Oregon Church Wiki - User contributions [en]

Bridgeport Church

2026-05-05T17:22:52Z

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Bridgeport Church

2026-05-04T19:57:53Z

ORCadmin: Created page with "<div class="oc-block"> {{Template01}} {{Template02}} {{Template03}} {{Template04}} {{Template05}} {{Template06}} {{Template07}} {{Template08}} <div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">NAME</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Bridgeport Church</span></div> <br> <div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">STREET</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">18080 SW Lower Boones Fy Rd.</span></div> <br> <div class="oc-row"><span class=..."

Oak Hills Church

2026-04-24T22:05:14Z

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Beavercreek Baptist Church

2026-03-30T04:49:55Z

ORCadmin:

Terminology

2026-03-29T20:10:33Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>Church Hopping</h1>

“Church hopping” is a casual term describing the practice of visiting multiple churches rather than committing immediately to one. For newcomers to Christianity, or believers exploring a change, it can be a healthy and eye-opening way to experience the diversity of worship styles, teachings, and community life that exist within the body of Christ. Trying different churches helps people discover where they feel spiritually connected and how God may be leading them to grow and serve.

At the same time, endless church hopping can prevent deep roots from forming. Faith matures best in consistent fellowship, accountability, and shared service. The ideal approach is balance: explore freely, but listen prayerfully for when it’s time to stay. Genuine curiosity is no sin; sometimes visiting many churches is the very path that leads to finding one’s spiritual home.

Also called “church searching,” “church shopping,” “visiting churches,” “exploring congregations,” and “seeking a church home.”

<h1>Clever Sermon</h1>

A sermon that emphasizes intellectual ingenuity—such as nuanced analysis of Scripture, original interpretations, or demonstrations of Hebrew and Greek meanings—while neglecting the primary purpose of preaching: the moral and spiritual formation of the listener. Though often engaging and insightful, a clever sermon tends to function as intellectual stimulation rather than a call to transformation. It may leave the audience impressed, but not convicted; informed, but not changed. By prioritizing explanation over exhortation, it risks failing to inspire growth in virtue, daily repentance, and the imitation of Jesus in the lives of the congregation.

<h1>Come As You Are, Perfect People Not Allowed</h1>

“Come As You Are” is a phrase now seen on countless modern church websites and welcome signs. Borrowed from popular culture—most famously from Nirvana’s lyrics—it has been re-imagined by many congregations to signal openness, authenticity, and acceptance. The phrase invites people to attend worship without fear of judgment over appearance, background, or spiritual maturity.

In practical terms, it reflects a broader cultural shift away from the tradition of formal Sunday dress. Where past generations viewed dressing in one’s best clothing as an act of reverence, today many churches emphasize comfort and sincerity over outward formality. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, and casual wear have become common symbols of belonging. For most churches using this phrase is not only about clothing, it’s about God’s Grace: the idea that people can approach God honestly, without pretense, and be accepted as they are.

Another similarly-themed phrase appearing on many church websites is “Perfect People Not Allowed.” It expresses a similar spirit of humility and belonging. It is an honest admission that church is not a showcase for the flawless, but a gathering of imperfect people seeking Grace. When combined, these slogans communicate a powerful message: that faith begins not with perfection or appearance, but with openness, honesty, and the courage to show up as we are before God.

<h1> Ecumenical or Ecumenism/Ecumenicalism</h1>

Ecumenical generally means promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, emphasizing shared faith in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on doctrinal divisions. Churches that embrace ecumenism often do so to reflect Jesus’s prayer “that they may all be one,” believing cooperation strengthens witness, reduces hostility, and better serves communities through shared missions and outreach. They value fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect across traditions. Churches that resist ecumenism often fear it leads to theological compromise or confusion about truth. They emphasize maintaining doctrinal purity, warning that unity without agreement on core beliefs could water down the gospel. Some believe rejecting ecumenism preserves their identity and convictions about what they see as the authentic expression of Christianity.

Some Christians view ecumenism in eschatological terms, interpreting global religious cooperation as a possible sign of end-times deception—a step toward a “one world religion.” From this perspective, apparent harmony may conceal a drift from biblical truth. Even though there is a justified concern over a one world religion, the founders of this website believe that genuine Christian unity—rooted in shared faith and core biblical truth—carries far greater value than the fears that divide believers. Besides, the evil “one world religion” described in prophecy would be one that denies the unique saving power of Jesus Christ, and every church in this directory affirms that power without compromise. Therefore, ecumenical fellowship among Christians can be nothing but pleasing to God, and something all Christians should aspire toward.

<h1>Infallibility of Scripture</h1>

One of the most important distinctions among Christian denominations—and even between individual churches—is how they regard the authority of Scripture. Most “What We Believe” statements begin with this question, because every other doctrine ultimately flows from it.

All Christians affirm that the sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely inspired—that the authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God’s message in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Where Christians differ, however, is in how that divine inspiration applies to human interpretation over time.

Some believe that God intended every commandment to be followed literally and permanently, while others hold that certain instructions were bound to a specific time and culture, and that the enduring truth lies in the principles behind the words rather than the wording itself.

This becomes especially problematic in the Old Testament which includes commandments that reflect the judicial and moral systems of ancient tribal life—capital punishment for adultery and homosexuality, “eye for an eye” justice, and restrictive laws concerning women, just to name a few. Even Jesus acknowledged this context saying that some commandments were given because of the “hardness of people’s hearts,” not because they represented God’s ultimate standard. That fact alone should rebuke anyone trying to apply every literal word of the Bible to the modern era, and awaken people to the presence of some kind of evolving morality in Jesus's teachings. Still, that “fact” doesn’t change the pervasiveness of Total Bible Infallibility in church doctrine pages.

All Christians eventually face a decision: whether to <i>try</i> to follow the Bible literally and then justify which parts they reject; or to follow Jesus’s example of reconciling literal law with the higher morality of God’s kingdom written on the heart. That second path risks excessive permissiveness, yet the first often ignores spiritual growth. The editors of this directory offer no simple answer for potential Christians exploring Christianity. Instead, we encourage prayer, reflection, and exploration. Let God’s Spirit guide you to the church where His Will feels most alive and His Truth most clearly revealed.

<h1>Living Room Pastor</h1>

This is a church founder who “started the church in their living room” usually as a weekly Bible study that eventually grew into the present-day small, medium, or large church. They tend to be very charismatic, very clever, and very relatable with humble, honest stories about their life that somehow fit into the weekly message.

This is all well and good, except some of these pastors sometimes get the idea that people are coming every week just to see them. It then becomes natural under their leadership to neglect the other parts of Christian gathering—especially the Eucharist. Explore and see if this holds true: the more charismatic the living room pastor, the less likely the church will have a regular Eucharist service.

If you can find a church that has both, then you have found a rare church.

<h1>Pastor Simon</h1>

This is a type of pastor whose leadership style closely resembles the children’s game <i>Simon Says</i>. During the service, the congregation is repeatedly instructed to perform small, directed actions: stand up, sit down, raise your hands, repeat a phrase, open your Bible to a specific verse, underline a sentence, write something down, turn to a neighbor, and so on. The service becomes highly choreographed with frequent verbal cues guiding nearly every moment of participation.

Clear direction helps unify a congregation, keeps newcomers oriented, and encourages engagement rather than passivity. However, in the Pastor Simon model the volume and frequency of commands begin to feel excessive. The congregation is rarely allowed to simply listen, reflect, or respond inwardly. Instead, spiritual engagement is constantly externalized and managed.

Over time this approach can feel subtly controlling. The pastor’s authority is reinforced not through depth of teaching or spiritual maturity, but through continuous behavioral compliance. Worship becomes less about encountering God and more about correctly following instructions.

<h1>Video Church</h1>

Video Church refers to a worship service where the sermon or entire gathering is shown on a large screen rather than being led live by a pastor in the room. This approach is most common in large, multi-service or multi-campus congregations, where one main service—often featuring a senior pastor—is recorded and replayed for later audiences or satellite locations.

Church leaders often justify this model as a modern, efficient way to maintain consistent teaching across multiple sites and service times. They argue that it mirrors the experience of watching online from home, only within the shared atmosphere of worship, music, and community found inside the church building. Supporters see it as part of a new digital era of ministry, where technology extends a single church’s message beyond the limits of time, distance, and physical space. Critics, however, sometimes feel it diminishes personal connection and pastoral presence.

OregonChurch.net has personal experience with this phenomenon—and we do not like it. When large churches reach this size, they usually have a sizeable staff of associate pastors as well. In our view, it offers a far better Christian experience to allow a junior pastor to lead a live service if the lead pastor is tired or unable to preach three or four times every weekend. That junior pastor is likely part of the sermon-writing team and may have even helped craft that week’s message. The lead pastor’s early service can still be recorded and posted online for anyone who wishes to watch later, but worship inside the church should feel alive not pre-recorded.

If you find yourself in a congregation that insists on “video church,” it may be time to look for a more personal setting—one where fellowship, not production, defines the experience.

<h1>Welcoming Committee</h1>

The Welcoming Committee—sometimes called Hospitality Team or Greeters—is a group of church members or staff positioned near the entrance to identify and greet newcomers. Their goal is to make visitors feel noticed and comfortable while providing an introduction to the church’s programs and beliefs. Most churches encourage guests to fill out a Visitor’s Card, sharing basic contact information so the church can follow up later with a friendly message, invitation, or pastoral visit.

While most congregations respect a visitor’s privacy if they prefer to remain anonymous, some are more pushy and proactive, some even requiring online registration or advance notice of attendance. A few churches provide digital forms on their websites to collect details before a visit. Ideally, the spirit of a welcoming committee should reflect hospitality without pressure, helping guests feel seen but never obligated, and ensuring that a first impression of church is one of warmth and friendliness.

OregonChurch.net's advice: If you feel uncomfortable with any perceived aggressiveness, just mark that church as not a good fit for you. The majority of churches are respectful of privacy and not aggressive.

Observations after visiting churches 11-20

2026-03-29T19:56:50Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

For churches 11–20, we intentionally diversified in order to experience many different forms of worship: megachurches, small churches, gay-focused, conservative-focused, and progressive-focused congregations.

• As for the welcoming committees, there were some notable incidents. Some churches seem highly skilled at identifying newcomers and approaching them during the greeting portion of the service. The greeter has almost always been an older woman with grandmotherly friendliness paired with probing questions—almost as if she was chosen because it is harder to say “no” to her. Some churches even use laminated name tags for members, so if you are not wearing one, it is immediately clear that you are new.

• The term “Pastor Simon” was added to the [[Terminology]] page during this period. This truly is a scourge in Christian churches. In one church, the music leader—before the sermon even began—asked people to kneel during a song and a half. It was a crowded church with little space between chairs, and the floor was hard. In another church, the music leader told people to hold their hands out “like they are asking God for something.” The biggest offender asked people to follow instructions more than 20 times during the sermon: stand up, sit down, raise your hand, turn to a neighbor, underline a passage, etc.

• The communion differences continue to be astonishing:<br>
-- One church believed communion was open to anyone baptized as a Christian—even babies. There was a toddler drinking wine/grape juice from the common goblet. We have never seen that before.<br>
-- One church gave a three-minute warning about how receiving communion in an unholy or unprepared mindset was nearly the greatest sin one could commit. They looked at us frequently as they gave the warning because we were obviously new, but they were friendly with us once they saw we took communion after the warning.<br>
-- At another church, people on the main floor received communion from a church leader, while those in the balcony had stations with wafers and a cup of wine/juice to dip in. They went to the station and served themselves.<br>
-- At another church, the communion explanation felt rushed. The pastor said something like, “We’re going to have the Lord’s Supper today...I want you to taste Jesus!” That part is a direct quote. The usual Last Supper Gospel reading was displayed on a slide above the altar--not read, just displayed.<br>
-- It makes one wonder: If there is so much wild variation in something as central as communion, what does that suggest about broader doctrinal unity and competence?

• The issue of gays in the church has been on our hearts often. We personally believe that gay individuals can be saved just as heterosexuals can, but we wanted to observe whether that so-called “liberal” attitude was reflected in the behavior of gay Christians. The gay church we attended was one of our favorites. The people were sincere, loving, cheerful, and joyful in their worship. Surprisingly, there was no mention of politics or emphasis on their unique circumstances. In contrast, we attended a suburban progressive church that advertised its gay-friendliness, and the sermon was filled with political themes and defensive language—even though gay attendees were likely a minority. In other words, the explicitly gay church seemed freer from political concerns and able to worship more fully in the Spirit, in our opinion.

• In a similar situation, we attended a church with a homeless focus, expecting the sermon to center heavily on social or political themes. Instead, the service emphasized worship through song and included communion—which was a pleasant surprise. Homelessness was not really addressed until the closing sermon on Romans 5–6, which focused on Jesus giving believers a new identity free from sin. I believe many homeless individuals (though not all) struggle with addiction in their past or present and need reassurance that their sinful past does not define their future Christian life.

• I had high expectations for the Mennonite church. They have a reputation for humility and righteousness without some of the institutional failings of larger denominations. The people were wonderful—Spirit-filled and radiating friendliness. They felt somewhat like Christian Mormons, but without being Mormon. The only unusual aspect was their use of a thousand-page worship manual containing songs and prayers. The songs appeared to be distinctly Mennonite, and many prayers felt modified and politically correct. If you were raised in the church, I imagine it would feel ideal and deeply formative, shaping a mature Christian character. However, joining as an adult would represent a significant adjustment.

As far as which church we would join today if we stopped searching, [[Door_of_Hope|Door of Hope]] and [[Door_of_Hope_Northeast|Door of Hope Northeast]] from our first grouping really set the bar high and remain our personal favorites. However, our diversification in churches 11–20 revealed that smaller churches often have a tighter sense of community, which is appealing. At the same time, smaller churches can be more vulnerable to off-kilter leadership influences, potentially creating a poorly focused spiritual culture. The ideal combination would be a smaller church with wise leadership committed to serving God faithfully, worshiping Jesus correctly, and not mishandling core practices like communion.

