We found Calvary SD after an exhaustive search to find a spiritual home/family for our autistic 5…read moreyear old child. We are Christians who love the Lord, but many churches (even churches with robust children's ministries) were not a good fit for our child. She struggles with noise and crowds, and needed a special needs ministry that accommodated/supported her sensory related needs. It was hard as a mother who wanted my child to experience a spiritual family/community and learn about the Word of God-to keep experiencing spaces that felt so alien and overwhelming for her. It also pained me to watch my child not know how to interact socially with her neurotypical peers, and experience Sunday mornings/church settings as spaces of exclusion, rather than as a house of God. I wanted my child to feel the love of God in all of its splendor-in a way that made sense to her uniquely beautiful wiring, and that she would be surrounded by believers who would love her and her autism. Not that she is defined by this diagnostic label-but rather, that she would be sheltered in a spiritual/family home that allowed her to be uniquely, entirely, and unapologetically herself-and experience the love of God from people who "get it' and the autism parenting/autism journey. Moreover, we were seeking a church that was biblically based and a preacher/teaching staff that did not water down the Bible. Or use the pulpit as a platform for political divisiveness. It makes us deeply uncomfortable when a pastor tells me who to vote for (even if I would have voted for this candidate anyways)-or when the pulpit is used to malign or judge people who live or think differently. What I love about Pastor Phil Metzer is that his sermons are deep, nuanced, and biblically sound-and he delivers his thoughtful messages with love, humility, and a posture of servanthood, rather than one of authoritarianism or judgment. My husband was a minister, also. For over ten years, he was a minister in a different denomination/geographic region, and is fluent in Biblical Hebrew and Greek. He supported people in biblical translation and has a PhD in the Hebrew Bible. So, he's actually very discerning as to when a pastor is delivering a message that waters down the original biblical text and its cultural/historical context. My husband is also constantly impressed with Pastor Phil's messages. He's deep, thought-provoking, and doesn't provide easy answers to life's hardships and question marks. Moreover, I am beyond grateful for Pastor Phil's lovely wife, Joy Metzger. When I was going through a really hard time in my life-she listened to me for over an hour with an open, loving heart. I've had painful experiences of people not knowing what to do with my trauma history-and people, even very well meaning, loving Christians, would provide me with curt answers and platitudes about being grateful, forgiveness, or saying that God will take care of me-when I was sinking under the weight of so much pain. When my second child had a medical crisis-Joy was there. Joy oversees the "Better Together" special needs children's ministry, and she is a woman of boundless compassion and tenderness. She has prayed for our family constantly, and her faith, commitment to prayer, and her effusive love has touched my heart throughout our journey here. I want to thank Casey Glass, the "Better Together" volunteer and buddy for my child. Casey is an amazing woman (who also happens to train navy seals, not joking). She trains our special forces & also happens to be the best friend/buddy of a 5 year old with autism who loves Jesus, loves Casey, and loves bugs. I wound find Casey looking for and collecting bugs with my daughter and she has checked in with me repeatedly. Casey for President! We love you, Casey! We love you, Joy!!! You two ladies have been so supportive, beautiful, lovely, understanding, and helped my family in countless small and big ways. I also want to thank the very sweet Edith Murillo, who has also supported/served as a buddy, to our daughter. Edith is such a kind, genuine, and loving soul-and she told me that she is praying for my daughter. When she waits by the church for my kid, and embraces her-I am reminded of how blessed we are to have found a church with members who live out the love of Christ each and everyday. We are moving soon out of the area. Otherwise, I honestly would never leave this church. My husband and I said that we will be so sad to go-because it means no more Sundays at Calvary SD, and no more incredibly unique classes like the "Theology of Suffering" (a very deep, sprit filled class for the Christian who wants to praise the Lord in the midst of the storm) by the very gifted Pastor Jeff. BTW-some of the earlier reviews that are negative about the lead staff-the staff has since changed. I don't mean to dismiss your real experiences-but just making a note of this.

