A church with deep roots and wide-open arms First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena isn't just a church -- it's a spiritual home. From the moment we walked through the doors, we felt welcomed, seen, and part of something bigger. The worship? Spirit-filled and powerful. The preaching? Biblical, relevant, and full of grace and truth. This is a church that's intergenerational, multicultural, and mission-driven -- passionate about Jesus and committed to loving people both locally and globally. Whether you're searching for hope, community, or a place to grow deeper in your faith, PazNaz delivers with authenticity and heart. Sunday mornings here hit different -- it's like family reunion meets revival. If you're in Pasadena and looking for a place to belong -- this is it. Don't just visit. Come expecting. read more

See all

It's been such a joyful time to experience God among other faithful mature Christians! We have 6 congregation every Sunday , different languages are preached by different Pastors ; People from all walks of life , young or seniors , I am impressed by their loving kindness and care for special needs family ; from worship teams to Sunday schools teaching ... and helping hands on Wednesday ... so much to say and appreciate the joint effort to help and the very developed healthy culture , it's been a blessing be able to attend Pasnaz for the past year ! read more

Pasadena Nazarene is a great church. Not only does it have the regular huge sanctuary that holds up to 2000+ people, it supports smaller International congregations as well. This church has an amazing campus, bible study rooms galore, their lighting and sound systems are amazing (I know most people don't care, but for someone like me.. I enjoy knowing these things), and I think one of the best parts of the church is that you can come as you are and they will accept you. The church is very open and loving and that is awesome. If they can accept me after all I've done and probably still battle with, they can accept anyone. If you're reading this and are ever seeking truth or feel that God is doing something in your life and you don't really know where to turn or go, swing by Paznaz. You not only will be greeted and embraced but you'll be guided to know and understand Gods truth through His Word. Jesus said, 'If you come to accept and obey my teachings, you are really my followers. You will know the truth and the truth shall set you free. John 8:30-32 read more

PazNaz - Yes, that's my one year olds forearm... we're preparing him for future tattoos... I mean preparing him to support!! LOL!!!! - Churches Near Me - Pasadena, California

My son attends their youth church activities. This is a very welcoming group and they have some clean fun activities.

Anyone, who for the first time attends Pasadena's First Church of the Nazarene cannot help being awed by the welcoming atmosphere, joyous worship, and meaningful preaching they experience. This Church is about celebrating the Word of God alongside others with genuine faith in their hearts. Our Pastor is simply wonderful. Knowing her is my distinct pleasure and honor, and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind or heart that she is a truly genuine servant of the Lord she loves so deeply. read more

When we were new to Pasadena, we were looking for a place for our kids to connect with other kids and families. PazNaz was hosting a summer program and we got our kids signed up immediately. The church was recommended by a friend across the country, so I was intrigued when I relocated to the area. Needless to say from the five stars above, we had a great experience. It is a large facility and the summer program had a polish normal for a well-resourced church. Kids felt safe and things were super fun. But more impressive was when I met the Lead Pastor Tara Beth. I did not expect such a prominent church to have such a personable and accessible pastoral staff. My family felt seen, which we all need more than we realize. Since that time I have gotten to know various staff members at the church. The leadership at PazNaz is doing something unique in church life. They are cultivating a sincere and vulnerable place to explore and grow in one's spiritual journey. In a world where many churches are chasing numbers and flash, this church is taking a more grounded approach to faith. I am now currently a pastor in Pasadena as well (FBC Pasadena), and consider PazNaz a partner congregation as we work for the good of our neighborhoods and city. I am proud of the work they are doing to follow Jesus, and inspired by what I am witnessing. read more

I've been attending First Church for many years. Most every church has positive points. I would say some of the strong points of Pasadena First Church of the Nazarine ((PazNaz) is the music ministry, Special Needs Ministry, Childrens Ministry, the Adult Sunday School dept. (teaching, fellowship, social, prayer ministry) and the many different cultural ministries. Its great being in a church that reflects the San Gabriel Valley. read more

See all

Paz Naz has a pastor who knows how to present the message and the childrens service is on point. Worship is hit or miss. Womens group girlfriend to girlfriend is wonderful. This church is mine and my childrens home. read more

No community of people is ever perfect, but this church is about as good as I've ever found. Perhaps this is due in part to the fact they recognize the imperfections inherent in any human organization, yet celebrate the most important things. Outreach begins inside the building itself...focusing on home first, then reaching out beyond the campus second, which is such a healthy perspective. The staff is wonderful, and Pastor Daniels is truly an inspiration. But the church is built on a foundation much deeper than just the current staff, which is why it endures. This is a big church, yet it is so genuine and personal; a church that truly tries to be the ideal, where all of the people are important parts of one body. It's a beautiful place. read more

See all

I have grown up in this church, and am so proud to be a member of this congregation who is on mission with our community. This a multi-cultural, multi-generational church of believers. I love to meet all the new families that have found their home here. The worship team is made up of high-schoolers, young parents, singles, married couples and our Worship Pastor Ali Deckard is wonderful and oh so gifted. Our Senior Pastor Tara Leach is a fantastic preacher, a beautiful person and we are blessed to worship together. Our new Executive Pastor Joe Watkins brings many years of experience in many different areas of ministry. 50 babies/toddlers on Sunday morning! New youth minister Dave Myers bringing it to Paz Naz. There is no other place I would rather be. Come and see for yourself. God is working here. We are Kingdom people. read more

I have been attending PazNaz's ACOP for over 4 years now. I think it is a great place of worship and they have many community outreaches. The main service is every Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. read more