[[Observations_after_visiting_churches_1-10|Previous Page: Observations 1-10]]

Observations after visiting churches 1-10

2026-03-29T19:56:27Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template:Template02}}

• Aggressive welcoming committee experienced at only one medium-size church. We sat in their “café” waiting for the sermon to start and thought it weird that no one else was taking advantage of the open seats. Then we got approached and identified. <i>Then</i> they sat behind us in the service! If this happens at another church I’m going to add a new term to the [[Terminology|Terminology]] page: “Café Trap.” Small churches quickly identified us as new visitors, but were friendly and merely curious.
<p>
• Christmas decorations are really commercial and sad. Christmas trees and poinsettias in lieu of real Christian symbols like a cross, angels, shepherds, verses/banners?! Maybe since I’m not a pastor I “don’t get it” but it looks silly from my perspective and a missed opportunity to add real symbolism to Christmas.
<p>
• Some churches really go all-out in their pre-service coffee social–with some inconsistencies. One church had lots of Krispy Creme donuts, and then only offered flavored fake coffee creamer–weird.
<p>
• The [[Saint_Mary%27s_Cathedral_of_the_Immaculate_Conception|Immaculate Conception Church]] in downtown Portland was amazing. Choir of approximately 30 people. Officiated by Archbishop Sample himself. He has a reputation as being anti-ecumenical–at least according to some ecumenical churches trying to merge Catholicism with other faiths. In person he seemed very reasonable and well-spoken.
<p>
• [[Mount_Angel_Abbey|Mount Angel Abbey]] is a place everyone should visit. Oregon is really lucky to have a place like this.
<p>
• The music was very diverse among these churches. Some leaned toward the pop Christian music of the last 20 years, some were more traditional, and some were even composing their own music! We really liked the music that these bands were writing for their own church.
<p>
• Church we would probably join today if we stopped looking:
<br>--[[Door_of_Hope|Door of Hope]] or [[Door_of_Hope_Northeast|Door of Hope Northeast]]
<br>--Third choice: [[A_Jesus_Church|A Jesus Church]]
<p>

[[Observations_after_visiting_churches_11-20|Next Page: Observations 11-20]]

Observations after visiting churches 11-20

2026-03-29T19:54:42Z

ORCadmin:

Search Help

2026-03-04T19:44:46Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

Use the Search Bar at the top of every page to conduct searches.

<h1>Basic Rules</h1>

Typing words (e.g. Salem Baptist) searches for pages containing both “Salem” and “Baptist.”

Using Quotes " " searches for an exact phrase. For example "First Presbyterian Church"

Case insensitive: Church = church

<h1>Boolean Operators</h1>
<pre>
AND Salem AND Baptist Both terms must appear
OR Salem OR Eugene Either term may appear
NOT Salem NOT Eugene Must include “Salem” but exclude “Eugene”
- (minus) Salem -Eugene Same as NOT
+ (plus) +Salem +Church Both required (like AND)
</pre>

<h1>Wildcards</h1>

* (asterix) can replace part of a word:

Catho* finds *Catholic*, *Catholics*, etc.

No full-page wildcards Can’t do *Church

<h1>Complex Examples</h1>

<h2>Using Single Words Together</h2>

Try using single words combined first, like CATHOLIC SPANISH MULTNOMAH.

<h2>Find all Baptist churches in Hood River County:</h2>

Sometimes words overlap, such as city and county names. To get exact results with no unintended matches, use the category-specific search terms:

<nowiki>[[Category:Churches in Hood River County]] Baptist</nowiki>

<h2>Find all Spanish-language churches in Multnomah County:</h2>

<nowiki>[[Category:Churches in Multnomah County]] [[Category:Spanish]]</nowiki>

Search Help

2026-03-04T19:42:14Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

Use the Search Bar at the top of every page to conduct searches.

<h1>Basic Rules</h1>

Typing words (e.g. Salem Baptist) searches for pages containing both “Salem” and “Baptist.”

Using Quotes " " searches for an exact phrase. For example "First Presbyterian Church"

Case insensitive: Church = church

<h1>Boolean Operators</h1>
<pre>
AND Salem AND Baptist Both terms must appear
OR Salem OR Eugene Either term may appear
NOT Salem NOT Eugene Must include “Salem” but exclude “Eugene”
- (minus) Salem -Eugene Same as NOT
+ (plus) +Salem +Church Both required (like AND)
</pre>

<h1>Namespace and Category Searches</h1>
<pre>

incategory: incategory:"Churches in Multnomah County”

prefix: prefix:Salem Matches all pages starting with “Salem”
linksto: linksto:"First Baptist Church” Finds pages that link to that page
intitle: intitle:Baptist Only pages with “Baptist” in the title
</pre>
<h1>Combining Searches</h1>

incategory:"Churches in Marion County" AND intitle:Catholic

<h1>Wildcards</h1>

* (asterix) can replace part of a word:

Catho* finds *Catholic*, *Catholics*, etc.

No full-page wildcards Can’t do *Church

<h1>Complex Examples</h1>

<h2>Using Single Words Together</h2>

Try using single words combined first, like CATHOLIC SPANISH MULTNOMAH.

<h2>Find all Baptist churches in Hood River County:</h2>

Sometimes words overlap, such as city and county names. To get exact results with no unintended matches, use the category-specific search terms:

<nowiki>[[Category:Churches in Hood River County]] Baptist</nowiki>

<h2>Find all Spanish-language churches in Multnomah County:</h2>

<nowiki>[[Category:Churches in Multnomah County]] [[Category:Spanish]]</nowiki>

Observations after visiting churches 11-20

2026-03-03T02:32:02Z

ORCadmin:

Category:Visited by OregonChurch.net

2026-03-02T17:42:26Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}
<p><big>
[[Observations_after_visiting_churches_1-10|Observations after visiting churches 1-10]]<br>
[[Observations_after_visiting_churches_11-20|Observations after visiting churches 11-20]]<big>

Category:Visited by OregonChurch.net

2026-03-02T17:41:27Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}
<p>
[[Observations_after_visiting_churches_1-10|Observations after visiting churches 1-10]]<br>
[[Observations_after_visiting_churches_11-20|Observations after visiting churches 11-20]]

Observations after visiting churches 11-20

2026-03-02T17:40:18Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

For churches 11–20, we intentionally diversified in order to experience many different forms of worship: megachurches, small churches, gay-focused, conservative-focused, and progressive-focused congregations.

• As for the welcoming committees, there were some notable incidents. Some churches seem highly skilled at identifying newcomers and approaching them during the greeting portion of the service. The greeter has almost always been an older woman with grandmotherly friendliness paired with inquisitive questions—almost as if she was chosen because it is harder to say “no” to her. Some churches even use laminated name tags for members, so if you are not wearing one, it is immediately clear that you are new.

• The term “Pastor Simon” was added to the [[Terminology]] page during this period. This truly is a scourge in Christian churches. In one church, the music leader—before the sermon even began—asked people to kneel during a song and a half. It was a crowded church with little space between chairs, and the floor was hard. In another church, the music leader told people to hold their hands out “like they are asking God for something.” The biggest offender asked people to follow instructions more than 20 times during the sermon: stand up, sit down, raise your hand, turn to a neighbor, underline a passage.

• The communion differences continue to be astonishing:<br>
-- One church believed communion was open to anyone baptized as a Christian—even babies. There was a toddler drinking wine/grape juice from the common goblet. We have never seen that before.<br>
-- One church gave a three-minute warning about how receiving communion in an unholy or unprepared mindset was nearly the greatest sin one could commit. They looked at us frequently because we were obviously new, but they were friendly once they saw we took communion after the warning.<br>
-- At another church, people on the main floor received communion from a church leader, while those in the balcony had stations with wafers and a cup of wine/juice; they went to the station and served themselves.<br>
-- At another church, the communion explanation felt rushed. The pastor said something like, “We’re going to have the Lord’s Supper today...I want you to taste Jesus!” The usual Last Supper Gospel reading was displayed on a slide above the altar.<br>
-- It makes one wonder: If there is so much wild variation in something as central as Communion, what does that suggest about broader doctrinal unity and competence?

• The issue of gays in the church has been on our hearts often. We personally believe that gay individuals can be saved just as heterosexuals can, but we wanted to observe whether that so-called “liberal” attitude was reflected in the behavior of gay Christians. The gay church we attended was one of our favorites. The people were sincere, loving, cheerful, and joyful in their worship. Surprisingly, there was no mention of politics or emphasis on their unique circumstances. In contrast, we attended a suburban progressive church that advertised its gay-friendliness, and the sermon was filled with political themes and defensive language—even though gay attendees were likely a minority. In other words, the explicitly gay church seemed freer from political concerns and able to worship more fully in the Spirit, in our opinion.

• In a similar situation, we attended a church with a homeless focus, expecting the sermon to center heavily on social or political themes. Instead, the service emphasized worship through song and included communion—which was a pleasant surprise. Homelessness was not addressed until the closing sermon on Romans 5–6, which focused on Jesus giving believers a new identity free from sin. I believe many homeless individuals (though not all) struggle with addiction in their past or present and need reassurance that their sinful past does not define their future Christian life.

• I had high expectations for the Mennonite church. They have a reputation for humility and righteousness without some of the institutional failings of larger denominations. The people were wonderful—Spirit-filled and radiating friendliness. They felt somewhat like Christian Mormons, but without being Mormon. The only unusual aspect was their use of a thousand-page worship manual containing songs and prayers. The songs appeared to be distinctly Mennonite, and many prayers felt modified and politically correct. If you were raised in the church, I imagine it would feel ideal and deeply formative, shaping a mature Christian character. However, joining as an adult would represent a significant adjustment.

As far as which church we would join today if we stopped searching, [[Door_of_Hope|Door of Hope]] and [[Door_of_Hope_Northeast|Door of Hope Northeast]] from our first grouping really set the bar high and remain our personal favorites. However, our diversification in churches 11–20 revealed that smaller churches often have a tighter sense of community, which is appealing. At the same time, smaller churches can be more vulnerable to off-kilter leadership influences, potentially creating a poorly focused spiritual culture. The ideal combination would be a smaller church with wise leadership committed to serving God faithfully, worshiping Jesus correctly, and not mishandling core practices like Communion.

Observations after visiting churches 11-20

2026-03-02T17:39:25Z

ORCadmin: Created page with "For churches 11–20, we intentionally diversified in order to experience many different forms of worship: megachurches, small churches, gay-focused, conservative-focused, and progressive-focused congregations. • As for the welcoming committees, there were some notable incidents. Some churches seem highly skilled at identifying newcomers and approaching them during the greeting portion of the service. The greeter has almost always been an older woman with grandmotherl..."

For churches 11–20, we intentionally diversified in order to experience many different forms of worship: megachurches, small churches, gay-focused, conservative-focused, and progressive-focused congregations.

• As for the welcoming committees, there were some notable incidents. Some churches seem highly skilled at identifying newcomers and approaching them during the greeting portion of the service. The greeter has almost always been an older woman with grandmotherly friendliness paired with inquisitive questions—almost as if she was chosen because it is harder to say “no” to her. Some churches even use laminated name tags for members, so if you are not wearing one, it is immediately clear that you are new.

• The term “Pastor Simon” was added to the [[Terminology]] page during this period. This truly is a scourge in Christian churches. In one church, the music leader—before the sermon even began—asked people to kneel during a song and a half. It was a crowded church with little space between chairs, and the floor was hard. In another church, the music leader told people to hold their hands out “like they are asking God for something.” The biggest offender asked people to follow instructions more than 20 times during the sermon: stand up, sit down, raise your hand, turn to a neighbor, underline a passage.

• The communion differences continue to be astonishing:<br>
-- One church believed communion was open to anyone baptized as a Christian—even babies. There was a toddler drinking wine/grape juice from the common goblet. We have never seen that before.<br>
-- One church gave a three-minute warning about how receiving communion in an unholy or unprepared mindset was nearly the greatest sin one could commit. They looked at us frequently because we were obviously new, but they were friendly once they saw we took communion after the warning.<br>
-- At another church, people on the main floor received communion from a church leader, while those in the balcony had stations with wafers and a cup of wine/juice; they went to the station and served themselves.<br>
-- At another church, the communion explanation felt rushed. The pastor said something like, “We’re going to have the Lord’s Supper today...I want you to taste Jesus!” The usual Last Supper Gospel reading was displayed on a slide above the altar.<br>
-- It makes one wonder: If there is so much wild variation in something as central as Communion, what does that suggest about broader doctrinal unity and competence?

• The issue of gays in the church has been on our hearts often. We personally believe that gay individuals can be saved just as heterosexuals can, but we wanted to observe whether that so-called “liberal” attitude was reflected in the behavior of gay Christians. The gay church we attended was one of our favorites. The people were sincere, loving, cheerful, and joyful in their worship. Surprisingly, there was no mention of politics or emphasis on their unique circumstances. In contrast, we attended a suburban progressive church that advertised its gay-friendliness, and the sermon was filled with political themes and defensive language—even though gay attendees were likely a minority. In other words, the explicitly gay church seemed freer from political concerns and able to worship more fully in the Spirit, in our opinion.

• In a similar situation, we attended a church with a homeless focus, expecting the sermon to center heavily on social or political themes. Instead, the service emphasized worship through song and included communion—which was a pleasant surprise. Homelessness was not addressed until the closing sermon on Romans 5–6, which focused on Jesus giving believers a new identity free from sin. I believe many homeless individuals (though not all) struggle with addiction in their past or present and need reassurance that their sinful past does not define their future Christian life.

• I had high expectations for the Mennonite church. They have a reputation for humility and righteousness without some of the institutional failings of larger denominations. The people were wonderful—Spirit-filled and radiating friendliness. They felt somewhat like Christian Mormons, but without being Mormon. The only unusual aspect was their use of a thousand-page worship manual containing songs and prayers. The songs appeared to be distinctly Mennonite, and many prayers felt modified and politically correct. If you were raised in the church, I imagine it would feel ideal and deeply formative, shaping a mature Christian character. However, joining as an adult would represent a significant adjustment.

As far as which church we would join today if we stopped searching, [[Door_of_Hope|Door of Hope]] and [[Door_of_Hope_Northeast|Door of Hope Northeast]] from our first grouping really set the bar high and remain our personal favorites. However, our diversification in churches 11–20 revealed that smaller churches often have a tighter sense of community, which is appealing. At the same time, smaller churches can be more vulnerable to off-kilter leadership influences, potentially creating a poorly focused spiritual culture. The ideal combination would be a smaller church with wise leadership committed to serving God faithfully, worshiping Jesus correctly, and not mishandling core practices like Communion.

Liberation Street Church

2026-03-01T23:36:24Z

ORCadmin:

Main Page

2026-02-28T23:59:12Z

ORCadmin:

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<center>
'''<span style="font-size:32px;">WELCOME TO OREGONCHURCH.NET!</span>'''

[[File:ORC-logo-large1.png|400px|link=|alt=OregonChurch.net logo]]

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Oregon Church Wiki:About

2026-02-28T23:44:18Z

ORCadmin:

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<h1>About OregonChurch.net</h1>

OregonChurch.net is an effort to organize Oregon’s church information with the power and simplicity of MediaWiki design. The directory is currently anonymous and privately maintained, but the long-term goal is to invite trusted editors-at-large to help curate and expand it.

The site’s founder is a Portland resident with non-denominational leanings who is not currently a member of any church. The idea began as a personal project to organize research into churches to visit and possibly join. However, it became clear that all Oregonians could benefit from such a resource.

