I don't typically "rate" churches. Participating in a local church is not a transactional consumer…read moreexchange, where we seek the greatest benefit or experience at the lowest cost. Rather, a local church is a family relationship where we love, serve, and build one another up in Christ. That said, if you're looking for a new local church in Minneapolis - or if you've never been to a church and want to check out Christianity - then I commend Bethlehem to you. I've been a member here for a few years, and these are the things I love most: Gospel-centered theology. At Bethlehem, all of church life centers around the will of God as revealed through His Word, the Bible. We are sinful, fallen humans looking to a perfect, awesome God. Therefore, rather than shape our teachings or our lives after the ever-changing winds of doctrine in the world around us, we hold fast to the unchanging Word. As individuals, when we encounter passages that are difficult or with which we may initially disagree, we're encouraged to wrestle with those passages and allow the Word to re-shape our beliefs and priorities. The alternative - assuming our pre-conceived beliefs are somehow axiomatically true, and therefore twisting or editing the Word to fit what we want it to say - is of course ridiculous and the height of arrogance. The Word is living, powerful, and life-giving, so we look to it and defer to it in all things. Faithful leadership. I've been tremendously blessed by the pastors and elders at Bethlehem. They model Christ in all that they do. They act not with arrogance or condescension, but rather with love and grace. They have a passion for Jesus and for the flock over which He has made them shepherds, and they strive to lead their people well and to follow the Spirit in all things. Bethlehem is only able to flourish because of their faithful, humble, selfless servant leadership. Christ-focused worship. Weekend corporate worship at Bethlehem is never self-focused or world-focused, but rather always Christ-focused. Bethlehem espouses "Christian Hedonism," the belief that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. Therefore, everything in the worship service - the music, the scripture, the prayers, the sermon - points us to Christ. The gospel message always works itself into the worship service, continually reminding us that we're sinful humans incapable of meriting God's favor, yet we're loved by God and adopted into His family through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, and we're therefore called to repentance and righteousness for His glory and for our eternal joy. Discipleship-oriented small groups. When I first came to Bethlehem, it was difficult to get connected, since the church is so large. That's where small groups come in. Small groups at Bethlehem are the main vehicle for "life on life" within the church. They're where we confess sins, speak truth to one another, encourage one another, apply the gospel, pray, and ultimately build discipling relationships within the church. Many of my deepest friendships have been formed through my small group, and participating in a small group is an integral part of church membership at Bethlehem. Missional outreach. We live in the age of the "already but not yet." Christ's victory over sin and death has already been achieved, and we anticipate a glorious kingdom future to come, but that kingdom isn't yet fully here, and we still suffer from the effects of sin. Therefore, one of the chief jobs of the church is to prepare for the kingdom to come by preaching the good news to the lost and by laboring so that the future kingdom might to some extent break through into our present reality. Bethlehem is intentional about equipping missionaries across the globe - as well as regular churchgoers here in Minneapolis - to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and making disciples. Bethlehem also labors to pursue ethnic harmony and diversity within our church membership. We long for our local church to reflect Christ's universal church in the age to come, when a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language shall praise the Lord together. And finally, Bethlehem prioritizes social justice in our mercy ministries. The kingdom of Jesus Christ is a kingdom of and for the "small people": the vulnerable, the marginalized, the poor, the oppressed. The haughty have no inheritance with Christ, but the humble He loves and embraces. Therefore, we labor to serve and to champion the marginalized in our society, such as the unborn, those with disabilities, migrants, and those who suffer from racial injustice. Just as Christ came for the least of these, so too do we care for those whom the world often neglects. As you perhaps can tell, I love being a member at Bethlehem. If you're curious who Jesus is and want to meet Him - or if you've known Him for a long time and need a new church home - then come to Bethlehem, and here you shall find Him.

I attended the North Campus for many years, and was baptized there. There are many kind people…read morefollowing Jesus in this church. They do sound teaching and preaching well from the pulpit. This church was kind to me and my family, and was a good place to learn a lot of good things, but they don't do community particularly well. When I graduated from Seminary and asked for the chance to volunteer and get involved, it was very difficult to earn their trust. There are a lot of good things about this church, and it was a privilege to attend. Unfortunately I was in the membership process for over 2 years and was never able to get through the process. The leadership was very slow and unresponsive in this respect. Ultimately we moved on as God led us.

I am music director of this church (since Sept. 2019). This small congregation is friendly and…read morewell established, with a progressive presence on the west side of St. Paul, in the bluff area above downtown St. Paul. It utilizes a combination of in-person worship and livestreaming through its Facebook page. A blended congregation, CPUC embraces the traditions of Presbyterianism and the United Church of Christ (UCC). Committed to social justice, inclusivity, environmental stewardship, radical love, care and service for Loaves and Fishes and other local programs. Music is globally sourced, using a combination of traditional hymns, world songs in various languages, and contemporary compositions. Musical involvements include choir, song leadership through weekly cantor presence, and tailor-made solo and small ensemble experiences. Piano and Celtic harp are instruments heard each Sunday, with world drums sometimes featured. Guest instrumentalists (guitar, violin, and organ) indulge our interests in a variety of music. Pastor (pronouns: he/his) is highly regarded and cherished, having been called to CPUC from a field of 40 ministerial applicants in 2018. Communion is celebrated once per month, with grape juice and floured bread, adding gluten free bread option.

