Looking for a Church where you feel welcomed from the moment you get into the parking lot? Searching for a Spiritual Family that accepts you and meets you where you are? Lake Ave Church is a large congregation with a family feel. There are lots of options and ministries to meet your needs: children, teens, young adults, parents, grandparents, seniors, missions, music, etc. They have a ministry for brothers and sisters with different abilities, for those who went through divorce and for those going through illnesses... They support partnered projects to fight human trafficking, homelessness and all those affected by the recent fires. This Church is committed to open the doors to the most in need and serve like Jesus did. English, Spanish and Mandarin groups are available. Come to the service as you are, and find brothers and sisters who are willing to walk with you in this journey. Jesus is the center of worship, and the Word is shared in a way that invites deep reflection and the Holy Spirit's revelation. The Team of Pastors complement each other with their gifts to care, encourage and teach the congregation with transparency and genuine love that is felt in tangible ways. For me, it was the offering to pray for me, supporting me with therapy through partnered professional counseling, welcoming my daughter to serve with me because I didn't have childcare at home, equipping me with deep truths through solid retreats and Bible study, and that biweekly call I receive from a Pastor to check in with me. This has been a healing and growing place where God is surrounding me and my family with love and challenging me to live with the cross and with Jesus's Joy and Hope everyday. Life is certainly not an easy journey, but with God and a Church Family like Lake Ave Church, I feel blessed along the way and embraced with prayers when I go through hardships. If God is talking to you and you don't know where to start, come join Lake Ave Church on Sunday at 9.30am (any weekend) or Wednesday at 6.30pm (beginning 1/14/2026) and let God begin shining His light in you. Do not be intimidated by the size of the Church. Any and all staff are here for you. Just feel free to approach one (any, from the person guiding you at the parking lot to the people you see greeting or in the Welcome Center) and mention your needs. Lake Ave Church is passionate above connecting you to a community, and most importantly, to Jesus, who brings Peace and Healing to your Life! read more

Lake Avenue Church - The Children's and Students' Ministries are solid and plant a strong Christian foundation in our young ones. - Churches Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Historic evangelical megachurch (est. 1890s) 1.) MONEY: FY25-26 Budget is $6,725,000. 13% to missionaries and outreach. 2.) SERVICE: Usually praise band and choruses. Also a huge pipe organ, orchestra, and choir. Service is ~1.25hrs. 3.) PREACHING: Current senior pastor is from India; PhD from Fuller Seminary, middle-aged male. Style is dogmatic, emphatic, and urgent. 4.) DIVERSITY: Aging. Some young families and children. ~15% Asian. Mostly white. Young adult ministry is diverse. 5.) DENOMINATION: Conservative Congregational Christian Conference (CCCC) 6.) POLITICS: Expresses strong cultural and political views from the pulpit. Center-right to conservative views on race, national politics, human sexuality. 7.) THEOLOGY: Evangelical, Conservative 8.) CONGREGATION: Two congregations; one is Spanish speaking 9.) STAFF: More diverse than average. Large staff of over 40 personnel. 10.) GOVERNANCE: Elder-led read more

They want you in on Sundays. They want your donations on Sundays. But they don't want you to park in their parking lot on Sundays. NO PARKING IN THE LAKE AVE. CHURCH PARKING LOT BEFORE 3 PM ON SUNDAYS. I know. I know. They have a remote lot that they want you park there and walk back and forth even in rainy days. read more

