I went to this church on a wednesday morning to check it out because it said that it was open online. I was planning on visiting on sunday but the interaction I got from the people there was very welcoming and inviting. read more

I think I found my forever church home as the people were welcoming, friendly, and nice. _________________________________________________________ PARKING & LOCATION | [The location of this place is direct when you follow the address, and they have a lot of parking space so I don't think you will have a problem whatsoever.] _________________________________________________________ EXTERIOR & INTERIOR | [The building is a mega-church so it is hard to miss. When you arrive, the road or entrance driveway will take you in front of the church, and then as you will follow it will take you to a parking deck. When you go inside, the place is very huge and if you are newcomer, I would ask for help with directions because you can get lost pretty easily. HaHa.] _________________________________________________________ IS IT CLEAN? | [For the number of people that they have come for the service, it stays pretty clean at times.] _________________________________________________________ FOOD & DRINKS | [They do have a cafeteria area that does get packed easily since it is more of a hangout and gets coffee area type thing.] _________________________________________________________ SERVICE ‍‍| [The service here is very friendly and everyone seems to be very nice. Pastor David Cooper is a pretty amazing guy and very wise in his words. The service is made simple and everyone can enjoy the service that they are looking for. I fell in love with this church because of the way they are organized and how they work. It is simple, organized, and friendly.] _________________________________________________________ OVERALL | [If you are looking for a church to go to for your spiritual peace and getaway, this is the place as it brought a lot of joy to me!] read more

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Best church I have ever attended. People are friendly, Dr Cooper knows the Bible better than anyone I've ever known.

Welcoming and diverse, with a commitment to Biblical teaching, mission outreach and community care. Excellent worship and music, and an engaging children's ministry, with an inclusive Unlimited* ministry for those with disabilities. read more

Attended a service. And decorations are so Beautiful. The people are so friendly and willing to help you locate a great spot for the service. And really any spot is fantastic. I will be back. read more

Pastor Cooper came to give hugs on Father's Day 2021. My dad passed recently and that meant a lot to me. I love how knowledgeable of the scriptures he is and the message is always profound. read more

Mt. Paran Church has been my church since I was 16. I have moved away from Atlanta for periods of time due to my husband's job but I always return to Mt. Paran. Pastor Cooper and staff are amazing! The solid, consistent Biblical teaching is imperative for my family and our growth in our Christian walk. My favorite part is the welcoming spirit and diversity of all. I am so grateful for my home at Mt. Paran. They go above and beyond to welcome you and make you feel like family. Many of my friends have started attending as well over the years. It is a solid place to grow with your whole family from little kids to grandparents. There is something for everyone. They are not political but speak Biblical truth for every situation. Be ready to enjoy some of the best praise and worship you will ever experience! The music ushers you into a spirit of worship and they never scrimp on the time to praise Him. Anyone who doesn't give it a try is missing out! I am so blessed to call this church my home ! read more

Mount Paran Church - Welcome Home! - Churches Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

Free coffee always lol! Mount Paran has been my home church for two years now. It's such a beautiful atmosphere of worship, the choir remains on point throughout the year. Dr. Cooper is one of the most amazing speakers/ ministers I've experienced! he makes you see the Bible from perspectives you haven't even thought about it from. He is very intelligent and has a great memory! If you're in the Atlanta area please do come and visit. 9 AM and 11 AM services and you will not regret it. EVERYTHING that goes off the pulpit is backed up with a scripture. I listen to his podcasts too. For Christmas this is where I've experience the best concerts. read more

Mount Paran Church - Posted in front of one of our beautiful trees! - Churches Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

I have been attending this church since 2007. The word is always good and the membership is diverse the only thing I think it is missing are more interactive ministries at the church regularly that get the congregation involved with one another and engaged and plugged in. I also would like for the Pastor to actually be more visible in the church. You ONLY see him on stage. You NEVER EVER see him engaging with the congregation at all after church in the halls or at any time at all. He is not at all personal like I said I have been there since 2007 and he does not know my name. He should! I SERVE ON THE MINISTRY! SEVERAL OF THEM. At one time I was even on the website! That is actually a shame. Don't get me wrong he's annointed to preach but he needs to meet the flock! read more

This church is my church Home and i LOVE IT ! I've been a member for 7 years, i walked in that one day and never left . I love Pastor Cooper because he preaches right out of gods word. I love the ministries because they spread the word of god and the light to the world . I like the people , the staff and the children's ministry . Come to mount Paran and watch God transform your LIFE . read more

