This church is near and dear to my heart. I started going to forefront when I was 14, so it's been 11 years. I have met so many friends that have selflessly helped me through difficult times with prayer and actions. I occasionally sing during worship service with my mother who is very active in the church. I also volunteer at KidsStuff, caring for children of all ages making art, reading passages, and singing songs. This is an inclusive FOR ALL church and has many small groups where you can connect with the community outside of service (game nights, poetry readings, etc.). It is the first place I have felt completely welcome and accepted for who I am. You are never preached down to or judged. I have found friendships, work connections, and most importantly people who have become family. read more

I've been going here for about 7 months and there is no other place like. The people there are nice and it's the type of church I want to be at where no one is judged at all and the congregation doesn't talk badly about you read more

I adored this church for years but there's been a change as of lately and therefore I felt compelled to write this because the two year old reviews are no longer accurate. This is now a strongly political church and they defend their right to be political. If you are looking for a church that spends half a sermon showing slide shows on climate change, this is a good church for you. I gave it two stars because this church in the early days had some wonderful sermons about kindness and love, I loved its inclusivity and its people and the pastors have prayed with me and helped me through some extremely rough times in my life and I appreciate all they've done and I know they are good people. They absolutely have a right to change their ethos and shift the focus on activism. People should know before going it's no longer the place in the old reviews. read more

I feel so lucky to have found this church. As a progressively-minded 33 year-old gay man with an evangelical, middle-america upbringing, I've certainly had ups and downs in my overall experience with Christianity and the church. I've been a devout atheist, an on-fire "Jesus Camp" type born-again Christian and everything in between. Before finding this church, it really seemed like I could have it one of two ways- an affirming church with an activist community in a very old, stubbornly traditional Methodist, Lutheran or Episcopal setting- or a charismatic, modern church that feels like a concert, but at the same time would rather sweep my identity under the rug and treat me as a second class person. (y'all know... Hillsong, Reality, etc) But instead, I get the best of everything at Forefront- superb music and charismatic worship, an affirming message- not always overtly political, but always theological and Biblical. It's not really a "gay" church per se- not every sermon is about sticking it to non-affirming churches, like I've found with some I've visited - and that's refreshing. Most of the congregation is comprised of young families and 20-30 something Brooklyn types of all backgrounds and races... though I know there is a vibrant LGBT community within the church. In the few months I've been attending, I feel welcome at Forefront, have no question that I am welcome, and have had several opportunities to get involved with this wonderful group of people. read more

I was always secretly searching for a good church home, but never really found one that spoke to me in NYC. I tried the Hillsong mega experiences and also tried the traditional Methodist and Pentecostal environments. Non really resonated with my core at all. I didn't feel at home. When i tried Forefront, i didn't have any expectations. Church was warm and non invasive. People are real and humble. It's OK to not know what you're suppose to do at church but feel apart of it (this is what struck me most). There was a combination of good, warm music that got me into a peaceful state. The band that rotates every week are just really good folks who want to jam out to Christian Worship music! The Lead Pastor Jonathan is super relatable and is someone you would have a cold beer with. He's not your traditional pastor. He comes from a non-traditional background with an interesting upbringing which is why he's so relatable. I would consider Forefront a very progressive church, inclusive and diverse to all folks who are questioning. If you're looking for a warm comforting church filled with young families, professionals, artists or just anyone looking for Christ. This one works very well! This is my second year with Forefront Brooklyn and enjoy going every week. Free coffee and local bagels to boot! What's not to love?! read more

Forefront Church is the church for those in search of a nurturing, supportive and loving Christian community. It's not your traditional church, with pews, incense, and the like by any means, but it is closer in spirit to the kinds of Christian communities that have drawn people from all walks of life, experiences, political and philosophical perspectives to learn and live out with conviction God's intended love for all, together. It is not perfect, of course. Nor is it the place where one can hold beliefs and perspectives without having them challenged, sometimes uncomfortably so regardless of which side of an issue one might stand, just like Jesus' radical and often countercultural demonstration of God's love did. But it is a place where one can discuss different interpretations and conclusions and still be as part of the fabric of the community as anyone else because, at Forefront, it's more important to be unified in living out, individually and collectively, a just and generous expression of the Christian faith than to adhere uniformly to any one person's answers to life's myriad questions and challenges. Beyond that, the innovative worship music, the weekly small group gatherings in many neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn to eat, talk about life, study and pray together, and the ever-fluctuating dynamics of the community that reflect the changes in Brooklyn at large all contribute to a vibrant, growing and thriving community that I'm happy to be a part of. read more

