Is Gracepoint /Berkland like the North Korean Government? Just bear with me before you dismiss this whole thing. They are led by an infallible great leader whom all adore and look up to, who can say nothing wrong and everyone turns to for wisdom and direction. Even if outsiders can tell he might just be batshit crazy. He is at the top of a very authoritarian leadership structure. People in the church are almost isolated from the "secular" outside world. The leaders especially are surrounded by people who will only agree with them, never challenge them or tell them they're wrong. This is helped by members never being left alone and observed all the time. The true believers live with other church members, at least two to a room. There are church activities around the corner all year round (prayer meeting, bible study, staff meeting, daily devotional, handing out fliers, one on one meetings, retreats,etc). This sort of goes along with their anti-introvert stances. Even if you do all the activities, you could still be singled out. If you are too quiet or a loner, they will ask you why. The loudest, most vocal members shine the most. Loners and quiet people are discouraged from being that way. If you are too shy to approach total strangers on campus and invite them to Bible study for example. It's because of your "stinking pride" and not wanting to make yourself vulnerable that you are the way you are. You also have to not be quiet about all the goings ons with other church members. Anytime we had a conflict, someone ended up telling, and eventually the pastor / great leader will hear about it. Like it's elementary school. Then comes the rebuking. It was "for our own good" so our "sins" could be"corrected." In North korea, neighbors tell on neighbors, everyone suspects each other. Kids who spoke up most in class got the most praise, but then their families would be taken away. You could just decide to just not report things and solve your own conflicts, like an adult. Which is fine, unless the leader finds out from someone else. And then you are really in for a tongue lashing. I mean rebuking. In North Korea, many ppl are not even aware the internet exists. In Gracepoint, there are random edicts stating that certain things are banned. Because, you know, the Bible. During my time it was instant messaging. Then Facebook. For a while it was Email. The internet was banned in your apartment because you could just use it on campus. Then it was only banned in private and you can only use it in public and/or for certain amounts of time. I don't know if this is still going on, but for a while we weren't allowed to watch PG-13 movies. I wanted to see one of the X-men movies, and that turned into a whole thing. The worst is when the ban certain things while indulging on it themselves. It's well known the great leader enjoys things like Swiss cheese and other luxuries the people below probably don't even know exist. Gracepoint bans dating and marriage, because again, the Bible? Only the special ones who are good enough and received special permission can have access to it. Meanwhile most of the staff and leaders were married young and dated in college. They alluded to it all the time in their messages. I started to think dating and relationships were like Unicorns. They maybe exist or maybe are just fictional things someone has made up. Some people talk about them like they're real, but you are never really sure, something is off about it. I finally realized i would never be "good enough" for them to be allowed to date. When you've finally had enough, try telling people you are going to leave and see what happens. They will likely give you all sorts of reasons not to or guilt trip you. If you do you defect, I mean leave, you are labeled an enemy. Within the church, anytime someone left, there would be whispers about why they were too proud, too disobedient, stood up to the leaders, etc. Ppl at the church will read this and laugh it off most likely. I know they're not literally North Korea. They eat a lot and are well fed. I'm pretty sure they haven't executed anyone or built nuclear missiles in secret. I'm just saying their leadership structure has some comparisons. read more

If you are looking for a place to make friends of people who think alike and act alike, this is a place for you. If you are a believer who want to grow and understand the Bible, move on and find somewhere else I grew up as a Christian and have gone to church all my life. When I attended Davis, Koin (the student ministry under Gracepoint) was one of the biggest Christian ministry on campus. I was approached by one of the girls fro the ministry by asking me for a survey and that's how I got involve with Koin/Gracepoint. I remember going to the first welcome night, and was so shocked how EVERYONE was so friendly and nice. Ever since then, I started to get involve with Gracepoint and Koin. I love books and being a Christian, I was always taught the importance of the Bible. I had many cult experiences growing up, so I know that the only authority comes from the Bible. After going to Gracepoint's Sunday service weeks after weeks, I started to realize all the sermon contents are the same. It's basically all the do's and dont's as a Christian I have been hearing all my life. Also, they have a really strict dating rule. So don't think you can pass by if you are simply there looking for a date. Often times Sunday service is consisted of testimony sharing or just the pastor talking about his personal life/experience. I went up to the pastor one day to ask a scriptural question, but I was turned down. Apparently no one challenged the pastor or staff about concerns or questions. What they say is right and always the truth. They are really smart at guilt-tripping you to always make you feel bad. The church is organized in a way where you are peer-pressured by all your peers to conform. No one is allowed to do Bible study outside of the church/ministry. If you do, they will treat you like one of the "outsider". I finally decided to leave the church because I was simply not growing there and I wasn't receiving any resources to help me grow. read more