Churches are going through immense changes. Many young adults 25-45 years of age are simply not attending church. A good portion of people are watching church virtually on YouTube from their homes, so church attendance has radically dropped. What's changed? How did this happen? America has changed. We are no longer a country which honors God in our daily lives. We no longer teach our children about God and his son Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and offers us eternal life with Him and an unsurpassable joy. When was the last time you opened a Bible in your home and called your kids over to your side and read it to them? We no longer honor the sanctity of life, but we sure know a good restaurant when we see it. We can name the latest Netflix series, but not the promises of God. Few families still drive their kids to weekly Sunday School where they might learn the true stories of Christianity, learn to pray, and glean hope in an anxiety ridden world. If you don't want to park across the street and walk a block, which was someone's complaint, call the church and tell them. I'm sure they'd be sorry to hear that was your main purpose in not attending church, and they'd help you. The current pastor, Matthew John, brings a truly proactive perspective to worship. He encourages us to get involved because our involvement MAKES THE CHURCH. If you are a believer, merely sitting in a pew on Sunday does not nurture the entire body nor you. Involvement in any way you feel gifted grows God's church, brings in your unique talent to the body, brings glory to God, and rewards you with new friends from all parts of the world. Pray, and ask God to open your eyes to any bias you may have about church attendance or the people leading you. I hope you will join us. I believe you will feel loved and will hopefully consider making Lake Ave. Church your home as my family did 30 years ago. read more

Lake Avenue Church - The Fruits of the Spirit! - Churches Near Me - Pasadena, California

As per my experience with Lake Avenue Church (Official) I have to post that these pastors are grooming and extorting children. Their ethics and morals are questionable to me. I could not be paid to watch kids touch each other or have them touch myself. In my personal experience Perry Hawkins (has me blocked on social media, due to his lack of character) groomed children at summer camp and I was one of them. Assuming his birth year is 86' this would put him at 23 at the time of the incident. I was 12. He decides to coerce children into lewd acts, under the guise that the company he works for is responsible for these kids committing said acts. This has been going on for years and I have eye witness testimony that I participated in these lewd activities. Not only have I participated in these acts but other children of this congregation have also been a part of these acts. I have been continuously harassed and I have also been retaliated against by Lake Avenue ALIVE Team. This is my life, and this is something I have had on my mind for a long time. 14 years to be exact. This is not the behavior I accept from a church. I do not care how pious you can be. This is unacceptable behavior from anybody. Truly gross. read more

Lake Avenue Church - This is a photo I took of their Christmas gathering when I worked as a camera operator. I have since lost that position for speaking out. - Churches Near Me - Pasadena, California

I used to go here often but now that I am older I attend another church that better suits my current interests. I have some nice memories of this church from when I was younger but the times I have visited this church in recent years have tbh been a disappointment. The new head pastor Matthew John unfortunately seems uninspiring and disinterested, and is a departure from the energy of Pastor Greg and Pastor Jeff (whom I both miss but wish all the best!) read more

LAC is a Pasadena stronghold. Pastor Matthew the teaching pastor is a very good communicator. Great family church. read more

I was invited to this church by a woman named Maria who went there. I was going through some extremely challenging difficulties in my life at the time and this was her church. I was really touched by what the ministers message was. I felt very moved. Later they had an alter call for people to go up for prayer so I did. I got tears in my eyes because I was feeling very vulnerable. (I'd just lost a close friend to cancer, I had also been in a serious accident and was recovering and I was starting a new business but dealing with a very unethical landlord. After the prayer I went to return to my seat. When I reached my spot to sit down, this woman Maria, said to me, "See these women over there", they noticed you have tears in your eyes and they were laughing and said that you're probably nuts"...then she said to me," anyway, you should never show tears at church, it makes you look stupid". I was so totally disgusted and actually, mortified that this is the level of compassion that I had received not only by this person, Maria,(who was always in everyone's face saying,"Praise the Lord" all the time, as well as these other women who were sitting close by, that I vowed never to return. I was probably at one of the most vulnerable times in my life and if that's Christian behavior then you can count me out. At least I'll never go back there. It was a really horrible experience and in no way positive to go through that. Most unchristian and hurtful church experience ever. read more

The cupcakes picture says it all; a frosty sugar treat, with no nutritional value! They have reasonable groups there and they do have some reasonable people there. The messages are mediocre. I met people that I'm still friendly with years later. However, the church is full with cantankerous people. And I did need financial help one time. And they really hassled me with that! Like a yo-yo , the "pastors " went back-and-forth and finally only gave me $250. ...As they're asking for millions of dollars to renovate their building! I asked two people for an Advil; they visible shook, and said , " no." Don't go to this fake "church." They truly don't care for people with the love of Christ! read more

Wonderful historic significant services. Wish I lived closer. Go there you're going to thank me.