I'm going to begrudgingly give my experience with this church ONE star because the iced tea was cool and refreshing. I actually attended another Wednesday "Thrive" service at this church, which is held in a banquet room, not the main sanctuary. Despite this whole "loving congregation" thing others mentioned in their biased reviews, I certainly didn't get any "warm fuzzy" feeling upon my first or second visits. I definitely think that there should be some discussion among the regular members regarding refraining from being rude and offending people who are visiting the church. On my first visit, I encountered a woman volunteering at the door who basically stared us down and never said a word to us. Not even a "hello" or " come back soon". It was quite rude and we felt unwelcome, but we overlooked her attitude and proceeded to the Connections table where a gentleman was extremely nice and cordial. We did not allow that rude greeter woman to deter us from visiting again. On last night's visit, we arrived at approximately 7:05 PM ( Thrive Wednesday begins at 7 PM), got our seats and began to join the musical praise and worship. At about 7:30-ish PM, a couple arrived late and joined us in our row. Instead of sitting in the two available seats next to a gentleman already positioned where they entered the row, the female attempted to walk in front of us while we were fully engaged in praise and warship. I politely obliged her and moved my purse and tea cup so that she and her companion could pass by. She then stopped and asked me if the seats on the other side of my daughter were available and asked how many seats there were on that side. I told her that I did not know because we were not with the other people sitting on the opposite end of the row. I didn't know if those seats were being saved for family or friends or not but the people at the opposite end were also fully engaged in praise and worship at the time and had their belongings situated already. These would have been appropriate questions for a church usher or a host of some sort since she and her companion arrived late. At any rate, I did not want to quickly and unknowingly encroach on those other people. The female then rudely shot me a look and exclaimed "why don't you just move down then?" Excuse me??? Apparently she left her love and her Holyghost in the church parking deck or at home. First of all, it was very rude and discourteous and disrespectful to engage me in conversation during praise/prayer and worship after she and her male companion had arrived at church late. Then she took a nasty tone and made demands as if I was her child by telling me to "move down." Mind you, she never ASKED me if I minded moving down, she TOLD me to move down. I had to collect my belongings and tell my daughter to try to shuffle down the row. This woman did not care if we ended up with seats or not. The other people in the row then had to quickly pack up and move the items that they had already positioned while they were engaged in praise and worship. Rude woman then offered up a snide sarcastic "thank you". I'm going to say that this was just the devil acting a fool as usual. I absolutely have no problem moving down a seat or two or adjusting myself in anyway possible in order to accommodate another worshiper, however, it's the way that I was rudely approached, interrupted and demanded to move that offended me. I had heard that people were not all that nice at Mount Paran, but I didn't believe it until I'd twice experienced it for myself. The church Assistant Pastor Rainwater responded to my feedback this morning. (His office had previously sent me an email thanking me for my initial visit and requested feedback. I obliged with a response after this second encounter. ) He offered up the excuse that the rude latecomer woman must have also been a visitor. He failed to address his thoughts about the rude door greeter, who is obviously a church member. Despite the fact that Pastor Rainwater thinks that ONLY visitors are capable of being discourteous, he cannot be so blind to think that ALL of his members behave appropriately and godly 100% of the time. I'm sure they are mindful when being watched by church leaders, however, it was my personal experience that not all of the members care who's watching and they are certainly not all loving and exude that " warm fuzzy" feeling to visitors. And especially not the door greeter woman who has volunteered to serve on the frontline representing the congregation when visitors arrive and depart. Perhaps a refresher about Christian attitude and politeness is warranted for those holding this special responsibility for Mount Paran. I'm just saying... read more

Awesome experiences for the last year. Cant say enough great comments about the Pastor's sermons, staff, volunteer opportunities and facilities. I have neighbors with middle aged kids that have even enjoyed the missionary trips. Thank you Mt. Paran Church! God bless you'll, continued blessings. read more

Mount Paran Church - Churches Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

