership of our fearless shepherd, Tim O’Fallon.

     The general age bracket for the group is 18-29 years of age and is open to those who are single or married, male or female. For those married, please note that childcare is provided for $5 per evening.

     In addition, you don’t have to attend Countryside Christian Center to come and take part of the superb fellowship and teaching the group offers on a weekly basis.

     We meet every Thursday night at 7:00 PM at Countryside Christian Center in the Youth Center (the building right behind the large, tall white cross).


Encounter’s Brief History:

     Encounter began originally meeting weekly on Tuesday nights in January of 2007 and celebrated its official Grand Opening to the church and community in August of 2007. In February of 2010, Encounter moved its weekly meetings to Thursday nights.

     In such a short amount of time, the attendance of the group has grown from 20 to over 100 regular members and has peaked at around 150 people in one gathering.

     We are excited about what the Lord is doing in the group and look forward to seeing it expand by leaps and bounds, especially with the new worship center up and running, as of June of 2009.


Encounter’s Purpose:

     Encounter strives to equip this age group, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, with the wisdom to become all that God has called each of us to be as we face the various challenges our society presents.

Some of the challenges we face include:
 
     >> Overcoming the seduction of the ordinary
 
     >> Responding in a life-giving manner to those who inquire about our faith
 
     >> Being a godly example when others encourage the exact opposite
 
     >> Effectively manage our priorities to include daily prayer and devotional reading
 
     >> Being aware of the false claims of counterfeit Christian groups, atheism
          and “evolution” teaching
 
     >> Viewing life from God’s perspective and not of mortal, limited man
 
     >> Inquiring of God with all of our life’s decisions as we walk out his plan for us

     Now more than ever, the pulls and draws on the hearts and minds of this age group is tremendous. As we make the journey from high school to college/ young adult life and become increasingly independent from our parents, the enemy is more than ready to see our faith in God undermined.

     We are partnering with God in raising up mighty men and women for the kingdom and enabling them to unleash their gifts and talents in a world in greater need of the one true Savior, Jesus Christ, than ever before.