Sunday, March 23, 2025
Centerpoint Church, a growing nondenominational Christian community with a motto of “Brooklyn to Montauk,” established its newest location at 2630 Windsor Avenue in Oceanside. The new campus, launched in October 2024, represents Centerpoint’s seventh location across Long Island and has quickly become a vibrant hub for spiritual growth and community engagement.
A Vision of Growth and Revitalization
Founded in January 2002 by lead pastor Brian McMillan, Centerpoint Church has steadily expanded across Long Island, offering a contemporary approach to the Christian faith. McMillan, who remains at the helm as the church’s lead pastor, shared that the decision to expand into Oceanside was part of a broader mission to create accessible, community-centered spaces where people can find hope and deepen their faith.
“In an era where many churches and synagogues are closing their doors, our contemporary approach to faith and community has been a draw,” McMillan said. “We operate with a parish mindset, bringing our church to as many communities as possible, so people don’t have to travel far to connect with their faith.”
The Oceanside campus was born from a merger with the former Windsor Avenue Bible Church. The building, once home to a dwindling congregation of around 15 people, was at risk of closure. Pastor Hank Anderson, a longtime friend of McMillan, recognized the need for change.
“He had the foresight and humility to reach out and start a conversation about becoming a Centerpoint campus,” McMillan explained. “He saw the crowd being a little over a dozen, and realized if something radical didn’t happen, the church would probably get knocked down and homes or something else would be put in its place.”
A Warm Reception and Rapid Growth
Since its opening, the Oceanside campus has seen significant growth. The inaugural service on Oct. 6 drew an impressive crowd of 503 attendees. While attendance has naturally stabilized, the church consistently welcomes around 250 people each Sunday—a large figure compared to the national average church size of 60.
“We’ve been doing ministry for over two decades,” McMillan said. “In a culture that’s often skeptical of faith-based organizations, we’re a trusted name. People know who we are and what we stand for. If you add all of our locations together, in January, we averaged 3,014 people as our Sunday average.
Meet Oceanside Campus Pastor Rashad Clemons
At the heart of the new campus is Pastor Rashad Clemons, a passionate leader with a diverse background. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Southern California, Clemons moved to the Northeast 18 years ago, navigating life between Brooklyn, Boston, and Long Island before settling in Oceanside this past summer with his family, which includes his wife and twin boys who are sophomores at Oceanside High School.
“We’ve become very acquainted with U-Haul trucks,” Clemons joked, reflecting on his many relocations. “But I feel like (Oceanside) is a place where people feel immediately welcomed, and this could be a place for them.”
Despite the moves, Clemons remains committed to the community and his faith.
“Our goal is to serve not just the congregation but the entire community,” he said. “We want to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the people in Oceanside and the surrounding areas.”
Clemons is known for his heartfelt sermons, which McMillan describes as both encouraging and challenging. “Rashad’s heart, wisdom, and ability to connect with people make him an exceptional leader,” McMillan said. “He’s a phenomenal communicator and when he teaches on Sunday, everyone leaves encouraged and challenged.”
Looking Ahead: Building Community and Tradition
Centerpoint Church aims to embed itself deeply within the Oceanside community.
“It takes time to build relationships,” McMillan acknowledged. “We’re actively engaging with local organizations, attending Chamber of Commerce meetings, and looking for ways to support existing community efforts.”
The church’s long-term vision includes becoming a cornerstone of the community, fostering connections that extend beyond Sunday services. As Centerpoint Church continues to grow in Oceanside, its leaders remain focused on their mission: to provide a place where faith, community, and purpose intersect.
“We want to be known as a church that’s for the people, not just for the congregation,” Clemons emphasized.
While Centerpoint maintains a unified teaching approach across its campuses, each location is encouraged to cultivate its own identity.
“We focus on the same core values and scriptures, but our pastors bring their unique voices and experiences to the message,” McMillan explained. “This helps us stay connected as a larger church while meeting the specific needs of each community.”
With a strong leadership team, a growing congregation, and a commitment to community service, Centerpoint Church’s Oceanside campus is poised to become a vital part of the local landscape, offering hope, connection, and faith to all who walk through its doors.
