I've been trying out churches closer to home and The first time I visited here would be the last. Not so great first impression. Who ask for donations three times during service? Wasn't feeling it. I need more Jesus, more humble, more spirit. I'll continue to travel an hour to just to feel more at home. read more

I think I might have visited this place eons ago when they had a Living Christmas Tree show but haven't been back for decades because I'm rarely in this part of the Bay Area. My best friend was looking for a new church and since this place is six minutes away, I said let's try this place. The music is fire. The worship team is definitely about Israel Houghton and it was fun and singable for everyone in the auditorium (which I've found worship teams forget to consider these days). They have a large cafe and it was good to have a place to sit while we waited for service, but wow, that coffee line is way too long, so we didn't get to try it. My bestie is considering this place but wants to know more about their doctrine. If it's sound, then she most likely will be making it her church home so I'm full of hope. read more

3Crosses Church - Cafe is spacious - Churches Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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One of the best service I ever attended and I really feel peace and holly spirit with joy in my heart that's why I try to attend it ever Sunday mornings read more

It is very uplifting. So many wonderful people. I am confused though. I am gay and not sure of the church position on it. If anyone could fill me in I sure would like to know. I brought my sister and her husband this past Sunday. Both of them are concerned as well on homosexuality. They don't want me or my partner of 23 years getting involved if we are not welcome. read more

We've been attending 3Crosses for a few years now, and what keeps us coming back is the powerful teaching, especially from Pastor Larry. He has an incredible ability to connect the truths of the Bible to everyday life in a way that truly resonates. It's so impactful that even my teenager, who isn't easily moved, was brought to tears by one of his teachings--crying in church, which is almost unheard of! His messages reach the heart in such a profound way, and it's been a blessing to our family. And while I understand that there's no such thing as a perfect church, one area I feel could use some attention is how challenging it's been to connect with the community. Being part of a large congregation can make it difficult to find a sense of belonging. While I hear the phrase 'welcome home' often, it's hard to feel at home when the environment still feels somewhat closed off. For example, my husband recently attended his first men's Bible study, and no one approached him when he arrived. As an introvert, it was already tough for him to go after a long day of work, and he even texted me saying he wanted to leave. Thankfully, a fellow newcomer sat next to him and introduced himself, which made all the difference. Ideally, that warm welcome should come from the church leaders--it's not right for new attendees to feel like outsiders while long-time members gather in familiar circles. Despite the awkward start, my husband stayed, and he was deeply moved by one of the worker's testimonies, which reassured him that being there was the right decision. I hope the church can take steps to foster a more inclusive environment where everyone, especially newcomers, feels genuinely welcomed and cared for. read more

"Masterful Speaker, Contemporary Music" It's been a few years since I last visited, and the service was just as warm and inspiring as I remembered from before. The speaker today was Pastor Danny Strange, who spoke on the Book of Esther. The whole time he was speaking I couldn't help but wonder, "Is this guy on TED Talks?" Yes, he actually is that good. But don't get the idea that he's just an inspirational speaker. That's not the case at all. The pastor gave a detailed explanation of the Book of Esther, along with several outstanding application points. One especially good idea was giving out journals at the end of the service. I know we're not supposed to come to church just to be entertained, but I confess, the speaker was informative as well as entertaining. Where do they get these preachers? Although the music is contemporary I did not think it was overly loud. They have seven singers and musicians on stage. If you really like the old-fashioned traditional type of music, you're probably not going to be delighted. On the other hand, if you are happy with contemporary music, I think you'll find the music pleasing. In the lower part of a lobby they have a gigantic meeting area with a cafe serving coffee and snacks. Between services, it is absolutely jam-packed with lines almost going out the door. A nice young man made a few suggestions on a cool drink, and I got a sweetened Latte. Just right for a warm Sunday morning. I lookd for a beer brewery, but alas, they don't seem to have one. I found the people to be warm and friendly. The usher who greeted me couldn't stop smiling. Yes, he really was that warm and friendly. I talked to numerous other people at this church, and they were universally warm and friendly. If you see Sparky be sure to say hello. He's the one wearing the cowboy hat. So overall, an outstanding visit to one of my favorite places to worship. read more