Everything was excellent I love the church and lady's super nice a berry welcome and the food was…read moredelicious

The church is wonderful and they just celebrated 9 yrs in Chula Vista! If you want a church that…read moreteaches according to the bible then this is your church. Pastor Tiznado is a strong man of God and his wife is a active member of the church and community. The members here are welcoming and I know of lives that have been changed and transformed with the help of this church. The church is active in helping serve the needs of the Chula Vista community with food boxes for those in need. There are many bible study groups and I have attended a few women's groups that helpful to me, were fun, and very welcoming. The church serves outside also with an active prison ministry and they are also help the unhoused population with food and prayer. They have missions trips out of city, and even out of country to serve and help those outside Chula Vista as well. The church has opened their doors, rooms, and sanctuary to Chula Vista organizations that have hosted such events as baby showers, Christmas events, Mother's Day events for the needs of the local community organizations. This Church is a gem and active in helping their community and it's members of the South Bay San Diego area. Grateful for them.

I will admit that I have not attended many satellite churches in my years in ministry, but if I…read morewere to start one, I would definite follow the model of the Shadow Mountain Community Church (SMCC) South Bay Campus! I have visited this place of worship multiple times now and find it excellent in every way! I wrote a review of the SMCC North Park Campus a few months back and felt that campus had much to work on to better serve its people, visitors, and community. However, the SMCC South Bay Campus does not have those issues. In fact, this campus has been well-attended since its opening a few years ago and continues to excel. Why? Let's try to list some. 1) A friendly and welcoming congregation. People who attend here will reach out to you and enjoy meeting and sharing with fellow members and new visitors. In fact, it's easy to learn about SMCC South Bay as there is a small canopy outside the worship center entrance that provides information to all who come, especially the visitors. In fact, first time guests get the best parking spaces in the lot! A nice bonus! 2) Great facilities and ample parking space. Yes, this is one of the cleanest worship places I've ever visited. The worship center, the fellowship hall, and the restrooms were astoundingly taken care of well. I don't think the white glove test has a chance against it! Also, in regard to parking, this South Bay campus has a large-sized regular lot and an extension for overflow on the back side of the lot. In this case, it is much better off than its sister satellite parking availability at the North Park Campus. 3) Preaching and teaching: The Shadow Mountain Community Church network, from the sponsoring church in El Cajon, to its six satellite campuses are overseen by one of America's most well-known and best pastors, Dr. David Jeremiah. Dr. Jeremiah has served at Shadow Mountain for 40 years and has probably written around the same number of books. He is also seen on television and heard on radio through the daily weekly ministry called Turning Point. SMCC is among the best evangelicalism has to offer in our times. When anyone attends a SMCC satellite church, a sermon is provided by Dr. Jeremiah on a large screen at about the same time as it is occurring at the main campus. If anyone wishes to watch a SMCC worship service online before coming to visit South Bay Campus or another satellite venue, just visit the SMCC website and there is link to archived worship services that are easily accessible. 4) Programs for children and teens: I admit that I did not get to look into the youth program as much as I would have liked. However, a church of 400 people just in numbers will usually have a vibrant program for youth and teens. From what little I learned today, it appears this is true of SMCC South Bay. I encourage those interested to call the church for more information. 5) Multiple service times: There are two morning services offered at SMCC South Bay Campus on Sundays. The first is at 9 AM and the second is at 10:45 AM. They both get pretty full but there is still room for more visitors! There is a band that provides the music and songs of worship, which are generally in line with contemporary worship in the Chris Tomlin style of song and lyric mode. It comes across worshipful, appropriate for the people who attend, and this experienced group of musicians and song leader connect with the congregation very well. It's been impressive. I could write more, as writing about evangelicalism and evangelical churches is in the full range of my own expertise in ministry. Though I have not met the South Bay Campus pastor, Todd Anderson, I will say I am very impressed with his leadership, care, and oversight of the worship event and how he reaches out to those who attend weekly. For those in the National City, Chula Vista area who are looking for a vibrant, friendly, gospel believing/teaching, evangelical church to visit, this SMCC South Bay Campus should be high on your list! Recommend: VERY HIGH

Just seeing a review from Ashlee W. from 4 months ago on Paseo del Rey Church…read more I'm so very sorry for the way you perceived the Pastors and church response of the mission trip. *I was at that service and can only say I'm certain you misunderstood everything they had to say. They/we love Africa and the African Pastors and have absolutely no reservations about their potential of excellence in any matter of studies. Knowing both Pastors personally I can report the profound sincerity, respect and deep love they both have is very real for the African Pastors. I wish you would have engaged the Pastors afterwards to voice the way you felt about the service giving them a chance to respond. I apologize that you left with a horrible experience, I hope you found a church home and I thank you for your family service to our nationevery blessing to you. Jan S

