I majored in Bible and missions. The preaching AND missions here are spot on. (Incidentally, church leadership also seems to respect science!) The joy of the Lord is evident in everyone present (except that one ol' grouchy bro in the back row). read more

See all

Usually when you are new and walk in to a 155 years old mega church, you hardly get noticed there. However, their entire staff was very friendly and helpful, a nice gentleman even gave me a hug when I was looking for a place to sit and I had never met him before. It turned out to be the lead pastor, Eric Holmstrom who gave me a hug and was genuinely passionate about serving Jesus Christ. This is a place where you feel like home and brothers and sisters welcome you with open arms no matter what. Their choir and band are really good too! read more

See all

Pastor Eric and the rest of the staff are amazing. Progressive and welcoming church for anyone. If you cannot attending in person, services are posted online...Youtube. Wednesday Night Warriors men's group and Celebrate Recovery are there and places you can count on for fellowship and support. Thankful that I ended my multiple-decade churchless season of my life and ended up back here...which has been "home" for my entire life. read more

Pastor Eric is spirit led! Like any large church, be discerning of the small group/department you involve yourself with. There can be cult like groups that fall under the radar. That's just the nature of any large non-denominational church. Tends to be less elder oversight/structure over groups. The short time I was there, pastor Eric's messages always spoke clearly and directly to me given the personal circumstances of my life. The word of God is in him without a doubt!. There is also solid biblical theology in the sermons. On one last thing I learned here. Armed security is situated throughout the church. They are dressed in plain clothes as civilians. But the church takes its security seriously, as it should! read more

Our family has been attending Purpose Church for over 18 years. This church is definitely home for us. My son attended since he was an infant and he has grown up with his best friends whom he has met through Purpose. The Purpose kids and youth program is a complete blessing. During the pandemic he bonded with his friends. If you think about it, he just attended school but didn't interact with classmates. Therefore, my husband & I appreciate how Purpose helped the kids feel connected. My son's friends met daily online. My son is soon going off to college and I hope the guys will continue staying connected. Thank you to all the adults who served in the kids and youth ministry for touching and helping my son learn and grow in his faith. We look forward to him building on his relationship with his Heavenly Father I know some people have made some negative comments but remember humans are not perfect. We attend church to worship and serve God. Please check the negativity at the door and come with an open heart to hear God's voice. read more

Love this church! God is doing GREAT things there! Pastor Eric is anointed, leadership is solid and accountable, the mission is clear. A wonderful family-focused house of worship, read more

I'm so bummed There's no availability of parking for our small group at 10:00 am we are considering leaving bc we just can't go if we can't park ( plus I have a weak knee ) it's a wonderful church but we can no longer do our small group bc of lack of parking So very sad We loved our Route 66 and have attended for over a year but unless we are willing to arrive 25 minutes early there's just no parking This has been an ongoing problem since they fenced in the lot for Victoria Outreach Church read more

Sunday I was in the mood to check out this church. It is 103 years old and they have a massive campus. The service was in their gym because they are renovating the main sanctuary. What I liked was they have a welcome tent for new people. A volunteer walked with me to the service area. We discussed the campus as we walked. They have a coffee shed outside where you can buy coffee drinks. There is a huge parking lot with ample handicapped parking. The facility is very clean. I really enjoyed the service music and sermon. Typically I'm not a fan of mega churches and this IS a mega church! But I really felt welcomed by the wonderful lady who helped me. She even met me after the service to show me a short cut to my truck. I will check out this church again. I am interested in what they are doing with church resources to help the local community of Pomona and their neighbors. I'm looking for a social justice active and vibrant church focused on contributing to the solutions for local homelessness, mental health, hunger and youth involved, community based solutions. So far I like the vibe. read more

I am grateful that God used purpose church to grow in my relationship with Him and I thank them for that. There are some great things about purpose but since my views have changed on a lot of issues if I were to move back to ca, i probably wouldn't return. I do plan to attend their Christmas Eve service when I visit in December. I wish they were open to hearing the other side about homosexuality and why some Christian's don't think it's a sin. I wish they showed that those 6 passages might not be talking about two same sex couples in a committed relationship but pedophilia and gang rape. Although at least when I attended, they allowed people to serve if they were celibate, we shouldn't force Christians to choose celibacy as that has impacted their mental health and has lead to suicide. I understand being pro life but I wish they would see that it's really not black and white and there are so many circumstances and our healthcare system and system in general doesn't help. I get there are groups that help the unborn but I wish there was an openness to hear the other side. I'm surprised and disappointed they rejoice when roe v wade was overturned as it would deny women rights in this country to get a safe abortion if they needed to. I'm glad they have started to talk about racism and racial reconciliation, but disappointed they are using operation Christmas and not researching how it really doesn't help the children overseas. I also wish they would challenge how they do missions and if it is really benefitting the community or not. Also, really surprised that they are promoting certain marriage books like by mark Driscoll and still support Dave Ramsey despite the abuse that has come out from victims. And that they link focus on the family for marriage advice when they have been known to say that victims should stay in abusive marriage. There are great things about purpose. I like how they allow female pastors and their music is amazing! There are people who love Jesus but just don't agree with a lot of things now. read more

