I like some things about Desert Springs, as with most Reformed churches. They are deadly serious…read moreabout the Word of God. They have men in leadership, as the Bible directs. They offer classes and take the faith and its practices seriously. I like their plant downtown, Christ Church, a little better than Desert Springs itself. But here's what I don't like (at all) about most Reformed churches, like DSC: - Music is stiff and stuck in the past, even when it's modern. Lots of it uses KJV language, which is ridiculous and antiquated. Who expresses themself naturally to God that way today??? It's like the only safe modern music is written by Keith & Kristyn Getty. COME ON. I'm in no way advocating for the circus all the other churches put on, but there is plenty of great, Christ-exalting music out there that doesn't use KJV language and which features a more modern style. - Responsive reading: this was done in churches I grew up in, and I always felt that people were far more focused on staying together as a group than on what they were saying together. It felt so meaningless. It still does. I fail to see the point of it. - Relatedly, confessions of sin. They seem to do this at every service. I certainly see the point of confessing sin, and there have been times when the congregational confession of sin was more or less on point. However, most of the time, it does not remotely apply to me. Things are stated in it which I simply cannot confess, as they are false. What is the purpose of this? How does this edify the congregation? Frankly, it is a waste of time. Encourage people to confess their sin(s), as this is biblical, but I see no useful purpose in doing so together by reading something pre-written. - Speaking of pre-written, every time I attend, I am dumbfounded that men who claim to be filled with the Holy Spirit read long, scripted prayers they have written out. How can this be? Does no one have the confidence or faith to just pray spontaneously, and let the Lord lead? Maybe write down a few bullets that you want to cover and just pray? But no, you have to write the whole thing out word for word and read it??? This is shocking and sad to me. - "Now let's stand together to honor the reading of God's Word." Heard that? I can't stand when churches do this, because invariably, there are other times in the services when they read God's Word or quote from it, and no one stands up, nor do they ask you to. So are we dishonoring God's Word those other times when we don't stand up? Of course not! The whole idea is ludicrous. The practice is no different than Jesus rebuking the Pharisees for expecting Him to wash his hands before eating. It is a time-honored (and apparently quite beloved) TRADITION of man. Can we please let it go? Please? - Expository preaching: Walking line by line through scripture can be good, sure. I've taught that way before. But to do it all the time or the vast majority of the time is a mistake, especially when you have teachers planning out their messages (based on this convenient technique) months in advance. How is the Holy Spirit supposed to minister to the Body of Christ with messages that are timely and sometimes even unexpected when you've programmed the whole thing months in advance? What if God wants to change things up that day and have you teach on something topical instead of the Plan? Nope, can't do it. We've already planned it out. Sorry, Holy Spirit, we have a Plan. Topical preaching is so much more practical for leading a Body and for remaining sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I expect pastors and teachers at a church to pray about what the Lord wants them to share and teach on. Not just in preparation for a topic that was already decided, often months ago. No, I mean pray about WHAT to share about leading up to that day. I don't see how this happens in Reformed churches that do expository preaching. Frankly, this means they will often miss what the Lord wants to do, wants to share, with the Body, since they are stuck in the rut of their expository preaching plan. Church is not supposed to function that way. It is supposed to be Spirit-led. I'm not even getting into other basic Body life things like everyone being able to share, pray, and prophesy. No large church does that. Their very structure and operation is unbiblical, but that's another story. With modern institutional, "business-styled" churches, you have to check those objections at the door. I think DSC (like many large, institutional churches that aren't into heretical things) is a pretty good church for a new believer. They can learn in classes and grow. They will hopefully get some decent discipleship and training in reading God's Word for themselves. They will see proper male leadership and gender roles, according to God's design. These things are all huge in the post-Christian, wicked and apostate culture we live in. So for that, DSC gets 3 stars.

Great contemporary songs + hymns Especially enjoyed the…read moreviolin accompaniment Relaxed atmosphere with many drinking coffee in the sanctuary Multi-generational congregation Mission-oriented serving people groups in Guatemala, North Africa (Muslims), and recently on two Indian reservations Great sermon, though a little long. Seating was a bit uncomfortable due to the single rod along each side. No "meet&greet" during the service.

I visit sagebrush often with my mom, so she has a companion for church. I am not a big fan of…read moreorganized religion, but I am starting to form a soft spot for sagebrush. The people here are really kind and welcoming, and I love that there isn't much pressure associated with their services. (No public tithe, and they don't ask you to turn and greet each other, my personal least favorite.) I really like the main pastor- he is funny, talks in a real way (not a preachy way), and aims to connect with the audience. Other big bonus is the donuts here are FIREEEEEE, not gonna lie I come some weeks just because I want that donut. I would recommend sagebrush on the west side for anyone looking for a new church that is relaxed and welcoming!!

I love this church. They speak the word of God! Great music it's an all around great place to be !read more

What a Spirit filled church. I am visiting from the Southern California area and wanted to go to a…read moreBible teaching church. This was such a blessing to come here. I am overwhelmed with emotion and the opportunity to worship my Lord and Savior while traveling. If you live in the area, just come. If your traveling, come visit. God will bless you at this church. Praise the Lord!

Skip Heitzig is the best. We absolutely love this church and enjoy being able to give back by…read moreserving. Our children are even able to help serve in the kids bible island.

San Felipe is a beautiful and historic cathedral. It is the main attraction of Old Town and has…read morebeen well preserved. They provide a lovely mass. Their musical staff, particularly their pianist has some amazing skills, calling down the angels from heaven to join the services. We love visiting on Christmas Eve for carol singing and midnight mass. The outside grounds are lit by the traditional luminarias. It is like a dream.