I went to this church after finding out that the other church I normally go to was being held at…read moreLoring Park for Pride. I found this church after doing a Google search for LGBT friendly churches in the Twin Cities area. It was close and I made it just in time for service to start. I was greeted by this cute little boy who hugged everyone and welcomed them. I was also greeted by probably half the people once I got inside the church. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. They had a fellowship afterwords with great snacks and refreshments. If you're looking for a non judgmental, non discriminating church, I would recommend this place.

Great church the pastor really knows how to combine the best of both worlds everyone there is so…read morekind also the church is beautiful inside and out you really feel welcomed here

Hello good morning. God bless you all. I give NEW HOPE CHURCH five star because i was born…read morecatholic but I am a Christian saved again in the catholic churches, I always felt judged even by the sisters, sometimes by the father.But this church year, I do not feel judged at all.I feel welcomed.I feel loved.I feel accepted although there are certain people that attend the church that I feel are judging me.And a couple of people that work there that film are judging me, but i'm not gonna let petty stuff like that.Turn me away from a wonderful church that has wonderful pastors

Came to New Hope for our annual NC District Meeting with the EFCA and this church is fantastic…read more Great facility with ample parking Dynamic Kids and Student Ministry Vibrant Lead Pastor who speaks with passion and conviction. They planted the church I currently serve at in Maple Grove and it is in a diverse and historic area that draws from the surrounding community. If you live in and around this church come check it out, you won't regret it!

This church is Very Very Very friendly. The services are easy to understand and they are not out to…read moreget your money. They sings 3-4 songs before the services which is great and they have many tvs up for you to see scriptures. They are a very welcoming group of people

Updated Review What…read moreDrew Me to the Church After a challenging season away from the Lord and the church, I returned to faith and prayerfully chose Epiphany Covenant Church over another local congregation. What drew me was a genuine alignment of core values: a commitment to making and deepening disciples, identifying and raising up servant leaders, Spirit-filled worship and Sunday messages, inter-generational youth services. I did not choose Epiphany casually. I chose it prayerfully. What I Appreciated: Epiphany has real strengths. The intimate church setting was meaningful, and our family received supportive outreach during times of need. The preaching carried authority, and I genuinely appreciated the incorporation of the Advent tradition and the inter-generational services. Serving in youth ministry was a privilege, and participating in the pilot Bible study series in the Summer of 2023 was a highlight. To my surprise, I was later invited to a leadership meeting that Fall -- a moment that became pivotal in my discernment about my future at Epiphany. Transition, Concerns, and Recommendations: Ongoing concerns surfaced in the meeting that I had set aside for too long and bubbled over as I tearfully disclosed to the group. Following the leadership meeting, I began prayerfully reassessing my membership and pastor seemed attentive to those concerns. What emerged, I could not in good conscience set aside. On pastoral accountability and boundaries: After sharing these private concerns in good faith, I later experienced these matter surfacing publicly from the pulpit through a sermon series: Content. When I requested a direct meeting to address this: the connection was denied while his personal philosophy was upheld "we are one in Christ regardless of our relationship status" which in essence is true yet it also dismisses our lived experience. Its no different than the belief that "we're all the human race regardless of color" As a black woman in America, my lived experiences and its impact are different than my white counterpart. I was open about finding it hard to believe the series wasn't "inspired" by a private matters given several parallels. Thereafter, I questioned what objective pastoral oversight & accountability Pastor Farmer has outside of Epiphany. Despite being deeply concerned, I stayed at Epiphany for an additional year at the guidance of my pastoral counselor. I was not surprised when the emailed notification of our family's transition from Epiphany Covenant Church went unacknowledged by Pastor Kevin Farmer. The process of shepherding servant leaders: I observed that the pathway to leadership at Epiphany prioritizes service and involvement over a careful evaluation of a person's spiritual health, private witness, and alignment with biblical standards of discipleship. Assuming salvation and sanctification among those being raised up -- rather than actively evaluating it -- is a gap that has real consequences for the congregation's integrity and safety. I offered this feedback during a 1-1 with pastor as I seek to bring solutions and unity for the sake of the body. For prospective members who are single: I would strongly encourage you to ask specific, direct questions about their ministry infrastructure for singles before committing. Inquire not just about programming, but about whether your season of life will be actively seen, supported, and shepherded as modeled by Christ. The Lord led me to local family church where I am seen, known, and loved. It is well with my soul and my joy is restored. I pray Epiphany grows in ministering to the whole person and prioritize biblical discipleship, and the minority as Christ did.

If you're looking for a tired, repetitive, stale church that offers the same message every week in…read morea repetitive and formulaic fashion...this NOT the church for you. Prairie Community Church is a fresh and friendly community church with an energizing message every week. The music is uplifting and harmonious while complementing every aspect of the service. You'll walk out in a serene and positive mood ready to face any and all trials and tribulations that may confront you in the coming week. Be ready for a genuine and enthusiastic greeting when you walk in the door. Parking is free!

It is an amazing church! Lots of services to choose from on Sundays the music is wonderful. I…read moreremember going to Sunday Christmas services. Lots of pagentry

What a beautiful building with amazing sound quality. Listening to a choir here is a dream come…read moretrue! Come listen to music here if you get a chance, while enjoying the awesome architecture .