<h1>Purpose and Audience</h1>

OregonChurch.net serves two main audiences:

(1) Non-Christians who are curious about Jesus but unsure which churches would be welcoming or appropriate to visit. The site brings together variables such as location, denomination, service times, and even language options to make exploration easier and less intimidating;

(2) Christians seeking a new church home, or even just exploring Oregon’s diverse expressions of faith, searching for the best fit for their beliefs and worship style.

<h1>Neutrality and Integrity</h1>

A defining strength of OregonChurch.net is its neutral, non-denominational management. The directory is curated by people familiar with many denominations, yet holding no favoritism or disdain toward any. This ensures every denomination is represented fairly and accurately.

However, a conscious effort was made to exclude some groups from the directory—specifically those that teach spiritual superiority or exclusive access to salvation, claiming a special revelation that sets them “above” other Christians. OregonChurch.net maintains a “different but equal” approach to Christian diversity and seeks to list only those churches that share this spirit of unity.

Church explorers should expect that any church listed here will welcome them without proselytizing them to join a supposedly “righteous” denomination. If a "superior" church was listed by mistake, please let us know through the Contact Page and we will remove the listing.

<h1>Data Sources and Research</h1>

The initial data came from OpenStreetMap (OSM), followed by extensive manual research. Each entry was reviewed to verify location, denomination, and online presence. Churches missing basic information were tagged for updates, while those lacking verifiable locations were removed.

Determining denominations was often difficult. For example, many churches that were once identified as Baptist, Evangelical, or Pentecostal in the OSM have rebranded to appear more generic or “non-denominational,” possibly to avoid stereotypes or attract broader audiences. In these cases, the default classification was Non-Denominational, though corrections are welcomed from any church that believes it has been mislabeled.

Broken or expired domains were common. Where possible, verified secondary pages—such as official Facebook accounts or denominational directories—were used. If a church’s online presence appeared outdated, a note was added to indicate this.

<h1>Ad Free and Uncompromised</h1>

OregonChurch.net is completely ad free and will remain so. The project is not affiliated with any denomination or commercial sponsor. The only external links that may appear in the future are to other independent, non-denominational projects by the site’s founders—literature, videos, or social media, passively offered for those who wish to support the project.

<h1>Vision</h1>

OregonChurch.net is a living experiment in how Christian diversity can be visualized and appreciated. It invites users to see Oregon’s churches not as competitors, but as members of one larger family of faith. Some may love the idea of Christian unity; others may resist it—but this platform provides a place where both perspectives can be explored and tested in practice.

With around 1,700 churches researched and listed, this directory offers a unique window into the breadth of Oregon’s Christian community. Perhaps spiritual renewal begins when people start “church-hopping” not out of dissatisfaction, but curiosity, learning from the strengths of many communities rather than staying isolated within one. Revival is unlikely to come from slogans alone, but from a sincere search for truth in service of Jesus.

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Main Page

2026-02-28T23:43:55Z

ORCadmin:

<div style="max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;padding:12px;box-sizing:border-box;">



<center>
'''<span style="font-size:32px;">WELCOME TO OREGONCHURCH.NET!</span>'''

[[File:ORC-logo-large1.png|400px|link=|alt=OregonChurch.net logo]]

<span style="font-size:18px;color:#444;">A privately-maintained, ad-free, wiki directory of Oregon churches</span>
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2026-02-28T23:42:33Z

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Check out our other project
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Liberation Street Church

2026-02-23T00:13:14Z

ORCadmin:

Bridgetown Church

2026-02-23T00:02:15Z

ORCadmin:

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<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">NAME</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Bridgetown Church</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">STREET</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">2120 NE Tillamook St.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">CITY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">ZIP</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">97212</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">COUNTY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Multnomah</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">DENOMINATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Non-Denominational</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SITE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">https://bridgetown.church/</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">SERVICE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">SU 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SUMMARY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">From their web site: "Bridgetown Church is built around the idea of practicing the way of Jesus, together, in our city. We believe that to be an apprentice of Jesus of Nazareth is to order your life around three goals: be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did. Our dream is that as we live this way, our lives, our communities, and our city, will be transformed. We believe the Church is not another sub-culture, but the making of a new humanity. It’s not a building or a weekend activity, but a people. We strive to live out the Gospel in our city throughout the week, then gather each weekend as a collection of Communities. We want to partner with God in his relentless pursuit to put the world to rights. Our prayer is as Jesus prayed, that God’s will would be done in Portland as it is in Heaven. "</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">USEFUL INFORMATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Church has an unusual communion practice: communion is offered at the main service only a few times a year; communion is offered regularly in organized small groups, however you must take a class before joining a small group.</span></div>
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[[Category:Non-Denominational]]
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[[Category:Churches in Multnomah County]]
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Society Church

2026-02-15T20:21:30Z

ORCadmin:

Society Church

2026-02-15T20:17:49Z

ORCadmin:

Society Church

2026-02-15T20:16:26Z

ORCadmin:

Society Church

2026-02-15T20:15:28Z

ORCadmin:

Cedar Hills United Church of Christ

2026-02-08T19:58:44Z

ORCadmin:

Oregon Church Wiki:About

2026-02-02T23:12:35Z

ORCadmin:

Oregon Church Wiki:About

2026-02-02T23:10:11Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>About OregonChurch.net</h1>

OregonChurch.net is an effort to organize Oregon’s church information with the power and simplicity of MediaWiki design. The directory is currently anonymous and privately maintained, but the long-term goal is to invite trusted editors-at-large to help curate and expand it.

The site’s founder is a Portland resident with non-denominational leanings who is not currently a member of any church. The idea began as a personal project to organize research into churches to visit and possibly join. However, it became clear that all Oregonians could benefit from such a resource.

<h1>Purpose and Audience</h1>

OregonChurch.net serves two main audiences:

(1) Non-Christians who are curious about Jesus but unsure which churches would be welcoming or appropriate to visit. The site brings together variables such as location, denomination, service times, and even language options to make exploration easier and less intimidating;

(2) Christians seeking a new church home, or even just exploring Oregon’s diverse expressions of faith, searching for the best fit for their beliefs and worship style.

<h1>Neutrality and Integrity</h1>

A defining strength of OregonChurch.net is its neutral, non-denominational management. The directory is curated by people familiar with many denominations, yet holding no favoritism or disdain toward any. This ensures every denomination is represented fairly and accurately.

However, a conscious effort was made to exclude some groups from the directory—specifically those that teach spiritual superiority or exclusive access to salvation, claiming a special revelation that sets them “above” other Christians. OregonChurch.net maintains a “different but equal” approach to Christian diversity and seeks to list only those churches that share this spirit of unity.

Church explorers should expect that any church listed here will welcome them without proselytizing them to join a supposedly “righteous” denomination. If a "superior" church was listed by mistake, please let us know through the Contact Page and we will remove the listing.

<h1>Data Sources and Research</h1>

The initial data came from OpenStreetMap (OSM), followed by extensive manual research. Each entry was reviewed to verify location, denomination, and online presence. Churches missing basic information were tagged for updates, while those lacking verifiable locations were removed.

Determining denominations was often difficult. For example, many churches that were once identified as Baptist, Evangelical, or Pentecostal in the OSM have rebranded to appear more generic or “non-denominational,” possibly to avoid stereotypes or attract broader audiences. In these cases, the default classification was Non-Denominational, though corrections are welcomed from any church that believes it has been mislabeled.

<h1>Web Links and Verification</h1>

Broken or expired domains were common. Where possible, verified secondary pages—such as official Facebook accounts or denominational directories—were used. If a church’s online presence appeared outdated, a note was added to indicate this.

<h1>Ad Free and Uncompromised</h1>

OregonChurch.net is completely ad free and will remain so. The project is not affiliated with any denomination or commercial sponsor. The only external links that may appear in the future are to other independent, non-denominational projects by the site’s founders—literature, videos, or social media, passively offered for those who wish to support the project.

<h1>Vision</h1>

OregonChurch.net is a living experiment in how Christian diversity can be visualized and appreciated. It invites users to see Oregon’s churches not as competitors, but as members of one larger family of faith. Some may love the idea of Christian unity; others may resist it—but this platform provides a place where both perspectives can be explored and tested in practice.

With around 1,700 churches researched and listed, this directory offers a unique window into the breadth of Oregon’s Christian community. Perhaps spiritual renewal begins when people start “church-hopping” not out of dissatisfaction, but curiosity, learning from the strengths of many communities rather than staying isolated within one. Revival is unlikely to come from slogans alone, but from a sincere search for truth in service of Jesus.

Oregon Church Wiki:About

2026-02-02T05:41:11Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>About OregonChurch.net</h1>

OregonChurch.net is an effort to organize Oregon’s church information with the power and simplicity of MediaWiki design. The directory is currently anonymous and privately maintained, but the long-term goal is to invite trusted editors-at-large to help curate and expand it.

The site’s founder is a Portland resident with non-denominational leanings who is not currently a member of any church. The idea began as a personal project to organize research into churches to visit and possibly join. However, it became clear that all Oregonians could benefit from such a resource.

<h1>Purpose and Audience</h1>

OregonChurch.net serves two main audiences:

(1) Non-Christians who are curious about Jesus but unsure which churches would be welcoming or appropriate to visit. The site brings together variables such as location, denomination, service times, and even language options to make exploration easier and less intimidating;

(2) Christians seeking a new church home, or even just exploring Oregon’s diverse expressions of faith, searching for the best fit for their beliefs and worship style.

<h1>Neutrality and Integrity</h1>

A defining strength of OregonChurch.net is its neutral, non-denominational management. The directory is curated by people familiar with many denominations, yet holding no favoritism or disdain toward any. This ensures every denomination is represented fairly and accurately.

However, a conscious effort was made to exclude some groups from the directory—specifically those that teach spiritual superiority or exclusive access to salvation, claiming a special revelation that sets them “above” other Christians. OregonChurch.net maintains a “different but equal” approach to Christian diversity and seeks to list only those churches that share this spirit of unity.

Church explorers should expect that any church listed here will welcome them without proselytizing them to join a supposedly “righteous” denomination. If a "superior" church was listed by mistake, please let us know through the Contact Page and we will remove the listing.

<h1>Data Sources and Research</h1>

The initial data came from OpenStreetMap (OSM), followed by extensive manual research. Each entry was reviewed to verify location, denomination, and online presence. Churches missing basic information were tagged for updates, while those lacking verifiable locations were removed.

Determining denominations was often difficult. For example, many churches that were once identified as Baptist, Evangelical, or Pentecostal in the OSM have rebranded to appear more generic or “non-denominational,” possibly to avoid stereotypes or attract broader audiences. In these cases, the default classification was Non-Denominational, though corrections are welcomed from any church that believes it has been mislabeled.

<h1>Web Links and Verification</h1>

Broken or expired domains were common. Where possible, verified secondary pages—such as official Facebook accounts or denominational directories—were used. If a church’s online presence appeared outdated, a note was added to indicate this.

<h1>Ad-Free and Mission-Driven</h1>

OregonChurch.net is completely ad-free and will remain so. The project is not affiliated with any denomination or commercial sponsor. The only external links that may appear in the future are to other independent, non-denominational projects by the site’s founders—literature, videos, or social media, passively offered for those who wish to support the project.

<h1>Vision</h1>

OregonChurch.net is a living experiment in how Christian diversity can be visualized and appreciated. It invites users to see Oregon’s churches not as competitors, but as members of one larger family of faith. Some may love the idea of Christian unity; others may resist it—but this platform provides a place where both perspectives can be explored and tested in practice.

With around 1,700 churches researched and listed, this directory offers a unique window into the breadth of Oregon’s Christian community. Perhaps spiritual renewal begins when people start “church-hopping” not out of dissatisfaction, but curiosity, learning from the strengths of many communities rather than staying isolated within one. Revival is unlikely to come from slogans alone, but from a sincere search for truth in service of Jesus.

Oregon Church Wiki:About

2026-02-02T05:38:14Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>About OregonChurch.net</h1>

OregonChurch.net is an effort to organize Oregon’s church information with the power and simplicity of MediaWiki design. The directory is currently anonymous and privately maintained, but the long-term goal is to invite trusted editors-at-large to help curate and expand it.

The site’s founder is a Portland resident with non-denominational leanings who is not currently a member of any church. The idea began as a personal project to organize research into churches to visit and possibly join. However, it became clear that all Oregonians could benefit from such a resource.

<h1>Purpose and Audience</h1>

OregonChurch.net serves two main audiences:

(1) Non-Christians who are curious about Jesus but unsure which churches would be welcoming or appropriate to visit. The site brings together variables such as location, denomination, service times, and even language options to make exploration easier and less intimidating;

(2) Christians seeking a new church home or wishing to explore Oregon’s diverse expressions of faith in search of the best fit for their beliefs and worship style.

<h1>Neutrality and Integrity</h1>

A defining strength of OregonChurch.net is its neutral, non-denominational management. The directory is curated by people familiar with many denominations, yet holding no favoritism or disdain toward any. This ensures every denomination is represented fairly and accurately.

However, a conscious effort was made to exclude some groups from the directory—specifically those that teach spiritual superiority or exclusive access to salvation, claiming a special revelation that sets them “above” other Christians. OregonChurch.net maintains a “different but equal” approach to Christian diversity and seeks to list only those churches that share this spirit of unity.

Church explorers should expect that any church listed here will welcome them without proselytizing them to join a supposedly “righteous” denomination. If a "superior" church was listed by mistake, please let us know through the Contact Page and we will remove the listing.

<h1>Data Sources and Research</h1>

The initial data came from OpenStreetMap (OSM), followed by extensive manual research. Each entry was reviewed to verify location, denomination, and online presence. Churches missing basic information were tagged for updates, while those lacking verifiable locations were removed.

Determining denominations was often difficult. For example, many churches that were once identified as Baptist, Evangelical, or Pentecostal in the OSM have rebranded to appear more generic or “non-denominational,” possibly to avoid stereotypes or attract broader audiences. In these cases, the default classification was Non-Denominational, though corrections are welcomed from any church that believes it has been mislabeled.

<h1>Web Links and Verification</h1>

Broken or expired domains were common. Where possible, verified secondary pages—such as official Facebook accounts or denominational directories—were used. If a church’s online presence appeared outdated, a note was added to indicate this.

<h1>Ad-Free and Mission-Driven</h1>

OregonChurch.net is completely ad-free and will remain so. The project is not affiliated with any denomination or commercial sponsor. The only external links that may appear in the future are to other independent, non-denominational projects by the site’s founders—literature, videos, or social media, passively offered for those who wish to support the project.

<h1>Vision</h1>

OregonChurch.net is a living experiment in how Christian diversity can be visualized and appreciated. It invites users to see Oregon’s churches not as competitors, but as members of one larger family of faith. Some may love the idea of Christian unity; others may resist it—but this platform provides a place where both perspectives can be explored and tested in practice.