Old colonial church that has been in continuous use the for the past 200 years. The architecture,…read morecolors, and materials are indicative to the environment this church was born in and I loved the New Mexico vibe of the exterior. I loved the flowing adobe perimeter walls and bench outside. And there is a statue of Mary next to cactus and sandstone outside that feels so fitting for the location. Inside there is a small museum to start your visit. With historical pieces including the original organ. Be warned there is a bloody life sized statue of Jesus in a coffin when you first walk in. The chapel is humble and small, you can finish the visit quickly. The gift shop had some unique branded items, the most interesting thing we saw were religious paintings on what looked like cutting boards?

Best church ever!! Not afraid to speak/stand for the truth! We love Pastor Steve Smothermonread more

I took my children there years ago because I felt they needed religion and I grew up Catholic and…read morehad attended Christian churches before. First thing you get hit with walking in is the selling. Book shop, coffee shop, merch... Being lower income, I couldn't tithe much so I would care for the babies in the nursery and watch the service on the tv in there. I was asked to help with the toddlers once, and was very surprised to hear the woman running the toddler program ask these 2-3 yo children for offerings, and she then went on to explain to them the difference between tithes and offerings. They were barely able to articulate bathroom urges, but were expected to comprehend tithes and offerings. I once had to ask for help with a utility bill due to a shutoff notice and was told I wasn't tithing enough and was told I should include Food Stamp income in my tithing. During services, they were constantly asking the congregants for offerings. At the time I was there, it was to buy infrared cameras for the fire department. Not for the station next to the church here in Albuquerque, but the one in Rio Rancho, where the pastor lived at the time. They built a tiny, child-sized indoor town on their Albuquerque campus - complete with storefronts, sidewalks, streets and streetlights. It was at the back of the building. They also bought the Verizon call center across the street and opened a private school. City police are dealing with their traffic every Sunday on taxpayer dollars. Now for the sermons - very much not what Jesus taught. Very right wing mentality, anti-LGBTQ messages (ie: don't eat at McDonald's because their employees can get gender reassignment surgery through their insurance). The icing on the cake for me was this past February, at their annual dance for people on the DD waiver. It was held on the 13th. It started at 6pm. It was pouring rain. Disabled people who were supposed to be attending a "Special Needs Prom" were left standing out in the rain for at least an hour. Medically fragile people in wheelchairs were left to be out in the rain until the doors opened. The entire event was a logistical nightmare obviously planned by neurodivergent people who have no idea how to accommodate people with disabilities. The "red carpet" was soaked through. The name of the event had been changed from Night to Shine to Night of Dreams but no one had informed the woman making announcements at the main entrance, and they were still handing out Night to Shine merch, which maybe should have been given back to the Tim Tebow foundation. We were finally let in to a huge room with rows of tables (think Hogwarts) and had to hurry to eat so they could have more people come in, then we had to go outside and walk all the way around to the back of the building to pick up a name badge because you couldn't get in without it, so pre-registration did no one any favors really, then back through a long hallway where the line was held up because they decided to put a photo backdrop halfway through so we were in line forever. Finally got into the dance and it's like a nightclub (flashing lights, fog machine) which means seizure inducing and music so loud you couldn't have a conversation. No seats for caregivers/CCS providers to rest while keeping an eye on their clients. Then there was the security detail. Very TX MAGA good ol' boy looking guys with their uniforms of khakis, black polo shirts, Stetsons and boots. I kept expecting ICE to show up. Jesus would be flipping some tables at this church.

Very friendly and enjoyed the pastor's sermons! The different classes they hold are very helpful…read moreand a great way to meet people who are going through the same things that you are.

Wow! Our family sure has been Blessed!!…read more Oasis Family Church is a family oriented and upbeat full Gospel Christian, Bible Believing Church! Good music and good teaching. Weekly Children's and Youth ministries as well as young adult services. Weekly Small Group Bible study and fellowship every Wednesday on ABQ Westside, Eastside and the main campus as well. We recently joined the west side home study group and it has been really awesome. Sunday church services are held at 10 AM and 11:45 AM AND The first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 PM Go to OFCABQ.org for the latest information and Happenings as well as downloads of Pastor Jeremy's latest teachings. 7500 Montgomery Blvd. NE. Albuquerque New Mexico

Amazing church and great community! Spirit filled and bible based! All are welcome and such a great…read morefamily connections. Children's ministry and Youth ministry is second to none!

Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. People are hungry for Jesus. worship is so incredible…read more There's nothing like it in the city! so blessed to call this church my church!!

A flame was kindeled here today that will turn into a blaze. Praise God! Our Redeemer.read more

From the owner: Passion Church is a biblical authentic community that celebrates life together. Our mission is to…read moremake fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ.

One of the most supportive community you can find in a church. Every church go through some tough…read moretime at some point. This church was a great support of me when I most needed an encouragement and motivation to keep fighting my darkest moments. Give this church a chance and you will see what I mean.

I've been going to Hope for over 3 years and have found that what is preached from the pulpit is…read moresound biblical teaching. As my husband once said, "The pastor is wiser than his years". There is a mix of young and old, families, couples and singles. A sign that the messages are appropriate and understood by all age groups. There is also a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary music. Hard to please all when it comes to music, but I think you will find true worship. I have honestly found a church family at Hope!

This is an amazing God filled church. The New Life community is very open and loving. People here…read moreare genuine and extremely kind. The after service time of fellowship is a time that can't be described by words. It's a time you have to experience for yourself. The kids program is great. The kids teachers have a passion for each and every child. My kids can't say enough about the experience they have. The Sunday teaching is bible based and unadulterated. Pastor Alan has a passion and love for God that shines through each and every message that flows out of him.

From the owner: A Christian church seeking to love God and othersread more