This church is very similar to Calvary Chapel. I attended services during the Christmas holidays so I'm not sure what a regular service would be like. Beautiful production. Lots of music and performances. Everyone is very kind. There are several pastors, both men and women. Gorgeous venue. I felt like I was at a cruise or some huge theater. They play a type of commercial in the middle of what I imagine is the service. Very professional. Every event is filmed and posted on their website. We also attended their Return to Bethlehem (I think that's what it's called) That was incredible!!! I loved how authentic everything was. The performance was absolutely amazing. Nobody breaks character and you really believe it!! They have it every year. Only $5 and a meal inside is like $9 or $10. Delicious, beautiful!! Christmas eve service was beautiful. They lit real candles and glow sticks for the little children. Very cool. I'm coming back next year!!! read more

See all

We moved to La Verne two years ago and being new to the area, we wanted to find a church home. When we chanced upon Purpose Church, we went into one of the services and instantly felt at home. Pastor Glen is full of grace and preaches from a very real perspective. He always takes into account how the Lord is working in our current culture and is considerate of all the current challenges we are facing. My personal faith has changed and gotten a lot stronger since we started attending here. The staff is so friendly, generous with their time and effort, and you just know they are doing it for their love of God. The church organizes a lot of activities and group studies where you can get plugged in and this is how we got to know more people. Once you join one of the groups, they will take you in with open arms and help you to grow your faith. This is the church I have been praying for a long time. I am amazed at how the Lord answers my prayers through Purpose church. read more

This has been my safety net to return to for worship for 15 years now. Due to the distance & my lifestyle, I attended consistently before COVID & just retired for the first time last Sunday(10/9). A huge transformation occurred in the worship building for seating along with the staged area for speakers & musicians. I loved the original setting without question, but due to COVID, the adjustments I'm sure, we're made to meet healthier restrictions. My point is they made it work with the 3 screens & the solid black background! Our focus is honing in on less deco & more Jesus! It definitely worked for me & their technology is ALWAYS on point with their videos & gospel time! But most importantly of all, I received beautiful teachings like ALWAYS to fill my soul & connect my spiritual walk to the Word. This IS A PLACE OF WORSHIP FOR THE WORD. Always has been & will be focused on bringing others to Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit in praise songs & feeling the sense of a loving community to become a part of! The new yellow shirts work for me & there is no doubt God's presence is here! They are celebrating 150 years of existence as a church & I am excited to see the history unfold in videos, children singing & free lunch! A wonderful celebration is here for Purpose Church & God is celebrating with us! Congratulations to Pastor Glenn & the praise team who had been faithful to continue keeping this beautiful worship vessel alive for those like me who are fed in God's word every Sunday! God bless all who serve & attend this amazing place that honors our Lord Jesus Christ! May many more come to accept him into their lives & proclaim his name! Hallelujah to our King!​ read more

I have attended Purpose Church (Pomona First Baptist Church) for many years. I grew up in Sunday School and the Choirs. It is my church home. We have a church family loves individuals and families made up of people of all ages from the infant to the advanced senior. Not too many churches has choirs anymore, but we have a great volunteer choirs (and an amazing directors (and accompanists). From the little kids to Adults...there are several choirs and one is right for you. And we have a wonderful orchestra that is volunteer - so if you want to share an instrumental talent..we have a place for you. Worship teams lead in all serves so there is something musically for anyone who appreciates the lead into worship through music . If you have a love of music...it is a great way to serve. Oh, did i mention the preaching and instruction given...it is challenging and informative for living a Christian life. And there many ministries that support life in many ways...look at the website to get more info. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself and ask questions...you just may find your "home" here. read more

A great home church for anyone looking! Unlike most churches I've been to, Purpose Church offers three similar services with the option to attend small groups or life groups during the main services. They have educational classes as well. The childcare is amazing. With an easy and secure check in process the leaders quickly get to know you and your kids. From baby care to adult ministry Purpose Church has that simple way of "remembering my name" commonly associated with a small church feel, but demonstrated in a big church way. read more

Attended today for the music. Was not happy that I was asked to move my seat for someone that came late. If you are late, then you get whatever seat is available, even if you have to go to the balcony. There is an elevator to accommodate you. The ushers need to take that into consideration as well because you are disturbing the person who got up on time to get to church ON TIME!! read more

Great caring staff. Love the Sunday messages and the music. They have many activities for the entire family.