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We were stuck in SnowJam '14 at the on ramp to 75N, near Northside Parkway/West Paces Ferry/75. Left my office at 2:45p on Tuesday, and got home to Kennesaw at 12:45p on Wednesday. After getting stuck in ice with about 100 other people and cars, we spent the night in our car. We saw some people walking, but had no idea where they were going. It was a night of not seeing any city or state truck of ANY sort, no Red Cross van, nothing. As day broke, a nice gentleman came to our car and told us that there was food, restrooms, blankets, etc. at the church just over the hill. We were skeptical about walking in the ice, but after debating it, the call for a non-wilderness restroom got us. We slid up to the church. It was a burst of beautiful, loving, sunshine. You could feel the warmth and care in your soul. The church is stunningly beautiful. We went in and were immediately welcomed with scrambled eggs, cheese grits, coffee, various teas- and numerous, beautiful, clean restrooms! They even have a Starbucks (!!), but it wasn't open. There was PLENTY of seating space, places you could lay down, electrical outlets, and blankets. As it turns out, the church was open the night before, they fed people, talked with them, and took care of them. The church staff was diverse. I saw White people and Black people working side by side- and enjoying it! They were all so KIND. When someone announced that a firetruck had brought some people up from "the hill" (where we were all stuck), they said, "oh, there's more people coming, let's get some more eggs going, and let's maybe start another pot of grits". I saw on the news this morning that Georgia Department of Transportation is using Mt. Paran's (of course!) massive parking lots as staging areas to pick up people and take them to their abandoned cars on the North side of town. See? That's just who Mt. Paran is. There's a lovely spirit in this church. These people "get it". HELP people. Be of good cheer. LOVE your neighbor. I've never thought of this church before, but I've already made a donation online, AND- get ready- I think I may visit on a Sunday, as I am currently seeking a church home. Thank you, Mt. Paran, for a beautiful experience! read more

Mt. Paran is the huge church off of I-75. No, not the gigantic, tall one. That's Church of Apostles. I mean the one on the other side of I-75. It's more of a college campus than a tall building. They have a ton of members and visitors. So parking can be a nightmare. I would just park in the office park next door (which they allow for overflow church parking) instead of the parking deck. Sure, you have to walk farther, but it makes the drive out easier. Also, they have shuttles to shuttle your fat butt if you're too lazy to walk. During popular, Church going holidays like Easter and Christmas, the parking situation gets brutal. Mt. Paran usually have to rent a parking lot in the IBM Office Park or elsewhere to fit everyone in. They have two service times: 9 AM, and 11:15 AM for the more lazy people. I'm too lazy, and I find the 11:15 AM too early. They also have a smaller, Wednesday night service at 7PM. Their worship music seems well done to me. They have amazing singers. Some churches do rock songs, contemporary Christian Pop, Hymns, etc. Mt. Paran's worship music is more on the gospel side. Sure, they sing some hymns and Christian pop music, but mostly it's Gospel inspired. Their chorus and orchestra sound good. Dr. Cooper is amazing pastor. He is a very good public speaker. He was raised as a Presbyterian, but his theology seems based more on Arminianism. Dr. Cooper's preaching style seems more topical than exegetical. I guess for large churches like Mt. Paran, that attracts more seekers, topical sermons seems like the norm. Although, I recall times where he showed his skills in hermeneutics. Dr. Cooper should do that more often. So Dr. Cooper's sermons are topical. And I do enjoy them most of the time. However, I do recall him conveniently leaving out certain parts of Scripture to make his point on the topic he was preaching. I will give him the benefit of doubt that those occurrences are rare. The congregation looks like a multi-cultural crowd. They have whites, blacks, Indians, a few East Asians, etc., Mt. Paran doesn't seem to have one predominant race, which I find it refreshing and good. However, I don't see many people under 30. Just like the growing trend in society, it seems like a lot of 20-something Americans are not into church. Or they just go to Buckhead Church with their friends. Mt. Paran's denomination is Church of God, which is based off of Pentecostal traditions. So they seem more "spiritual" compared to the frozen chosen of Presbyterians. So you might see some people getting into their worship. Sometimes, they have people speaking in tongues too. However, it's more "controlled." When someone speaks in tongues, they have someone to interpret it as well. read more

I just can't believe I'm the first to write this review! Mt. Paran is a great place to worship. Dr. Cooper the pastor of Mt. Paran is amazing in his preaching. I can't say enough great things about this man of God. When I first came to Atlanta close to 2 years ago now....I was amazed at how many churches where in Atlanta to choose from and how huge the churches were! I was a little overwhelmed with it all at first. I am a city girl from DC but our churches are more small in size per say. My friends were already members at Mt. Paran and told me to join them one Sunday morning. And let's say: Glad I did indeed. WOW! Dr. Cooper talks about life and things we maybe going through and he translate these feelings with scriptures from the bible. The church is large in size but for some reason you don't feel like another number and it don't feel like a "show". I love the Café'...the breakfast food before service is the best! I am a grits girl and Mt. Paran grits for breakfast are thick and creamy and hhhhmmmmm goooood! I def feel at home here.... read more

