**Title:** Extremely Disappointed - Not a Welcoming Church I have been walking my dog on this church's property for nearly 10 years. During that time, I considered this place part of my community. I've given blood here, picked up trash, and even helped keep the property safe by running off people doing donuts in the parking lot. Unfortunately, my recent experience has completely changed how I view this church. I was asked to leave the premises simply because I was wearing a poncho. They claimed they didn't recognize me, which is absolutely false given my long history of being around this property. I am appalled. A church should be welcoming--especially to those in its own community. Instead, I was profiled and treated like an outsider. This is not the behavior I expect from a place that claims to represent God's love. read more

VERY Rude Staff Member- I had a REALLY upsetting experience with a member of the seating staff today that I feel needs to be addressed. My family, friends, and I (a group of six) arrived just before worship began, and as usual, floor seating was limited. Since we didn't want to disrupt anyone, we chose to stand off to the side near the risers and wait for the seats to open up. This is something we've seen people do regularly every Sunday. While we were quietly standing there, not blocking any aisles and already engaged in worship, a staff member approached us. In a very condescending and harsh tone, he said things like, "This isn't a sporting event, you can't just stand here and watch," and repeatedly told us we "needed to get out of the way." His delivery felt unnecessarily aggressive and dismissive, as if we were doing something wrong when we were simply waiting respectfully. The overall interaction came across as rude and frankly unwelcoming. We were not being disruptive in any way. In fact, we were trying to be considerate by not navigating through a darkened auditorium once worship had already started. To make matters worse, we had invited close family friends to attend for the first time, and this interaction left them so uncomfortable that they've already said they won't be returning. This experience was deeply disappointing and not at all reflective of the welcoming environment one would expect. I hope this feedback is taken seriously, because no one should feel spoken to or treated this way--especially in a place that is meant to be inclusive and inviting. read more

With a heavy heart after 11 years of attending Wave Church I have decided to look for another church. I have noticed in the past year that Pastor Steve has unapologetically been more focused into moving into a more financial/politically focused agenda. When his son Pastor Josh takes over the church, and hopefully he will as as he seems to be a more genuine, humble, not financially or politically motivated Pastor, only then, I will return. Unfortunately there is much disappointment at this time. I have always provided with money with much love but there is too much manipulation of the word of God into the political and money oriented agenda. read more

The last time I went to this church it was in 2013.I have been a member at another church.Today my husband suggested we go and listen to the word(for he also was a past member at the wave) .I felt like I was cheating on my church.However as much as I like my home church,the feeling I got today is nothing I ever experienced. I CRIED THE ENTIRE SERVICE.HAPPY TEARS OF JOY..The dedication to the Veterans was very moving and all the mission work they do(Convoy),I was taken in.Thank you Pastor Kelly,I definitely will be back next Sunday. read more

Wave Church - Churches Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

If you are looking for a church that loves Jesus and their community with bold leadership, then Wave Church is the church for you.

Pastor Steve and Pastor Sharon are amazing preachers. They love Jesus and they love the military community.

I truly believe that those who get offended, don't get offended solely because of the sermon but also because of it hitting close to home. Sometimes I hear things that I don't want to but that's just the way it is. I think about it, figure out why it had a negative impact on me or my emotions, and I work through it. This church has been amazing!!! I've been apart of it for almost 7 years now and I absolutely love it! As for tithes and offerings being pushy... not at all! If you don't want to... don't! It's that simple! You can be the one to answer to that later. This church proves its positive involvement in the community. Pastor Steve and Sharon Kelly have been some of the best church leaders I've seen in all of my 33 years. read more

Mega church, no thank you. I do not mind prayer and worship songs, but I do believe that church should sing a mix including hymns. I have yet to find a church that can do both. I like being able to dress down, but respectful, and I like seeing younger people in church. For me, though, I do not feel right in this church. I do not want to be told when and how much to tithe, that is a personal matter between my God and I. read more

I went to visit The Wave church a couple of years ago after I left my church home of 9 years, God called me and my family out my church home at Gates of Heaven Ministry because it was corrupted and cult like; so I don't success anyone to go there. When I got to the Wave it just felt uncomfortable, it felt like my church home, I didn't feel the presence of God. I never went back. read more

