I've been baptized at this church and had been a member for five years. I participated in some community groups. There are great people attending, some with genuine empathy and tremendous faith. The church's leadership, for the most part, has been biblical in its teachings.
So why the two stars?
Community. Reality LA is a White church. I don't intend to connote anything negative about this per se. For example, there are Black churches, Korean churches, and Mexican churches. Reality LA is a White church. If you're not white, you will of course still be treated kindly, as I've been treated kindly. But you will not be able to participate in in-depth discussions nor engage with the community in a way a white person could. If you disagree with me (especially if you're white), then simply go to a Black or Korean church to understand my perspective. If you know you know. Segregation is a universal truth in the American church (and perhaps churches in other nations were there is little homogeneity). I mention it here very explicitly because RealityLA gives an impression that it's open to all ethnicities. I had invited an African-American friend to this church, and she mentioned feeling similar to what I've just mentioned above. Also, some messages about diversity and race have rubbed me and other non-white members the wrong way. The leaders are a bit out of touch when it comes to topics on race, but I will say that they're making an effort to improve. For example, they do occasionally invite guest speakers to preach on topics that are outside of RealityLA's scope of knowledge and/or experience.
Community Service opportunities are sparse. It's difficult to engage
in service. I understand that such things are difficult to set up. Reality LA has about maybe 1 community service event every two to three months. It's better than many churches for sure, but it's a lot less action compared to what the leadership implies--about the importance of community and taking root in LA.
Access to leadership. It's practically impossible to speak to the pastor. It's almost impossible to speak to those that are on the leadership team as well. "They're too busy with other tasks," their words not mine. I have no sympathy regarding this issue because it should be their job to meet with their flock. I'm an independent producer, a small fry in the film/tv industry, but even then, I have much better luck meeting with top-tier agents and executive producers at the major studios. If leaders of secular organizations can meet with me when they have to manage more people than anyone at RealityLA will ever, then Reality LA should honestly step it up. There is something fundamentally broken about RealityLA's inability to meet with church members.
Political Correctness. The church is pretty good about inviting guest speakers, for example, an African American speaker to talk about race relations, and a woman who formerly had an abortion that works for an abortion clinic (or an abortion support group?) to help those that have gone through or have considered abortion. However, the church is pretty silent about issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. I haven't met an LGBTQ+ member, and I don't blame them for remaining silent about it in this kind of environment. I think the church's stance is lukewarm at best, and thus, unintentionally alienating to those that are members or allies. I understand what the biblical stance on this is, okay, then it should be addressed as such, at least give people a clear idea of where the church stands. But more importantly, it ought to show great love and care for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. This is LA.
Sound. The sound system is very loud. The praise band projects at over 110db, sometimes 120+db. It is damaging. I got tinnitus from this. I have some minor hearing loss. It is depressing to deal with. To me, the high-pitched noises resulting from Tinnitus are an ever-present reminder of RealityLA's problems. I noticed that there are parents that bring young children and even babies to the service. I emailed the staff about this, and no one responded. I was practically ghosted. If you're a RealityLA staff member, please, not for my sake, but for the sake of your members, do something about this!!!
You should bring earplugs, or better yet, find another community until this issue is resolved. It's not worth getting tinnitus, and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy.
Overall, after the pandemic shutdowns, I left this church for good. When the church couldn't effectively operate under the shutdowns, I noticed other churches took the opportunity to really engage with its members. Not RealityLA. It hid behind a non-live, 10-15-minute Vimeo videos.
The church is not a mere building. Its foundation should be on God's love.
I don't want my experiences to bear negatively on anyone else's, especially if it's good, but I hope this provides more dimension as you look for a church family. read more