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I sat in the back in an area that had leg room. The seats are extremely packed zero leg room. The music was good, drums and keys were muffled The service was nothing related to worship. They talked about community service. This place has changed and not for the better. I haven't been here in 20 years. read more

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Not much to say, just very disappointed in what my former church used to be. There's no more soul winning out reaches like the Christmas and Easter performances. The homeless ministry got shafted, and it seems it's all fun and games. And not to say still has a relationship with First Pres (a heretical, sin affirming "church"). Topics of today aren't covered so as to not offend anyone or create controversy. Well, the Bible is controversial. The Plandemic did a number on many churches and lessons learned, obey God, not the government (man). We now attend Calvary Chapel San Jose (the spearhead of the Bay Area of what a church should be) since January '21 and haven't looked back. We still pray for 3 Crosses and the pastoral staff, preach the gospel and don't worry about who'll get offended. read more

Had so much fun with my cousins.Bought a hot chocolate my cousin and brother were having a snowball fight they were so wet

I had such a wonderful time at the Christmas Eve candlelight service! The praise and worship was excellent. The two artists who drew the stable were excellent. The singing & solos was excellent and then to leave the sanctuary and receive a gift, hot chocolate and chocolate candy is such a special treat. Thank you Pastor and staff for a wonderful service may God continue to bless 3 Crosses church! read more

I started attending this church 2.5 years ago and below are some pros and cons: PROS - highly engaged pastors, great worship team/music, sermon is always so relevant to my life, tons of community building events and groups to join, tons of volunteer opportunities. CONS - it feels very cliquey / like you're back in high school, not very welcoming to new comers, seems if you want to be truly welcomed you really need to put in the work to join their ministries. I've volunteered a few times and even the people who are heading it aren't very welcoming, it's a very odd feeling to show up ready to volunteer, and you're ignored, having to figure out what to do and where to go. This has happened several times on different occasions. I'm hoping I'll be able to update this post with more pros in a year or two because I REALLY want to like this church. read more

My wife took me there for a few services...Never have I been to a church that asked for money so much...They ask because they spend it on their expensive technical equipment and upgrades. I felt like it was one of those disgusting mega-churches that preach the word of God but only do it for material needs and the betterment of their "business". However, the most pathetic part about the place is no one ever made us feel at home or welcomed except for the greeters who did it because it is their job. No one reached out and made us welcomed or asked why we came. Not once did any of the phony pastors greet me unless I was one of the many sycophants who congregate their church. The pastors reminded me of Jim Bakker. Likewise I see a lot of people who go their and then do not greet me but I always initiated it. Lots of fake followers andSunday Christians. Transfiguration and I know, greet and speak with quite a few of the followers. Even Redwood Chapel makes you feel welcome and I also attend there as well. Three Crosses just feels fake and more like a business that puts on events and collects weekly offerings to feed a business. I feel no spirituality when I go there...I always feel like it is a shake down. I can not in any spiritual way ever recommend this place as a place of worship. By the way what some of these other reviewers wrote, who gave it less than 3 stars knows what I mean. I do not mean to be harsh, I want to be truthful. read more

I've been going for about a year now.This is the first time non -Denomination. I got baptized at 3CROSSES and happy that I could.I attend group meetings and make my commitment by attending service s on Sunday.Thank YHWH and Jesus Christ for helping me to continue on my Christian path.Im serious ,I want to stay on the Narrow Road. If it's not through this church .Then find another. Amen read more

I feel more welcomed entering Walmart. I also heard they have a program that attempts to get LGBT+ members to go straight . I have no intentions of returning to this church . Very disappointed read more