I have been going to this church for 3 years +. I have had so many blessings at this church. For example: I've met great brothers and sisters, I met my mentor here and I got baptized on November 14, 2015. I am involved in 2 ministries at the church and waiting for God to keep moving me and being more active read more

Don't waste your time here. Plenty of other churches doing it right. These are old-school, uptight, disingenuous people. More like a Sunday snooty club. read more

Loving congregation, good teaching from the Bible, wonderful music and concentration on reaching out to the world and to the community.

And for my 100th Yelp 2013 - LA County review... I give unto thee... Lake Avenue Church. It's that one on the edge of the freeway that you see as you drive to old town Pasadena or just when your cruising down the 210 almost to the 134 or just past it depending on direction. This church takes up almost an entire city block on its own. I have been attending this nondenominational Christian church for a while and enjoy when I go to the service here. This is perhaps the most multicultural and one of the friendliest churches that I have had the privilege of attending. Pro Tip: If you arrive about 10 minutes before the service starts, there is usually parking available in the close parking lot. They have Sunday school for the munchkins during the Sunday morning services. However the 11 am service only has Sunday school for children up to 3rd grade. The 9am service has the full cornucopia of options. They also have a sticker check-in program and take your cell number to txt or call you if there is any issue. The services themselves are usually enlightening and made enjoyable with different music on a regular basis. I wish that they would play some of the classics more, but listening to an orchestra on a Sunday morning is special too. I loved when they had a piper playing amazing grace on the bagpipes, chills are always induced when that happens for me. The people here seem to be very friendly. It doesn't matter your economic level, your ethnicity, or anything else. If you don't speak English I know that there is a Spanish language service, but beyond that, I am not sure if they conduct services in any other language. The services are not always an hour, but they are always inviting and open. Perhaps I will see you out here sometime. Let me know if you decide to go. read more

Lake Avenue Church - Churches Near Me - Pasadena, California

I have been attending Lake Avenue Church for 12 years. When our previous senior Pastor left 5-6 years ago, I was "almost devastated" because I liked Pastor Kirk. But then our interim Pastor Denny was great, so my devastation slowly faded :) ... after two years, they finally selected the new Pastor ... I was again "almost ....." We have had Pastor Greg for 4 years now ( I think) and I am soooo GRATEFUL to God that he brought Greg to Lake Avenue Church. Pastor Greg makes deep messages easy to understand. Yes, parking is horrible on Sundays... we attend the Saturday service at 5 p.m. read more

I attended on line service since covid19 pandemonium. It was OK to say, but the last few weeks the sermons are not worship Jesus. Are more a political preaching and shaming. You are there a captive audience and you are shamed for not supporting/participating to the riots or not keeling. Today we were told that racism in our DNA :(. really ? this is way too much! They are ether political minions or deep church. read more

I came here for this year's Gloria Christmas Concert and it was fabulous! This church is so beautiful and it was packed! Not only was there a full brass section, but the adult, children, and teen choirs sang and they are very, very talented. I have yet to attend a service here, but I hope to stop by one of these days. There is ample parking as they have a private lot and an underground lot. The people seem really nice and I loved how diverse the church community is. Can't wait to come back! read more

Lake Avenue Church - Gorgeous sanctuary! - Churches Near Me - Pasadena, California

We used to go there fairly often even though it's a fairly long drive.They are now on a third pastor and almost all of the staff we liked are gone. We haven't been back in a while. read more

We came here for a wedding ceremony on a Saturday. Parking wasn't really that hard to find and the chapel wasn't hard to find, either. Spacious parking, mid-size chapel that holds about 200+ people. Everything inside is really beautiful so with florals and other decor, it was picture perfect! I would definitely recommend this place for couples who are looking for a church to get married. PS - For those looking to book this place: I believe you have to go through some marital counseling through the church. I'm not an expert, so you might want to check with the church before you make any decisions. read more

