Beautiful venue! Saw the Orchid Quartet here for a candlelit performance. Great atmosphere, good vibes all around!!

Central Avenue Church is a church unlike one you've ever gone to before. The values of the church are progressive, lgbt-affirming and push for a space where it's okay to have doubts. There are a lot of folks who have been isolated or left lonely by the "church" but Central is a place to openly doubt and ask questions and feel comfortable in the space of unknowing. The church is very service-based and gay friendly and truly about social justice in the world. read more

I visited Central Avenue for the first time this morning, after finding it on Yelp. So, I figured I should review it on here myself. I've been looking for a church similar to the ones I attended in Arizona, but have found it difficult to find what I've been looking for, because most don't sync up with my exact beliefs or the congregation is just too large and overwhelming for my personality. Quick things I'll note about the church: The members, and Pastor Aaron were immediately very welcoming. Many people made a sincere effort to reach out. The service is held at 10 AM on Sundays. A majority of the congregation appeared to consist of young adults (from what I could tell). 20s-30s. Which works for me being 27. I've only been once, but I don't think it's a "fire and brimstone" mentality, but more of love, grace, acceptance. Which is what we all need more of, so I dig it. It seems to lean towards the Protestant/ non denominational/community church, seemed very modern and open minded from what I could tell. The worship is contemporary. Drums, keyboard, etc. Oh, and they let you drink your coffee during the service, so there was that : ) read more

THE CHURCH: First Impressions: Central Avenue is small. Potentially intimidatingly so. But immediately we were welcomed and embraced by a sincerely wonderful group of people. Not a bunch of weirdos, but legitimately nice folks. The building may be old, but the general demographic (though not exclusively) is young. Couples, families, different races and backgrounds. Their children's program is taking off! In fact, when we started coming, there wasn't much of a program since there weren't many young children. But as soon as we came and a few more children showed up, they quickly invested a lot to make their children's ministry a priority. It said a lot to us that everyone is important in this church. The worship is great. No frills. No cheerleading. Just genuine. THE PASTOR: Honestly, I can't speak highly enough about Aaron Van Voorhis. As a teacher, I don't know that I've heard someone speak as succinctly, precisely and with such depth as he does. Every message is Biblically-based and contextually-placed. If you're curious about his messages, you should check them out on the iTunes podcasts. You literally pick any one and it'll be worthwhile. AND they're all between 15-20 minutes long! IS IT FOR YOU? CA might not be for everyone. If you're looking for a place that simply reaffirms everything you believe or have been taught your whole life, then no, this is probably not for you. If you're looking for a prosperity gospel or a place that "has all the answers," then this is probably not the place for you. BUT if you are looking for a place that doesn't repress doubt and fear, but embraces it and provides a safe space to discuss it; if you're looking for a place that believes intellectualism is a vital part of the Christian experience; if you're looking for a place that involves itself in the community and acts out the Christian faith, that is a church of INCLUSIVITY, then maybe Central Avenue is for you. read more

Today was my first visit to Central Avenue Church. I have been in Glendale for almost 3 years I believe. Where I live I am surrounded by three different churchs but was not able to find anything that felt like home until today. I had spoken with the Pastor via email and phone a couple of times prior to attending. I find the pastor to be very down to earth and sincere about his vision for the church. It is a small and new church but very big in heart. My husband and I look forward to getting plugged in and touching this world in a positive way thru Christ our Lord. Oh and since I really don't like the term religion I choose to say relationship with God and as it turns out the church seems to have the same views on relationships being vital. If you find yourself like me and driving by several times wondering what it is like inside than try it. You just might find the right relationship you have been looking for all your life. read more

Very refreshing. Very welcoming. I have walked into many different churches in the Los Angeles area, and this was the most comfortable first impression I have ever had, I look forward to finding out more about this community! read more

This church attempts to come across as open to all but i felt otherwise. The speaker claimed to be a follower of Jesus but used his sermon to bash and judge conservative minded individuals and make white people out to be evil. Rather than focusing on the teachings of Jesus, it pointed out all the ways liberals are better than conservatives. I want to be part of a place that brings people together, not dividing and casting out. Moreover, ive been to several other churches and never noticed such an overt politically bias that steered away from the teachings of Jesus while making individuals feel unwelcome and judged for having a different point of view. read more

I have been going to church here for over a year. I found it via yelp and finally got around the reviewing it. First off, I love the congregation and the overall vibe. Pretty much every Sunday I leave thinking about the message. I didn't always get that growing up. It is a small congregation, but has been growing a lot lately. Wednesday night's service, The Gathering, is a great because we are always doing something different. The pastoral staff (Aaron, Bob, and Max) are kind, welcoming, and funny. Thanks, yelp, for helping me find my new church home! read more

Central Avenue is a great up and coming contemporary church. It is refreshing to hear a sermon that asks tough questions about faith and humanity, but still leaves you inspired in faith. They also do a lot of community outreach, not to spread their word, but because it's the right thing to do. They don't preach politics, just how JC lived. read more

