In the spring of 1998, seven believers came to Butch Ikels and his wife, Joan, to pray about starting a new work in the area.

After much prayer it became clear that it was truly God’s will to create The Country Church. It became evident that it was absolutely necessary to trust, love, and encourage one another while having confidence in Pastoral leadership. Biblical contention or strife was to be marked and not allowed to disrupt Christ’s Church.

The Country Church first assembled in the Ikels’ home, on Hard Luck Road, in Guadalupe County, outside Marion, Texas. The fellowship began to grow until thirty-seven people showed up at the Ikels home for Easter Services! The Pastor’s wife strongly suggested looking for a larger building! That building turned out to be a vacant tavern, beer cooler in the back, bar in the front, and two fifteen watt light bulbs before the paint-up, fix-up began!

The Lord then provided three acres of land on Highway 78 west of Marion. The land was purchased and paid for in six months. The eleven thousand square foot building was dedicated on April 30th, 2000. Since then, we have increased our education and worship space to exceed 70 thousand square feet on the 16 acres that God has graciously provided.

In 2014, a 42,000 square foot covered arena was added with seating for 1,000.