In 1992, a handful of young adults set out on an exciting journey, one that would write the first chapter for a newer way of doing church in the Northern Black Hills. This core group of Christ-followers felt God’s leading to start a church where newcomers felt welcomed and could come “as they are.” It would be a place where unchurched or de-churched people experience grace, receive practical Biblical teaching, and experience practical help for their real lives. It would be a home where people could ask questions, seek to know more about Jesus, and feel encouraged in doing so. Knowing that the Word of God is real and relevant to our world, they wanted to share it with all people in the Black Hills as they served them and created bridges to the community.

Countryside Church officially launched on September 12, 1993, meeting at the Spearfish Middle School. Steady growth was experienced through future moves to the high school, then to the campus of Black Hills State University, and in September 2006, to our ‘home base’ here on Woodland Drive in the Countryside subdivision. God has brought thousands of people into a relationship with Jesus through this ministry. Countless lives have been changed, countless people reached out to, countless compassion projects done in surrounding communities. Countryside is excited about God’s direction in the future!