With around 1,700 churches researched and listed, this directory offers a unique window into the breadth of Oregon’s Christian community. Perhaps spiritual renewal begins when people start “church-hopping” not out of dissatisfaction, but curiosity, learning from the strengths of many communities rather than staying isolated within one. Revival is unlikely to come from slogans alone, but from a sincere search for truth in service of Jesus.

Terminology

2026-02-02T05:35:36Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>Church Hopping</h1>

“Church hopping” is a casual term describing the practice of visiting multiple churches rather than committing immediately to one. For newcomers to Christianity, or believers exploring a change, it can be a healthy and eye-opening way to experience the diversity of worship styles, teachings, and community life that exist within the body of Christ. Trying different churches helps people discover where they feel spiritually connected and how God may be leading them to grow and serve.

At the same time, endless church hopping can prevent deep roots from forming. Faith matures best in consistent fellowship, accountability, and shared service. The ideal approach is balance: explore freely, but listen prayerfully for when it’s time to stay. Genuine curiosity is no sin; sometimes visiting many churches is the very path that leads to finding one’s spiritual home.

Also called “church searching,” “church shopping,” “visiting churches,” “exploring congregations,” and “seeking a church home.”

<h1>Come As You Are, Perfect People Not Allowed</h1>

“Come As You Are” is a phrase now seen on countless modern church websites and welcome signs. Borrowed from popular culture—most famously from Nirvana’s lyrics—it has been re-imagined by many congregations to signal openness, authenticity, and acceptance. The phrase invites people to attend worship without fear of judgment over appearance, background, or spiritual maturity.

In practical terms, it reflects a broader cultural shift away from the tradition of formal Sunday dress. Where past generations viewed dressing in one’s best clothing as an act of reverence, today many churches emphasize comfort and sincerity over outward formality. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, and casual wear have become common symbols of belonging. For most churches using this phrase is not only about clothing, it’s about God’s Grace: the idea that people can approach God honestly, without pretense, and be accepted as they are.

Another similarly-themed phrase appearing on many church websites is “Perfect People Not Allowed.” It expresses a similar spirit of humility and belonging. It is an honest admission that church is not a showcase for the flawless, but a gathering of imperfect people seeking Grace. When combined, these slogans communicate a powerful message: that faith begins not with perfection or appearance, but with openness, honesty, and the courage to show up as we are before God.

<h1> Ecumenical or Ecumenism/Ecumenicalism</h1>

Ecumenical generally means promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, emphasizing shared faith in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on doctrinal divisions. Churches that embrace ecumenism often do so to reflect Jesus’s prayer “that they may all be one,” believing cooperation strengthens witness, reduces hostility, and better serves communities through shared missions and outreach. They value fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect across traditions. Churches that resist ecumenism often fear it leads to theological compromise or confusion about truth. They emphasize maintaining doctrinal purity, warning that unity without agreement on core beliefs could water down the gospel. Some believe rejecting ecumenism preserves their identity and convictions about what they see as the authentic expression of Christianity.

Some Christians view ecumenism in eschatological terms, interpreting global religious cooperation as a possible sign of end-times deception—a step toward a “one world religion.” From this perspective, apparent harmony may conceal a drift from biblical truth. Even though there is a justified concern over a one world religion, the founders of this website believe that genuine Christian unity—rooted in shared faith and core biblical truth—carries far greater value than the fears that divide believers. Besides, the evil “one world religion” described in prophecy would be one that denies the unique saving power of Jesus Christ, and every church in this directory affirms that power without compromise. Therefore, ecumenical fellowship among Christians can be nothing but pleasing to God, and something all Christians should aspire toward.

<h1>Infallibility of Scripture</h1>

One of the most important distinctions among Christian denominations—and even between individual churches—is how they regard the authority of Scripture. Most “What We Believe” statements begin with this question, because every other doctrine ultimately flows from it.

All Christians affirm that the sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely inspired—that the authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God’s message in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Where Christians differ, however, is in how that divine inspiration applies to human interpretation over time.

Some believe that God intended every commandment to be followed literally and permanently, while others hold that certain instructions were bound to a specific time and culture, and that the enduring truth lies in the principles behind the words rather than the wording itself.

This becomes especially problematic in the Old Testament which includes commandments that reflect the judicial and moral systems of ancient tribal life—capital punishment for adultery and homosexuality, “eye for an eye” justice, and restrictive laws concerning women, just to name a few. Even Jesus acknowledged this context saying that some commandments were given because of the “hardness of people’s hearts,” not because they represented God’s ultimate standard. That fact alone should rebuke anyone trying to apply every literal word of the Bible to the modern era, and awaken people to the presence of some kind of evolving morality in Jesus's teachings. Still, that “fact” doesn’t change the pervasiveness of Total Bible Infallibility in church doctrine pages.

All Christians eventually face a decision: whether to <i>try</i> to follow the Bible literally and then justify which parts they reject; or to follow Jesus’s example of reconciling literal law with the higher morality of God’s kingdom written on the heart. That second path risks excessive permissiveness, yet the first often ignores spiritual growth. The editors of this directory offer no simple answer for potential Christians exploring Christianity. Instead, we encourage prayer, reflection, and exploration. Let God’s Spirit guide you to the church where His Will feels most alive and His Truth most clearly revealed.

<h1>Living Room Pastor</h1>

This is a church founder who “started the church in their living room” usually as a weekly Bible study that eventually grew into the present-day small, medium, or large church. They tend to be very charismatic, very clever, and very relatable with humble, honest stories about their life that somehow fit into the weekly message.

This is all well and good, except some of these pastors sometimes get the idea that people are coming every week just to see them. It then becomes natural under their leadership to neglect the other parts of Christian gathering—especially the Eucharist. Explore and see if this holds true: the more charismatic the living room pastor, the less likely the church will have a regular Eucharist service.

If you can find a church that has both, then you have found a rare church.

<h1>Pastor Simon</h1>

This is a type of pastor whose leadership style closely resembles the children’s game <i>Simon Says</i>. During the service, the congregation is repeatedly instructed to perform small, directed actions: stand up, sit down, raise your hands, repeat a phrase, open your Bible to a specific verse, underline a sentence, write something down, turn to a neighbor, and so on. The service becomes highly choreographed with frequent verbal cues guiding nearly every moment of participation.

Clear direction helps unify a congregation, keeps newcomers oriented, and encourages engagement rather than passivity. However, in the Pastor Simon model the volume and frequency of commands begin to feel excessive. The congregation is rarely allowed to simply listen, reflect, or respond inwardly. Instead, spiritual engagement is constantly externalized and managed.

Over time this approach can feel subtly controlling. The pastor’s authority is reinforced not through depth of teaching or spiritual maturity, but through continuous behavioral compliance. Worship becomes less about encountering God and more about correctly following instructions.

<h1>Video Church</h1>

Video Church refers to a worship service where the sermon or entire gathering is shown on a large screen rather than being led live by a pastor in the room. This approach is most common in large, multi-service or multi-campus congregations, where one main service—often featuring a senior pastor—is recorded and replayed for later audiences or satellite locations.

Church leaders often justify this model as a modern, efficient way to maintain consistent teaching across multiple sites and service times. They argue that it mirrors the experience of watching online from home, only within the shared atmosphere of worship, music, and community found inside the church building. Supporters see it as part of a new digital era of ministry, where technology extends a single church’s message beyond the limits of time, distance, and physical space. Critics, however, sometimes feel it diminishes personal connection and pastoral presence.

OregonChurch.net has personal experience with this phenomenon—and we do not like it. When large churches reach this size, they usually have a sizeable staff of associate pastors as well. In our view, it offers a far better Christian experience to allow a junior pastor to lead a live service if the lead pastor is tired or unable to preach three or four times every weekend. That junior pastor is likely part of the sermon-writing team and may have even helped craft that week’s message. The lead pastor’s early service can still be recorded and posted online for anyone who wishes to watch later, but worship inside the church should feel alive not pre-recorded.

If you find yourself in a congregation that insists on “video church,” it may be time to look for a more personal setting—one where fellowship, not production, defines the experience.

<h1>Welcoming Committee</h1>

The Welcoming Committee—sometimes called Hospitality Team or Greeters—is a group of church members or staff positioned near the entrance to identify and greet newcomers. Their goal is to make visitors feel noticed and comfortable while providing an introduction to the church’s programs and beliefs. Most churches encourage guests to fill out a Visitor’s Card, sharing basic contact information so the church can follow up later with a friendly message, invitation, or pastoral visit.

While most congregations respect a visitor’s privacy if they prefer to remain anonymous, some are more pushy and proactive, some even requiring online registration or advance notice of attendance. A few churches provide digital forms on their websites to collect details before a visit. Ideally, the spirit of a welcoming committee should reflect hospitality without pressure, helping guests feel seen but never obligated, and ensuring that a first impression of church is one of warmth and friendliness.

OregonChurch.net's advice: If you feel uncomfortable with any perceived aggressiveness, just mark that church as not a good fit for you. The majority of churches are respectful of privacy and not aggressive.

Metropolitan Community Church of Portland

2026-02-02T05:27:06Z

ORCadmin:

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<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">NAME</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Metropolitan Community Church of Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">STREET</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">4800 NE 72nd Ave.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">CITY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">ZIP</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">97218</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">COUNTY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Multnomah</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">DENOMINATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Non-Denominational</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SITE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">https://www.mccportland.com/</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">SERVICE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">SU 11:00 AM</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SUMMARY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">From their web site: "MCC is committed to being a vital, relevant and public voice for the full inclusion of all people with special outreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight and transgendered people in the rights and benefits of our city, state and nation as well as the Church. Combining our faith with action we support and uphold other organizations that seek justice for all people."</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">USEFUL INFORMATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">New location (NE 72nd Ave.) as of January 2026</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">LANGUAGE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value"></span></div>
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[[Category:Churches in Portland]]
[[Category:Churches in Multnomah County]]
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Metropolitan Community Church of Portland

2026-02-02T00:54:43Z

ORCadmin:

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<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">NAME</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Metropolitan Community Church of Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">STREET</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">4800 NE 72nd Ave.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">CITY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">ZIP</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">97218</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">COUNTY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Multnomah</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">DENOMINATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Non-Denominational</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SITE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">https://www.mccportland.com/</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">SERVICE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">SU 11:00 AM</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SUMMARY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">From their web site: "MCC is committed to being a vital, relevant and public voice for the full inclusion of all people with special outreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight and transgendered people in the rights and benefits of our city, state and nation as well as the Church. Combining our faith with action we support and uphold other organizations that seek justice for all people."</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">USEFUL INFORMATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">New address as of January 2026</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">LANGUAGE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value"></span></div>
<br>
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[[Category:Churches in Portland]]
[[Category:Churches in Multnomah County]]
[[Category:Visited by OregonChurch.net]]
</div>

Terminology

2026-01-28T01:50:17Z

ORCadmin:

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<h1>Church Hopping</h1>

“Church hopping” is a casual term describing the practice of visiting multiple churches rather than committing immediately to one. For newcomers to Christianity, or believers exploring a change, it can be a healthy and eye-opening way to experience the diversity of worship styles, teachings, and community life that exist within the body of Christ. Trying different churches helps people discover where they feel spiritually connected and how God may be leading them to grow and serve.

At the same time, endless church hopping can prevent deep roots from forming. Faith matures best in consistent fellowship, accountability, and shared service. The ideal approach is balance: explore freely, but listen prayerfully for when it’s time to stay. Genuine curiosity is no sin; sometimes visiting many churches is the very path that leads to finding one’s spiritual home.

Also called “church searching,” “church shopping,” “visiting churches,” “exploring congregations,” and “seeking a church home.”

<h1>Come As You Are, Perfect People Not Allowed</h1>

“Come As You Are” is a phrase now seen on countless modern church websites and welcome signs. Borrowed from popular culture—most famously from Nirvana’s lyrics—it has been re-imagined by many congregations to signal openness, authenticity, and acceptance. The phrase invites people to attend worship without fear of judgment over appearance, background, or spiritual maturity.

In practical terms, it reflects a broader cultural shift away from the tradition of formal Sunday dress. Where past generations viewed dressing in one’s best clothing as an act of reverence, today many churches emphasize comfort and sincerity over outward formality. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, and casual wear have become common symbols of belonging. For most churches using this phrase is not only about clothing, it’s about God’s Grace: the idea that people can approach God honestly, without pretense, and be accepted as they are.

Another similarly-themed phrase appearing on many church websites is “Perfect People Not Allowed.” It expresses a similar spirit of humility and belonging. It is an honest admission that church is not a showcase for the flawless, but a gathering of imperfect people seeking Grace. When combined, these slogans communicate a powerful message: that faith begins not with perfection or appearance, but with openness, honesty, and the courage to show up as we are before God.

<h1> Ecumenical or Ecumenism/Ecumenicalism</h1>

Ecumenical generally means promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, emphasizing shared faith in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on doctrinal divisions. Churches that embrace ecumenism often do so to reflect Jesus’s prayer “that they may all be one,” believing cooperation strengthens witness, reduces hostility, and better serves communities through shared missions and outreach. They value fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect across traditions. Churches that resist ecumenism often fear it leads to theological compromise or confusion about truth. They emphasize maintaining doctrinal purity, warning that unity without agreement on core beliefs could water down the gospel. Some believe rejecting ecumenism preserves their identity and convictions about what they see as the authentic expression of Christianity.

Some Christians view ecumenism in eschatological terms, interpreting global religious cooperation as a possible sign of end-times deception—a step toward a “one world religion.” From this perspective, apparent harmony may conceal a drift from biblical truth. Even though there is a justified concern over a one world religion, the founders of this website believe that genuine Christian unity—rooted in shared faith and core biblical truth—carries far greater value than the fears that divide believers. Besides, the evil “one world religion” described in prophecy would be one that denies the unique saving power of Jesus Christ, and every church in this directory affirms that power without compromise. Therefore, ecumenical fellowship among Christians can be nothing but pleasing to God, and something all Christians should aspire toward.

<h1>Infallibility of Scripture</h1>

One of the most important distinctions among Christian denominations—and even between individual churches—is how they regard the authority of Scripture. Most “What We Believe” statements begin with this question, because every other doctrine ultimately flows from it.

All Christians affirm that the sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely inspired—that the authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God’s message in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Where Christians differ, however, is in how that divine inspiration applies to human interpretation over time.

Some believe that God intended every commandment to be followed literally and permanently, while others hold that certain instructions were bound to a specific time and culture, and that the enduring truth lies in the principles behind the words rather than the wording itself.