Sadly ..It's all about money I don't understand how cone people seat listen and believe and thinks the ministry it's ok I didn't want to open my mouth to post this because you do not attack the men of God but this place it's just wrong **Close Sunday night due to the Super Bowl **Pastor wants to build more facilities to grow I was going to church to grow spiritually if you want to go warm the seat and said you went to church .. this Is your place NOT IF you want a deeper connection and Lear about God and the Bible I went to this church in and off for a period of 1.5 yeArs I had heard good messages but mainly it's about his vision on building and growing his brand ... smh I walked out twice upset to see what goes on and the second time I brought a guess ( his first time) He Doesn't want to come back I had to apologize to him I will never go back read more

Do not waste you time. They do not teach the full word of God. It's all happy go lucky typical Mega church sermon. It's all a show and don't focus on the Lord. Gay people should be in church because they need to hear the word of God. But when they have been going for years and then get married, that tells me they aren't teaching what needs to be taught. You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. (Leviticus 18:22) If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. (Leviticus 20:13) Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) If they heard these scriptures they wouldn't continue to go, which they should because homosexuality is a sin. You can Love the person, but hate the sin. I don't hate anyone, but I do hate sin. read more

I grew up in VA BCH. I have been gone about 5 years. Recently visited & went to check out the 11 am service. Greeters are friendly & I had high hopes. The service was very negative talking about fake Christians etc The offering was super pushy as well. I was really surprised the negativity of one of the pastors. I really hate to leave such a bad review but I would not waste your time coming here. The message is all wrong. read more

great vibe. friendly, approachable people. modern approach to the message of god. offers lots of different groups(CG, youth), church times, and other community events like Devoted, Summer Camp, Halloween trunk or treat etc read more

Ever since I have become a Born Again Christian over 30 years ago, I have moved around and gone to a wide variety of churches. I grew up Catholic, but felt that church's emphasis on rituals over relationship was not how I see New Testament Christianity. I understand that some people will never feel comfortable with all the volume & lights and concert like atmosphere. But pastors Steve & Sharon Kelly, are completely grounded in God's Word, and constantly point people to the Word & personal spiritual growth. They walk the walk, not just talk. All 3 of their adult children are all serving God, one reason-- they saw their parents truly live by their faith and the authority of God's Word in and out of Church. My 5 star rating does not mean they are perfect, but they are completely true to their mission to Love God, Love People, Build Community, and make a positive difference in this world. Wave Church does that! read more

Just like our bodies need nourishment, our soul needs to be fed too! There is no better place to accomplish this task than to attend Wave Church on Great Neck Road. For the past 25 years I have been attending this church and thankfully I have not gained in weight, but in spiritual wisdom. Each time I attend, I walk away with a better plan to help me execute life. Our pastors - Steve and Sharon Kelly have a heart to share the love of Christ to everyone. They preach what they live....LOVE! If you are looking for a place to call home...look no further! See you this Sunday! read more

I have been attending Wave for about 5 1/2 months now and can honesty say I've never felt so more at home than coming here. For the last year, I have been attending the college there (Wave Leadership College) and for my first semester, I had no intention of leaving my church at that time and coming to Wave. I was so comfortable there just going to church on a Sunday, and helping out with the youth on a Tuesday. But I knew my time at that church was going to come to an end real soon. Being that I am a student in WLC, we are required to serve at Wave Conference. And that week, God made it very clear that my next step in my faith walk involved Wave. I didn't know what that meant but I knew it God was going to challenge me and put me out of my comfort zone for a little bit. And I'm sure glad He did. I am where I'm supposed to be and God is opening so many doors I was not expecting to open. I have made my closest friends here. The services and incredible and life changing. I highly recommend visiting one of our campuses! You won't regret it. (Wave Great Neck, Wave Norfolk, Wave Seaboard, Wave Richmond, Wave Wilson, Wave Greenville, Wave Los Angeles) read more

This church is an example of what is wrong with the modern mega-church movement. I went a few times and each time I was very uncomfortable with the over-the-top show they put on and lack of the Holy Spirit. I tried to rationalize it, but I couldn't any longer, so I stopped going. I would not suggest this place to others. read more

