Found this church online and was really excited to check it out. Wasn't greeted people just stare at you because you're new but that's it's. seems very clicky. They talked about donations , donations, donations. For other reviews looks like they are like with new comers. read more

The people and pastors at this church are very welcoming and helpful. I love it here.

My husband & I are from the SFO Bay Area. We visited our daughter's church, Friends Church, at 9:30 am service last Sunday---one week short of Friends Church's 5th Anniversary. Our daughter has raved about her wonderful church community for a few months now. From the parking lot, to the entrance, to the aisles, to the grounds, we loved the welcoming smiles and warm greetings by many of the Friends Church community. We love the convenient location (in Old Towne Orange), catchy signage, and eclectic design of the spaces in the Friends Church historic building. We love the cathedral ceilings with exposed brick, plumbing and hardware plus the presence of plants and comfy seating areas. The presence of coffee stations at the end of each aisle is a nice touch too. Many attendees came with coffee mugs or water in their hands. The informational postcards are modern and easy to read. The contemporary music was a tremendous draw for us to join in worship. The music was the right tempo and volume. The worship leaders made one want to sing along and praise. I truly appreciate the break in the worship set, for others to be seated, and resuming the worship with the option of standing. So elderly- and/or differing abilities-friendly. With music style and casual feel, I was also expecting a younger congregation. To my surprise, I was blessed to see a pleasant intergenerational mix of church people. In fact, there was a balance of singles, young families, middle aged and older attendees. This is one of the reasons our daughter loves Friends Church. The use of their multimedia screen was effective and appropriate to the worship service. The prompting for the Kids to attend their Sunday School or Children's church was natural and child-friendly. Although we didn't have any children with us, I like the security system Friends Church has in place for their young attendees. My husband & I picked up so many pointers to bring back to our very own nearly 30 year old church in the SFO Bay Area. While visiting our daughter in Orange County, we don't mind revisiting Friends Church again. Thank you Friends Church. We had a wonderful church experience. Congratulations on your 5th year anniversary as a church community. God is great! read more

I cannot say enough great things about this church. Come as you are and as soon as you approach the doors you're instantly welcomed by genuine greeters (even the guys who help with parking welcome you before you even get out of your car). The size of this church really makes it special, it's small enough to get to know one another and if you're just stopping through the area, you'll probably wish you had more time to stay and get connected. Fantastic music, but most of all feels so authentic, the music might feel like a concert to some (only because the musicians are so talented), but it doesn't feel like a production as you can see the main focus is to show Jesus love and help attendees have their own unique experience with the Lord through it all. Pastor Kyle and his wife Holiday are fantastic, you can instantly see their big hearts for Jesus and for everyone they meet (if you meet Holiday or even hear her speak, somehow she has this contagious joy that makes you want to smile). I believe Kyle is the main pastor, but if you attend a few times you'll notice they rotate between a couple preaching pastors, which I actually really like. Pastor Jonathan and his wife are great as well. I learn so much from each of the pastors sermons and I love that they are so rooted in scripture combined with real life application. They help us understand context of when the scripture was written and how we can understand it today. My boyfriend and I church hopped for a little while throughout Orange County and instantly felt at home here. He brought his mom to join us for Mother's Day and she was blown away and said "No wonder you raved about this church so much, now I can see first hand why you love it!". If you're looking for a church that genuinely cares about getting to know and care for the hearts of its community and for every single person who walks through the door, you won't want to miss out. People that love you as you are and help you grow in the middle of your spiritual journey. I highly recommend checking out this church (they have Sunday services at 8:30, 10, & 11:30AM + a great kids ministry)! read more

Friends Church Orange - The church is located in a really cool brick building that used to be a packing house. Small to midsize church. - Churches Near Me - Orange, California

