find faith
FIND Friends
we help people love Jesus, church, and each other
Life is
TOO short
Faith and friends are big life topics.
Without answers to the questions of faith we are left wondering things like: Is there a God? What is the purpose of life? Why do bad things happen? We have found answers for the questions of faith, and we think you can too.
We believe that we are made by God to live in community with others. We believe deep and real friendships don’t just make life better, but give us purpose.
Life is too short to not have answers to the important life topics of faith and friends. And we think you can find answers in a place that is safe and supportive and gives you the space and time to find these answers.
WE HAVE BEEN BUILDING COMMUNITY FOR 30 YEARS
BUT WE KNOW IT CAN FEEL LONELY SOMETIMES.
We know the feelings of isolation and loneliness can hold anyone back. But in a loving and accepting community, we have found the support and space to move forward.
We often say, “It okay to not be okay.” By that we mean, you don’t have to be perfect or have it all together to come to Eastside. You don’t have to put on a mask or pretend your life is great just to show up.
And we also say, “While it is okay to not be okay, it is not okay to stay that way.” And by that we mean, we want to help you on your spiritual journey find the real and lasting answers to life.
And that is what we have been doing for over 30 years. Every year we do it a little better. Every year we help more people. Every year each of us gets a little stronger. That is the power of a faith community rooted in Jesus.
Here is how it works
STEP 1
SHOW UP: Come visit us on Sunday morning. We have a safe and fun place for your kids. We have coffee and snacks. We sit together for a time of singing and a time of teaching. And we do all of this together…in community.
STEP 2
SAY HELLO: We want to meet you. We work hard to try and meet everyone. But we don’t want to miss you. So please, extend a hand and let us welcome you.
STEP 3
STAY CONNECTED: We have learned that attending church on Sunday is not enough to truly meet the needs of finding faith and finding friends. It is in settings made for friendship that we can deeply find these answers. The best thing we can do to help you on your spiritual journey is to both: (1) sit with you on Sunday mornings; and (2) do life with you in a smaller group. We call those smaller groups Life Groups, and you can join one right away!
We believe Community is for all Ages
Sunday mornings are made for kids too. Children from birth to grade 5 have a special place to gather at Eastside. eKids is a safe and fun place for children to learn about faith and find friends too.
Students from grades 6 to 12 are welcome to sit with their parents on Sunday mornings, but the real place for them is Sunday evenings at 6:00 PM. On Sunday nights, students get an identical experience as the adult experience on Sunday morning, but it is a little louder, more age appropriate, and very fun.
College aged student are welcome too. You may enjoy Sunday mornings, but we think you would enjoy Sunday evenings more. It is your choice.
A message from Pastor virgil grant
I love Richmond and I love Madison County. I was born and raised in this community and returned here after college to be a part of Eastside.
At Eastside, we like to say we are FOR Madison County. We want to be known for what we are FOR, not what we are against. When we say we are FOR Madison County, we are saying we are for you. We want you to find faith in God through Jesus, and find friends that will do life with you on your journey.
We want everyone in Madison County to find these things. Why? Because we found these things at Eastside and it has changed everything for us.
Because we found faith, we found purpose. We found a reason for life. And we have found joy in the journey of life, even when that journey is hard.
Because we found friends, we found acceptance. We feel known and loved by people. And that gives us the support we need when life is hard, and the smiles we need when it is time to celebrate.
I hope you will visit us. If you have visited before, I hope you will visit again. We are a perfect place for imperfect people. Please introduce yourself to me if you visit. I look forward to meeting you.