This becomes especially problematic in the Old Testament which includes commandments that reflect the judicial and moral systems of ancient tribal life—capital punishment for adultery and homosexuality, “eye for an eye” justice, and restrictive laws concerning women, just to name a few. Even Jesus acknowledged this context saying that some commandments were given because of the “hardness of people’s hearts,” not because they represented God’s ultimate standard. That fact alone should rebuke anyone trying to apply every literal word of the Bible to the modern era, and awaken people to the presence of some kind of evolving morality in Jesus's teachings. Still, that “fact” doesn’t change the pervasiveness of Total Bible Infallibility in church doctrine pages.

All Christians eventually face a decision: whether to <i>try</i> to follow the Bible literally and then justify which parts they reject; or to follow Jesus’s example of reconciling literal law with the higher morality of God’s kingdom written on the heart. That second path risks excessive permissiveness, yet the first often ignores spiritual growth. The editors of this directory offer no simple answer for potential Christians exploring Christianity. Instead, we encourage prayer, reflection, and exploration. Let God’s Spirit guide you to the church where His Will feels most alive and His Truth most clearly revealed.

<h1>Living Room Pastor</h1>

This is a church founder who “started the church in their living room” usually as a weekly Bible study that eventually grew into the present-day small, medium, or large church. They tend to be very charismatic, very clever, and very relatable with humble, honest stories about their life that somehow fit into the weekly message.

This is all well and good, except some of these pastors sometimes get the idea that people are coming every week just to see them. It then becomes natural under their leadership to neglect the other parts of Christian gathering—especially the Eucharist. Explore and see if this holds true: the more charismatic the living room pastor, the less likely the church will have a regular Eucharist service.

If you can find a church that has both, then you have found a rare church.

<h1>Pastor Simon</h1>

This is a type of pastor whose leadership style closely resembles the children’s game <i>Simon Says</i>. During the service, the congregation is repeatedly instructed to perform small, directed actions: stand up, sit down, raise your hands, repeat a phrase, open your Bible to a specific verse, underline a sentence, write something down, turn to a neighbor, and so on. The service becomes highly choreographed with frequent verbal cues guiding nearly every moment of participation.

Clear direction helps unify a congregation, keeps newcomers oriented, and encourages engagement rather than passivity. However, in the Pastor Simon model, the volume and frequency of commands begin to feel excessive. The congregation is rarely allowed to simply listen, reflect, or respond inwardly. Instead, spiritual engagement is constantly externalized and managed.

Over time this approach can feel subtly controlling. The pastor’s authority is reinforced not through depth of teaching or spiritual maturity, but through continuous behavioral compliance. Worship becomes less about encountering God and more about correctly following instructions.

<h1>Video Church</h1>

Video Church refers to a worship service where the sermon or entire gathering is shown on a large screen rather than being led live by a pastor in the room. This approach is most common in large, multi-service or multi-campus congregations, where one main service—often featuring a senior pastor—is recorded and replayed for later audiences or satellite locations.

Church leaders often justify this model as a modern, efficient way to maintain consistent teaching across multiple sites and service times. They argue that it mirrors the experience of watching online from home, only within the shared atmosphere of worship, music, and community found inside the church building. Supporters see it as part of a new digital era of ministry, where technology extends a single church’s message beyond the limits of time, distance, and physical space. Critics, however, sometimes feel it diminishes personal connection and pastoral presence.

OregonChurch.net has personal experience with this phenomenon—and we do not like it. When large churches reach this size, they usually have a sizeable staff of associate pastors as well. In our view, it offers a far better Christian experience to allow a junior pastor to lead a live service if the lead pastor is tired or unable to preach three or four times every weekend. That junior pastor is likely part of the sermon-writing team and may have even helped craft that week’s message. The lead pastor’s early service can still be recorded and posted online for anyone who wishes to watch later, but worship inside the church should feel alive not pre-recorded.

If you find yourself in a congregation that insists on “video church,” it may be time to look for a more personal setting—one where fellowship, not production, defines the experience.

<h1>Welcoming Committee</h1>

The Welcoming Committee—sometimes called Hospitality Team or Greeters—is a group of church members or staff positioned near the entrance to identify and greet newcomers. Their goal is to make visitors feel noticed and comfortable while providing an introduction to the church’s programs and beliefs. Most churches encourage guests to fill out a Visitor’s Card, sharing basic contact information so the church can follow up later with a friendly message, invitation, or pastoral visit.

While most congregations respect a visitor’s privacy if they prefer to remain anonymous, some are more pushy and proactive, some even requiring online registration or advance notice of attendance. A few churches provide digital forms on their websites to collect details before a visit. Ideally, the spirit of a welcoming committee should reflect hospitality without pressure, helping guests feel seen but never obligated, and ensuring that a first impression of church is one of warmth and friendliness.

OregonChurch.net's advice: If you feel uncomfortable with any perceived aggressiveness, just mark that church as not a good fit for you. The majority of churches are respectful of privacy and not aggressive.

Terminology

2026-01-28T01:49:39Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>Church Hopping</h1>

“Church hopping” is a casual term describing the practice of visiting multiple churches rather than committing immediately to one. For newcomers to Christianity, or believers exploring a change, it can be a healthy and eye-opening way to experience the diversity of worship styles, teachings, and community life that exist within the body of Christ. Trying different churches helps people discover where they feel spiritually connected and how God may be leading them to grow and serve.

At the same time, endless church hopping can prevent deep roots from forming. Faith matures best in consistent fellowship, accountability, and shared service. The ideal approach is balance: explore freely, but listen prayerfully for when it’s time to stay. Genuine curiosity is no sin; sometimes visiting many churches is the very path that leads to finding one’s spiritual home. Also called “church searching,” “church shopping,” “visiting churches,” “exploring congregations,” and “seeking a church home.”

<h1>Come As You Are, Perfect People Not Allowed</h1>

“Come As You Are” is a phrase now seen on countless modern church websites and welcome signs. Borrowed from popular culture—most famously from Nirvana’s lyrics—it has been re-imagined by many congregations to signal openness, authenticity, and acceptance. The phrase invites people to attend worship without fear of judgment over appearance, background, or spiritual maturity.

In practical terms, it reflects a broader cultural shift away from the tradition of formal Sunday dress. Where past generations viewed dressing in one’s best clothing as an act of reverence, today many churches emphasize comfort and sincerity over outward formality. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, and casual wear have become common symbols of belonging. For most churches using this phrase is not only about clothing, it’s about God’s Grace: the idea that people can approach God honestly, without pretense, and be accepted as they are.

Another similarly-themed phrase appearing on many church websites is “Perfect People Not Allowed.” It expresses a similar spirit of humility and belonging. It is an honest admission that church is not a showcase for the flawless, but a gathering of imperfect people seeking Grace. When combined, these slogans communicate a powerful message: that faith begins not with perfection or appearance, but with openness, honesty, and the courage to show up as we are before God.

<h1> Ecumenical or Ecumenism/Ecumenicalism</h1>

Ecumenical generally means promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, emphasizing shared faith in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on doctrinal divisions. Churches that embrace ecumenism often do so to reflect Jesus’s prayer “that they may all be one,” believing cooperation strengthens witness, reduces hostility, and better serves communities through shared missions and outreach. They value fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect across traditions. Churches that resist ecumenism often fear it leads to theological compromise or confusion about truth. They emphasize maintaining doctrinal purity, warning that unity without agreement on core beliefs could water down the gospel. Some believe rejecting ecumenism preserves their identity and convictions about what they see as the authentic expression of Christianity.

Some Christians view ecumenism in eschatological terms, interpreting global religious cooperation as a possible sign of end-times deception—a step toward a “one world religion.” From this perspective, apparent harmony may conceal a drift from biblical truth. Even though there is a justified concern over a one world religion, the founders of this website believe that genuine Christian unity—rooted in shared faith and core biblical truth—carries far greater value than the fears that divide believers. Besides, the evil “one world religion” described in prophecy would be one that denies the unique saving power of Jesus Christ, and every church in this directory affirms that power without compromise. Therefore, ecumenical fellowship among Christians can be nothing but pleasing to God, and something all Christians should aspire toward.

<h1>Infallibility of Scripture</h1>

One of the most important distinctions among Christian denominations—and even between individual churches—is how they regard the authority of Scripture. Most “What We Believe” statements begin with this question, because every other doctrine ultimately flows from it.

All Christians affirm that the sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely inspired—that the authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God’s message in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Where Christians differ, however, is in how that divine inspiration applies to human interpretation over time.

Some believe that God intended every commandment to be followed literally and permanently, while others hold that certain instructions were bound to a specific time and culture, and that the enduring truth lies in the principles behind the words rather than the wording itself.

This becomes especially problematic in the Old Testament which includes commandments that reflect the judicial and moral systems of ancient tribal life—capital punishment for adultery and homosexuality, “eye for an eye” justice, and restrictive laws concerning women, just to name a few. Even Jesus acknowledged this context saying that some commandments were given because of the “hardness of people’s hearts,” not because they represented God’s ultimate standard. That fact alone should rebuke anyone trying to apply every literal word of the Bible to the modern era, and awaken people to the presence of some kind of evolving morality in Jesus's teachings. Still, that “fact” doesn’t change the pervasiveness of Total Bible Infallibility in church doctrine pages.

All Christians eventually face a decision: whether to <i>try</i> to follow the Bible literally and then justify which parts they reject; or to follow Jesus’s example of reconciling literal law with the higher morality of God’s kingdom written on the heart. That second path risks excessive permissiveness, yet the first often ignores spiritual growth. The editors of this directory offer no simple answer for potential Christians exploring Christianity. Instead, we encourage prayer, reflection, and exploration. Let God’s Spirit guide you to the church where His Will feels most alive and His Truth most clearly revealed.

<h1>Living Room Pastor</h1>

This is a church founder who “started the church in their living room” usually as a weekly Bible study that eventually grew into the present-day small, medium, or large church. They tend to be very charismatic, very clever, and very relatable with humble, honest stories about their life that somehow fit into the weekly message.

This is all well and good, except some of these pastors sometimes get the idea that people are coming every week just to see them. It then becomes natural under their leadership to neglect the other parts of Christian gathering—especially the Eucharist. Explore and see if this holds true: the more charismatic the living room pastor, the less likely the church will have a regular Eucharist service.

If you can find a church that has both, then you have found a rare church.

<h1>Pastor Simon</h1>

This is a type of pastor whose leadership style closely resembles the children’s game <i>Simon Says</i>. During the service, the congregation is repeatedly instructed to perform small, directed actions: stand up, sit down, raise your hands, repeat a phrase, open your Bible to a specific verse, underline a sentence, write something down, turn to a neighbor, and so on. The service becomes highly choreographed with frequent verbal cues guiding nearly every moment of participation.

Clear direction helps unify a congregation, keeps newcomers oriented, and encourages engagement rather than passivity. However, in the Pastor Simon model, the volume and frequency of commands begin to feel excessive. The congregation is rarely allowed to simply listen, reflect, or respond inwardly. Instead, spiritual engagement is constantly externalized and managed.

Over time this approach can feel subtly controlling. The pastor’s authority is reinforced not through depth of teaching or spiritual maturity, but through continuous behavioral compliance. Worship becomes less about encountering God and more about correctly following instructions.

<h1>Video Church</h1>

Video Church refers to a worship service where the sermon or entire gathering is shown on a large screen rather than being led live by a pastor in the room. This approach is most common in large, multi-service or multi-campus congregations, where one main service—often featuring a senior pastor—is recorded and replayed for later audiences or satellite locations.

Church leaders often justify this model as a modern, efficient way to maintain consistent teaching across multiple sites and service times. They argue that it mirrors the experience of watching online from home, only within the shared atmosphere of worship, music, and community found inside the church building. Supporters see it as part of a new digital era of ministry, where technology extends a single church’s message beyond the limits of time, distance, and physical space. Critics, however, sometimes feel it diminishes personal connection and pastoral presence.

OregonChurch.net has personal experience with this phenomenon—and we do not like it. When large churches reach this size, they usually have a sizeable staff of associate pastors as well. In our view, it offers a far better Christian experience to allow a junior pastor to lead a live service if the lead pastor is tired or unable to preach three or four times every weekend. That junior pastor is likely part of the sermon-writing team and may have even helped craft that week’s message. The lead pastor’s early service can still be recorded and posted online for anyone who wishes to watch later, but worship inside the church should feel alive not pre-recorded.

If you find yourself in a congregation that insists on “video church,” it may be time to look for a more personal setting—one where fellowship, not production, defines the experience.

<h1>Welcoming Committee</h1>

The Welcoming Committee—sometimes called Hospitality Team or Greeters—is a group of church members or staff positioned near the entrance to identify and greet newcomers. Their goal is to make visitors feel noticed and comfortable while providing an introduction to the church’s programs and beliefs. Most churches encourage guests to fill out a Visitor’s Card, sharing basic contact information so the church can follow up later with a friendly message, invitation, or pastoral visit.

While most congregations respect a visitor’s privacy if they prefer to remain anonymous, some are more pushy and proactive, some even requiring online registration or advance notice of attendance. A few churches provide digital forms on their websites to collect details before a visit. Ideally, the spirit of a welcoming committee should reflect hospitality without pressure, helping guests feel seen but never obligated, and ensuring that a first impression of church is one of warmth and friendliness.

OregonChurch.net's advice: If you feel uncomfortable with any perceived aggressiveness, just mark that church as not a good fit for you. The majority of churches are respectful of privacy and not aggressive.

All Souls Anglican Church

2026-01-26T05:23:34Z

ORCadmin:

Terminology

2026-01-24T06:51:51Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>Church Hopping</h1>

“Church hopping” is a casual term describing the practice of visiting multiple churches rather than committing immediately to one. For newcomers to Christianity, or believers exploring a change, it can be a healthy and eye-opening way to experience the diversity of worship styles, teachings, and community life that exist within the body of Christ. Trying different churches helps people discover where they feel spiritually connected and how God may be leading them to grow and serve.

At the same time, many pastors caution that endless church hopping can prevent deep roots from forming. Faith matures best in consistent fellowship, accountability, and shared service. The ideal approach is balance: explore freely, but listen prayerfully for when it’s time to stay. Genuine curiosity is no sin; sometimes visiting many churches is the very path that leads to finding one’s spiritual home. Also called “church searching,” “church shopping,” “visiting churches,” “exploring congregations,” and “seeking a church home.”

<h1>Come As You Are, Perfect People Not Allowed</h1>

“Come As You Are” is a phrase now seen on countless modern church websites and welcome signs. Borrowed from popular culture—most famously from Nirvana’s lyrics—it has been re-imagined by many congregations to signal openness, authenticity, and acceptance. The phrase invites people to attend worship without fear of judgment over appearance, background, or spiritual maturity.