Home. That's the only way to describe Friends Orange. We church "hopped" for MONTHS and MONTHS. I came from a mega church background and the hubs a smaller scale. We definitely wanted something in between but more importantly where our future daughter (who is now here) could grow and be a part of a community. We found it at here. We love being a young family with other young families but what's even better is a diversity! There are older couples who are mentors and examples to us, there are young college kids whose passion is contagious, there are young working adults who give generously of their time and there are working adults who love the next generation well. I am so glad I get to call this church Home and that I get to be a part of community that loves the city, the people, and each other. I highly recommend giving it a try.. but keep in mind the community you grow into is definitely the most fulfilling when you get involved. Volunteer, join a Life Group, join in Rooted, be involved. We did it and are so grateful and thankful that we did. read more

After church hopping on/off for months, I finally found a church in OC that I immediately fell in love with. I have been to several services at the Yorba Linda campus, but as someone who prefers smaller settings, Friends Church Orange was perfect for me. Upon walking in, everything about this church felt right. The first thing that I noticed was its unique interior. The interior of this church was very hipster/cozy and unlike most churches because the building used to be the packing house. There is plenty of natural lighting that adds to the ambiance. They also just finished putting together a giant screen behind the set for worship (which is excellent) on Easter weekend, and it is gorgeous. Most importantly, I clicked really well the church body. The pastor, Jay, used to be the high school pastor at the Yorba Linda church. I love his messages; they are so approachable, relevant, and humorous. The church body is also pretty diverse. There are people of all ages/backgrounds/opinions, and everyone is friendly. I recently joined their Rooted small group as well, which meets on weekly on Wednesday nights, and I love it. It's a good way to get more involved with Friends and to get to know more people in the church. After months of searching, I have found something special at Friends Church Orange and cannot recommend it highly enough. read more

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This is a church where everyone is truly loved and welcomed exactly as they are. My wife and I grew up Catholic but were looking for a community that felt a little more real and authentic. We are so lucky to have found Friends Orange. The music is incredible. Pastor Kyle and his wife Holliday are amazing. The message always hits home and makes us think, cry, grow, and come back every Sunday at 10am. read more

LOOK NO MORE! This is the best church there is, yeah that's a pretty bold statement but I stand behind it! The room is gorgeous, the people are so kind and beautiful and it is worth your time. They are in the heart of DT Orange and you grab some amazing coffee right after read more

As soon as I walked in, I felt peace! I've tried a lot of other churches in old town but this is the perfect fit for me and my family. The kids love it and enjoy going too! If you are looking for a place to call home, this is definitely it. read more

We have been on the search for a Bible teaching church as we are new to the area. I attended a friends church growing up and grew in my faith at Quaker meadow camp so I thought we'd give Orange Friends a go. Although it seems to be biblically sound it did not work for us. We are looking for a church with expository bible teaching and although the pastor gave a helpful talk the use of scripture was lacking. He was a great speaker but just not enough bible for us. The worship is incredible but very very loud which takes my focus away from the Lord and on to protecting my poor ears. I have to add one thing, I was absolutely shocked and saddened by the mention three times of it being Halloween. I don't know if they are unaware or just don't care about the pagan origins and continual practice of Halloween. Not only that but we are warned in Deuteronomy 18 as well as Leviticus against participating in such things. I understand some church provide a substitute fun day for kids but I would warn against celebrating this day. It's biblical - I'm not just being a kill joy. I think this church would work for a young believer but for those desiring a deep sinking into Gods word it might not work. read more

After trying to find a smaller church with great community for my boyfriend (now fiancée) and I to grow roots in, we decided to try Friends Church Orange. I had gone to huge churches in the past and we were expecting to like the small church vibe but man were we wrong!!! I am so grateful we decided on Friends. Everyone is SO welcoming and it feels like home. We have become involved in Rooted, volunteering, life groups and encourage friends to as well. It's a contagious environment. Worship is amazing as everyone is so passionate for the Lord and my favorite part is the diversity. There is such a wide range of ages which has given us older mentors to seek advice from as well as young married couples to do life and have community with. We are so glad we chose Friends and are so excited to continue attending as we get married and start a family. Great church, great people and the Lord is seriously moving there! read more

Love Friends Church Orange. Small enough to feel like I am part of a family, big enough to have the opportunity to meet new people and see new faces. Pastor Jay's messages are relatable and life giving, the worship is always inviting and the staff is very engaging. I am excited to be a part of a church that is doing so much in my community and care for the needs of those outside our four walls. read more