As a non-member and a visitor of Lake Ave Church on a number of occasions, I thought my review might help those who are considering to visit and give an idea of what to expect. First, this is a church with a very rich history, starting as far back as the late 1800s, very few churches can claim to have been around that long, and to be this big for that long, they did and continue to do something right. When you arrive to the church on any given Sunday, it can be confusing as it is a relatively big campus for Pasadena. The parking situation is also confusing. If you are a first-time visitor, they ask you to park in a convenient lot which sits right next to the church main building so you definitely get special treatment. If you have been attending for a while, then they ask that you to park a few blocks away in an office building, but they still give you special treatment with a very comfortable shuttle bus and an always-friendly driver. The main worship hall is big, and usually you can always find a seat anywhere you like. There is a balcony which is nice in case you would like a different view. The air conditioning can be heavy in some spots so you may want to bring a jacket/sweater. The music and songs are a very well-chosen mix of contemporary Christian and traditional hymns. The musicians vary, but on many occasions when I attended there was at least a full professional band, including guitars and drums. But on numerous visits, we noticed a nearly-full orchestra, including violins, cellos, and flutes. Such a talented and professional-sounding group of musicians is really one of the highlights of the church. During the songs, there are both people who are active and raise their hands and voices during songs and many more who simply stand and quietly sing so you won't feel obligated nor singled out for whatever way you like to stand and sing. The message, typically given by the senior pastor, and occasionally by one of the other pastors, is usually bible-based and includes the elements of practical and easy to understand. It contains a well-balanced tone geared toward multiple cultures and demographics, though some youth and even young adults, may not be as captivated as I sometimes notice young people using their ipads and iphones to distract themselves during service. However, for those who appreciate a slightly more-conservative style of worship, this is a great place for you. The ministries and the outreach are very solid here. I am constantly surprised at how many different initiatives are happening. On our last visit, we noticed an Alpha class (for questions about the Christian faith), counseling groups for grief and forgiveness, parenting seminars, local outreach programs for pregnant moms and tutoring inner-city youth, and more. The Sunday school program is also very comprehensive, with something for anyone at any age. The pros and cons of any big vs. small church apply here. Lake Ave, being big, can be difficult to meet people and get involved and it seems that you could attend for years, possibly decades, and without ever being noticed, but if you prefer to remain anonymous, this is an easy place to visit. All in all, it's a great church doing some great things, definitely worth a visit if you live in the Pasadena area. read more

Vocational Journeys program only. This excellent speaker program has been going on since 2003. Most Sundays from 1-3 job seekers meet to support each other. There is often a guest speaker. Participants introduce themselves in a (sometimes overly long) 5 minute talk. $3 donation for pizza, salad and coffee requested. $5 penalty for RSVPs who no-show. Parking is free. Not a networking group. Energy varies with participants. Signing up for the list will get you an email with every meeting topic since 2003, which seems a bit cumbersome. read more

I've been attending the ladies' bible study on Tuesdays and I have to say I am totally blessed. I've learned from experience that just because a church has a nice building and a charismatic preacher doesn't always mean everything lines up with scripture; however, although I haven't attended a service here yet, I like what I have experienced so far at Lake Avenue. The bible study stays true to God's word of repentance from sin, accepting God's gift of redemption through Jesus' death and resurrection, and living out the sanctified Christian life through embracing your new identity in Christ and following Jesus. read more

It feels odd to me to review a church so I will use this space only to share my personal impressions. My family came to Lake over a decade ago looking for a church family that was diverse and had a strong youth ministry. Lake has both. My boys, now teenagers, are excited to participate in the life of the church, and that gives my wife and I great joy and satisfaction. It is a large church so I recommend joining a small group or Sunday school class. There are two services on Sundays, and one on Saturday evening. Middle school and high school groups meet at 9AM. There are plenty of opportunities to plug in and volunteer/serve within Lake, so you can always feel connected. read more