Been trying out different churches with my family in search of a church home. Will never come back…read moreto this church. First impression walking in was somewhat welcome. Two women engaged in conversation seemed taken aback at our presence and barely responded when I said good morning. Another man was very kind inquiring if I needed to check my younger kids into Sunday school which I politely declined. The biggest problem was in service. We arrived a little late and upon entering realized the sermon had not yet started and was relieved because I didn't want to miss anything instead they were recounting a recent trip they had taken. Both pastors while retelling their experience during an African mission trip made several very offensive and microagressive comments. The most notable one pertaining to a photo of some of the African pastors and whether they were holding up gang signs, which the entire congregation thought was funny, and other comments regarding the intellectual abilities of the African pastors and how "surprised" and they were that "they were bright they had just never been taught." In the current climate of the United States it's imperative that we as Christian help end the divide. I come from a very diverse background I've been to many different churches diverse and non- diverse I have never experienced something like this in a church. I sat with my children and felt so hurt and offended while my husband is away serving his country that these are issues still facing our country. Especially, in a church setting where people are supposed to come and feel welcome. Both of these pastors need to have some training on microaggression. We will never return to this church. Thank you Lucy and John for introducing yourself to my family, but the damage was already done by then.

Beautiful pastors, beautiful team and worship. Beautiful presence of the LORD…read more The passion and enthusiasm of the leadership and people here is truly spirit led. You can feel the loves and growth here.

Awesome place to serve and worship the Lord, the people are very warm and welcoming. overall, a…read moregreat experience.

Very friendly people! Loved the vibe of this church. They definitely love Jesus. The talk was…read moregreat. It was on fasting and prayer. The preacher did a good job of delivering a clear point and breaking it all down. Also gave a goal and an objective. Thank you Catalyst Church of San Diego. God bless.

My family and I are down here on vacation from San Jose. My wife spent a great amount of time…read moreresearching a worship place for us. When we got there, they had a coffee bar that was right at the entrance, to the side walk. Already we felt like they are encouraging ANYONE AND EVERYONE to come in! We were greeted with very friendly people, but it wasn't over the top. They genuinely seemed like they were pleased to have us, and wanted to know a little bit about who we were. The service was fantastic. It was obvious that they loved Jesus and served HIM with their hearts and souls. There was one guitar player who led the singing, and I felt he did great. He wasn't too loud, which allowed everyone else to be heard praising God. They had 2 projectors to show the lyrics so that both sides of the building could see the words. Highly recommend checking them out. Thank you Catalyst for welcoming us.

Cool Church Great location right off of Orange Avenue before you get to the Park area on the east…read moreside of the street in Coronado Small congregation a loving atmosphere The service last a tiny bit over an hour I love The Pianist that they have, although they have alternating organ music to! If you want a smaller church and a smaller congregation this would be the place if you want to get to know the people that you go to church with this would be the place

Doing good dropping off clothes and bedding in the drop box Giving back definitely want to come to…read morea service or event in the future.

From my many travels that I have come across the many great churches of the many cities that are…read morespread across the United States from the many locations in the State of Nevada and the state of Utah there have been many that have had a great line of history. The many chapels that you may see around the city of San Diego and the South Bay you may find that they have what you see on the inside and the rich history of when the chapel was built, and the church was dedicated. When you take a walk around the many areas it's like you have taken a walk back in time. When I had taken my day out on Friday, I had seen the many areas of National there was one place that had caught my eye that was an older catholic church that was in the midst of the National City neighborhood that was in between 7th and 8th Ave found that to be one of the oldest. When I had went inside there was a look of pure beauty and the workmanship of the Inside of the chapel which was one of the best. The back history of Saint Mary's was founded in 1868 by Frank Kimball. National City is credited with distinguished firsts. On the county level, the San Diego County fair originated here, the first novel was published was by a National City pioneer, the first free kindergarten opened here. When the automobiles came around the city of San Diego and the many that had been the center point of transportation that the first automobile was built here in National City, and the first railroad terminus was located here. That with the history of Saint Mary's Catholic there is so much more to see the actual history that has stemmed the state of Pennsylvania and the years of Saint Mary's there is much more history in the background. The church located in the city of National city and the history of Saint Mary's is connected is connected back the German History of Pennsylvania. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer, the Chapel of Saint Mary's is one that has so much history with the background that stems back to the state of Pennsylvania and the building showing the builders and the craftsmanship's work who had created such a great church. To go inside and to see the inside is the best in craftsmanship and the woodwork they have to see a beautiful chapel that history has created.