Before I found Wave Church I was in a really bad place.I was also not attending church anymore and desperately wanted to find one. On April 26, 2015 I went to wave church and encountered the presence of God like never before. That was the day he called me back home and I never looked back again!!!! Fast forward to February 2016 and I am happily planted. I learned and experienced so much through my church. Also, I met so many wonderful people. Finding wave church was an answer to my prayers . Wave Conference and Devoted Conference are amazing and life changing!!! Also, they hold a Men's Conference ! read more

First time in Virginia, first time at Wave and had an incredible experience! Pastors and team are extremely kind and accommodating

I had the privilege to attend the 2015 Wave Church Conference. It was a life changing experience and I'm looking forward to the next one. God bless everyone who volunteered at this event, they did an amazing job. read more

Wave Church - Churches Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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This church is all about money. They are very pushy about it too. It's all very misleading as well. The music they play and certain things they allow at their church makes you question the whole establishment. I feel like any Christian with common sense would not regularly attend this church. The people are nice but are obviously sheep and follow their pastor no matter what. The pastor is pretty full of himself too. He very much needs to be grounded and humble himself. read more

Wonderful Church, lots of good people and the mindset of the Pastoral staff is Salvation, they just want to reach the lost for Christ. As far as some of the negative reviews that I see posted ,I think it's pretty ridiculous for someone to attend a single church service and leave a one-star review and tell people not to go there. It's not a steakhouse so you can't go there, have a single meal and tell people it's a horrible experience. I would tell anyone looking for a church home to at least go for a couple of months at any church before you decide it is or isn't for you unless you experience biblical inconsistencies read more

I've never wrote a review on a church bc I feel that most religious institutions are open to interpretation,however I felt compelled to write a review on this church. My husband and I are new to the area and were looking for a new home church. I grew up southern baptist, however I wasn't necessarily looking for another baptist church, just a church that preached on the word of God. We chose Wave bc of the large amount of young married couples (like us) and the number of "connect groups" they had. We went on one random Sunday with the cutest girl in the world, the people everywhere in this church were friendly, from the moment we stepped inside the door to when we left in the parking lot. (That is the ONE thing this church has going for them; kind people). However, (and here is why they are getting 1 star) the pastor was so absolutely full of himself, I couldn't differentiate if I was watching a performance or a sermon. My first problem: he used the Tower of Babel as reference to a group of people working together for the kingdom of God. SPOILER ALERT: the people who created the Tower of Babel died by the hand of God. Second problem: The preachers "sermon" was only about giving money, and not in the form of a tithe. He was talking about giving $10,000+ a year ON TOP of tithe for a simulated wave pool, skate park, and basketball court on their church site. After leaving the service my heart was racing and I was red in the face. How could this preacher deface the word of God and use it completely out of context?! And the fact that people were shouting "amen!" "Yes preacher!" had me even more upset. I'm not one to tell people where to worship and where not to, but keep your guard up at this church. The people are amazing, but the fact that the leader of this church is so money hungry and money obsessed makes this one of the worst churches (if you can call it that) that I have ever EVER been to. read more

My family and I have been going to this church for over 10 years now. I have seen a change for the better. The church spends a lot more time focusing on the move of the Holy Spirit ( baptism of the Holy Spirit & prophecy) mainly in the evening services. They also don't put too much focus on offerings. However, this church does a ton of ministry work all over the world, so of course they will request help with that. It is part of worship! There are also some great preachers like: Josh Kelly, Jared Klingmeyer, and Joe Riddle. These young guys are on fire for Jesus, and they can preach. I also like the children's pastor. He is very sweet and caring. My kids love going there. This church does preach the Full Gospel. Steve Kelly even did a series on Hell. This is a great place to get involved and plant yourself in a church home. The people are very caring and the Word of God is preached. read more

First impression is this church is so beautiful and they put money into the church which I really like. The children's program is amazing they really care for the kids and my children love it. I love going this church is amazing and is filled with kind people. I have never ever had a bad experience. I love the connect groups and the come as you are mentality. The pastors are amazing and I really feel the power in my soul. I also love the music and the upbeat atmosphere. I love going to church and my entire family looks forward to it every week. They also offer before and after school programs which is amazing. I wish my schedule allowed me to go to more services. We went to the helicopter Easter egg drop which was so fun. They put a lot of money for the kids which I absolutely love. Always a great experience. See you this Sunday! read more