Been my home church for nearly 30 years. Great and friendly staff and volunteers, great Senior pastor teaching, great worship. It is a big church and you may feel overwhelmed and get "lost" in the masses. Lake Avenue church offers many ways to connect and to get involved. Whether it is through Sunday classes or mid-week small groups. It is very child friendly and has Sunday school classes for every age group and school grade, from ages 0 and up. read more

The best church in Pasadena in my opinion. Very friendly atmosphere and true Christians. Give them a try. You'll be filled with the spirit. Parking is a bit hectic on Sundays so get there early. read more

Amazing performance and a lot of people coming.I like here ,the church is fully crowded.

Huzzah! They did something about Sunday morning parking. Lots of signs (and attendants) pleading that if you're not new or less than ambulatory, leave the parking space for somebody who is. Score another for the leadership! Most attendees seem to respect this. Of course there are still some Bible carrying, regular attenders that feel entitled to a pass. After all - they carry Bibles! And they know many other Bible-carrying attenders (who also feel entitled to park in the same lot.) . Oh well, you can't get them all - the rain falls on both the wheat and the chaff who shall abide together until the Lord Himself separates them on the day of reckoning. Ignore these people. The leaders are great. read more

When I moved from Wisconsin after graduation from high school in 1961, I was led by the Spirit to Lake Ave Congregation Church, where I gave my life to Christ and was born again. The third day after receiving Jesus as my personal Savior, I woke up a totally different person ! It was like I knew who I was and why I was on Earth ! I sang in the choir, became president of the College Class, I met my wife in the choir, and I and several other young parents started the Parent Participation Nursery and Preschool which became a model for others all across the country. The loving staff and our spiritual guides Ray and Anne Ortlund, Dick and Dottie Anderson, and Marv and Joan Jacobs, were like personal family. We met in homes during the week, had activities that engaged every age, and were very active in community life. The Holy Spirit lived at Lake Avenue. I moved out of the area, but never spiritually out of LACC, so I still consider myself a member of sorts even though I now live on the east coast. It concerns me that people who feel people have personally let them down in different ways from the current staff, would harbor any kind of animosity against individuals or a church family as a whole. Perhaps you are being led somewhere else, or perhaps being taught patience, or perhaps are being used to alert others to your needs and to make changes in your church home and family so that it can improve and strengthen in current needed areas. I feel your hurt, and you have my compassion and prayers, but I encourage you to take these to the pastor and discuss and pray with them that God's hand would be upon the situation and that healing and growth would be the result. God is not static, nor is His family - you need your spiritual family and your spiritual family needs YOU Sometimes in life we develop needs and those needs get met in totally unexpected ways. My wife died of breast cancer one week before her 49th Birthday. No one expected or wanted that and it was traumatic for many people, and why she suffered for several years in a really hideous way, seemed very unexplainable. We all go through things, but one thing that never changes is that we go through them as a family. There is a reason for everything, even those that are having or had disappointments no matter WHERE they were. I love Romans 8:28 ! read more