Been going here for a few years. I think Forefront was the first time I heard a pastor openly talk about his "straight white male privilege." It's one of the few progressive evangelical churches around that is fully affirming of lgbtq folks, that has a relatively young (30's over and under), diverse and vibrant population, and that takes the Bible and theology seriously. It is a legitimate theological safe space. It aims to be a big tent -- politically and theologically -- more than an activist org, as it is committed to a shared process if than certain outcomes; that said, it's pretty woke. It is a young church and is working on turning its values and theology into robust action. My attitude in general is that if you want something to be better, it's on you to make that happen, and this church welcomes that kind of leadership. If you expect the staff to do everything though and you just wanna coast, maybe not the best fit. read more

Awesome church! They care about the community and welcome everyone. Super friendly people, many of which have become my best friends. And best of yet, there are no service "rituals" - so whether you've been going to church for years or this is your first time, it's very easy to walk right in. Music is great and the pastor gives super impactful messages. I leave there feeling filled up for the week and challenged to keep improving as a human being. read more

The only other place in NYC we call home. Forefront Brooklyn isn't your typical church where you show up, sing some jingles, hear a tired sermon, check your phone a couple of times, and go home. Forefront is an engaging, progressive, and diverse community of believers who love God and their community. They're an interdenominational church that's for social justice and giving back to their neighbors. They're about creating family and showing what God's love looks like both with their words and actions. This church is invaluable for our family in a city that can be overwhelming and stressful at times. The staff is engaging, hard-working, and makes everyone who walk through the doors feel welcome and at ease. read more

Forefront Brooklyn is a special church. When I first moved to NYC from LA I searched high and low for a church that was both progressive and rooted in a thorough historical and contextual message with little to no luck. It seemed I had to choose between an ultra traditional church to hear meaty sermons or a ultra contemporary church to hear uplifting music and feel a community spirit. Finally I found Forefront and have been a member for several years. This church truly cares about people - its at the center of everything we do. We are a diverse and engaged community that thrives on asking questions.The sermon series and music all center around both contemporary and historical concepts that make scripture both timeless and relevant. read more

Forefront is home. Growing up, church was always a pretty sterile place. Lots of rules and lots of ways to fail- not an encouraging space to say the least. What sold me on Forefront was the community's sincerity and openness. Yes, we're all still trying to figure it out, but we're doing it together. This is a place where it makes sense to be Christian and a "young professional" in this city. I've been a part of the community for 5 years, and I can't imagine what my life in Brooklyn would look like if it wasn't for this church. I've made meaningful friendships, been supported and held accountable, and grown greatly in my spiritual life. I believe our best is yet to come, check it out and see for yourself! read more

We've attended Forefront Brooklyn since it opened its doors in 2012. My husband and I are an interracial couple and we wanted to be part of a diverse, intelligent, and open-minded community. Forefront BK is all that and more. The children's ministry is led by Mira, who is amazing. Our 3 year old daughter loves attending church each week and often does not want to leave! We're also part of the family small group that meets once per month. Lately, we've had a lot of productive political conversations, such as writing and calling our local senators. Ben leads the music ministry and it is not the Hillsong-y, concert-y, mega-churchy kind of worship. He writes some of the songs and everyone in the band is so talented and genuine. The church has a great balance between families and single, young professionals. All of this is led by the most genuine and down to Earth couple, Jonathan and Jubi. They have opened their hearts and homes to us and shown us what it means to be part of a real, Christ-centered, community. All are welcome and loved and valued. If you're searching (and I assume you are, if you're reading a church's Yelp page), definitely stop by and see what Forefront Brooklyn is about. read more

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I have been a member of Forefront Brooklyn for almost 10 years--first in Manhattan--and now in Brooklyn. The impact this church community has had on my life is immeasurably. I have met the very best people I know through Forefront and created lifelong friendships along the way. The church is really big on creating a space where everyone feels welcome and seen. Small groups and service opportunities give you a chance to get to know everyone on a deeper level. If you're looking for a diverse church with a strong sense of community, look no further! read more