I will admit that I have not attended many satellite churches in my years in ministry, but if I…read morewere to start one, I would definite follow the model of the Shadow Mountain Community Church (SMCC) South Bay Campus! I have visited this place of worship multiple times now and find it excellent in every way! I wrote a review of the SMCC North Park Campus a few months back and felt that campus had much to work on to better serve its people, visitors, and community. However, the SMCC South Bay Campus does not have those issues. In fact, this campus has been well-attended since its opening a few years ago and continues to excel. Why? Let's try to list some. 1) A friendly and welcoming congregation. People who attend here will reach out to you and enjoy meeting and sharing with fellow members and new visitors. In fact, it's easy to learn about SMCC South Bay as there is a small canopy outside the worship center entrance that provides information to all who come, especially the visitors. In fact, first time guests get the best parking spaces in the lot! A nice bonus! 2) Great facilities and ample parking space. Yes, this is one of the cleanest worship places I've ever visited. The worship center, the fellowship hall, and the restrooms were astoundingly taken care of well. I don't think the white glove test has a chance against it! Also, in regard to parking, this South Bay campus has a large-sized regular lot and an extension for overflow on the back side of the lot. In this case, it is much better off than its sister satellite parking availability at the North Park Campus. 3) Preaching and teaching: The Shadow Mountain Community Church network, from the sponsoring church in El Cajon, to its six satellite campuses are overseen by one of America's most well-known and best pastors, Dr. David Jeremiah. Dr. Jeremiah has served at Shadow Mountain for 40 years and has probably written around the same number of books. He is also seen on television and heard on radio through the daily weekly ministry called Turning Point. SMCC is among the best evangelicalism has to offer in our times. When anyone attends a SMCC satellite church, a sermon is provided by Dr. Jeremiah on a large screen at about the same time as it is occurring at the main campus. If anyone wishes to watch a SMCC worship service online before coming to visit South Bay Campus or another satellite venue, just visit the SMCC website and there is link to archived worship services that are easily accessible. 4) Programs for children and teens: I admit that I did not get to look into the youth program as much as I would have liked. However, a church of 400 people just in numbers will usually have a vibrant program for youth and teens. From what little I learned today, it appears this is true of SMCC South Bay. I encourage those interested to call the church for more information. 5) Multiple service times: There are two morning services offered at SMCC South Bay Campus on Sundays. The first is at 9 AM and the second is at 10:45 AM. They both get pretty full but there is still room for more visitors! There is a band that provides the music and songs of worship, which are generally in line with contemporary worship in the Chris Tomlin style of song and lyric mode. It comes across worshipful, appropriate for the people who attend, and this experienced group of musicians and song leader connect with the congregation very well. It's been impressive.
I could write more, as writing about evangelicalism and evangelical churches is in the full range of my own expertise in ministry. Though I have not met the South Bay Campus pastor, Todd Anderson, I will say I am very impressed with his leadership, care, and oversight of the worship event and how he reaches out to those who attend weekly. For those in the National City, Chula Vista area who are looking for a vibrant, friendly, gospel believing/teaching, evangelical church to visit, this SMCC South Bay Campus should be high on your list!
Recommend: VERY HIGH