Update -10 years later... I thank the Lord for His work in me and my wife. Through the years at 3 crosses, the God inspired teachings have transformed us. It's like having a new heart. 2020 has been a challenge for everyone. As we adjust to all the changes that are taking place in the church and in our community, we have hope and confidence in the Lord to continue to lead us all in His path. We pray that He will continue to bless the pastoral staff with solid scriptural teachings and to move 3 Crosses in the direction of His will as He has done for us in the past 10 years. God bless 3 Crosses and the pastoral staff! read more

I agree with one of the reviewers. Its very not welcoming to new comers. Very clicky and during meet and greet time, people would run towards people they already know. So I tried to make eye contact with a few people to say hello and they gave me an awkward face turned away and talked to they're friends. It was embarrassing for them mostly, since they were adults acting like high-schoolers. Church is to be welcoming to all new comers and this church hasn't figured that out yet. read more

Went there for the Lecrae concert. Clean space, great altar space, love the lighting and sound work

"preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2 NASB bible.com/bible/100/2ti.... I'm always thankful to the Lord for the fantastic plays at 3crosses.  I am amazed that they are not only lovely but they express the heart of mission!  The ministry of 3crosses shines bright with inspiration: FAITH, HOPE and LOVE, year after year!  * ^.^ * read more

The 3 crosses are so symbolic int he community. And sitting high on the hill, you get great views. Chances are if you are at all familiar with Castro Valley or have driven on 238 from Dublin area towards 880 or 580, you have noticed the large 3 crosses next to the freeway. This church has a lot of great community events going on through out the year, and they are non-denominational and open to all the public. I am not a Sunday member (I belong to All Saints in Hayward) but I never miss the opportunity to attend the Christmas and Easter plays. They are well put together and great for kids as well as the adults. The donkeys used in the plays are real... and during the week they keep him/her/them on the playground of the preschool. I may or may not have had some nice convos with Jack the donkey during his stays. The events are open to the community, free, and inspiring! There is a cafe open daily now - Cafe 4. Very good coffee! My 5 year attends preschool at the church and has been going for the last 2 and a half years... and this was my first choice the moment I toured different preschools in the area. Their program is amazing, the staff are absolutely the BEST... friendly, caring, experienced. My mom (who helps me bring Jr to school) has connected with the teachers there and has actually started going to church again, having a sponsor who is one of my child's teachers. Praise the Lord for this! My mom has been out of the church for years! She attends special womens events and now attending church services on Sundays. (Maybe more appropriate for the preschool than the church - but it goes to show the wonderful people and associations with the church). read more

3Crosses Church - Churches Near Me - Castro Valley, California

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I've heard about this church for a few years now and finally saw their Christmas show on Christmas Eve 2008. The church is easy to find, plenty of FREE parking in their lot. For the Christmas show they recommend you show up 1hr early. They had a special Christmas Eve show at 9pm. There's FREE seating at the main auditorium & there's a Balcony level too. One of the ushers recommended the Balcony so we sat up there. Best to get there early for better seats. They do run out of seats. The show is kinda long at 1hr 45 min, no intermission. They have an Orchestra playing in the pit - pretty good Choir is pretty good Dancers ok The show we saw was "Joy To the World, The Lord Has Come" Part 1 - a Journey to Christmas Around the World - pretty good, though one skit the actors stopped and did a re-do. Why? That was strange. At the Welcome announcement - did a prayer by Dr. Larry Vold, Sr. Pastor. Part II- A Journey to Bethlehem More churchy. Around this time the ushers came around w/ the tray to put in some money for donations - Nothings really FREE. They had real goats & a donkey for the show, plus a real baby instead of a doll. Leaving the parking lot is evil. I had to wait for a long while to get out. Recommended at least once. They have a Christmas show, Easter, & Summer Musical. In 2009 they are going to have Reserved FREE Tickets - that should help a bit. Separate bathrooms available: Women's on the right had 6 stalls so plan on a wait. Men's on the Left side. Check website: http://www.3crosses.org/ read more