PazNaz will always hold a special place in my heart. Tara Beth and her pastoral team are intentional to carry out ministry in such a way that the kingdom of God is at hand, here and now, we are His hands and feet in our community and our families. I love PazNaz's commitment to implement ministry creatively: from art in its many forms, a coffee/book shop that stocks its resources responsibly, to a podcast (Exhale) that encourages me to center, bring stillness, and restore the soul, special needs ministry, the list goes on. The teaching team is also phenomenal, Brad Strawn in particular is a force of nature with his integration of psychology and the Word. Faith Romasco is bold and creative and lovingly challenges us to live with intention. Pastor Darwin is wise beyond his years, and he has been faithfully committed to love my non Christian family for years. Pastor Alan loves fiercely with a humble, kind, and gentle spirit. Pastor Ali is every parent's dream pastor for their preschoolers. I am so thankful for the impact this community has had on my faith journey. read more

Well, I come here is often as I can. I have enjoyed every Sunday that I have been here. Message is very real.. without extra motives. I am a fan I hope it will stay this way as I get to them them further. Youth programs are great. Outreach is good. It seems they put forth a decent effort. So far it seems I am getting a good value for my time. I do feel G when I am here. read more

My family and I have been coming since November 2012. We started coming because we heard that they serve the special-needs community well. My daughter is quadriplegic and everyone shows a lot of love and kindness toward her. Yesterday, on Easter, I appreciated how they didn't just have the kids hunt for eggs; instead, they led each class to a make-shift, empty tomb and explained the true meaning of Easter (Jesus died for our sins but resurrected and overcame death). My husband really likes the messages from Pastor Scott Daniels and I really appreciate the kids' program. Love this church. read more

Great worship, great teaching, powerful prayer time - very difficult to find all three in a church, but PazNaz exceeded my expectations the two times I have been there - the last two Sundays! And their community outreach is clearly a priority. I would recommend anyone who is struggling to get out of bed Sunday to go to a church service to try PazNaz - you drive home feeling refreshed and renewed and ready for the week ahead. read more

Strong leadership, powerful preaching, inter-generational and multicultural community. You will grow in your relationship with Christ and his Church when you attend PazNaz. Now a brief note to address comments of the cowards who posted before: For you to think the church is about you, shows your lack of understanding the true work that Pastor Leach is preaching to you. To think Yelp is the way to go, shows you have a consumer mind-share of "shopping" for a church. Just because you give to the church, doesn't mean your opinion matters more. That is a terrible way to serve the least in the community. (Your money is not your own. for you to think it is, shows you need to find a concordance and read scriptures under "money.") You are ignorant of the financial crisis your previous pastors put you in. Stop showing your naivety. For you to think your pastor traveling around speaking at conferences isn't important shows your lack of support for a female to show other females they can preach. The Lord has called Pastor Leach to take that platform and she does it for his glory alone. It would be dismissive for her not to heed that call. If you actually think the denomination is not removing Pastor Leach because she is a woman, you must not actually think too much of the church powers/your denomination. The balcony closing was to bring you together. Church is not a place you go to be alone. Where does the Bible say we need to have the American flag in the sanctuary? (Hint: it doesn't) You are having elections per guidelines. FYI, you misspelled "guidelines" in your graphic. Reading your review, it seems you are the one with a fragile ego. There is a TON of benefit for Pastor Leach to travel and share the word of God. The Bible actually shows us that model. Get back to your Nazarene roots and read your Bible, attend your church, give your first fruits to God, listen to those who teach you. You finally have a pastor righting your failing ship. She inherited your money problems and fired the persons responsible Maybe you are the reasons first time visitors don't come back. You are hiding from the community up in the balcony clutching your American flag wondering why the church is, as you say "dying." Did you think about those international communities who have been hurt by those persons acting upon behalf of that flag? Seems like she was trying to make it a safe place - AKA a sanctuary, not a prison with a dark hot balcony (See above comment about going back to those Nazarene roots you speak of). The church of Pas Naz that you are trying to save is not defined by one person. It is defined by a community - AKA YOU! Oh and a female pastor's job isn't to "service the congregation" you creep. Lastly, your biggest issue is about Pastor Leach promoting herself and only herself. If she were into that she wouldn't be sharing the pulpit with other pastors. By sharing that role, she is diminishing herself and letting others speak. This show the power of community, not the power of one. If she really was as "all about me" as you say, why would she give up her thrown? She wouldn't. She is working her butt off for you all. She has been in constant attack and her love for you and the Church has not faltered. Stop forcing her to spend her mental energy on consumers wanting more and more out of a church. She is a part of your community, not someone you can attack. SHAME ON YOU. You should be praying more for her and gossiping less about her. read more

I have been going to Paz Naz Armenian service (6pm) for about 8 years now and I could honestly say I call it my home . Pastor Mano is an amazing guy who is very passionate about spreading the word of God not only by scripture but by humor also . What I love about the church is even thought majority of the congregation is Armenian the sermon is in English so more and more people have been coming outside of the Armenian culture . Also they have a mommys room for moms who breastfeed and Sunday school from 2years old to high school . It's a great place to come and check out if your looking for a church to attend . read more

Came here for a high school graduation and thought the church was beautiful and clean. I don't think there is a bad seat in the house. Even if you are up in the second floor I feel like it is a great view of the stage. My favorite part is that they have a coffee cafe called "He Brews", which is a funny play on words. Definitely think next time I am in town I will stop by for a Sunday Service. read more

Incredible church! Everyone feels welcome. Whether you have been attending for years or if you just recently attended you feel like you have found your place in an amazing community. read more