Founded in the heart of Marion is the Compass non-profit and worship experience. The Roseburg Event Center, a place known for historically hosting myriad events, has transformed into a sanctuary for a different kind of gathering – one that reaches beyond the boundaries of traditional Christian worship and fellowship.
In June 2023, four local Marion families gathered in the Roseburg Event Center and studied God’s word to see where he was going to direct them. Now, every Sunday at 10 a.m., students and locals alike gather there for a worship experience, followed by a time of fellowship around tables.
Regulars at Compass call it "table talk:” a time of small group reflection where the congregation is challenged to reflect on and share what God has been teaching them.
Tristina Tucker, a Taylor sophomore and regular Compass attendee, described this form of group participation as untraditional yet powerful.
“At Compass, instead of having rows, you're at tables,” Tucker said. “You dig deeper with your table and let the message seal in you so that you're receiving and not letting it all float away.”
Owen Brookshire, a Taylor sophomore and Compass worship leader, shared more about what table talk means to him. Its purpose is to turn away from a consumer mentality and replace it with a desire to give back to the community, he said.
Table talk has become a staple of Compass, and more people are participating to answer difficult questions, according to Brookshire. The purpose of Compass is to provide attendees with a deeper understanding of what the Word teaches as well as how to apply the Word in their everyday lives.
Jeff Thompson, executive director of Compass and regular volunteer, stated that the group at Compass strives to gain momentum. Many people have embraced the uncomfortableness of the new experience initially. There is more to Compass than just a Sunday morning gathering, he said, and the Church is called to more than just the intake of knowledge.
“We’re called to be the Church, not to just go to a church,” Thompson said. “We're the body of Christ. It doesn't matter what building the meeting is in. What matters is that we're living out what Christ’s called us to live out and we're being who he's called us to be.”
According to Thompson, the setting is designed to be inclusive, catering to people of all generations, with an emphasis in helping the younger generation build relationships toward Christ and in Christ alone.
By observing these interactions, Thompson shared the impact Compass has had on students and families from various backgrounds.
“We're seeing 60-year-olds sitting at the table with teenagers having great conversations and sharing in different seasons of life,” Thompson said. “We’re seeing how God speaks to them differently through his word.”
Throughout the year, Compass offers regular gatherings and monthly lunches for anyone interested in joining them. Those interested in participating in Compass’ Sunday morning experiences should be encouraged, as it is a great place to get involved, Tucker said.
Compass also offers complementary ministries, such as Compass family, Compass community and Compass college-age ministry. They also have a worship ministry. These ministries offer premarital counseling and potential marriage retreats.
“We want to be the Church seven days a week,” Tucker said. “That's what the church is called to be, and it's a great place to jump in. There's so much space to be involved and to serve.”
Thompson said the Compass mission is to release people to be servants of the Kingdom, to be who God designed them to be. In Marion, Compass will continue to cultivate servant leaders through relational service and Kingdom work.
Beyond a worship experience, Compass hopes to continue building their program and fellowship offerings. Tucker described Compass as an environment dedicated to serving the Lord and serving others, because that is what the Church is called to do. Students and locals are invited to participate in weekly fellowships as this small non-profit finds its footing and impacts the lives of individuals.
