Westminster is a scripture based, friendly, non-denominational church group. It's a fairly large church, but in many ways it has a 'small-church' feel. Some of my favorite things about Westminster are: - Sermons usually contain a lot of application that leads from scripture to how we can practically strengthen our relationship with Christ. A recent sermon series went through the whole book of Joshua, for example, but didn't just stick to the history; along the way addressed the 'giants' in our lives (doubt, fear, past sin, etc), and showed a scriptural framework in which to start confronting them. - Spiritual growth is rightly treated as a process that keeps going throughout our lives. Both individual growth in Christ, and corporate growth as a church, are emphasized. Nor is this lip-service only; I have seen Westminster grow greatly as a local expression of the body of Christ over the years. - Westminster is perhaps the most inter-generational church I have gone to. This is not just 'all-ages' attending, but that there is interaction between the generations in classes, volunteering, etc. There are grow-groups and classes where people can either fellowship with their own age/life-stage, study a topic of mutual interest, or discuss a sermon - but these groups are not isolated from the rest of the church body. - There is genuine fellowship, often around study or service, vs. just self-entertainment. - It is very easy to find a place to serve! read more

I actually never been to this church but I'm planning on finding a biblical church. Lol I read some of the reviews and cracking up in that one person who gave a bad review and said the service was boring and that they miss Joel olsteen church. Well that tells me this church is definitely worth my time cause if a Joel olsteen fan doesn't like this church then they r doing something right. News flash Joel olsteen is a false teacher. Fyi. It's call prosperity gospel. You might want to do some exegetical study on scriptures and you'll find out why that is 100% anti-gospel read more

Do you go to hell if you leave a bad review for a church? Let's not tempt fate here! 5 stars! Hear me! I WILL SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS! Seriously, great place, good kids program, lots for them to do regardless of age. Multiple services, casual, and you can pick the service that fits your needs as well as time. Great programs and classes for adults. Watch for special events for junior high and high school - great trips for the kids to take, whether up to the snow, or elsewhere, even supporting a basketball league. Not a huge mega-church, but big enough to have 3 services and be interesting for everyone. read more

My family and I have been attending Westminster for seven years now, ever since moving to the area from overseas. We did the usual "church shopping" and had a hard time finding the right fit in our immediate neighborhood. When I started going to Bible Study Fellowship at WC, I suggested to my husband that we check out the host church, even though it was a bit of a drive. It turns out that Westminster Chapel had just the right mix of excellent teaching, meaningful worship, and an exciting kids' program we were looking for! read more

This church has been a place to belong for our family of six for 14 years now. We really appreciate that the teaching is 100% Biblically based. It is a large church with lots of groups and places to get involved. The ping-pong and hang-out area for the middle school and high school students is very comfy; there are lots of places to sit and visit all over the church and people gather between the two morning services and visit over coffee and muffins. If you visit and come to the main service, don't stop there, pop in on a group gathering for deeper learning and connection, like BAM on Sundays morning or Women's Bible studies in Tuesdays. read more

Westminster Chapel is one of the most diverse churches on the East Side! In terms of ministries, they reach absolutely everyone, no matter what level they are on. For example, if you want to be involved on a smallish level, you can belong to online Community Groups. You can be in a small group, a home group, or a Sunday School class. If you want to perform, there is an amazing choir led by one of the most amazing Creative Directors on the East Side. Pastor Gary Gulbranson really reaches out to everyone. There are groups for folks speaking different languages, there are groups for people who want to know more about Christianity called, "Alpha." where you can ask any questions you'd like to know. Dress as you are, come as you are, we are informal, and yet, can reach out with hymns and anthems that remind you of your church growing up. I don't belong to the staff. I don't have a position at all in the ministry, except that I have been going to, and loving, this church for almost 14 years. When my baby was born, and my husband had to go on military deployments, I had so much help from family groups here at the church. Today, September 9, we are having a "What's Your Next Step?" Sunday. The DVD of Pastor Gulbranson's sermon is available at Westminster.org to walk you through the four steps: Begin (Have you accepted Christ? Do you want to get involved here?), Belong: Become part of The City (www.westminster.onthecity.org/kiosk) or one of the many groups here. The third step would be BECOME. How has your Christianity evolved to make you a disciple? and the final step "BEYOND" - going out into the world and making a difference with your love of the Lord through missions, daily walks with the Lord, etc. I hope that anyone who has never been to Westminster Chapel in Bellevue would come and give it a try. If you have tried and haven't found a family here, ask someone. There are many leaders here who are willing to reach out to you. Just make your voice heard, and you'll be welcomed in. Again, I am just a member of the church, not a staff member or minister, but it makes me glad to share this amazing place of worship and growth, and I hope you give it a try. SIncerely, Jo Lee Robinson read more