This 4 star review is based on first impressions of this church. You can't miss it. Driving on 238 you'll see three towering crosses. You're there. I've been visiting this church for a few weeks now and thus far have been very impressed with the service. Mind you, I'm still in the early stages of knowing this church and its people but first impressions are good. The morning service, usually led by Dr. Larry Vold, is worship filled and Bible centered. The worship changes each time and being a musical person myself, one of my main draws to a church is their worship style and delivery. 5 stars for the worship team! To me, the sermons are Bible focused but provide understandable life application. With the outlines provided in each week's bulletins, I find my takeaway from the lesson is strong. I've attended the 6:13 service once before. I must say the worship music was phenomenal, almost like a concert. It was borderline "show" and "worship" for me but I'll definitely go back to check it out again. As for the rest of the church, I'm slowing peeling away at it like an onion. I'm sure I"ll update again as I get more involved. read more

The time I went here, the pastor made anti-gay marriage remarks in his sermon and the entire congregation burst into applause. Couldn't believe it and quickly left. read more

This Church will judge you and belittle you! As others mentioned they are not for the community, but rather profits. Dorrie is extremely insensitive and believes she is perfect and a better human than me because I am facing adversity. I did not feel Christ with this woman in fact the opposite. The times I attended the church, same where they are looking and making you feel like an outsider. Jesus warned us of evils like these. After share my life with her, she says "Brittney is feeling like she is not being heard" just kicking me when I am down. No holly spirt, no love, just evil looks and words. So sad that they are in charge of "helping the community". Her actions show they are for profit not for the people. I will be reaching out to news to go more into details on my experience. Hannah asked me if a am a regular at the church, not sure why she was asking that when they help people that never attended the church. Glad I'm not the only one! read more

First, I have to admit I am just a guest here and do not regularly attend this church. I visit churches when I have the opportunity to go, as I serve at another church in Livermore. Having said that, I have friends who attend 3 Crosses, formerly Neighborhood Church. I am used to the larger church culture, so my assessment and perceptions of the Church may reflect my bias of how church should do things. Just my opinion (hence the Yelp review)! Yes, it is the large church on the hill with the three large crosses at the corner of 580 and 238. I remember growing up in the area (and worked nearby at the "old" Eden Hospital, before it became a Sutter Hospital) and know its history with the C&MA, the denomination in which I was saved through and its back story. The cafe part of the church is new to me, but I like the lobby area, however everything is a little dark for me. Even the center screen projector is dim by about 1500 lumens, in comparison to the flat screen monitors in the lobby and the cooler looking banners outside. The graphics look out dated, like they are stuck in the 1980's, though it's recent because of the web address on the bottom of the pages. The walk-in music is good, but the worship is much more sedate, even with the worship team singing "Reckless Love " and "Oceans" (a few years behind the times, according to their walk-in music). But I see, as an astute observer, the older generation just stands for worship with their hands held behind their backs. The younger generations, dressed much more casual (tee shirt and shorts) are freer in their worship expression with hands lifted up. And I probably see why. The bass player was the most animated on stage, more than the "front line" singers and musicians on the stage. And since most Christian bookstores are closed (Family and Lifeway, in the Bay Area), I enjoyed walking through the small but filled with good resources bookstore on the one side. read more

Sorry but they push the money factor too much here. Talking about how God wants us to give them money and telling us we should dress up for church for God. Sorry, but I don't believe God needs me to be fancy to come to him. He takes me as I am. They do have good plays at christmas time, though. read more