In practical terms, it reflects a broader cultural shift away from the tradition of formal Sunday dress. Where past generations viewed dressing in one’s best clothing as an act of reverence, today many churches emphasize comfort and sincerity over outward formality. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, and casual wear have become common symbols of belonging. For most churches using this phrase is not only about clothing, it’s about God’s Grace: the idea that people can approach God honestly, without pretense, and be accepted as they are.

Another similarly-themed phrase appearing on many church websites is “Perfect People Not Allowed.” It expresses a similar spirit of humility and belonging. It is an honest admission that church is not a showcase for the flawless, but a gathering of imperfect people seeking Grace. When combined, these slogans communicate a powerful message: that faith begins not with perfection or appearance, but with openness, honesty, and the courage to show up as we are before God.

<h1> Ecumenical or Ecumenism/Ecumenicalism</h1>

Ecumenical generally means promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, emphasizing shared faith in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on doctrinal divisions. Churches that embrace ecumenism often do so to reflect Jesus’s prayer “that they may all be one,” believing cooperation strengthens witness, reduces hostility, and better serves communities through shared missions and outreach. They value fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect across traditions. Churches that resist ecumenism often fear it leads to theological compromise or confusion about truth. They emphasize maintaining doctrinal purity, warning that unity without agreement on core beliefs could water down the gospel. Some believe rejecting ecumenism preserves their identity and convictions about what they see as the authentic expression of Christianity.

Some Christians view ecumenism in eschatological terms, interpreting global religious cooperation as a possible sign of end-times deception—a step toward a “one world religion.” From this perspective, apparent harmony may conceal a drift from biblical truth. Even though there is a justified concern over a one world religion, the founders of this website believe that genuine Christian unity—rooted in shared faith and core biblical truth—carries far greater value than the fears that divide believers. Besides, the evil “one world religion” described in prophecy would be one that denies the unique saving power of Jesus Christ, and every church in this directory affirms that power without compromise. Therefore, ecumenical fellowship among Christians can be nothing but pleasing to God, and something all Christians should aspire toward.

<h1>Infallibility of Scripture</h1>

One of the most important distinctions among Christian denominations—and even between individual churches—is how they regard the authority of Scripture. Most “What We Believe” statements begin with this question, because every other doctrine ultimately flows from it.

All Christians affirm that the sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely inspired—that the authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God’s message in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Where Christians differ, however, is in how that divine inspiration applies to human interpretation over time.

Some believe that God intended every commandment to be followed literally and permanently, while others hold that certain instructions were bound to a specific time and culture, and that the enduring truth lies in the principles behind the words rather than the wording itself.

This becomes especially problematic in the Old Testament which includes commandments that reflect the judicial and moral systems of ancient tribal life—capital punishment for adultery and homosexuality, “eye for an eye” justice, and restrictive laws concerning women, just to name a few. Even Jesus acknowledged this context saying that some commandments were given because of the “hardness of people’s hearts,” not because they represented God’s ultimate standard. That fact alone should rebuke anyone trying to apply every literal word of the Bible to the modern era, and awaken people to the presence of some kind of evolving morality in Jesus's teachings. Still, that “fact” doesn’t change the pervasiveness of Total Bible Infallibility in church doctrine pages.

All Christians eventually face a decision: whether to <i>try</i> to follow the Bible literally and then justify which parts they reject; or to follow Jesus’s example of reconciling literal law with the higher morality of God’s kingdom written on the heart. That second path risks excessive permissiveness, yet the first often ignores spiritual growth. The editors of this directory offer no simple answer for potential Christians exploring Christianity. Instead, we encourage prayer, reflection, and exploration. Let God’s Spirit guide you to the church where His Will feels most alive and His Truth most clearly revealed.

<h1>Living Room Pastor</h1>

This is a church founder who “started the church in their living room” usually as a weekly Bible study that eventually grew into the present-day small, medium, or large church. They tend to be very charismatic, very clever, and very relatable with humble, honest stories about their life that somehow fit into the weekly message.

This is all well and good, except some of these pastors sometimes get the idea that people are coming every week just to see them. It then becomes natural under their leadership to neglect the other parts of Christian gathering—especially the Eucharist. Explore and see if this holds true: the more charismatic the living room pastor, the less likely the church will have a regular Eucharist service.

If you can find a church that has both, then you have found a rare church.

<h1>Pastor Simon</h1>

This is a type of pastor whose leadership style closely resembles the children’s game <i>Simon Says</i>. During the service, the congregation is repeatedly instructed to perform small, directed actions: stand up, sit down, raise your hands, repeat a phrase, open your Bible to a specific verse, underline a sentence, write something down, turn to a neighbor, and so on. The service becomes highly choreographed with frequent verbal cues guiding nearly every moment of participation.

Clear direction helps unify a congregation, keeps newcomers oriented, and encourages engagement rather than passivity. However, in the Pastor Simon model, the volume and frequency of commands begin to feel excessive. The congregation is rarely allowed to simply listen, reflect, or respond inwardly. Instead, spiritual engagement is constantly externalized and managed.

Over time this approach can feel subtly controlling. The pastor’s authority is reinforced not through depth of teaching or spiritual maturity, but through continuous behavioral compliance. Worship becomes less about encountering God and more about correctly following instructions.

<h1>Video Church</h1>

Video Church refers to a worship service where the sermon or entire gathering is shown on a large screen rather than being led live by a pastor in the room. This approach is most common in large, multi-service or multi-campus congregations, where one main service—often featuring a senior pastor—is recorded and replayed for later audiences or satellite locations.

Church leaders often justify this model as a modern, efficient way to maintain consistent teaching across multiple sites and service times. They argue that it mirrors the experience of watching online from home, only within the shared atmosphere of worship, music, and community found inside the church building. Supporters see it as part of a new digital era of ministry, where technology extends a single church’s message beyond the limits of time, distance, and physical space. Critics, however, sometimes feel it diminishes personal connection and pastoral presence.

OregonChurch.net has personal experience with this phenomenon—and we do not like it. When large churches reach this size, they usually have a sizeable staff of associate pastors as well. In our view, it offers a far better Christian experience to allow a junior pastor to lead a live service if the lead pastor is tired or unable to preach three or four times every weekend. That junior pastor is likely part of the sermon-writing team and may have even helped craft that week’s message. The lead pastor’s early service can still be recorded and posted online for anyone who wishes to watch later, but worship inside the church should feel alive not pre-recorded.

If you find yourself in a congregation that insists on “video church,” it may be time to look for a more personal setting—one where fellowship, not production, defines the experience.

<h1>Welcoming Committee</h1>

The Welcoming Committee—sometimes called Hospitality Team or Greeters—is a group of church members or staff positioned near the entrance to identify and greet newcomers. Their goal is to make visitors feel noticed and comfortable while providing an introduction to the church’s programs and beliefs. Most churches encourage guests to fill out a Visitor’s Card, sharing basic contact information so the church can follow up later with a friendly message, invitation, or pastoral visit.

While most congregations respect a visitor’s privacy if they prefer to remain anonymous, some are more pushy and proactive, some even requiring online registration or advance notice of attendance. A few churches provide digital forms on their websites to collect details before a visit. Ideally, the spirit of a welcoming committee should reflect hospitality without pressure, helping guests feel seen but never obligated, and ensuring that a first impression of church is one of warmth and friendliness.

OregonChurch.net's advice: If you feel uncomfortable with any perceived aggressiveness, just mark that church as not a good fit for you. The majority of churches are respectful of privacy and not aggressive.

Terminology

2026-01-24T06:50:24Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>Church Hopping</h1>

“Church hopping” is a casual term describing the practice of visiting multiple churches rather than committing immediately to one. For newcomers to Christianity, or believers exploring a change, it can be a healthy and eye-opening way to experience the diversity of worship styles, teachings, and community life that exist within the body of Christ. Trying different churches helps people discover where they feel spiritually connected and how God may be leading them to grow and serve.

At the same time, many pastors caution that endless church hopping can prevent deep roots from forming. Faith matures best in consistent fellowship, accountability, and shared service. The ideal approach is balance: explore freely, but listen prayerfully for when it’s time to stay. Genuine curiosity is no sin; sometimes visiting many churches is the very path that leads to finding one’s spiritual home. Also called “church searching,” “church shopping,” “visiting churches,” “exploring congregations,” and “seeking a church home.”

<h1>Come As You Are, Perfect People Not Allowed</h1>

“Come As You Are” is a phrase now seen on countless modern church websites and welcome signs. Borrowed from popular culture—most famously from Nirvana’s lyrics—it has been re-imagined by many congregations to signal openness, authenticity, and acceptance. The phrase invites people to attend worship without fear of judgment over appearance, background, or spiritual maturity.

In practical terms, it reflects a broader cultural shift away from the tradition of formal Sunday dress. Where past generations viewed dressing in one’s best clothing as an act of reverence, today many churches emphasize comfort and sincerity over outward formality. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, and casual wear have become common symbols of belonging. For most churches using this phrase is not only about clothing, it’s about God’s Grace: the idea that people can approach God honestly, without pretense, and be accepted as they are.

Another similarly-themed phrase appearing on many church websites is “Perfect People Not Allowed.” It expresses a similar spirit of humility and belonging. It is an honest admission that church is not a showcase for the flawless, but a gathering of imperfect people seeking Grace. When combined, these slogans communicate a powerful message: that faith begins not with perfection or appearance, but with openness, honesty, and the courage to show up as we are before God.

<h1> Ecumenical or Ecumenism/Ecumenicalism</h1>

Ecumenical generally means promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, emphasizing shared faith in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on doctrinal divisions. Churches that embrace ecumenism often do so to reflect Jesus’s prayer “that they may all be one,” believing cooperation strengthens witness, reduces hostility, and better serves communities through shared missions and outreach. They value fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect across traditions. Churches that resist ecumenism often fear it leads to theological compromise or confusion about truth. They emphasize maintaining doctrinal purity, warning that unity without agreement on core beliefs could water down the gospel. Some believe rejecting ecumenism preserves their identity and convictions about what they see as the authentic expression of Christianity.

Some Christians view ecumenism in eschatological terms, interpreting global religious cooperation as a possible sign of end-times deception—a step toward a “one world religion.” From this perspective, apparent harmony may conceal a drift from biblical truth. Even though there is a justified concern over a one world religion, the founders of this website believe that genuine Christian unity—rooted in shared faith and core biblical truth—carries far greater value than the fears that divide believers. Besides, the evil “one world religion” described in prophecy would be one that denies the unique saving power of Jesus Christ, and every church in this directory affirms that power without compromise. Therefore, ecumenical fellowship among Christians can be nothing but pleasing to God, and something all Christians should aspire toward.

<h1>Infallibility of Scripture</h1>

One of the most important distinctions among Christian denominations—and even between individual churches—is how they regard the authority of Scripture. Most “What We Believe” statements begin with this question, because every other doctrine ultimately flows from it.

All Christians affirm that the sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely inspired—that the authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God’s message in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Where Christians differ, however, is in how that divine inspiration applies to human interpretation over time.

Some believe that God intended every commandment to be followed literally and permanently, while others hold that certain instructions were bound to a specific time and culture, and that the enduring truth lies in the principles behind the words rather than the wording itself.

This becomes especially problematic in the Old Testament which includes commandments that reflect the judicial and moral systems of ancient tribal life—capital punishment for adultery and homosexuality, “eye for an eye” justice, and restrictive laws concerning women, just to name a few. Even Jesus acknowledged this context saying that some commandments were given because of the “hardness of people’s hearts,” not because they represented God’s ultimate standard. That fact alone should rebuke anyone trying to apply every literal word of the Bible to the modern era, and awaken people to the presence of some kind of evolving morality in Jesus's teachings. Still, that “fact” doesn’t change the pervasiveness of Total Bible Infallibility in church doctrine pages.

All Christians eventually face a decision: whether to <i>try</i> to follow the Bible literally and then justify which parts they reject; or to follow Jesus’s example of reconciling literal law with the higher morality of God’s kingdom written on the heart. That second path risks excessive permissiveness, yet the first often ignores spiritual growth. The editors of this directory offer no simple answer for potential Christians exploring Christianity. Instead, we encourage prayer, reflection, and exploration. Let God’s Spirit guide you to the church where His Will feels most alive and His Truth most clearly revealed.

<h1>Living Room Pastor</h1>

This is a church founder who “started the church in their living room” usually as a weekly Bible study that eventually grew into the present-day small, medium, or large church. They tend to be very charismatic, very clever, and very relatable with humble, honest stories about their life that somehow fit into the weekly message.

This is all well and good, except some of these pastors sometimes get the idea that people are coming every week just to see them. It then becomes natural under their leadership to neglect the other parts of Christian gathering—especially the Eucharist. Explore and see if this holds true: the more charismatic the living room pastor, the less likely the church will have a regular Eucharist service.

If you can find a church that has both, then you have found a rare church.

<h1>Pastor Simon</h1>

This is a type of pastor whose leadership style closely resembles the children’s game <i>Simon Says</i>. During the service, the congregation is repeatedly instructed to perform small, directed actions: stand up, sit down, raise your hands, repeat a phrase, open your Bible to a specific verse, underline a sentence, write something down, turn to a neighbor, and so on. The service becomes highly choreographed with frequent verbal cues guiding nearly every moment of participation.

Clear direction helps unify a congregation, keeps newcomers oriented, and encourages engagement rather than passivity. However, in the Pastor Simon model, the volume and frequency of commands begin to feel excessive. The congregation is rarely allowed to simply listen, reflect, or respond inwardly. Instead, spiritual engagement is constantly externalized and managed.

Over time this approach can feel subtly controlling. The pastor’s authority is reinforced not through depth of teaching or spiritual maturity, but through continuous behavioral compliance. Worship becomes less about encountering God and more about correctly following instructions.

OregonChurch.net has experienced this while visiting new churches—and we were a little creeped out.

<h1>Video Church</h1>

Video Church refers to a worship service where the sermon or entire gathering is shown on a large screen rather than being led live by a pastor in the room. This approach is most common in large, multi-service or multi-campus congregations, where one main service—often featuring a senior pastor—is recorded and replayed for later audiences or satellite locations.

Church leaders often justify this model as a modern, efficient way to maintain consistent teaching across multiple sites and service times. They argue that it mirrors the experience of watching online from home, only within the shared atmosphere of worship, music, and community found inside the church building. Supporters see it as part of a new digital era of ministry, where technology extends a single church’s message beyond the limits of time, distance, and physical space. Critics, however, sometimes feel it diminishes personal connection and pastoral presence.

OregonChurch.net has personal experience with this phenomenon—and we do not like it. When large churches reach this size, they usually have a sizeable staff of associate pastors as well. In our view, it offers a far better Christian experience to allow a junior pastor to lead a live service if the lead pastor is tired or unable to preach three or four times every weekend. That junior pastor is likely part of the sermon-writing team and may have even helped craft that week’s message. The lead pastor’s early service can still be recorded and posted online for anyone who wishes to watch later, but worship inside the church should feel alive not pre-recorded.