Great atmosphere with good energy from leaders. It was a moving experiance from worship, and the sermon was great. Hoping to meet leaders, particularly being there the first time. No one on staff really made a effort. Just a small aspect to a good service. read more

This place is on fire and changing Our community! From the Bible the pastors preach and also give realistic application every week! It's a beautiful space inside and out! read more

This church is a true example of come as you are, you feel so welcome and loved the second you walk in! The kids care is awesome, my kids love it! Just an all around amazing community of people! Definitely try it out! read more

This church is filled with wonderful & caring people. Jay's messages are relatable & easy to understand. And the building is absolutely beautiful! read more

When church hopping to find a perfect fit, feeling at home is a rare event and is found in different places for everyone. Friends Church Orange is a perfect fit for me. As an incoming freshman in college, I've been searching for a church that values community and fellowship with people who have a heart after Christ. Friends Church Orange goes above and beyond to get you involved. Just this past Sunday, they had a Connect With Friends event that gave me the opportunity to sign up to volunteer in KidVenture, Events Team, Tech Team, Parking Team, or Guest Services to allow me to serve my community through my talents that God has given me. The worship is PASSIONATE and the sermons are RELEVANT, which is rare to find nowadays in a world that tolerates mediocrity. I'm so happy to have found a new church to call home! read more

After playing drums at countless churches around Orange County, Friends Church Orange became home for me, my wife, and our two daughters. Matt Roden, the worship leader, is a great singer, and always does a great job with his band and leading worship. Pastor Jay Hewitt, who happened to be my High School pastor and I've known for 13 years ago, is a great pastor, husband, father, and man of god. Britney Brechwald, who I've known for 15 years now, does such an amazing job keeping the gears moving and all of our teams working together. It truly is an amazing place, in an awesome building. read more

Couldn't say more positive things about this place! They curate a genuine community and their music is amazing. From the second I step into this place, I am more hopeful! read more

Community. That's what this church is about. Community with the people inside and outside. What I love about this church is that not only is the congregation engaged with each other through Sunday gatherings and Life Groups, but they are making an impact on community in Orange County with their work in the foster care system, and they ware making an impact on the world community with their work building schools for the dalits in India. read more

I've been to a lot of churches over the years, starting with Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa in 1982, Vineyard, Son Light, Crystal Cathedral, Episcopal, Catholic, Lutheran, Saddleback Church and a host of others over the last 30+ years. I think I have been searching for a sincere church with an authentic love for Christ. It's been a good search and I have learned a lot along the way. Many churches have a lot to like, but they always seems to lack one or more of the elements I have been longing for- sincerity, inclusion, warmth, and a commitment to Christ first. Truthfully, I kinda gave up for a while. My wife and I moved to Orange 3 years ago, back to where she grew up in the 90s. We started a new chapter in our lives and felt God calling us back to the church- but which one? We asked all our friends and family, visited a number of churches in the area and did a lot of research. One church kept coming up- Friends. It certainly helped that the name was familiar to my wife as it is her favorite TV show of all time ;). We visited Friends one time before we committed. There is a unique warmth here and a hearty embrace to everyone who enters the church. You know the minute you walk in that this is a house built on love by people who love all without conditions. You also know, rather quickly, that this is a home for sinners working toward betterment. We are all sinners and the church makes it a point to welcome all with open arms. No one in the church is held above any other. All are encouraged to volunteer at the highest levels. All the "leaders" are readily accessible and ready to lend a helpful hand, a warm hug and a needed prayer. This church is a filled with song, prayer and laughter. The tone is set by its leader, Jay Hewitt- Pastor Cool to me ;). It was clear to me from the first service I attended that he was humble, authentic and truly cared for every member of the church. He regularly reminds us that he is flawed just like the rest of us. So nice to know that I am not the freak in the room! Jay is also humorous. I truly appreciate his ability to make me laugh at least once in every service- no matter how serious the sermon, he finds a way to keep it light and fun. I learn something every service that brings me closer to God and my family. I feel blessed that God led me to this church. If you are looking for a community to share your love for Christ with. Someplace that welcomes you no matter what. A home that's good for your soul. Look no further, your Friends are waiting for you. read more