I found this church during my freshman year of college. I was looking for a church in college and at first, I came because the environment was really welcoming and it seemed like a happening place where I could make some friends. But over time I saw that it was much more than that. A lot of people had stayed on after college, and were willing to open their homes and their lives to a bunch of college students, which I was really thankful for, coming to college and not really knowing many people. Over time, I came to see that it was more than just a welcome place, but a place where I could grow deeper in my faith and my Christian identity. I had been going to church for a few years already when I started coming, but I had a lot of friends who were new to Christianity and just started to investigate, and there was something for both of us at Gracepoint. Its safe place to learn about God and the Bible and get your questions answered, and also provides a lot of opportunities for Christians to serve and grow in their faith, while growing in community with each other and learning to love other people through a lot of service opportunities. Plus, the food is pretty awesome =) I've been through a lot of ups and downs through the last 9 years, and through whatever happened I've felt loved by the church staff and knew they were committed to helping me grow as a Christian and learn how to apply truth to every area of my life. I know its not a church for everyone, but at least for me its become my spiritual home. Its a place that takes God and His Word seriously and ultimately wants to help people to know Him better, so I'd say its definitely worth checking out. read more

So apparently this is a chain of churches? I didn't know that, but In coming to Davis, I heard from a friend at Berkeley that if I was going to check out churches, I should be careful of where I go. She listed Gracepoint as one of the "sketchy" ones but I honestly forgot about that until I experienced it for myself. At first, they seem really inviting and friendly. They're really good at targeting people that are a bit socially awkward and making them feel 'included' (which is not bad, every organization should seek to be inclusive) but then they twist this into making their church the only thing in their lives. If you're making people sign a "covenant" that you won't go to any other church or ministry, or that you'll only be dedicated to their programs... it begs the question 'why'? Why is that needed? No gym makes you pledge to only go to THEIR gym and have NO OTHER gym membership ever or get kicked out. If the gym is good, then you'll go to that one. So why is it like that with a church? I didn't like the pushiness that was immediately put upon me to be committed only to them, when their programs aren't things that interest me or were helpful in growing closer to God. They think they are providing a lot of "spiritual guidance and knowledge" when all they teach is basically what you can learn in Sunday school as a teen. Why do I need people to dictate my life when I'm asking to learn more about God? It was a really strange experience. Like what my friend said, it's sketch... but you can either be like me, ignore that warning, and experience it for yourself, or you can be smarter than I was. read more

Gracepoint Davis Church seeks to point the way to Jesus who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." (John 14:6) It is our mission to be the body of Christ that raises teams to plant an Acts 2 church in every college town (Acts 2:42-47). Our congregation is a growing multi-ethnic community, composed largely of college students, graduate students, and post-undergrads (average Sunday attendance of ~200). We have people who've never stepped foot inside a church and people who've been to church all their lives. Some have questions about God or life and come looking for answers. Others want to be raised to become the next generation of Christ's disciples to impact the world. Check out our "Church Life at a Glance" to get a sampling of what we do together. We are a member of the Southern Baptist Convention and a part of the Sacramento Association of Southern Baptist Churches. Our church was planted on September 21, 1997 as an extension of our church in Berkeley (Gracepoint Berkeley Church). We are also a member of the Willow Creek Association of churches. We recently helped plant a church in Austin Texas and we have a vision of helping plant an Acts 2 community on every college town! So, whether you're someone who is a spiritual seeker who is starting to ask questions about God, or you're a committed Christian who wants to sink the roots of your faith deeper, you can find a home here at Gracepoint Davis Church. Why 4* and not 5*? Well, I'd give it a 5* if the messages were perfect. But hey, I'm working on it! Help me, Jesus! read more

It's really tough to grow in your life of faith when everyone's always judging you and watching what you do. Accountability is different from being controlled and dictated. Being under someone's controlling authority is different from being obedient to God's commands. So should anyone expect me to be obedient to what they think if they don't even talk about, teach about, and obey what God really wants from us? I'll admit, I wasn't the best Christian and I didn't go to church every day , but I know enough from what I've seen from my parents and my friends to know what is good and what isn't really Christ-like. I think prayer and getting to know God is so crucial when you're growing up as a young adult in this day and age. Even if it's by myself, that's okay - it's about me getting what I need to focus on God. It's not about how much I can be the same as my peers or how much I can please the leaders at the church or how much time I serve (and how guilty I feel if I don't). It's not about how many sermons I can sit through that basically talk about the same thing. This church wasn't for me, but I know church isn't just something you choose based on your prefrence. you should do it because it really brings you closer to understanding God and deepening your faith. Don't go anywhere that'll just leave a sour taste in your mouth and hinder you from growing. read more

