Where we worship
Jim Joiner is the pastor of Westside Christian Church on Columbia Road. The church is nondenominational.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
A weekly series that profiles various places of worship in Columbia County
Westside Christian Church
Address: 4352 Columbia Road
Telephone: 863-6281
Affiliation: Nondenominational. "We are a nondenominational independent Christian church," the Rev. Jim Joiner said.
Services: Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday morning worship, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible Study, 7 p.m.; Wednesday youth program, 7 p.m.
Pastor: Jim Joiner
Congregation size: 105 adults, 45 children
Membership: Most who attend are from Columbia and Richmond counties.
Founded: 1974
Known for: "(The church is known for) a very firm stand on the word of God and a desire to do whatever we can to reach as many people as possible and tell them about Jesus," the Rev. Joiner said.
Music: The church offers contemporary music and traditional hymns and uses instruments such as a keyboard, piano, guitars, flute and bassoon.
"We offer what we call blended services," he said. "We offer a praise band and classical music, a little bit of everything."
What would you say to someone who's thinking about giving your church a try?
"One of the strengths of our church is an acceptance of all people and the desire to meet the challenges that God puts before our church, which requires unity," he said. "By being a part, I think, really brings purpose in people's lives and causes people to feel like they are really a part of something important.''
What do you believe is the biggest issue facing the faithful today?
"I think we live in a society that is trying to convince us that it doesn't matter what you believe, it just matters how you believe," he said. "I would say to the faithful that it does matter what you believe, that that belief has to be in Christ."