I attended Friends Church Orange for the first time yesterday and I fell in love. The church is beautiful and welcoming and well-decorated. There were tons of people offering friendly smiles and willing to help if needed. For not having a children's space available yet, they utilized their smaller space in the Crossfit gym really well. The worship was fun and well done, but it also gently guided me into a place of worship. The bathrooms were beautiful. I loved this church! read more

Friends church orange is honestly my favorite place. I came here alone one summer Sunday and I was welcomed with open arms. This church is basically my family. I'm genuinely missed when I'm not there, and I have people who care about me and want me around. When I was I unable to see my family for Easter, I had multiple families offer to invite me into their home for the holiday (and they offered the same for Christmas when I was unsure if I'd be able to make it to the east coast then as well). I've never felt such a strong sense of community or love from a church before. The messages are always impactful and filled with passion from Jay, our lead Pastor. Overall this is a beautiful church that I am so lucky to have found, filled with people I am so glad to call my friends. read more

I have been attending Friends Church Orange for a little over a year now and I have been so incredibly blessed by the community that the Lord has given me. I feel so very loved and cared for every time that I walk through the door! And I am so thankful for the hearts of the volunteers and staff. Just as Jesus saw each person in the crowd I hope that when anyone new walks through the door they feel seen and loved just as I did! read more

My husband and I have been attending Friends Orange for a year now and we have never felt so comfortable and welcomed in a church as we do here. We joined a life group called Rooted and met some of our now closest friends. The pastor Jay is the most genuine and transparent pastor I have ever met. The entire staff of Friends Orange are so kind and make Friends feel like home. The worship leader Matt, as well as the rest of the worship team, are amazing! The Holy Spirit is in Friends Church every Sunday without a doubt! read more

This church is home. The community is filled with love. The atmosphere is friendly and healthy. They are starting a students ministry and it will be SO FUN! I encourage you to try it out. Definitely my home for the next 4 years. read more

Our son just started college and needed to find a new church. His classmates recommended Friends Church Orange and he has been attending services here for the last few months. He kept encouraging us to come try it out and I'm so glad we did. It's a bit of a drive for us, but so worth it! The first thing we noticed was how welcoming everyone was and not just a smile and hello, but genuinely happy to see you. The worship team does an awesome job and the messages are so inspiring and practical. Pastor always makes sure that he leaves you with practical steps to take during the week to bring the message into your every day life. Highly recommend this church! read more

Last year my family checked out this church because my sister in law was part of leading worship. We were perfectly content and well connected at the main campus, Yorba Linda Friends, and had no intentions of leaving our church that we called home for over 20 years. But from the first moment we stepped into Orange Church, something stirred in our hearts and we felt like we were home. The congregation is filled with wonderful friendly people, the worship is engaging and spirit lead, Jay is an engaging and respected speaker, the atmosphere is incredible, and we instantly felt connected. Not only that, but our 3 kids loved it from the very start and would ask to go every Sunday. We are thankful for this church we consider home and are constantly blessed by all of the thought and care that goes into each service there. We are super excited for the new Kidventure build that will be done this fall too! read more

Went here because Jay was my high school pastor and he is very relatable and his sermons are easy to understand. Unfortunately had a disheartening experience at this church. As a first time visitor I was not greeted or approached by anyone. i was walking around like a lost sheep before service looking to get to know people but everyone is huddled in their closed circle of friends. Felt awkward standing alone so I had a seat and waited for service to start. Worship goes overboard in trying to cater to younger generation. I am a millennial, but i dont want to feel like im listening to a bar rock band at Sunday morning church. The music is so loud can't hear the lyrics. The lyrics and songs are complicated, not the normal worship songs.... only the band knows the words, so it makes worship seem more about the band than Jesus. I know its not their intention, but they should just keep it simple. The church is not very diverse and people seem content in their little cliques. Seems like a good place for hipster post college couples. For a small church, it still has the big church vibe of yorba Linda friends with a younger crowd. read more