To start, I think it's odd to leave a review for a church because for me "church" is about family and community so I'm really reviewing my family.
Be it as it may, this review is long-overdue.
I've been involved in East Bay churches for about 30 years starting as a high school student. I've been a part of several different churches representing different denominations and focuses (young, families, college-students; non-Christians, Christians looking to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus, missions, etc).
The biggest gripe I've had about all the churches I've been a part of over the years, and why I've been a part of several different churches, has been the leaders within it. Specifically, how they live and what they say from upfront doesn't line up. I know family can be messy but that's not an excuse for not taking responsibility and continually hurting people; treating people with disrespect; de-valuing your volunteers; playing favorites; not investing in your staff; not following through on what you say you'll do (and other act of a lack of integrity); and so forth.
I don't expect perfection from leaders (paid or volunteer). But I do expect leaders who do their best to live out what they say on Sunday, take ownership of their mistakes and have an attitude of humility - at least in a community that professes to be about Jesus.
In my experience, this is where Life Church nails it. I've never once got the sense any of the leaders (paid or volunteer) doesn't practice what they preach. There's no smell of arrogance or pride (all too common with the pastor's I've known) Perhaps more importantly I've always felt genuinely cared for, from my first time there till now - five years later - and this has been where all the other churches I've been a part of failed at the greatest: actually caring about me when it came down to it, feeling known, accepted and valued.
This is a community where, again, in my experience, people sincerely care about others. This is what church, IMHO, should be about because it is what Jesus is about - loving others and accepting them for who they are, not who you think they should be.
As for everything else, I think it's stylistic preferences: how someone preaches (are they funny, good stories, how much Scripture they incorporate, etc), the worship (how loud, how much of a band, what type of music), etc. I also believe these are secondary compared to the heart of a church and can easily be supplemented through online sermons and music.
This is what I would encourage you to try: show up for 3-5 Sundays. Give yourself a chance to experience what this community is about. Most importantly, ask God if this is the church family He has for you. read more
