Countryside Christian Church’s story begins with Pastor John A. Lloyd.

A key figure in the 1970s Jesus Revolution in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Pastor Lloyd’s heart for revival and transformation inspired countless lives. Before founding Countryside, he led the Adam’s Apple Ministry in 1977, where over 800 young adults were baptized during a summer of spiritual awakening.

In 1981, Pastor Lloyd brought his passion for spreading the gospel to Clearwater, founding Countryside Christian Center, later the name changed to Countryside Christian Church. Starting with just a few people in a living room, his deep faith and steady leadership laid the groundwork for a church that would grow to touch its community and beyond. Pastor Lloyd’s commitment to following Jesus’ teachings and his dedication to loving God and people continue to be at the heart of Countryside’s mission.

In 1981, Countryside Christian Church was born in the living room of the Eckley family home in Countryside. This small gathering of faithful believers shared a vision of building a Christ-centered place for believers to grow in their faith. Guided by God and a desire to follow His will, this humble beginning planted the seeds for a church that would grow to touch countless lives. The Eckley home became a birthplace of faith, worship, and connection with other believers.

As the congregation grew, the need for a larger space led Countryside to hold services at The Kapok Tree, a local restaurant. For six months, this unique location became a place of worship and fellowship that saw attendance steadily increase. Members gathered with joy and purpose, united by their shared faith. The time at The Kapok Tree symbolized the church’s early growth and set the stage for future expansion.

By 1982, Countryside relocated to the 12th floor of The Eleven Hundred Building, an office space that became the church’s first official meeting place. Despite the unconventional location, over 800 people soon filled every corner of this unique space, united by faith and a shared vision.

These years were marked by incredible spiritual growth and a deepening sense of community as the church continued to lay the foundation for its future. After four years of remarkable expansion, the congregation once again outgrew its space and began the search for a permanent place to call home.

In 1986, Countryside took a significant step forward by purchasing land along a quiet, rural stretch of McMullen Booth Road in Clearwater. At the time, this seemingly unusual location—a field dotted with cows and livestock—offered plenty of room to grow, and construction of the church’s first permanent building began. Little did we realize that this two-lane country road would eventually transform into a major six-lane artery connecting North and South Pinellas County, placing Countryside at the heart of the region’s development.

Marked by the iconic white cross atop the building, (still visible today) this move was a turning point for the church, transitioning from rented spaces to a permanent structure. The new facility became a center for worship, learning, and fellowship, creating spiritual growth and a stronger connection to the community.

As the congregation continued to grow, so did the need for additional space to support the church’s vision for education and discipleship. In 1989, Countryside expanded its campus with the addition of an education building. This new structure became a vital hub for learning, equipping members with a strong biblical foundation, and housing a Training Center for those pursuing full-time ministry.

Today, the education building is home to Countryside Christian Academy (CCA), serving over 280 students with a commitment to academic excellence and Christian values. This vibrant space continues to fulfill its original purpose, nurturing faith and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

In 2005, Countryside Christian Church began construction on a state-of-the-art worship center to meet the needs of its rapidly growing congregation. Completed in 2009, this 2,500-seat facility became the heart of the church’s ministry, providing a welcoming space for worship, connection, and spiritual growth.

Today, the worship center serves as a hub for the church’s vibrant community, with over 4,000 people attending weekly services. The campus also houses Countryside Christian Preschool (CCP), which nurtures more than 250 children each year with a Christ-centered education, preparing them for lifelong faith and learning.

This worship center and its surrounding ministries stand as a testament to God’s faithfulness and Countryside’s commitment to loving God and loving people.

The South Tampa Campus was born from a desire to broaden the church’s impact and make Christ’s love more accessible to surrounding communities. This campus quickly became a vital extension of our ministry, offering the same welcoming spirit and transformative teachings that define Countryside.

The expansion into South Tampa not only opened new doors for community outreach but also allowed us to build new relationships and connect more people to Christ. As we continue to grow, this campus serves as a beacon of light in the area, helping people discover their faith and purpose in God’s plan.

As Countryside Christian Church continues to grow and serve, the vision to extend our reach beyond Clearwater has become a reality. Launching in 2025, the New Hope Palm Harbor Campus builds on the strong foundation of faith and ministry established within our church family. This new campus enables us to bring our mission of loving God and loving people to a wider community, offering individuals and families a closer place to worship, grow in their faith, and build meaningful relationships.

The New Hope Palm Harbor Campus represents a bold step forward in Countryside’s story. With dynamic worship services and impactful ministry programs, this campus embodies the heart and mission of our church. It serves as a living testament to God’s faithfulness and our dedication to sharing His love and hope throughout the region.

Countryside Christian Church has always been passionate about investing in the next generation. Over the past decade, programs like Countryside Kids and youth camps have experienced transformative growth. From Vacation Bible School to Spirit-filled youth retreats, these ministries have provided young people with opportunities to encounter God and build strong, Christ-centered relationships. The church’s focus on discipleship ensures that every child and teen can grow in their faith and make a lasting impact in their communities.

Countryside’s commitment to outreach has led to incredible moments of transformation. Over the past three years, more than 1,550 people have been baptized in powerful beachside baptisms, symbolizing lives renewed through Christ. Beyond baptisms, the church’s Helping Hands ministry has distributed over 7.65 millions of pounds of food to families in need, embodying Christ’s call to serve in love. These, and many other milestones highlight the church’s dedication to living out its mission of loving God and loving people.

In 2025, Outreach Magazine honored Countryside Christian Church as one of the fastest-growing churches in America. This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of its leaders, members, and ministries to sharing the gospel and transforming lives. As Countryside looks to the future, it remains committed to expanding its reach, deepening its impact, and continuing to be a light in the community and beyond—fulfilling Pastor John Lloyd’s original vision to lead people to become fully dedicated followers of Jesus.

Through each phase of its growth, Countryside Christian Church has remained unwavering in its mission to lead people to become fully dedicated followers of Jesus. The addition of the education building in 1989 was more than an expansion—it was a declaration of the church’s commitment to fostering a foundation of faith, education, and discipleship. From equipping members with biblical knowledge to preparing future ministry leaders, this space has been central to fulfilling God’s vision for the church.

Today, as home to Countryside Christian Academy (CCA), the building continues to impact lives by nurturing over 280 students with Christ-centered academic excellence. It stands as a testament to the church’s dedication to investing in the next generation, empowering them to grow in their faith and purpose. As Countryside looks to the future, the same passion and commitment that began decades ago will continue to guide its mission to transform lives and communities for God’s glory.