I have been attending Neighborhood since I was in the womb. :) I was saved by God's grace when I was a child through the Children's Ministries at Neighborhood. Throughout my life, the faithfulness of my parents and the people at Neighborhood have pointed me to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. God really has used the ministries of Neighborhood to draw me closer to Him. I feel kind of funny writing a review for my church... but I felt compelled to because I wanted to share something with anyone who might be coming on Yelp to check out Neighborhood. Pastor Larry is my dad, so I have had my whole life to see and experience his heart and his character. He is a man who I respect not only for being an incredibly loving, kind, generous, honorable father to me and my sisters... and not only for being an understanding, compassionate, and caring husband to my mom... but I am able to respect my dad as deeply as I do because he is really the same person in our home and out in our community that he is when he gets up to preach each Sunday. His desire is to be faithful to God, to carry out Jesus' commands to spread His gospel and to love our neighbors. Practically every memory I have of my dad is him serving others (family, friends, strangers, neighbors), sharing the gospel, and studying God's Word. He is an extremely faithful, godly man who genuinely wants to communicate God's Word to the church and to live it out in his day-to-day life. Now, my dad would hate it (and so would I) if I made this sound like a "my dad is so great" message. The deepest desire of my dad's heart is that God would receive all glory and honor through his life, and that when people come into contact with him, that they would see Jesus and not him. My dad is a man whose life is surrendered to the gospel. He devotes himself to the study of God's word and to following Jesus Christ. And my dad is who he is not because of himself but because of the Lord's constant faithfulness in his life. I'm really happy to be a part of God's family at Neighborhood, and I respect ALL of our pastoral staff. They are all genuine people who want to see God glorified above all. If you're looking for a church, I encourage you to check it out! There are so many ways to get involved beyond sitting in the Sunday service - although that's an awesome place to start! read more

The Christmas Musical is always something that I look forward to. Last year was so fun and the Easter musical was so great and refreshing. But I felt the need to write a review and here is why: When we got there, I was riding with my dad who has handicap plates and can barely walk on his own. When my mom was asking if she could park in a really choice spot, the traffic director looked at us and said "What do you have 70 year olds in teh car?" What kind of Christian spirit is that to have so close to Christmas? Especially at a church? We quickly shrugged it off and proceeded to the auditorium where my mother father and the rest of our party got seperated due to the beautiful Christmas decorations. When we realized our party was in two different lines, we quickly began to rectify the situation by going to one line. When I was trying to politely insert myself into the line, a woman came up and said "You have to go around, you can't walk here." In a very horrible attitude that is more like Scrooge and should be followed by a hearty "Bah Humbug". Then I smiled to her and said "God Bless you" and she said "You are angry at someone else and not me." I can assure you I was not angry at anyone and was trying to lift her attitude and remind her where she was. Lastly, the Security detail. It made me feel like that I should not have been there. I have been to the musicals before and never seen so many security glaring at me as if I was wrong by coming to church near Christmas. The Christmas musical was horrible and had little to nothing to do with Christmas. The second part took the Holy Bible and the story of the virgin birth and bastardized it to the point that several people were getting up and walking out. I doubt I will be back. It hurts me greatly. But I hope that God shows them the error in their behavior and turns the spirit around. read more

I love this church. Every time we go we feel welcome. We love how they value families and are attached to community missions across the globe. We have moved away but only have wonderful memories of this church. read more

I had heard that 3 Crosses puts on some pretty spectacular productions so when I seen they were doing the production of Singing in the Rain which is one my childhood favorites, I excitedly bought a ticket to attend. Let me tell you I was not disappointed at all! Wow! Wow! & WOW! The singing, the dancingand the music was AWESOME!! I was smiling the entire! Not to mention, it is a beautiful church! I can't wait to see some of their productions! read more

My husband & I were looking for a church since we recently moved to the East Bay. From the very first time we visited we knew this was the place we wanted to be. Everyone has been so loving & accommodating. My 2 year old loves the childcare workers & doesn't seem to miss us at all while we attend service. The music is uplifting & absolutely gorgeous. Larry's messages are practical, wonderful & humorous. From the first day we stepped into this church the community has welcomed us with open arms. My husband & I attend several of the groups this church offers. They have transformation seminars, mens groups, young mother's groups & various family groups. In addition, the community & global outreach programs are amazing. Every time I leave service I feel inspired to make the world a better place whether it is giving my time or unused items to the needy or being more aware in my personal life. I am thankful this is my church. read more