If you find yourself in a congregation that insists on “video church,” it may be time to look for a more personal setting—one where fellowship, not production, defines the experience.

<h1>Welcoming Committee</h1>

The Welcoming Committee—sometimes called Hospitality Team or Greeters—is a group of church members or staff positioned near the entrance to identify and greet newcomers. Their goal is to make visitors feel noticed and comfortable while providing an introduction to the church’s programs and beliefs. Most churches encourage guests to fill out a Visitor’s Card, sharing basic contact information so the church can follow up later with a friendly message, invitation, or pastoral visit.

While most congregations respect a visitor’s privacy if they prefer to remain anonymous, some are more pushy and proactive, some even requiring online registration or advance notice of attendance. A few churches provide digital forms on their websites to collect details before a visit. Ideally, the spirit of a welcoming committee should reflect hospitality without pressure, helping guests feel seen but never obligated, and ensuring that a first impression of church is one of warmth and friendliness.

OregonChurch.net's advice: If you feel uncomfortable with any perceived aggressiveness, just mark that church as not a good fit for you. The majority of churches are respectful of privacy and not aggressive.

Terminology

2026-01-24T06:44:53Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>Church Hopping</h1>

“Church hopping” is a casual term describing the practice of visiting multiple churches rather than committing immediately to one. For newcomers to Christianity, or believers exploring a change, it can be a healthy and eye-opening way to experience the diversity of worship styles, teachings, and community life that exist within the body of Christ. Trying different churches helps people discover where they feel spiritually connected and how God may be leading them to grow and serve.

At the same time, many pastors caution that endless church hopping can prevent deep roots from forming. Faith matures best in consistent fellowship, accountability, and shared service. The ideal approach is balance: explore freely, but listen prayerfully for when it’s time to stay. Genuine curiosity is no sin; sometimes visiting many churches is the very path that leads to finding one’s spiritual home. Also called “church searching,” “church shopping,” “visiting churches,” “exploring congregations,” and “seeking a church home.”

<h1>Come As You Are, Perfect People Not Allowed</h1>

“Come As You Are” is a phrase now seen on countless modern church websites and welcome signs. Borrowed from popular culture—most famously from Nirvana’s lyrics—it has been re-imagined by many congregations to signal openness, authenticity, and acceptance. The phrase invites people to attend worship without fear of judgment over appearance, background, or spiritual maturity.

In practical terms, it reflects a broader cultural shift away from the tradition of formal Sunday dress. Where past generations viewed dressing in one’s best clothing as an act of reverence, today many churches emphasize comfort and sincerity over outward formality. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, and casual wear have become common symbols of belonging. For most churches using this phrase is not only about clothing, it’s about God’s Grace: the idea that people can approach God honestly, without pretense, and be accepted as they are.

Another similarly-themed phrase appearing on many church websites is “Perfect People Not Allowed.” It expresses a similar spirit of humility and belonging. It is an honest admission that church is not a showcase for the flawless, but a gathering of imperfect people seeking Grace. When combined, these slogans communicate a powerful message: that faith begins not with perfection or appearance, but with openness, honesty, and the courage to show up as we are before God.

<h1> Ecumenical or Ecumenism/Ecumenicalism</h1>

Ecumenical generally means promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, emphasizing shared faith in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on doctrinal divisions. Churches that embrace ecumenism often do so to reflect Jesus’s prayer “that they may all be one,” believing cooperation strengthens witness, reduces hostility, and better serves communities through shared missions and outreach. They value fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect across traditions. Churches that resist ecumenism often fear it leads to theological compromise or confusion about truth. They emphasize maintaining doctrinal purity, warning that unity without agreement on core beliefs could water down the gospel. Some believe rejecting ecumenism preserves their identity and convictions about what they see as the authentic expression of Christianity.

Some Christians view ecumenism in eschatological terms, interpreting global religious cooperation as a possible sign of end-times deception—a step toward a “one world religion.” From this perspective, apparent harmony may conceal a drift from biblical truth. Even though there is a justified concern over a one world religion, the founders of this website believe that genuine Christian unity—rooted in shared faith and core biblical truth—carries far greater value than the fears that divide believers. Besides, the evil “one world religion” described in prophecy would be one that denies the unique saving power of Jesus Christ, and every church in this directory affirms that power without compromise. Therefore, ecumenical fellowship among Christians can be nothing but pleasing to God, and something all Christians should aspire toward.

<h1>Infallibility of Scripture</h1>

One of the most important distinctions among Christian denominations—and even between individual churches—is how they regard the authority of Scripture. Most “What We Believe” statements begin with this question, because every other doctrine ultimately flows from it.

All Christians affirm that the sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely inspired—that the authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God’s message in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Where Christians differ, however, is in how that divine inspiration applies to human interpretation over time.

Some believe that God intended every commandment to be followed literally and permanently, while others hold that certain instructions were bound to a specific time and culture, and that the enduring truth lies in the principles behind the words rather than the wording itself.

This becomes especially problematic in the Old Testament which includes commandments that reflect the judicial and moral systems of ancient tribal life—capital punishment for adultery and homosexuality, “eye for an eye” justice, and restrictive laws concerning women, just to name a few. Even Jesus acknowledged this context saying that some commandments were given because of the “hardness of people’s hearts,” not because they represented God’s ultimate standard. That fact alone should rebuke anyone trying to apply every literal word of the Bible to the modern era, and awaken people to the presence of some kind of evolving morality in Jesus's teachings. Still, that “fact” doesn’t change the pervasiveness of Total Bible Infallibility in church doctrine pages.

All Christians eventually face a decision: whether to <i>try</i> to follow the Bible literally and then justify which parts they reject; or to follow Jesus’s example of reconciling literal law with the higher morality of God’s kingdom written on the heart. That second path risks excessive permissiveness, yet the first often ignores spiritual growth. The editors of this directory offer no simple answer for potential Christians exploring Christianity. Instead, we encourage prayer, reflection, and exploration. Let God’s Spirit guide you to the church where His Will feels most alive and His Truth most clearly revealed.

<h1>Living Room Pastor</h1>

This is a church founder who “started the church in their living room” usually as a weekly Bible study that eventually grew into the present-day small, medium, or large church. They tend to be very charismatic, very clever, and very relatable with humble, honest stories about their life that somehow fit into the weekly message.

This is all well and good, except some of these pastors sometimes get the idea that people are coming every week just to see them. It then becomes natural under their leadership to neglect the other parts of Christian gathering—especially the Eucharist. Explore and see if this holds true: the more charismatic the living room pastor, the less likely the church will have a regular Eucharist service.

If you can find a church that has both, then you have found a rare church.

<h1>Pastor Simon</h1>

This is a type of pastor whose leadership style closely resembles the children’s game <i>Simon Says</i>. During the service, the congregation is repeatedly instructed to perform small, directed actions: stand up, sit down, raise your hands, repeat a phrase, open your Bible to a specific verse, underline a sentence, write something down, turn to a neighbor, and so on. The service becomes highly choreographed with frequent verbal cues guiding nearly every moment of participation.

Clear direction helps unify a congregation, keeps newcomers oriented, and encourages engagement rather than passivity. However, in the Pastor Simon model, the volume and frequency of commands begin to feel excessive. The congregation is rarely allowed to simply listen, reflect, or respond inwardly. Instead, spiritual engagement is constantly externalized and managed.

Over time this approach can feel subtly controlling. The pastor’s authority is reinforced not through depth of teaching or spiritual maturity, but through continuous behavioral compliance. Worship becomes less about encountering God and more about correctly following instructions. When every spiritual moment is prompted, spontaneous prayer, contemplation, and personal conviction are crowded out.

<h1>Video Church</h1>

Video Church refers to a worship service where the sermon or entire gathering is shown on a large screen rather than being led live by a pastor in the room. This approach is most common in large, multi-service or multi-campus congregations, where one main service—often featuring a senior pastor—is recorded and replayed for later audiences or satellite locations.

Church leaders often justify this model as a modern, efficient way to maintain consistent teaching across multiple sites and service times. They argue that it mirrors the experience of watching online from home, only within the shared atmosphere of worship, music, and community found inside the church building. Supporters see it as part of a new digital era of ministry, where technology extends a single church’s message beyond the limits of time, distance, and physical space. Critics, however, sometimes feel it diminishes personal connection and pastoral presence.

OregonChurch.net has personal experience with this phenomenon—and we do not like it. When large churches reach this size, they usually have a sizeable staff of associate pastors as well. In our view, it offers a far better Christian experience to allow a junior pastor to lead a live service if the lead pastor is tired or unable to preach three or four times every weekend. That junior pastor is likely part of the sermon-writing team and may have even helped craft that week’s message. The lead pastor’s early service can still be recorded and posted online for anyone who wishes to watch later, but worship inside the church should feel alive not pre-recorded.

If you find yourself in a congregation that insists on “video church,” it may be time to look for a more personal setting—one where fellowship, not production, defines the experience.

<h1>Welcoming Committee</h1>

The Welcoming Committee—sometimes called Hospitality Team or Greeters—is a group of church members or staff positioned near the entrance to identify and greet newcomers. Their goal is to make visitors feel noticed and comfortable while providing an introduction to the church’s programs and beliefs. Most churches encourage guests to fill out a Visitor’s Card, sharing basic contact information so the church can follow up later with a friendly message, invitation, or pastoral visit.

While most congregations respect a visitor’s privacy if they prefer to remain anonymous, some are more pushy and proactive, some even requiring online registration or advance notice of attendance. A few churches provide digital forms on their websites to collect details before a visit. Ideally, the spirit of a welcoming committee should reflect hospitality without pressure, helping guests feel seen but never obligated, and ensuring that a first impression of church is one of warmth and friendliness.

OregonChurch.net's advice: If you feel uncomfortable with any perceived aggressiveness, just mark that church as not a good fit for you. The majority of churches are respectful of privacy and not aggressive.

Terminology

2026-01-23T18:20:54Z

ORCadmin:

{{Template02}}

<h1>Church Hopping</h1>

“Church hopping” is a casual term describing the practice of visiting multiple churches rather than committing immediately to one. For newcomers to Christianity, or believers exploring a change, it can be a healthy and eye-opening way to experience the diversity of worship styles, teachings, and community life that exist within the body of Christ. Trying different churches helps people discover where they feel spiritually connected and how God may be leading them to grow and serve.

At the same time, many pastors caution that endless church hopping can prevent deep roots from forming. Faith matures best in consistent fellowship, accountability, and shared service. The ideal approach is balance: explore freely, but listen prayerfully for when it’s time to stay. Genuine curiosity is no sin; sometimes visiting many churches is the very path that leads to finding one’s spiritual home. Also called “church searching,” “church shopping,” “visiting churches,” “exploring congregations,” and “seeking a church home.”

<h1>Come As You Are, Perfect People Not Allowed</h1>

“Come As You Are” is a phrase now seen on countless modern church websites and welcome signs. Borrowed from popular culture—most famously from Nirvana’s lyrics—it has been re-imagined by many congregations to signal openness, authenticity, and acceptance. The phrase invites people to attend worship without fear of judgment over appearance, background, or spiritual maturity.

In practical terms, it reflects a broader cultural shift away from the tradition of formal Sunday dress. Where past generations viewed dressing in one’s best clothing as an act of reverence, today many churches emphasize comfort and sincerity over outward formality. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, and casual wear have become common symbols of belonging. For most churches using this phrase is not only about clothing, it’s about God’s Grace: the idea that people can approach God honestly, without pretense, and be accepted as they are.

Another similarly-themed phrase appearing on many church websites is “Perfect People Not Allowed.” It expresses a similar spirit of humility and belonging. It is an honest admission that church is not a showcase for the flawless, but a gathering of imperfect people seeking Grace. When combined, these slogans communicate a powerful message: that faith begins not with perfection or appearance, but with openness, honesty, and the courage to show up as we are before God.

<h1> Ecumenical or Ecumenism/Ecumenicalism</h1>

Ecumenical generally means promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, emphasizing shared faith in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on doctrinal divisions. Churches that embrace ecumenism often do so to reflect Jesus’s prayer “that they may all be one,” believing cooperation strengthens witness, reduces hostility, and better serves communities through shared missions and outreach. They value fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect across traditions. Churches that resist ecumenism often fear it leads to theological compromise or confusion about truth. They emphasize maintaining doctrinal purity, warning that unity without agreement on core beliefs could water down the gospel. Some believe rejecting ecumenism preserves their identity and convictions about what they see as the authentic expression of Christianity.

Some Christians view ecumenism in eschatological terms, interpreting global religious cooperation as a possible sign of end-times deception—a step toward a “one world religion.” From this perspective, apparent harmony may conceal a drift from biblical truth. Even though there is a justified concern over a one world religion, the founders of this website believe that genuine Christian unity—rooted in shared faith and core biblical truth—carries far greater value than the fears that divide believers. Besides, the evil “one world religion” described in prophecy would be one that denies the unique saving power of Jesus Christ, and every church in this directory affirms that power without compromise. Therefore, ecumenical fellowship among Christians can be nothing but pleasing to God, and something all Christians should aspire toward.

<h1>Infallibility of Scripture</h1>

One of the most important distinctions among Christian denominations—and even between individual churches—is how they regard the authority of Scripture. Most “What We Believe” statements begin with this question, because every other doctrine ultimately flows from it.

All Christians affirm that the sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely inspired—that the authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God’s message in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Where Christians differ, however, is in how that divine inspiration applies to human interpretation over time.

Some believe that God intended every commandment to be followed literally and permanently, while others hold that certain instructions were bound to a specific time and culture, and that the enduring truth lies in the principles behind the words rather than the wording itself.

This becomes especially problematic in the Old Testament which includes commandments that reflect the judicial and moral systems of ancient tribal life—capital punishment for adultery and homosexuality, “eye for an eye” justice, and restrictive laws concerning women, just to name a few. Even Jesus acknowledged this context saying that some commandments were given because of the “hardness of people’s hearts,” not because they represented God’s ultimate standard. That fact alone should rebuke anyone trying to apply every literal word of the Bible to the modern era, and awaken people to the presence of some kind of evolving morality in Jesus's teachings. Still, that “fact” doesn’t change the pervasiveness of Total Bible Infallibility in church doctrine pages.

All Christians eventually face a decision: whether to <i>try</i> to follow the Bible literally and then justify which parts they reject; or to follow Jesus’s example of reconciling literal law with the higher morality of God’s kingdom written on the heart. That second path risks excessive permissiveness, yet the first often ignores spiritual growth. The editors of this directory offer no simple answer for potential Christians exploring Christianity. Instead, we encourage prayer, reflection, and exploration. Let God’s Spirit guide you to the church where His Will feels most alive and His Truth most clearly revealed.

