Reaching out to over 20 churches in North County, San Diego, this was the only church that would…read moreprovide a full immersion baptism in the ocean on fairly short notice. Pastor Kevin & the other members who attended were beyond amazing. I attended one Service before being baptized. Though I've always followed Christ's teachings, this felt like both the completion and a new beginning. Choosing baptism as an adult is incredibly meaningful. The first service I went to at this church was wonderful. I was pleasantly surprised by how warm and welcoming everyone was. The chapel itself is spacious and there are people of all ages. The music was loud but very enjoyable. Excellent musicians and you can feel the love and sincerity in their hearts. I'm so glad I found this church. I've been to many others in the area and they all have their positive attributes. This church honored both the biblical teachings, as well as my individual spiritual journey as a former Catholic, who has studied world religions, and many spiritual traditions. As a woman, studying these deeply personal insights and eternal wisdom, I'm very grateful.

This was our second time attending here... during worship we watched baptisms....it was really…read moreamazing .. Pastor Dan did an amazing job of teaching God's word to us...The church is big... Spanish speaking sanctuary... coffee shop... children's ministry... and so much more... Parking is tight.... Lot's of friendly people to help direct and welcome you...

OK, so I have been on a journey trying to find a church that truly felt like home. I was raised…read moreCatholic, but for a while there I was only showing up at Christmas and Easter, and I knew in my heart I needed something more. Something that would light me up inside and that I'd actually be excited to bring my whole family to. And then I found North Coast Church, and honestly? It changed everything. What I love most is that they offer so many different types of services , a Latin service, a more contemporary rock music service, a live music service, an outside service, so even though it's a large church, it never feels overwhelming or impersonal. No one is forcing anything on you, which I deeply appreciate. And Pastor Chris Brown? He is just so wonderful. North Coast is a church on a mission, and you can feel that the moment you walk in. If you are searching for a church home, please do yourself a favor and check them out. Go to a Brownie with Browns event, it's a great way to get to know the mission and the heart behind everything they do. I'm so, so glad I found them.

Two words: CHRIS BROWN…read more No, not the rapper :) I wish this were our home church but we live all the way up in north OC. But to hear this man preach, we make the 71-mile trek every couple months and it's always worth it. Not only is he a master story-teller and super engaging and funny and all the characteristics of an effective speaker, but most importantly he is faithful to the text--he does his research and draws out details that have often gone overlooked by even seasoned students of Scripture, and delivers God's word, neither in a "seeker-friendly" manner, nor in an academic tone as if to seminary students, but rather to the soul that simply needs more Jesus (that's everyone) in no matter what stage of their Christian walk. And I love how he doesn't assume everyone in the audience is a "seasoned' Christian or even saved in the first place. He doesn't even assume you know how to navigate the Bible as he guides you how to flip to book/chapter he is preaching out of. His messages will make your eyes water and fire you up at the same time. Get ready to open the floodgates (your tear ducts ) He's helped me with my walk for years now, whether I listen online or in person. Finally the music during the service is awesome. Being a musician and having played for several worship teams over the years, I don't mean that lightly. Their play a variety of worship songs, including contemporary , oldies but goodies, AND original songs they've written themselves! --which are both easy to sing and gospel-centered at the same time.

The people here are so kind and welcoming. They really go above and beyond to help you not only…read morefeel connected but find places where you can serve that really fit your hearts calling.

I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars. Had it not been for a particular comment I'd give it 5…read more First the good. I attended one time. The preaching was solid and mostly Biblically based. Pastor Hal went into great depth using the Bible and has an easy way of explaining things. He interacts with the congregation while preaching and holds your attention throughout. There appear to be many different activities the church does together during the week. Newcomers are warmly welcomed and given a gift. The pastor greets people at the door with a warm welcome. I'm new to the area and have visited a few churches. He's the only one I've seen do this and it was nice. Praise and Worship was powerful and beautiful. What I didn't like...Pastor Hal made a derogatory comment about people being fat and "from the looks of it, some of you need weight watchers." I was shocked! I couldn't believe he would say such an unkind thing. Comments like that can be incredibly harmful and hurtful. As someone who's battled an eating disorder I found it mean. I tried to take my concerns to him personally but was told he doesn't accept calls. I had to email. This proved to be futile as he stood his ground, further trying to support his position. At no time did he apologize for his unkind words. Barring the 'you're all fat' comments, I would have loved to attend again. However, I can't support FATISM. I don't tolerate isms from anyone. Jesus loves all people whether they be fat or not. Pastor Hal just hasn't received that message yet. This is an 99.999% white church. My family did not feel comfortable visiting as no one looks like them. If you're Beautifully Black you won't find anyone who looks like you. Southern California has the highest population of Deaf and HOH people in the country yet New Song does not have sign language interpreters. I don't recommend this church unless you're very, very thin and white.

The first church built in Carlsbad was St. Michael's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church. Originally…read moreerected in 1894 overlooking the ocean on Oak Avenue, the quaint Gothic structure was moved to its current site in 1959 when Florence Shipley Magee donated an adjacent site for a new church. Original redwood paneling, oak pews, and a Victorian pump organ are all still in good condition. The only alterations are a new entry, replacing one which led directly into the choir area at the front of the chapel, and a new heating and airconditioning system. Far from being a relic of the past, the chapel is used for regular Sunday and weekday services as well as for weddings and funerals. PLAQUE COURTESY OF THE CARLSBAD HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

Updated from almost exactly 12 years ago: Everything I reported back in 2013 remains true today,…read morethrough two changes of leadership and two changes of principal organist. The music program, the sermons, the warm fellowship, and the commitment to missions are as strong as ever.