Have been "open minded" to this church about a year now, including but not limited to a Grinch christmas show, easter bunny, youth group has muslin drapes sectioning off the lobby in the dark, like a nightclub with couches. The final straw was today picking my son up from a "men's conference" and ACDC music blasting in the parking lot. I wonder how Jesus would feel? The message is one foot in the world, one in the church. No words. Very sad an read more

Pastor is so annoying. I am a spirit filled Christian. But this man is just too much. I know he has a young following. I certainly pray for his ministry. But it is not for me. Something about the casual attire, his demeanor. No. Been there 5 times. Not for me. read more

The seemed very impressive but the usher was not friendly at all and they did not offer to help my son instead they called security all the while the pastor was asking for money. Jesus does not preach in that manner. The word of God and his example should be on the forefront of any Christian church. Beware! read more

great church. great music and preaching. would definitely go again if in Virginia Beach. read more

I love this church. I have never been apart of a church so passionate about reaching people for Jesus.

This is a mega-church, and sometimes it's good to see one just to see one, getting to know the local churches in the area. The Christian rock band was good as they go, apparently this church can afford a large one and good lighting effects, but it reminded me of a rock concert or the Monday pagan drum circle in Norfolk with the dark stage and people jumping around. In my day, people sang hymns in church, but these day they hire a band to sing songs for you, and often they're not very inspirational. As for the preaching, I thought the sermon wasn't very Christian. It contained a few bible verses that didn't really support what the preacher was saying, and he went on tangents about his own personal opinions on things. Some of it was useful, some was not. For example, he warned people to be cautious of people who talk about the way they were wronged. Reminded me of a sermon that a criminal would want a preacher to give -- don't tell anyone or else, snitches get stitches, etc. A good way to leave criminals on the streets and get your family victimized. In summary, some decent Christian rock if you like that type of music, and then a self-help sermon that I wouldn't want my children to see because it doesn't teach them right vs. wrong or anything about Christian values. read more

I visited this church once or twice, and it just isnt for me for several reasons.. one,. its too big- HUGE! I didnt see a personal feel to it, more like a corporate business is how I felt when I walked in... not a church.. I didnt feel any connection with the sermon, which happened to be on Easter Sunday and I had brought my mom to it, and they were doing a Beatles things, and something about themed of LOVE??? But Beatles video and songs?? WOW on Easter?? :( We were shocked and totally felt disappointed- and left before it ended.... and my mom felt bad that she made us try a new church ! Oh well, i am sure there was something in there that wouldve tied in to Easter, but to me, no matter what Easter should be celebrated in a BIG way and not to look at videos and songs form the Beatles! Sorry not for me at all... read more

Would definitely NOT recommend this church. I attended a service in Norfolk. The congregation is small (about 50-60 in attendance) and very un-welcoming. The pastor does not greet visitors nor do the apparently regular attenders. While the music is good, there is no preaching--they simply play an online video of a random speaker and that constitutes the "sermon." If you are looking for a church family or any sort of preaching, I HIGHLY recommend you search elsewhere. read more

After having probably the worst weekend of my life, I decided I spend my Sunday morning in church. A simple google search for "church" populated this monstrosity as the number one result. I had seen churches like it before, and thought I would give it the benefit of the doubt. I drove down, parked my car, and started walking in. I go through the doors, and I am blindsided by loud music and a mob of people. I check everything out and make my way to an information desk. The two women were very kind and laughed when I asked, "This is a church, right?" They directed me to a door labeled "convention center." I want to say at this point I was very optimistic I was starting to think I had made a good choice. When I got to the door, a woman stepped in front of me and asked, "Are you part of the team?" She then told me they were "setting up" as if it was some kind of magic show, and they didn't want me to see the surprise. I asked if I could go in, and they told me no. I have never been to a church that wouldn't let someone in. I will say that I left there and went home. I didn't see the service. Matter of fact, I didn't even get to see the inside of the "convention center," so I can't speak in regards to the actual function of the church. I think I saw enough to give it a firm one-star review though. If you happen to find the password, and you can actually get in, I hope the magic is fantastic! read more

