I visited this church last weekend and left with so many questions about what they're really up to,…read moreit's unsettling. The moment I entered the compound from the parking lot, I was welcomed by a gentleman wearing an earpiece and directed into the auditorium-style "worship space." Inside, more aggressively cheerful greetings by various folks, including more earpiece-wearers (one of whom carried a visible gun on his waistband and never strayed too far from the side of the pastor who led the day with a Jim Jones-level of dynamic magnetism). When I asked about what kind of church I'd stepped into, the answer was consistently "Christian." This sect is a one of a kind - not affiliated with a larger group like Baptists or Catholics (whose formal worship style and centuries of tradition "pastor Matthew" took a few swipes at during his video-and-light-show-supported talk). The 70 minute "experience we shared together" was extremely well produced and market researched. Showy sets and lights, a soft-rock band playing inoffensive clap-along-and-raise-your-hands songs, and constant stimulation by TV screens showing social-media-ready clips of cheerful, diverse people robotically encouraging you to "get connected" (including via a class that's ominously called "First Steps with Matthew" ... have you learned nothing from the sex scandals of the Catholic Church he mocks)? The diversity is limited to the treacle-filled videos, though. Aside from the single African American woman they put front and center on "the platform" as part of the "praise team," the assembled flock of about three hundred was the white bread, middle-aged type you'd expect at a suburban chamber of commerce meeting. Apparently women have recently been given permission to do some heavily scripted speaking roles in the service, but gays, Democrats, or college educated folks aren't really welcomed here unless they answer pastor Matthew's final end-of-service call to turn away from their sinful lives to join him. Cutting through the (really impressively produced) spectacle, the message of the day was a pretty kindergarden level of Christianity. You sin, but God loves you anyway. A lot. And so does pastor Matthew. Get connected with him and his people. And give money. A lot. That smoke machine isn't cheap, you know.

I was randomly talking to an older woman at Petco and she recommended this church and I have only…read morebeen once since the recommendation but I loved the atmosphere. I would also like to respond to the negative review- I grew up Catholic and even lived in a convent! This is in no way shape or form a Catholic church. My grandfather's family is from North Carolina and they are Baptist - this church is in no way Baptist. From the way the negative review was written it seemed this woman came to church for the sole purpose of causing problems. This is an incredibly popular past time for the recently unemployed bachelor's degree holders with useless majors- or maybe not so useless since these people are pushed in the media. I personally loved the friendly greeters in the parking lot, why the emphasis on the earpieces? And the comparison to Jim Jones shows a complete lack of knowledge of history and cults. I read that this woman is a pro-choicer. This is similar to the gay couples who target Christian bakeries and force them to go bankrupt by taking them to court for not making a gay wedding cake. These people seek out trouble. It is their adrenaline rush. The youth is very lost, which is why we need amazing churches like this to bring the youth back. There are plenty of places that these ignorant (I mean this in the dictionary sense- lack of knowledge) woman could go but she targets the church especially this one because of the kindness of the people. Please let this make us stronger in our faith- we must protect our children for they are being led astray. I honestly do not agree with people protesting at abortion clinics, let those people be, and all the same those people need to either come to church and find Jesus or stop coming to church to be their own preacher of "social justice" (I mean this in the most sarcastic way because killing babies isnt social justice). But this is proof we need to continue the good work of GOD!

Amazing service. Have tried different locations and this is the best one. Great people and…read moreatmosphere

Of all the Christian churches I've been to this was certainly one of them. :-) The contemporary…read moremusic was radio worthy - the voices, the harmony, the guitars, piano, drums and violin playing. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. We were invited by some friends to join them for the 5pm service on Saturday. (They like the guy who was preaching). We got to the church before them so we walked around. It is certainly a place where you can get involved if you want. They have programs for all kinds of activities and groups. The church is modern, upbeat, and dare I say 'hip'? If you're looking for a group of people wearing their Sunday best and a gray-haired organist playing 8 verses of Amazing Grace, you're at the wrong church (which was pointed out to us by an old timer who was using the excuse his back hurt to leave so he could hang outside while his wife attended the service.) The minister we came to see did deliver a good sermon. It had enthusiasm, passion, sincerity and humor. It wasn't laced with a lot of bible quotes or hellfire. It was delivered to teach, inspire and encourage. If I was looking for a Christian church, this would certainly be one I'd consider.

Love the people in this church for their friendliness and their heart for Jesus. A vibrant church,…read morealive with the Spirit. Great activities for kids, teens and young adults. Fabulous pastors who preach the word on Sunday and go above and beyond during the week. Highly recommend!

Amazing church in the Downers Grove area. They preach truth in a very loving way. There is also a…read morefantastic kids program. If you are searching for God, give this place a visit.

Not your typical "suburban" church: an international powerhouse of leaders, prayer warriors,…read morepastors, teachers and five fold ministers. Church features abundant opportunities to worship and serve. Children are nurtured on Sundays; AWANA kids' club is on Wednesday. Don't even get me started on evangelism opportunities. Many small groups thrive, or start your own! Worship is at ten in the morning. Be there! Come join the party.

Good bible preaching church. Conveniently located on 31st street. I personally do not attend, but…read morehave friends who have been part of this church in the past.

Great local community church. These people love God passionately. Pastor Jeff is genuine and cares…read morefor people. Their preaching is biblical and practical. Their worship style is contemporary and will appeal to people from all generations. This church building is located is just north of the tracks and across the street from the park. Plenty of parlking available.

Not your traditional place of worship, but strong on Christian values and community inclusivity…read more The modern music might leave you longing for the traditional hymns, but the very talented people that play and sing will certainly fill you with the spirit. I watched a service on their website, and other than missing communion, I felt like I was there. They are technologically savvy, well versed in scripture, and definitely worth an hour of your time every Sunday.

A prayerful and friendly congregation, Bibical teaching, and a pastoral staff who truly care about…read moretheir parishioners and mission to spread the Good News of God's salvation through Jesus. Activities for every member of a family. Church building is currently being renovated with accessible parking.

Great church that loves community and God. Pastor Don is very genuine and provides great leadership…read moreto the congregation. They have great holiday events that are not to be missed. Their church school is great and is providing many kids with great academic and spiritual education.

I love going to this church. It's so beautiful and the sermons are always beautiful and well…read morethought out.

The church is beautiful and inspiring. The recently assigned pastor is spiritually and intellectual…read moregifted. However, the parish is far too tolerant of parents of extremely young children who seem to think everyone will find their children as entertaining as they do. It's difficult to concentrate on the service or a homily when children who are too young to have a developed sense of self control are permitted to act out - and worse the parents make no attempt to control the children. In fact, they laugh about it. There are more things I like about this parish, however the tolerance for misbehaved children is trumping my commit to this community.

My family and I have been going here for years and it is wonderful. My wife and I feel at home, and…read moremore importantly, so do my kids. You can enjoy the close, family experience that Christ supplies through this church!