I've been attending Orlando North Church for about a year and a half after swearing I'd never…read moreattend an organized religious group ever again. I was invited by my daughter and son-in-law, and have to tell you, Rob Duford, the lead pastor, just blew me away on my very first visit. He is a wonderful speaker, with a contagious sense of humor, and is emphatic about teaching Bible truths; not giving us his opinion of what God's Word actually says. Aside from that, it is probably one of the most welcoming churches I've ever attended. From the moment I stepped through the front doors, I felt at home, and never felt that anywhere else.
There was a comment left by another reviewer that seemed to focus on the gay issue and even stated they "felt" the congregation was bigoted. How very different my experience has been. Does the church embrace the gay lifestyle--no, because it is not Biblical. Yet, at the same time, they would not make an issue of being gay. I'm pretty sure there are at least a few gay people who attend and from my observation seem to fit right in with everyone else, and I've never heard anyone slander anyone else for being gay. Again, the issue is a Biblical one, and because part of the church's mission is to teach Biblical truths, they cannot endorse something that is contrary to the scriptures. Sorry, don't mean to be preachy here.
The children's/teens ministry is amazing. Zach and Laura lead these groups and the kids adore them. All of my grandchildren, from teens to elementary, attend and love going.
This year they brought back the annual Christmas Candy Cane hunt, and all the kids were in on it. It was a huge success reaching out to the community during the Christmas holiday season.
Long story short, if you're looking for a church home....one where everyone knows your name and the pastor teaches Biblical truth, then Orlando North just might be the church you call home.