I love this church. They help through all the good and bad. Some of the best moments was when they had an NFL retired player come to talk. He was so uplifting. I go to the evening service at 6:15. What's nice about the evening services is that the band plays more alternative type of Christian music. They really rock the house. Sometimes they gave guest famous Christian musicians that are just as wonderful. The pastor is around his 30's so I feel like I can relate to his teachings more. In the daytime, there's daycare for the kids while you attend church and there's also a friendly mother's room. It's a church for everyone! read more

I love the pastor here - Dr. Larry Vold. He has such a good heart and I have currently been going here for two years. Be forewarned though, this place is HUGE! It's like a mega-church, which I love! Whenever I bring my friends here, they are astonished by the size and of the community. They even have their own orchestra and choir. If I was a guest, I might mistake this as a symphony or a concert than a church -- just kidding. The community is great, ushers are always smiling and welcoming, and I'm never afraid to rejoice and lift my hands high in the air praising God! This church is a Bible based church. Larry does an excellent job in telling and reading the scripture then BREAKING it down to it's key points. It's an awesome way of learning the Bible and I'm more into it than my previous church in San Bruno, Ca. The music is great as it deals with contemporary Christian songs and some old hymns - heavily on the contemporary side though. Another great thing is, you are not forced If you missed the Sunday morning or evening service, they have a video of it online, which a huge bonus! Whenever I am down in SoCal for school, I can just stream it right from my computer. However, I do have a church that I go to when I'm down in SoCal so I stay involved in the community, but it's always nice to have another service to listen to (on the following day that is). read more

Let me just say, God is at work here! Blessed with talent and obedience. Great music, even greater message, very creative tactics. Two services 9am and 10:45 for those who like to sleep in. 6:13 for the younger generation with music like a weekly concert! mmm, mmm... can i get an Amen! read more

Beloved! (as Pastor Vold would call you) Visit this church for reasons like the followings! 1) Humble & Humorous pastoral staff with assertive Bible-based teaching! 2) Fellow Christian brothers and sisters (very diverse) 3) Baptism & testimonies 4) Fantastic Christmas & Easter Shows 5) Great ministries for babies up to College, and beyond 6) Worship team and choir 7) Church Purpose: Life transformation through following Christ 8) Newly built lobby with Cafe 4 9) Small groups 1st Worship: 8 am 2nd Worship: 9:30 am 3rd Worship: 11 pm "Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11 3crosses.org https://www.etsy.com/shop/GreatestLoveletter?ref=l2-shopheader-name read more

I love attending this church. Pastor Larry is really funny and makes service fun, as well relate-able. It's a huge church and looks more like a theatre inside. The praise songs are different here than any other church I've been to, but in a good way. There's many talented people in the choir and I love watching their solos. Service is about 45 min, not too long and not too short. The only thing is I wish they gave us more time for silent prayer for ourselves than the pastor praying aloud for us read more

So thankful for 3 Crosses Church. This place has been a second home for me and my family. For such a large church it feels very small and comfortable. Met so many of our friends in the community groups and continued it to our own home small group. read more

My dad got me going here since I can remember and can't wait to bring my kids. An amazing church, showing how God"s light can build unbelievable inspirations. Be sire to buy tickets to thier theatrical show cases celebrating every holiday. read more

This church has what it takes. Pastor Larry Vold is a blessed teacher with messages from the bible. God using him to help us understand his word. You will feel the spirit of Jesus Christ. Come visit our community and you will feel revitalized. read more

This is the best church i've ever been to!! Its beautiful inside and the pastors are always so great! I definitely recommend going here! The people are also very friendly. Its a great environment read more

We recently moved to Castro valley a little over a year ago and today we decided to come to in... we had our 6 month old son with us who was well behaved through the service, until the last 5min he was make noise with his lips... the Usher Tony behind me tapped my shoulder and told me he needed to quiet down... My son is a happy baby and I'm sad to say won't be coming back to a place where they feel they need to tell me that my son needs to stay quiet. read more