About two years ago, my husband and I were looking for a church because we felt like we were missing out on our spiritual healing by not going to church on Sundays... I came from a Catholic background and my husband's parents were split, one was Catholic and the other Christian... Soooo, we were looking for a church that we felt comfortable at, and wasn't the same kind of ritualistic gathering we both grew up with. That's when I found Central Avenue on Yelp, and I read Jonathan's review on how the pastor played the drums, so we went! I can't express how much of a perfect match this church is! We have become official members of Central Avenue since then, and have also moved out of Glendale, all the way to Simi Valley! We drive out here to Glendale every Sunday, to listen to the wonderful praise music and the completely understandable sermon given by such a great pastor, whose sermons don't make you fear God, but praise Him for what He truly stands for, and that its OK to be intellectual about it all... Okay, so this review is muuuuch longer than I expected it be, but I want to help anyone who might find themselves in the same situation we were in 2 years ago.... :) read more

I am new to the area and am looking for a church. Found this church on yelp and like the style. It is more contemporary and offers praise music, greetings and a message. The church is small but growing. Those attending are very friendly and welcoming. They also offer small group meetings which is appealing to me. A fun note is that the pastor played the drums. How cool is that! read more

I have to give this church a review since I found it by way of Yelp. I almost can't say enough positive things about this church. It's what Christianity ought to be, is all I can say. Aaron Van Voorhis, the pastor, is a super intelligent and nice guy who is approachable and delivers a great sermon. You can find his sermons on iTunes for a test-drive. The emphasis in this church is being the Christ in the world in the here and now. The services are laid back, and people are dressed casually. The idea is, that you don't have to put on a big show in order to be the Christians and follow the message of Christ. The music is lovely, and everyone seems to sing along, not like in other churches where people seem somewhat disengaged. The philosophy is all inclusive, in fact, Aaron says that this church recognizes the baptisms of other faiths and some members go to other religious services and this one. The point is, that they're not about "we know the right way", they're about acceptance. read more

My wife and I were looking for a church after moving to Glendale. Like any practical person I used a powerful search engine to narrow down nearby Christian churches. Central Avenue popped up and I discovered that you never can judge a book by its cover. The red brick building although very charming seemed like it was lost in time. Luckily I found a video with a message from Pastor Aaron that disarmed my fears and sparked our curiosity to attend a Sunday service. On that Sunday my wife and I came to realize what was important to us in a Church; community, diversity and a focus on interacting with God in our daily lives. We witnessed all these elements being practiced at Central Avenue. Plus the praise team really rocked! If your looking for a church with a strong sense of community that encourages fellowship then don't be a stranger and stop by! read more

Central Avenue Church is the church I've been looking for in LA for years: young congregation, open and inclusive, incredible worship and thought-provoking, inspiring (and funny!) sermons. I drive all the way from the South Bay every Sunday to attend this church, which is only about 20-25 minute drive on a Sunday morning. I've been attending for a few months now and I could not be happier. Pastor Aaron is warm and friendly and his sermons are intellectual and relatable. I am especially looking forward to getting involved with the monthly book club and women's ministry. So thankful to have found this incredible gem of a church. read more

Been going for about six months. Really enjoying the sermons and lectures. Definitely low pressure and super nice staff. Feels like a college class where Pastor Aaron is teaching as much as he's preaching. I love it! read more

Wonderful, small but growing church. A strong sense of community that believes in impacting the world here and now. Jesus is definitely the focus of this church and the heart of this church. read more

As good as the preacher may be, the congregation is constantly changing and few people stay.

Central Avenue Church is the church my husband and I always wanted to go to, but thought we'd never find! The community is very welcoming and there are lots of ways to get involved and participate in activities within the church and the surrounding community. Aaron's sermons are intelligent and thought-provoking. We're so glad to have found this great group of people with whom we can have challenging discussions about faith (and breakfast burritos). read more

My husband and I are members here. Central Avenue is a small church with a vibrant young adult presence/ministry. This is a diverse community of believers (all ages) looking to serve Glendale and build lasting relationships. If you are simply curious about the Christian faith or are a long time follower of Christ, this is the place for you! Members regularly meet for Bible studies, super bowl parties, holiday parties, wine and beer tastings, hikes, and other fun adventures all around the city. This is a church committed to its vision of community. Great pastor and growing congregation. Growing youth ministries and several opportunities for new members to serve and fill volunteer roles. Come check us out! read more

We found this church because we live in Glendale, and were curious after driving by. The first time we walked through the doors, Pastor Aaron greeted us warmly and made us feel at home. We started going regularly because of the relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and friendliness of other members there. What stands out is the way Aaron preaches, in a very down-to-earth, understandable manner. He isn't afraid to discuss real questions that modern-day people are dealing with, and it's refreshing. We love this church and encourage anyone to visit. read more

Pastor Aaron is refreshing. His teachings are based on intellectual honesty and authenticity. His congregation is very loving and accepting and are truly a reflection of the ultimate base of Jesus' teachings....love. I have attended about 5 Sundays now and am happy to call Central Avenue Church my fiancé's and I's new "home". read more

You will not find a more welcoming, loving, and open-minded church community than Central Avenue. Great people and a pastor who is always insightful, kind, and engaging. The music is beautiful and the child care/children's ministry staff is top notch. We love this place! read more

My husband and I were looking for a church of our own after we got married. We were so fortunate that this was the first church we visited and once we visited that first time-we decided that this felt like home. It boasts a wonderful community of people who are loving,down to earth and work hard to pass the true and pure love of Christ on to others in ways that Jesus would. Pastor Aaron is a real person that shows his human side(which is missing in a lot of churches), preaches about REAL life and doesn't just scratch the surface of the Bible. He digs in and gets you to really think and grow. EVERYONE is made to feel welcomed and loved. This awesome church and it's people have been a true Godsend in our lives! We'd love to have you visit! read more