Wonderful congregation! Open Heart, Open Minds, and Open to All! Livestream at 9:30 a.m…read more Encinitaschurch.com

I wrote a previously glowing review. I read the heartbreak of the gentleman who 2 days before his…read morewedding reception our event planner at the time (could still be too) got in a snit and caused his mess. So sorry, we were going through what turned out to be a church split at that time. It would be appropriate for KOK to remove that stale review of a hopeful congregant at her neighborhood Parrish and then this could go too as I wish no ill will on those still there but gosh.... On the church council at the time we could not get an honest look at our functional budget as one guy held on to it and I believe he still does. The nursery was one of the (admittedly very nice) Aadland family who would care for your children, thus no nurturing a Sunday School or more importantly for the health and future of the church youth program. It was like the elders who founded KOK in 1960 were not interested in anything other than what they founded and little kids are noisy and messy Nancy would carp, yikes. Nancy was in their bell choir which was so enchanting, but their choirmaster had a serious drinking problem and pitted himself against our Pastor. Folks point at religion and its faults all the time and KOK contributed heavily to bad PR when it comes to supporting churches and their mission. There was also the matter of the traditional Passion play performance every December. Having been forced in my grandmother's church to perform at Christmas is the bad taste in my mouth for these forced rehearsals at a very busy time of year when so many other aspects of worship could be focused on rather than Elaine's personal project. Just to put this in context, I sat in the pews as our Pastor and our student Pastor wondered when the carrols would start. Well they were not going to start as the 'in his cups' choirmaster (admittedly very sick in his disease at this point and had been covered for by the Aadlands) was stalling on purpose to embarrass and one up the pastor. This same church leader invited our pastor to hand to stump combat mocking Pastor's congental birth defect! I saw the email myself, unbelievable. The same choirmaster had an affair while he was married, to another church member also married, busted both unions and while I was there was trying to hook up with the church secretary. This dreck carried all the way through the new choirmaster Adam who last I spoke with him was planning to sue. I left as did others en mass (thus the split) but made a brief return 11/2022 after my fur baby had to be euthanized due to aggressive cancer. I was grief-stricken desperate for some comfort and stepped back into trying to serve at the post service coffee. The women I was actually working with were fine, but those who knew me were complete cold fish acting suspiciously like I was there for some ulterior motive?? I really could have used some love at that time, and there was none felt.

I have been attending here fore several months with my wife and our daughter and we are so glad to…read morehave found it. It took us a while to find a church in North County that we felt demonstrated the open hearted, honest, yet joyful view of the gospel that we believe in. Pastor Amanda's preaching has been such a blessing every week. She is so talented at taking bible stories, many that I've heard throughout my life, and shedding new light on them. The music direction and worship have been beautiful as well. We are so very glad to have found King of Kings and are thankful to be a part of this community.

My family and I have been members of BLC for over 10 years now. I look forward to both Pastor…read moreLaura and Pastor Sam's inspirational messages of hope, community and inclusion on Sunday mornings. Pastor Sam is hilarious too and I love his entertaining and relatable anecdotes that make ancient Biblical teachings so relevant. I am so proud that BLC is an all-inclusive church and welcomes members regardless of political affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation, and race. This is reflective of Jesus's teachings and very important to me. Come by on a Sunday morning - you will be inspired and happy you did!

Bethlehem Lutheran has been our church home ever since moving to Encinitas over 20 years ago. We…read moredid some church shopping at the time and really appreciated the welcoming feeling we got at Bethlehem and the fact it was so family-friendly. Our daughter grew up going to Vacation Bible School here, attending Sunday learning circles, and eventually going through confirmation and the high school youth program. The support our family has received from both the youth programs and the pastoral care from both past and current pastors has meant the world to us. In addition, the music programs are welcoming of people at all levels of musical ability -- if you are enthusiastic and want to participate, they will find a place for you! My husband and I have been in the handbell choir for years and really enjoy it. Lastly, it is so important to us that Bethlehem became an all-inclusive church through the Reconciling in Christ process. Our congregation is welcoming of all people under the LGBTQIA+ rainbow. And as some other reviewers have mentioned, our congregation also somewhat unique in that we are made up of folks of differing political beliefs and socioeconomic levels. To be honest, our makeup at present is not very diverse racially and ethnically, but leadership has taken steps to offer adult educational opportunities about racial and economic justice that have been well received. Come check out Bethlehem Lutheran for a friendly, grace-filled, all-inclusive church home with wonderful music!

This is a wonderful church. I have been a part of this church family since I was eight. Now, I…read morebring my own kiddos. There is something to be said for a small church. It is more intimate and close knit, but welcoming at the same time. We have been under construction for the last six months, and will be done for Easter Sunday! I can't wait to worship in our new space! If you have children, there is a wonderful Sunday school program during each service. We have loving volunteers who enjoy teaching creative lessons to our kids. There is also a nursery for our smallest members.

What a marvelous church! Gorgeous new Sanctuary with stunning stain glass. The sermon was…read moreinteresting and meaningful. The music was great - contemporary and traditional options. Best part - people were warm, friendly and authentic.