Chemult Bible Fellowship

Chemult Bible Fellowship is a small, welcoming church in Chemult, Oregon, serving locals, truckers, and travelers since 2011. As a Calvary Chapel affiliate, they focus on verse-by-verse Bible teaching and community outreach. Pastor Merwin and Debbie Rhoades lead a congregation that welcomes all with open arms, offering support and hospitality to visitors in need.

Chemult Bible Fellowship is a tiny mission church in Chemult, Oregon, a community of less than 171 people. Founded in June 2011 by Pastor Merwin and Debbie Rhoades, the church serves locals, truckers, tourists, and transients. As a Calvary Chapel Association affiliate, they emphasize verse-by-verse Bible teaching and outreach to the trucking community through Steering Wheel Ministries.

Sunday services are held at 10:30 AM, with casual dress encouraged. Midweek Bible study resumes in the fall, and the 2nd Sunday of each month features a potluck after the morning service. Communion is offered on the 3rd Sunday of the month. The church also operates a food cabinet available to anyone in need.

The church is located catty-corner to the north of Pilot Travel Center on Hwy 97. While small in size—with an average attendance of 4 to 12 people—Chemult Bible Fellowship is known for its welcoming spirit. Visitors have shared stories of being fed, prayed for, and helped in times of need, including during snowstorms and vehicle emergencies.

Facilities include a small sanctuary and outdoor 'Fellowship Park' where the church hosts summer events like the Afternoon Of Jubilee with live music and free food. The church relies heavily on donations to sustain operations and outreach efforts.

Chemult Bible Fellowship is a small but vibrant congregation in the rural Chemult, Oregon community, offering verse-by-verse Bible teaching and a welcoming atmosphere for locals, travelers, and truckers. First-time visitors would notice the church’s emphasis on hospitality and practical support, with services at 10:30 AM on Sundays in a casual setting and opportunities to connect through monthly potlucks and outreach programs. The church’s location near Pilot Travel Center and its outdoor Fellowship Park suggest a focus on accessibility and community-building in a tight-knit area.

Pros

• Emphasizes verse-by-verse Bible teaching and community outreach, particularly to truckers through Steering Wheel Ministries.
• Offers a casual, welcoming environment with services at 10:30 AM on Sundays and monthly potlucks on the 2nd Sunday.
• Provides a food cabinet and emergency assistance to visitors and locals in need, including during severe weather events.
• Features an outdoor Fellowship Park for summer events like the Afternoon Of Jubilee with live music and free food.
• Located near Pilot Travel Center on Hwy 97, making it accessible for travelers and truckers passing through Chemult.
• Maintains a small but dedicated congregation led by Pastor Merwin and Debbie Rhoades, with a focus on open arms hospitality.

Cons

• The congregation is very small, with average attendance reported as 4 to 12 people, which may not suit those seeking larger church communities.
• Limited information is available about children or family-specific ministries, which may be a consideration for families with young children.
• The website provides minimal detail about midweek Bible study beyond noting it resumes in the fall, leaving specifics unclear.
• Facilities are modest, consisting of a small sanctuary and outdoor spaces, which may not accommodate large gatherings or specialized programs.
• Accessibility features for visitors with mobility needs are not explicitly mentioned on the website, leaving potential barriers unaddressed.
• The church relies heavily on donations to sustain operations, which may impact the consistency of programs or outreach efforts.