I give a 3 only because it's not really for everyone(culture and class), I loved their classes that you can learn from, even tho I was the only one young and Hispanic in there(: this congregation is predominantly white and definitely higher classes How have I felt Lake Avenue understands my previews and current position in life? By only hearing my story they seem to find themselves awkwardly and uncomfortably towards me. Distant I feel As if an alien that had just reveal in their presence from out of space I don't feel ashamed because what I say it's relative to my life, but deep inside of me I start feeling as if I have done or said something wrong. If it is to say how I met God I think I shouldn't be afraid. At least I didn't use to be What I had shared was relevant to the topic, But I find it that my life little experiences in life are very different than the ones around me. Different is not well received even with my brothers and sisters I can say that no one should feel the need to empathize with my life experiences Everyone should be he or she and whether understand or not shouldn't be something that anyone feels that must do. I did came to this church because I believe that God's love and every child of God should relate to his wonderful grace and Him rescuing everyone regardless of their position in life or the circumstances they have gone through. I came because I believe that every child of God knows that we came to Him because we couldn't erase our sins on our own and that just by knowing or acknowledging that and ever receiving him at that moment inside our hearths we could be brothers and sisters. In the end, I am here to fellowship, believe every time I come that I am not alone and that there are other people of my age perhaps going through the same or at least in similar struggles as me, to find support in each other. I wouldn't recommend their Hispanic service, I was able to tell the big difference between the way both pastors explain the word of God. if there was no other church and I would have to choose between both of them I would definitely choose the English one. The spanish music is also not very energetic like many of us Hispanics like to sing ( if you love celebrating Jesus ) I personally didn't like the ways the pastor explains and comments that makes. that is why I stayed for 4 years in the English services but I think I waited too long. I am currently church-hopping. Praying to God I can find a good home church to stay for 30 years or so and continue volunteering but hopefully without feeling that much or less like an outsider. read more

A great community of Christians! Our 2 year old son loves going and we've made a ton of great friends through our Sunday school class, Homebuilders (9 a.m. on Sunday). Saturday night service is more appealing to those under 40. read more

Last Friday had car show activity..........This church is a Bless in my live ,it is a big church and you may feel overwhelmed and get "lost" in the masses. Lake Avenue church offers many ways to connect and to get involved. Whether it is through Sunday classes or mid-week small groups. It is very child friendly and has Sunday school classes for every age group and school grade..all ages. read more

Recently I've gone to a lot of churches to find a place to call home when I move to Pasadena in a few months. I have to say out of all the churches I've been to in my search this one is my favorite so far. The parking isn't bad, but isn't great. The congregation seems to be pretty humble and down to earth and the message is rooted in the bible. I would recommend this place if you're looking for a church. read more

Oliver T. said, "Among the leadership and the committed workers - both paid staff and volunteers - you won't find a better display of Christian virtue and charity." I have to agree. read more

I attend ecclessia in hollywood, but we had a pastor from Lake Avenue Church come and preach at our church today while our pastor was away. It was a great message by Albert Tate. I just felt like coming onto yelp and giving Lake Avenue a shout out. read more

There are some wonderful churches in the area but as a musician, I find Lake Avenue a perfect fit. Our pastor is brilliant, challenging, personable and approachable. The music staff is excellent. They have everything from a symphony orchestra and pipe organ to worship band and choirs of all ages. The sing-along "Messiah" is the best in S. CA as are the several classical concerts each year. There are Sunday School classes for all ages: infants to senior adults. What happens to all those Rose Parade flowers? The congregation kindly distributes them to convalescent homes all over the valley. They also actively support public schools, have their own tutoring program, feed the homeless, etc. One does not roll out of bed and find a parking spot, however. Plan to arrive a half-hour before service and ride the shuttle bus. It's all about worshipping Jesus in every aspect of life! read more

I was looking for local church to visit on a Saturday. I found Lake Avenue Church and had the pleasure of beholding a wonderful worship service. Great band, awesome message and friendly community. For sure I will be back. read more

I love this church! I started in 1996 when Pastor Kirk was still there. My son even went to their preschool. I moved to another city and hadn't been there in a long time. Last sunday my husband and i went. There is another pastor now but it is still a good church. I think lake ave church is always so great! If you are looking for a good solid church you should check it out. read more

I have been at Lake Avenue Church for more than 40 years. If you are looking for a Christ centered place to worship and fellowship, this has been and continues to be a wonderful church. It is filled with people who recognize they need God in their lives, another words, imperfect people seeking to learn and grow. The church has great programs for small children and youth through college age. Parking is OK - with available parking south of the freeway and regular buses to drive you up to the church. read more

More churches should have prayer ministers after their services like these people do. Great Music Whom shall I fear and Alpha and Omega are great songs. read more

I grew up here. Love it. It's a small town feel in a mega church. The teaching is intellectual with a heart. You will feel cared for and loved here. read more