I have been hesitant to write a review for Mt. Paran because I feel like there is nothing that I can say that will appropriately convey the awesomeness of this church. I was turned off to church at a very young age and it wasn't until last year that I began to explore my faith as an adult. My husband and I had a church in Phoenix that we attended and loved but when he moved here to marry me we had to find a church in Atlanta. We went to a few different places but they didn't feel right. At the recommendation of my husband's friend we went to Mount Paran. From the first service I knew this was going to be the place for us. Before Dr. Cooper even said anything I was impressed by the diversity of the congregation. You will find every ethnicity here at every age. I love looking around on Sundays and seeing all the different cultures coming together to worship. The messages are amazing. This is straight from the bible stuff. There is no hidden agenda. There aren't any random tangents. Dr. Cooper "keeps it real" and has a gift for delivering the messages from the bible on an understandable level that anyone can relate to. I leave every Sunday feeling enriched and like I have a better understanding for myself and the people around me. This is truly a great church. read more

I visited here with a friend of my awhile ago, and I really enjoyed it. Diverse, multi-cultural group of friendly people. The pastor gave a good word, and was a "teacher" and great speaker as another reviewer pointed out. I enjoy being able to have tangible take-aways, which the pastor gives. The is a very large church, so there are parking decks, not just lots. Depending on the service you're trying to attend you may want to come a little early. This seems like such an awesome church to be a member of, whether you're a young couple, single, older family, etc. I'lld definitely be visiting here again soon and will add more details. read more

For anyone looking for a solid, scripture-based place to worship and serve, please come visit! Like myself, just 8 years ago, you will be welcomed warmly and in Christian love. Being single, and new to Atlanta not too long ago, I knew after a few visits that this was going to be my home. Our church is multi-cultural, and it is beautiful. Our services are not built around a personality, as many mega-churches seem to be. No, Pastor David (Cooper) points every message, every listener to Jesus. He has a gift for teaching, and scripture that I've wrestled with or glossed over throughout the years have become clear. Do you need loving? Do you need hope? Who doesn't? Come join us....there are young and old, new believers and those who've walked with God for decades. When we worship, we worship equally. There is a wonderful humility and willingness to serve others at Mt. Paran. Come with your family, or come alone. You can observe from the balcony, or sit right down front. Either way, you will be so glad you came. I've struggled with some tough stuff during my new life in Atlanta, and every time I leave the services, I am lifted up and I have HOPE for a new week. Check out the services online too! (but know it's 100x's better in person). read more

This has been our church for the past 4 years! We love it! Friendly, loving and inviting congregation and staff!

there are a lot of places to worship, but in this big church are lots of groups to belong to that make it feel like it's small. One thing you'll always walk away with is being satisfied. Pastor Cooper's messages are always anointed and the love of God is ever present in this house of worship! read more

Mount Paran Church - Anointed messages found here! - Churches Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

In Atlanta, there are churches on every corner and I've visited many. For nearly a decade, the prosperity message has dominated and filled the pews with eager believers. I heard Dr. Cooper by listening to radio broadcasts before deciding to visit Mt. Paran (because this man of God can preach)! The campus is large but upon entering I found a diversity of people that are warm and friendly. The choir leads praise and worship without dramatics or a single individual seeking personal attention. The words to all songs are visible on large screens which encourages participation with the choir. Dr. Cooper's messages are biblically based and full of real life application. I am impressed. My total drive is 45 minutes but it's well worth it because you will grow spiritually. read more

1.) I LOVE Dr. Cooper's messages. 2.) The orchestra is fantastic! 3.) The choir is great! BUT: The music is LOUD!!!! Way too loud!! Did I mention that it's LOUD? I wear ear plugs (!!) and it is still painful. A woman sitting near me was wearing shooter's ear protection! Really. They know it is loud because they actually provide ear plugs! In 67 years of attending many churches I have never seen that. The choice of songs is very subjective, but the choir director seems to think that any song, backed up by that great orchestra, will be great if you play it loud enough and repeat a verse 8 or 9 or 10 or 11 or 12 times. It's not. Sometimes I think they just make up their own songs because I rarely hear anything I am familiar with, and I'm old..... My girlfriend and I are considering just arriving in time for the message. We LOVE Dr. Cooper's messages, although I am starting to feel that there is a personality cult developing here. If you value your long-term hearing, wear the ear plugs. If you don't care about permanent damage, skip them. Please don't misunderstand my comments: As long as you are prepared to be acoustically assaulted, this is a fantastic church. read more

A great place to receive the word of God. I started visiting this church 13 yrs ago, before making the move from Philadelphia, and I am glad I made this church my place of worship. Dr. Cooper is an instrument of God; he speaks from the bible, and the choir is anointed. I now live in Canton, and I still attend this church. Mount Paran is a multicultural church, everyone is personable and most importantly, the word of God is preached from the pulpit. read more

Mount Paran is possibly the greatest church that I have ever been to! Dr. Cooper really knows the word of Christ, and is also respectful and well-educated on many world religions. I have learned so much more from his sermons than I could have ever expected to. The church is interactive and involved worldwide to share it's message. If you are looking for a church that is warm and friendly, and has a pastoral staff that inspires you to be a better person and love yourself, then this is the place for you. read more

Amazing church with a very at-home and family feel.! The members are very welcoming and the staff are always glad to see you.