Gave this church 4 tries. Still continues to disappoint... 80% of the time is spent guilt tripping people into tithe for every single service I have attended. 20% spent on the actual word of God. This church doesn't have a genuine feel to it and the music portion is too far into the rock band concert extreme then it is singing songs that have meaning. Will not be going back. read more

This church has absolutely changed my life. If you are looking for a place and family to call home, this is the place to be. The people here are serious about their faith and place it into action. If you are looking for a Luke-warm church that you plan to attend weekly and develop no relationship with Jesus, this isn't the place for you. The Holy Spirit is active every week here and multiple people come to give their life to follow the savior every week. God has called Wave Church to expand the kingdom like no other, and they are surely answering this calling. read more

I attended the Wave for a long time. It started out ok and I thought a lot of it. Then slowly they became more and more worldly. The associate pastor's wives started dressing in mini skirts and tube tops. Men in the lobby were leering at them. Suddenly you couldn't get near Sharon because of her "armor bearers". During a women's conference, they had young girls performing a bump and grind to I'm Every Woman. That was the last straw for me. They are far more interested in numbers and being "relative" #worldly, than they are in presenting the gospel. read more

My family and I attended this church for a long time. The teachings are false, misleading, and twisted. The pastor will never teach on the end times, nor say the word sin for fear of offending anyone. The young pastors party at the clubs and encourage others to do it. One couple in leadership got married and are divorced now. Another person got pregnant before she married the guy. If the pastor was preaching sin convicting messages, the sin being commited by those in leadership would not be happening. If you call them out in love they call you hypocrite and legalistic. There is no teaching that convicts of sin at all. The focus is mainly on money and the pastors ego, expensive toys, ect... The church is for profit. Yeah, they have missions, thats the only thing they are doing right. There are thousands being led astray. When we needed the church they swept us under the carpet because we were in "leadership" and it would make wave church look bad. They dont seem to care what God says or thinks. They are too secular. The presence of God left that church along time ago, the holy spirit is squelched. If you are reading this and from wave, you need to wake up now. Its time to put God first again, look around at the world to what is going on and start warning people Jesus is coming back for the true christians, not decieved lukewarm ones from wave church. Pay attention to the scripture and what it says. Wave church is like the 5 brides that were not ready when the bridgroom came. Greg Laurie is doing a better job preparing his church for Jesus' return then steve kelly. Steve kelly could not even say he would not perform gay marriages. He could not even declare the churches stance on the matter. Open your eyes, your being decieved and led astray from God. Most of his messages are recycled messages he has preached before. I have read my bible, this church does not line up with any of what the bible says. Wave church is an epic fail... I have 13 years of attendance at this church and was in leadership too, everything i have written is true, i have seen the apostasy with my own eyes. Wave church is an apostate church. You will not learn how to live Christ like at this church, nor be warned of whats coming. God is sifting and the true christians are emerging, yes the ones that stand for marriage between man and woman, the true christians who stand for rightouness and not for sin of any kind. This is not wave church, they stand for fat pockets/wallets. Wake up wavers before its too late..... read more

Greedy parents need this church more than i do. What a experience we had today. They need a new system if there going to have that amount of people at the helicopter easter egg drop. I have a 8 yr old and 4 yr old girl and a 18 month old boy. Well we got in line for the egg drop but it quivkly got so cramped you couldnt even breath. I had a guy that didnt speak english try and stand on my sons leggs while he is in his stroller. I finally to physically move is legs and grab his phone. Well after they dropped over 15,000 eggs the hunt started. All of which my kids couldnt even see. After we survived the stanpede of greedy adults. Me my 2 girls or my son didnt find one egg. There were people with trash can size baskets over flowing. We finally started to leave because we were all very upset. A little girl gave my 4 year old a few eggs. That didnt last long aftet a group of hoodlum black kids with no parents stole our 2 easter baskets. Would have never thought in a million years that this would happen at my church that we have been coming to for 4 years. I left 3 stars because this place is ran by the best group of people on earth. Need to get a little more order before a kid gets killed. read more

attended both sessions of Man Up "conference" a conference infers an exchange of ideas. church services were geared for those raising families. not for us seniors. music was loud as it always is at wave. read more