<h1>Living Room Pastor</h1>

This is a church founder who “started the church in their living room” usually as a weekly Bible study that eventually grew into the present-day small, medium, or large church. They tend to be very charismatic, very clever, and very relatable with humble, honest stories about their life that somehow fit into the weekly message.

This is all well and good, except some of these pastors sometimes get the idea that people are coming every week just to see them. It then becomes natural under their leadership to neglect the other parts of Christian gathering—especially the Eucharist. Explore and see if this holds true: the more charismatic the living room pastor, the less likely the church will have a regular Eucharist service.

If you can find a church that has both, then you have found a rare church.

<h1>Pastor Simon</h1>

This is a type of pastor whose leadership style closely resembles the children’s game <i>Simon Says</i>. During the service, the congregation is repeatedly instructed to perform small, directed actions: stand up, sit down, raise your hands, repeat a phrase, open your Bible to a specific verse, underline a sentence, write something down, turn to a neighbor, and so on. The service becomes highly choreographed with frequent verbal cues guiding nearly every moment of participation.

Some level of guided participation can be healthy. Clear direction helps unify a congregation, keeps newcomers oriented, and encourages engagement rather than passivity. However, in the Pastor Simon model, the volume and frequency of commands begin to feel excessive. The congregation is rarely allowed to simply listen, reflect, or respond inwardly. Instead, spiritual engagement is constantly externalized and managed.

Over time this approach can feel subtly controlling. The pastor’s authority is reinforced not through depth of teaching or spiritual maturity, but through continuous behavioral compliance. Worship becomes less about encountering God and more about correctly following instructions. When every spiritual moment is prompted, spontaneous prayer, contemplation, and personal conviction are crowded out.

<h1>Video Church</h1>

Video Church refers to a worship service where the sermon or entire gathering is shown on a large screen rather than being led live by a pastor in the room. This approach is most common in large, multi-service or multi-campus congregations, where one main service—often featuring a senior pastor—is recorded and replayed for later audiences or satellite locations.

Church leaders often justify this model as a modern, efficient way to maintain consistent teaching across multiple sites and service times. They argue that it mirrors the experience of watching online from home, only within the shared atmosphere of worship, music, and community found inside the church building. Supporters see it as part of a new digital era of ministry, where technology extends a single church’s message beyond the limits of time, distance, and physical space. Critics, however, sometimes feel it diminishes personal connection and pastoral presence.

OregonChurch.net has personal experience with this phenomenon—and we do not like it. When large churches reach this size, they usually have a sizeable staff of associate pastors as well. In our view, it offers a far better Christian experience to allow a junior pastor to lead a live service if the lead pastor is tired or unable to preach three or four times every weekend. That junior pastor is likely part of the sermon-writing team and may have even helped craft that week’s message. The lead pastor’s early service can still be recorded and posted online for anyone who wishes to watch later, but worship inside the church should feel alive not pre-recorded.

If you find yourself in a congregation that insists on “video church,” it may be time to look for a more personal setting—one where fellowship, not production, defines the experience.

<h1>Welcoming Committee</h1>

The Welcoming Committee—sometimes called Hospitality Team or Greeters—is a group of church members or staff positioned near the entrance to identify and greet newcomers. Their goal is to make visitors feel noticed and comfortable while providing an introduction to the church’s programs and beliefs. Most churches encourage guests to fill out a Visitor’s Card, sharing basic contact information so the church can follow up later with a friendly message, invitation, or pastoral visit.

While most congregations respect a visitor’s privacy if they prefer to remain anonymous, some are more pushy and proactive, some even requiring online registration or advance notice of attendance. A few churches provide digital forms on their websites to collect details before a visit. Ideally, the spirit of a welcoming committee should reflect hospitality without pressure, helping guests feel seen but never obligated, and ensuring that a first impression of church is one of warmth and friendliness.

OregonChurch.net's advice: If you feel uncomfortable with any perceived aggressiveness, just mark that church as not a good fit for you. The majority of churches are respectful of privacy and not aggressive.

Bridgetown Church

2026-01-18T19:41:29Z

ORCadmin:

Mennonite Church of Portland

2026-01-18T19:36:11Z

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Terminology

2026-01-13T17:49:32Z

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<h1>Church Hopping</h1>

“Church hopping” is a casual term describing the practice of visiting multiple churches rather than committing immediately to one. For newcomers to Christianity, or believers exploring a change, it can be a healthy and eye-opening way to experience the diversity of worship styles, teachings, and community life that exist within the body of Christ. Trying different churches helps people discover where they feel spiritually connected and how God may be leading them to grow and serve.

At the same time, many pastors caution that endless church hopping can prevent deep roots from forming. Faith matures best in consistent fellowship, accountability, and shared service. The ideal approach is balance: explore freely, but listen prayerfully for when it’s time to stay. Genuine curiosity is no sin; sometimes visiting many churches is the very path that leads to finding one’s spiritual home. Also called “church searching,” “church shopping,” “visiting churches,” “exploring congregations,” and “seeking a church home.”

<h1>Come As You Are, Perfect People Not Allowed</h1>

“Come As You Are” is a phrase now seen on countless modern church websites and welcome signs. Borrowed from popular culture—most famously from Nirvana’s lyrics—it has been re-imagined by many congregations to signal openness, authenticity, and acceptance. The phrase invites people to attend worship without fear of judgment over appearance, background, or spiritual maturity.

In practical terms, it reflects a broader cultural shift away from the tradition of formal Sunday dress. Where past generations viewed dressing in one’s best clothing as an act of reverence, today many churches emphasize comfort and sincerity over outward formality. Jeans, sneakers, baseball caps, and casual wear have become common symbols of belonging. For most churches using this phrase is not only about clothing, it’s about God’s Grace: the idea that people can approach God honestly, without pretense, and be accepted as they are.

Another similarly-themed phrase appearing on many church websites is “Perfect People Not Allowed.” It expresses a similar spirit of humility and belonging. It is an honest admission that church is not a showcase for the flawless, but a gathering of imperfect people seeking Grace. When combined, these slogans communicate a powerful message: that faith begins not with perfection or appearance, but with openness, honesty, and the courage to show up as we are before God.

<h1> Ecumenical or Ecumenism/Ecumenicalism</h1>

Ecumenical generally means promoting unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations, emphasizing shared faith in Jesus Christ rather than focusing on doctrinal divisions. Churches that embrace ecumenism often do so to reflect Jesus’s prayer “that they may all be one,” believing cooperation strengthens witness, reduces hostility, and better serves communities through shared missions and outreach. They value fellowship, dialogue, and mutual respect across traditions. Churches that resist ecumenism often fear it leads to theological compromise or confusion about truth. They emphasize maintaining doctrinal purity, warning that unity without agreement on core beliefs could water down the gospel. Some believe rejecting ecumenism preserves their identity and convictions about what they see as the authentic expression of Christianity.

Some Christians view ecumenism in eschatological terms, interpreting global religious cooperation as a possible sign of end-times deception—a step toward a “one world religion.” From this perspective, apparent harmony may conceal a drift from biblical truth. Even though there is a justified concern over a one world religion, the founders of this website believe that genuine Christian unity—rooted in shared faith and core biblical truth—carries far greater value than the fears that divide believers. Besides, the evil “one world religion” described in prophecy would be one that denies the unique saving power of Jesus Christ, and every church in this directory affirms that power without compromise. Therefore, ecumenical fellowship among Christians can be nothing but pleasing to God, and something all Christians should aspire toward.

<h1>Infallibility of Scripture</h1>

One of the most important distinctions among Christian denominations—and even between individual churches—is how they regard the authority of Scripture. Most “What We Believe” statements begin with this question, because every other doctrine ultimately flows from it.

All Christians affirm that the sixty-six books of the Bible are divinely inspired—that the authors were guided by the Holy Spirit to record God’s message in the original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Where Christians differ, however, is in how that divine inspiration applies to human interpretation over time.

Some believe that God intended every commandment to be followed literally and permanently, while others hold that certain instructions were bound to a specific time and culture, and that the enduring truth lies in the principles behind the words rather than the wording itself.

This becomes especially problematic in the Old Testament which includes commandments that reflect the judicial and moral systems of ancient tribal life—capital punishment for adultery and homosexuality, “eye for an eye” justice, and restrictive laws concerning women, just to name a few. Even Jesus acknowledged this context saying that some commandments were given because of the “hardness of people’s hearts,” not because they represented God’s ultimate standard. That fact alone should rebuke anyone trying to apply every literal word of the Bible to the modern era, and awaken people to the presence of some kind of evolving morality in Jesus's teachings. Still, that “fact” doesn’t change the pervasiveness of Total Bible Infallibility in church doctrine pages.

All Christians eventually face a decision: whether to <i>try</i> to follow the Bible literally and then justify which parts they reject; or to follow Jesus’s example of reconciling literal law with the higher morality of God’s kingdom written on the heart. That second path risks excessive permissiveness, yet the first often ignores spiritual growth. The editors of this directory offer no simple answer for potential Christians exploring Christianity. Instead, we encourage prayer, reflection, and exploration. Let God’s Spirit guide you to the church where His Will feels most alive and His Truth most clearly revealed.

<h1>Living Room Pastor</h1>

This is a church founder who “started the church in their living room” usually as a weekly Bible study that eventually grew into the present-day small, medium, or large church. They tend to be very charismatic, very clever, and very relatable with humble, honest stories about their life that somehow fit into the weekly message.

This is all well and good, except some of these pastors sometimes get the idea that people are coming every week just to see them. It then becomes natural under their leadership to neglect the other parts of Christian gathering—especially the Eucharist. Explore and see if this holds true: the more charismatic the living room pastor, the less likely the church will have a regular Eucharist service.

If you can find a church that has both, then you have found a rare church.

<h1>Video Church</h1>

Video Church refers to a worship service where the sermon or entire gathering is shown on a large screen rather than being led live by a pastor in the room. This approach is most common in large, multi-service or multi-campus congregations, where one main service—often featuring a senior pastor—is recorded and replayed for later audiences or satellite locations.

Church leaders often justify this model as a modern, efficient way to maintain consistent teaching across multiple sites and service times. They argue that it mirrors the experience of watching online from home, only within the shared atmosphere of worship, music, and community found inside the church building. Supporters see it as part of a new digital era of ministry, where technology extends a single church’s message beyond the limits of time, distance, and physical space. Critics, however, sometimes feel it diminishes personal connection and pastoral presence.

OregonChurch.net has personal experience with this phenomenon—and we do not like it. When large churches reach this size, they usually have a sizeable staff of associate pastors as well. In our view, it offers a far better Christian experience to allow a junior pastor to lead a live service if the lead pastor is tired or unable to preach three or four times every weekend. That junior pastor is likely part of the sermon-writing team and may have even helped craft that week’s message. The lead pastor’s early service can still be recorded and posted online for anyone who wishes to watch later, but worship inside the church should feel alive not pre-recorded.

If you find yourself in a congregation that insists on “video church,” it may be time to look for a more personal setting—one where fellowship, not production, defines the experience.

<h1>Welcoming Committee</h1>

The Welcoming Committee—sometimes called Hospitality Team or Greeters—is a group of church members or staff positioned near the entrance to identify and greet newcomers. Their goal is to make visitors feel noticed and comfortable while providing an introduction to the church’s programs and beliefs. Most churches encourage guests to fill out a Visitor’s Card, sharing basic contact information so the church can follow up later with a friendly message, invitation, or pastoral visit.

While most congregations respect a visitor’s privacy if they prefer to remain anonymous, some are more pushy and proactive, some even requiring online registration or advance notice of attendance. A few churches provide digital forms on their websites to collect details before a visit. Ideally, the spirit of a welcoming committee should reflect hospitality without pressure, helping guests feel seen but never obligated, and ensuring that a first impression of church is one of warmth and friendliness.

OregonChurch.net's advice: If you feel uncomfortable with any perceived aggressiveness, just mark that church as not a good fit for you. The majority of churches are respectful of privacy and not aggressive.

Mannahouse Church - Portland

2026-01-12T08:39:25Z

ORCadmin:

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<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">NAME</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Mannahouse Church - Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">STREET</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">9200 NE Fremont St.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">CITY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">ZIP</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">97220</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">COUNTY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Multnomah</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">DENOMINATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Non-Denominational</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SITE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">https://mannahouse.church/</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">SERVICE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">SU 10:00 AM (English and Spanish), 3:00 PM in Burmese</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SUMMARY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">This church is rumored to be the largest congregation in Portland. Also, a large, diverse, happy-looking board of elders.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">USEFUL INFORMATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value"></span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">LANGUAGE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Burnese, Spanish</span></div>
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[[Category:Churches in Multnomah County]]
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[[Category:Visited by OregonChurch.net]]
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Mannahouse Church - Portland

2026-01-12T08:38:54Z

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<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">NAME</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Mannahouse Church - Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">STREET</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">9200 NE Fremont St.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">CITY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">ZIP</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">97220</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">COUNTY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Multnomah</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">DENOMINATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Non-Denominational</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SITE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">https://mannahouse.church/</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">SERVICE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">SU 10:00 AM (English and Spanish), 3:00 PM in Burmese</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SUMMARY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">This church is rumored to be the largest congragation in Portland. Also, a large, diverse, happy-looking board of elders.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">USEFUL INFORMATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value"></span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">LANGUAGE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Burnese, Spanish</span></div>
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[[Category:Churches in Portland]]
[[Category:Churches in Multnomah County]]
[[Category:Spanish]]
[[Category:Burmese]]
[[Category:Visited by OregonChurch.net]]
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Category:Non-Denominational

2026-01-11T22:00:05Z

ORCadmin:

Category:Non-Denominational

2026-01-11T21:59:42Z

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Mannahouse Church - Portland

2026-01-11T21:59:08Z

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<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">NAME</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Mannahouse Church - Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">STREET</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">9200 NE Fremont St.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">CITY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Portland</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">ZIP</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">97220</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">COUNTY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Multnomah</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">DENOMINATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Non-Denominational</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SITE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">https://mannahouse.church/</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">SERVICE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">SU 10:00 AM (English and Spanish), 3:00 PM in Burmese</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">WEB SUMMARY</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">This church is rumored to be the largest congragation in Portland. Also, a large, diverse, happy looking board of elders.</span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">USEFUL INFORMATION</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value"></span></div>
<br>
<div class="oc-row"><span class="oc-label">LANGUAGE</span><span class="oc-sep">: </span><span class="oc-value">Burnese, Spanish</span></div>
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[[Category:Churches in Multnomah County]]
[[Category:Spanish]]
[[Category:Burmese]]
[[Category:Visited by OregonChurch.net]]
</div>

Mannahouse Church - Tigard

2026-01-08T00:58:48Z

ORCadmin: