Who We Are

Countryside Bible Chapel was established in Lexington MA in 1958. We are an independent, evangelical, non-denominational assembly of Christians joined together by our common faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our vision is to call men and women of all races and backgrounds in our area to faith in Jesus Christ as growing disciples who have a meaningful relationship with Him. We seek to do this through balanced biblical teaching, corporate worship and prayer, and Spirit-led involvement in each other’s lives.

Statement of Faith

We believe that the Bible is inspired by God and our final authority for faith and life. We believe in one God, our Creator and Sustainer, who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe that man was created in the image of God. He sinned, however, and as a result, decay, physical death, and spiritual death (separation from God) have passed down to all men. We believe that all men are born with a sinful nature and can only be saved from it through the work of Christ by the grace of God.

We believe that Christ died for our sins as our substitute. Those who believe in Him are declared righteous by God on the basis of His blood shed on the cross.

We believe that the Holy Spirit makes us aware of our need for Christ, enables us to believe in Him, and indwells us upon believing to assure us of our relationship to Christ and hour hope of eternal life. The Holy Spirit also empowers us to lead holy lives.

We believe in the personal, visible return of Jesus Christ at the end of this age.

We believe in the future bodily resurrection. The saved will enjoy everlasting blessedness. The unsaved face eternal punishment.

Distinctive Characteristics

A number of characteristics distinguish us from many other churches.

  • Plurality of leadership. A board of elders is responsible for the spiritual life of the fellowship, and a board of deacons is responsible for the practical needs of the body.
    Priesthood of all believers. We do not distinguish between clergy and laity, but believe the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to all believers for the effective working of the local body (Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6.)
  • Communion service. This service is an important focus of worship at CBC. We observe it weekly as a time of sharing, praying and singing. It is open to every believer who is not openly or willfully living in sin (1 Cor. 12:23-34.)
  • Autonomy of the local church. We are not aligned with a denomination and our only head is Christ (Eph. 1:22-23, 5:23.)

Attendance

Approximately 100 people consider CBC to be their home church. Sunday attendance is usually 60 to 80, down from about 100 a few years ago. We have people from all stages of life, but demographically we have more older people and fewer young adults than in the broader community. Our congregation includes people from a broad range of racial and ethnic backgrounds. We share our facilities with the Korean New Light Church (affiliated with the Korean American Presbyterian Church).

We have a flourishing AWANA program that brings together more than 100 children and 25 leaders and helpers on Friday nights during the school year. Most of the children attend other local churches, or belong to families that do not attend church. We also have a growing youth ministry that now draws up to 25 young people, up from half a dozen a few years ago.

Schedule

Our Sunday program consists of the Lord’s Supper at 9:00 am, Sunday School for all ages at 10:00 am, and a worship and preaching service at 11:00 am. We have a time of fellowship at 12:00 pm and a one-hour prayer meeting at 6:30 pm. During the week we have a number of activities including the Friends of Countryside disabilities ministry, Celebrate Recovery, a mid-week prayer, Bible study and fellowship meeting and AWANA and the youth group on Friday night.

Physical Location

We are centrally located in the Northwest Boston suburbs, with easy access to major highways and shopping areas. Lexington is a wealthy community, but economic conditions vary significantly among the many surrounding towns from which we draw people.