Horrible when you want to get married at your home church that you attend for 4 years and the wedding coordinator Bev...says well if you're no longer worshipping here we would have to decline you. I was baptized at this church my fiance was also and our daughter was dedicated through here. it's nice to know that when your family has to move to another city you're unable to make your union of love and Remembrance at the church that you called home at one time sucks to know another hypocritical Institution read more

I definitely give this church 5 stars. I started going here after I got scared off from a foursquare church, and was really drawn to the church's size. I'm really into the contemporary atmosphere here, as well as all the groups they offer. I spent some time in the pre-marital class, and I found it really, really insightful. The pastor here is great, and I liked that they had both a traditional and contemporary service (I favored the contemporary one). Really though, the main draw for me was the 5pm satellite service that they hold for people who work on Sundays. There were soooo many weekends that I'd have had to miss church, had they not offered this service. Plus, the free books and cassettes/CDs were pretty awesome too when I was still a newbie. I really miss this church a lot and wish I could find one like it where I'm living now. :) read more

PFB/Purpose Church (Pomona & Claremont) is still the best. Pastor Glenn and the other Pastors are simply great, caring, loving, and respectful to all they encounter. Their love for people because of Christ is so obvious and we love them. read more

Please note that Pomona First Baptist Church at this location HAS NOT closed. They simply changed their name to Purpose Church. It is an excellent church in which to worship and serve!! read more

Very nice church and really nice people. They have the best orchestra and a really nice Christmas and patriotic show. Check it out

This is such an amazing church I love the community here and we always will have support no matter what. The worship is beautiful and lively. i love the service and the teen and children programs are on point!!!!!!! read more

I grew up growing to this church and the church itself has grown to serve the people. We plan on continuing our attendance because of the variety of kid programs and events as well as the adult retreats. Social justice is also a big thing at this church and I'm happy that awareness and action for social justice is at a league of its own at pfb. read more

Love the ministry here. My husband and I FINALLY found a church we can call home.

Great preacher (Gunderson), and the praise music folks are very good, but this is a very cliquey place. If you don't already know someone, don't go with the attitude that you will be making a lot of friends. Maybe if you have kids it is better? But I and my daughter felt very lonely there and left Of course, nobody knows we were even there. read more

I love this church. I have been attending since I was in third grade and my mother on the staff as a musician (which does not influence my opinion at all). The church is large, which is not for everyone, and very contemporary in decor, which too is not for everyone. However, the church is intimate and cozy, not a megaplex entertainment spectacle. We had our wedding here and it was absolutely beautiful. The pastor is down-to-Earth and speaks on topics that are relevant and not overly metaphorical. He recently did a series on the Da Vinci Code. The drama and musical productions are always first rate. We recently went for the Christmas Eve service (which was beautiful) and the drummer playing performs with Gwen Stefani. He was fantastic. Also, they have tons of small group activities that range from donating time fixing cars for single women to plenty of marital and pre-marital classes. My husband and I are both therapists and tend to be put off with non-professional attempts at counseling but the person who led the pre-marital class was a licensed therapist which assuaged our concerns. I love this church and will attend weekly. It is consistently changing with the times, meets the needs of the members, and is not judgmental or stuffy. read more

This church is very balanced in their ministries,offering something for everyone! It also has wonderful worship no matter what you prefer: Traditional, Blended or Contemporary Worship. read more

Great people, I've been attending here for 25 years and there's so much good stuff going on here. Volunteer and join a small group so you can get connected and feel more at home. read more

The senior pastor is very talented. and open to new tech. The music is good and ranges from Baptist traditional to hard rock, and all in between.. Unfortunately, due to beng a megachurch it s a cliquey place.and very difficult to make friends here. I had always heard that Baptist churches were friend;ly, but the local Episcopalian and Methodist churches are much more open. On the other hand, it does have some social type activities going and some social welfare stuff for the neighborhood. f you have someone who has been burned by a small church or who is a non-believer, it might be a good intro to a contemporary church. However, we stopped going when we saw that the meanest girls in the hgh school sunday school clique were getting all the choice spots in the Christmas recital. read more

One of the most inviting church communities I have ever been blessed to be a part of. Pastor glen gunderson provides a hands on religious experience that all ages can be a part of. Come to the 9:45 service and get some contemporary and traditional aspects of gods word. read more