I have found true friendships and community at Westminster. They work within the church and in the Bellevue community to fulfill the spiritual, emotional, material needs. I am impressed that Westminster Chapel actually has a counseling center, at very affordable rates, for those who can't afford professional counseling. It's a compassionate and caring church. read more

I visited this church Easter Sunday. It was a pretty boring church service. The people were mostly older and old. No one was rejoicing or seemed like they had any energy. They were very stale and I was probably the only one who clapped for the speakers and singers. It was very awkward and makes me miss Joel Osteen very much! I'd probably never go here again because the vibe is depressed. I only gave it 3 stars because they have donuts for everyone and effort from the choir and the preacher. The congregation is none existent! read more

It's hard to really "rate" a church. I do believe leaders do the best they can but as in all human orgs, there are shortcomings. One of the biggest shortcomings for me personally was that after attending the youth department for several years, the admin asst for the youth dept still did not know my kids' names. Even my kids' principals who lead 500+ students know all the students' names. Honestly if you are older, wealthy and white you will probably feel right at home. Anything a darker shade of white will get you immediately pigeonholed into an "international" group even if you've been born and raised here. I truly believe had my kids been white the admin asst there would have known their names, as she seemed to know the names of all the white kids. Really hate to bring race into what should be color blind but it's just a fact with this church, that there is a lot of subtle racism and blatant segregation, some of the key reasons we left. read more

Wow, I was shocked to read about the bad experience of Joy M. as I too have been attending Westminster for nearly 10 months. In that time, I have had warm response from anyone I had contact with, including the minister's wife. This is a very nice church and wonderful events and activities for all ages. The musical program is very special! They have practical programs, such as Talk Time for folks who want to practice conversational English, a Job Search program, a 12 step program. They have small community groups that focus on what the needs of that community happens to be, such as "working women" Stay at home mother, Men's groups. Teen groups, College groups. Fabulous children's program all year long. I was a volunteer in the Vacation Bible School and had a wonderful experience. This is a great home church for singles as well as families. Give it a try! read more

Westminster is a very loving Church with a growing international congregation. I like that they have programs/ministries for families, singles, high school and all ages. Marriage classes, soon to be married and counseling for many of life's issues. Best of all the Church shares the gospel right from Bible and not from one social leaning or another. Just the word of God. I'll be back next week. read more

Sad to say, after attending Westminister for close to one year, I was never greeted at the door (Pastor's wife is there, but she seems so involved with her clique, that she ignores those unknown to her), once in 10 months she happened to notice me and gave a casual wave, then resumed her chatter with friends. Last Christmas (2010) I went to the Christmas program and the International Cafe, I spotted the pastor and decided to introduce myself as a fairly new attendee, he was not at all welcoming, simply said, "well, we're glad you're here" then went on his merry way. I also attempted to join one of the outreach programs, sent the leader of the group an e-mail, after about 3 weeks with no reply I resent the e-mail. The response was something like "what was it you were asking about," I couldn't believe my eyes, my question was on the subject line, I got her e-mail address out of the booklet they have available in the lobby with the name of her ministry, and she didn't know what I was asking???? Another attmept to join a Bible study was met with "oh, that's not starting until the first of the year," this from the attendant at the information desk. Interestingly, I walked around abit and found the very class I was asking about just getting started! There were several other failures on the part of the church, and I was left with wondering if anyone knew anything about what was going on. I tried for 10 months to connect with zero success. Happily I found a very warm and welcoming church elsewhere, and have become part of 2 Bible study groups and one of their out-reach ministries. Report Card Grade for Westminister, D-. It's cold, unfriendly, and uncaring. read more