I hope I can find a good church around in Davis soon enough... as I am searching for a church to attend, as my parents really wanted me to I ran into Gracepoint Davis Church. I heard that it is the biggest church around Davis, so I was excited and to be honest maybe I was expecting too much. I some what felt comfortable with just being there and I wanted to check out how it was really, but my gracious I following after my parents and wanting to keep my promise went expecting to learn something about what I grew up with, and why my parents really devote their lives and their heart in this... but basically the time i spent their felt like such a waste. Ate food, play games after a short sermon.... Like, I wanted to leave, but they were giving me a look really? Like I don't like to say no and stuff... It was just so hard. So I asked my friends about Koinonia, and they said basically only thing that I will learn is Im a sinner, and I need to be with other Christians all the time and live a life that is like a Christian. Is that why I had to play 2 hours of icebreakers and games? Sounds like a venting post, but anyways I hope that as I am gonna be going to DCF and also Navs in couple weeks hope I am able to find a ministry that can really help me to find what Im searching for. read more

I have been attending a few of Gracepoint's services in Davis, but after giving it some thought and prayer, I have decided to stop attending. I have been wanting to grow closer in my relationship with God, but have found that attending this church has been very counter productive. No offense to the people here but they skim over a few verses during sermons and they state the obvious that we should love Jesus and be kind to others but I have not been growing at all. They also expect you to attend all their fellowship events when the entire time we learn nothing about God or the bible. I feel like a church should be doing more than just hanging out but should equip people in faith. When speaking with a staff about my faith who attends this church, all he told me to do was just believe and have faith and just felt like he was just saying it to just brush me off. Im sorry but at this point I am going to look into other places. read more

I attended here for several months. I really wanted to make things work out, but I just couldn't. Sure, the worship is great and some of the people are really nice. But as many others have said, the way they operate is way off. The members are manipulated and judged, and threatened if they question authority. Many members get pulled in by their zeal and passion, but it is all zeal without knowledge. Just try asking questions and you will see. I heard they are losing a lot of their membership for that reason. From my experience, most church members get burnt out after a year or two and move on to something else. Not worth your time and consideration. read more

GP helped me so much. I'm so glad I didn't pursue a career in med school. Thanks GP for warning me to put god first. Instead I now work at a fast food restaurant and serve God and church with my free time. Now I never have to see my family except like once a year. I'd rather spend it with my family here at GP. I'm glad I have spiritual leaders who correct me whenever I do something sinful or selfish. I slept 8 hours once and they rebuked me for being so lazy. I could've been using that time to read the Bible or help set up chairs for the next Bible study. My leaders helped me see the selfishness of my ways. read more

Have you seen the negative reviews for this place that are hidden?? What is up with that? If I knew to check before the hidden reviews, then I don't think I ever would've checked this place out. It's like trying to hide a huge bleeding pimple behind some cheap cracked foundation, it's gonna show no matter what you think. Isn't it very obvious that this isn't a place to worship? It's pretty rigid and very legalistic, fire and brimstone if you don't delete your ipod music and if you don't quit dating non believers. If you're not dedicated to them, read more

I visited Gracepoint recently. The church and the members were nice (in the beginning) However, as time past I was able to see the wolf in sheep clothing. As Christians we should not be so abusive in our language. Instead we should build each other. I believe the many asian students/members are very judgmental... It was difficult for me to stand their remarks, their racism, and support for violence and the spreading of lies. The pastors in charge should oversee well the flock so that they do not become corrupted by the culture of Davis. read more

Wow I have never had such a bad experience before attending this church. This place reminded me of a cult that I use to attend and I just felt like it justified I am so cautious amongst so many of these christian churches today. I felt like the message didnt teach me much and I have never felt so unwelcomed before and for reasons I rather not say. Be warned of this place! I feel like there are way better places to check out than here. I will definitely not be attending this church again. read more

One of my guy friends invited me to the church and the fellowship lately. As soon as I walk in, I kept getting a lot of weird looks as if I am a huge sinner right from the get-go. I didn't know why. I dressed pretty modest and did my Sunday best and everything. Then later I found out the church has a really strict girl/guy rule. Basically if you are really close with a guy, people will think you guys are flirting, dating, and a SINNER. Sorry..definitely not felt welcome here read more

Dude they straight up just flagged all post that is negative about them, im getting hella pissed about my experience here, I felt so discriminated by one of the staff, talking crap about my sexual orientation and how I carry myself. IF this post gets flagged again hell Ima think that they bribed yelp and all other websites read more

So I wanted to check out this church to hear what all the buzz was about at UC Davis. After listening to the sermon, I want to make it clear that its true: This place is very dry! The sermon only skimmed the surface and I did not feel the Holy Spirit during praise as I usually do. read more

This church is a cult and does not practice biblical lifestyle: check out this article on this church: https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2022/september/gracepoint-berkland-asian-american-church-discipleship.html read more

I am utterly mortified that the people at this church would go out of their way to bash on other churches. I came to worship and learn about God. I will pray that this church finds Jesus read more

My honest opinion, the message seems a bit diluted. I feel like it tries to change the gospel to match all the members too much