This church has a lot going for it. The people are genuine and follow up with you. I grew up going…read moreto church and have never had such a great experience as here. The kids' program is also excellent. Our daughter loves it, and there are plenty of children her age to play with each age group, and they actually talk and learn about the Bible. In the main service the pastors teach from the Bible and encourage people to grow in their faith.

I have mixed feelings posting this review. On the one hand, the people in this church are among the…read morekindest and most generous you will ever meet. On the other hand, I believe the culture of the church is unhealthy, and let me explain why. I came to VS during a period where I was seeking friendship. I found That VS was a community who were willing to welcome me and get to know me. They assisted in very practical ways, and I found the small group to be a comfortable place. As I started to attend the rather lengthy set of membership trainings, certain positions that the church took began to raise some red flags. They were subtle, but perhaps because I have grown up in the church and attended many different styles of churches, I was able to discern something that seemed off. The pastors for the most part are quite open to offer explanations for the specific practices of their church, and I did not disagree with all of them. Nonetheless, a few things seemed problematic. Firstly, relatively shallow theology and guilt tripping during sermons and team meetings; secondly, an excessive emphasis on tithing but a lack of financial transparency; thirdly an expectation that 'unity' comes about from everyone agreeing on the specific values and beliefs positions of the church with little room for variation (ie uniformity rather than true unity). Lastly, an emphasis on empire building for the church network and its specific ideology. The church has a particular mission, to make disciples and to plant more churches. The making disciples presumably means to bring people in to the church who will ultimately be loyal to it and be relied upon to eventually help in church planting. The leaders of this church will likely spend their time with those they believe are future potential planters. Thus, the church exists to replicate itself, and does not tend to invest in activities that the members may view as valuable. It is a top-down structure where the members are naturally assumed to be followers until such time as the leaders believe they are ready. Obedience to leadership is a high priority for the church, and is stated so in their series class on 'community'. For the leadership, the pastor acts as the head elder and has full authority to appoint other elders, with no voting allowed from church members. This form of governance does not provide true accountability, for many of the reasons laid out in leavingthenetwork.org, who provide some concerning information regarding the culture of this church's network and its leadership. What was particularly difficult was finding that I could no longer stay in this church, and knowing that to leave would threaten the friendships I had. I hope that I can maintain friendships, but I am under no illusions that once former members are out, then they are rarely spoken about again. If that doesn't worry you, perhaps it should. As Christians and a part of the global body of Christ, I have never before had to fear that I would lose friends over going to a different church from them. It simply has never come up before and makes me wonder why this particular community needs to be so exclusive. By all means, try this church out, you'll be well loved if you can accept everything they want you to and don't ask too many questions. If not, I would give this one a pass, at least until such time (I hope) that the network repents of certain practices and recalibrate into something that more truly looks like its mandate to 'love God and love People'.

This is Husband's church. (Yes, Boyfriend and I got married. And yes, I'm about to Yelp our…read morewedding.) Me, I'm Jewish. I converted shortly after I finished college. And I generally avoid churches. Just not a big fan of them. But Husband is a big fan of them. This is a very important part of his life and who he is. So, off to church I went. Husband has great taste in churches. It's a very inclusive church. You don't even have to be Christian to join. They did a concert on Al-Jazeera. They do protests against hate groups. They are very community oriented and socially concerned. I went to a couple services. They were nice. Some traditional church stuff and some more new stuff. Lots of singing. Nice messages. We were married by the head minister, Shelly. Sweet woman. I met with her while Husband was at work and we planned the wedding, with him on the phone and us at the church. She also helped me set up the room for the ceremony, which was attended by a full 7 people, if you count me, Husband, and Shelly. It was a very nice and personalized service. They have a very beautiful building, all open and airy and nature filled. It's a great group of people, welcoming to everybody.

Every Sunday as I leave the United Church of Gainesville I am glad that I made the effort to go to…read morechurch. Before I moved to Gainesville in 2012 I was a regular church-attending "mainline" Christian for over 60 years. It wasn't until I began attending UCG that my concept of "church" became one of infinite possibilities for: spiritual growth, secular service, social justice, family values, humor and agape. The Sermon on the Mount is alive and well at UCG.

People are very kind if you need any directions! Is just communicate that you are new and you don't…read moreknow what is going on that someone will definitely will stand a hand to help you. The church is beautiful and feels very intimate with the smaller space. At the same time, I fell that compromise a lot of the interaction or possible events.

very strict church and saw multiple people working the mass were rude to a girl not wanting to eat…read morethe bread when she was new and confused. be more welcoming and understanding. they don't have to eat the bread if they don't want to and this church made her. unprofessional.

A big shoutout to local community heroes of the Church of Eleven22 Palatka Campus! Bless you Pastor…read moreAdam Howell, your family, and the entire campus team. An extra salute to the Police officers who help out keeping things copacetic for all who are gathering. The Church of Eleven22 is one church in many locations, planting churches in communities around Northeast Florida and South Georgia to reach our friends and neighbors with the hope of the gospel. This is ringing true to the words of Pastor Joby Martin, the founder and lead pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville which has been " a movement for all people to discover and deepen a relationship with Jesus Christ". A lot of people have been watching the services online, some have been hosting watch parties/ Outposts to be able to gather in small groups to watch together online to join in worship, and fellowship... NOW Palatka can gather together locally under one roof! It is such a big difference being able to see big beautiful smiles, to give and receive big warm hugs, lifting up songs of worship together, praying powerfully for each other, crying sincerely together, and most importantly giving God all the Glory for all He does for us!! And remember what Pastor Joby says, "If the tomb is empty, anything is possible!" May God continue to flow through the beautiful community of Palatka :)

This is a Awsome church. Gary Melvin is a great Pastor. We…read moreare members there and it feels like family. Look to see you Sunday. Check us out.

The pastor here manged to single out an elderly parishioner of several years and mentally and…read moreverbally abuse her until she left the congregation. She had been active in the women's and children's programs, sang in the choir and even helped with the easter passion play. Please be aware of his behavior, and keep an eye on your family and fellow parishioners. I would hate to see his abuse extinguish another flame for the lord.