One of the best churches I've ever been to. Met my wife here and dr cooper married us AND dedicated my first baby

Mount Paran Church is absolutely amazing. I have attended several other churches in Atlanta and this one is by far my favorite. The messages are always super insightful and educational. This church, unlike may others, is not all about entertainment nor are they overly concerned with being hip (although their music is astounding). The focus feels traditional, which I love. The choir and full band is so talented. read more

Went to Mt Paran Church of God for the first time and really liked it. Good spirit filled church with humble knowledgeable preacher and multi-cultural attendance, plus they have a Wed night service I can also go to, and try some of their Sunday School classes too. I like that they are a missions focused church. read more

What an awesome church. Even if you are one of those who say "Church isn't for me..." - then you may need to come try out Mt. Paran. This is truly an environment for all people. No matter what your race, color, gender or background - Mt. Paran loves and accepts everyone here and offers something for everyone. With great music that is truly inspired by God, to the wonderful message presented right from the bible from Dr. Cooper - I have been impressed with Mt. Paran since the first time I walked in. You can even watch one of the services online to get a feel for it as well. Whether you go in person or view online - I strongly encourage you to do so. read more

I love this church! It is a loving,awesome church. Words can not express my love for this church and everyone involved.The best thing about moving to Atlanta a year ago was finding Mount Paran . If you're looking for an awesome experience go to a service. read more

Solid Christian teaching; engaging worship; diverse, (mostly) Jesus-loving crowds. This is a church we love to visit on occasion (we live across town and attend a smaller community church.) Yes, you will possibly be disturbed in worship from people arriving late and expecting you to move over. We sit in the balcony to decrease our chances of having to be disturbed. Parking is a bottleneck; get there 30 minutes before you think you need to. Consider parking at the office complex next to the church (shuttle buses will run you to the sanctuary, and you won't get stuck in the parking deck.) Also, there ARE some sound issues; they aren't paying for top quality sound personnel, and (separate issue) I agree it can be too loud. However, the atmosphere of worship is incredible--we really sense the Holy Spirit's presence. As for someone who wrote that she had to pay to park at Mount Paran for Lemonade Days--I believe she has this church confused with another one. If she was attending the secular festival called Lemonade Days (held at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody), she would have parked at one of the church lots near there. This church is located inside the perimeter near Smyrna, across town from Dunwoody. read more

My family and I have been attending Mount Paran since its founding more than 100 years ago. Mount Paran has really become like family to me and I cannot see myself attending anywhere else. The music is incredible, like none other and Dr. Cooper is so knowledgeable in the scriptures. I encourage anyone from anywhere to come in and enjoy your experience at Mount Paran; all are welcome. read more

SCAMMING PEOPLE OUT OF MONEY. When I came to park for lemonade days they said the normal parking was closed so the only option was to park at the church. When I pulled up a kid said "we're taking donations of $10-20" and I kindly declined. I don't have an extra $10 to just give away, especially to a church, they get enough donations. So the kid yells over "she doesn't have cash" and the lady was like "well can we swipe your card." And I was confused at this point. I said I did Not want to donate and they were still trying to get money from me. So I said "are you required to pay to park is is this an optional donation?" Obviously the two cannot coexist. It's either a donation or not, donations are voluntary so if I have to give you my money it's NOT a donation and you should change the sign. She didn't answer the question she just said something like "well we need money" and I said "I'm broke" and this she proceeded so say "So is our food pantry..you must have some money a lemonade is $6 over there" . Now I'm mad. I don't like people telling me I NEED to give them money for ANYTHING. Unless it's a SERVICE I want. PARKING was free, or maybe it was not but it did not explicitly say you had to pay to park it said DONATIONS...which by definition are voluntary so parking was free. Unless they were lying and it wasn't "donations", that's the only other option. I ended up giving her a dollar and I'm still mad because she never answered the question and she wanted to get smart with me like I should feel bad for not donating. No one in this country is starving honey the poorest people are the fattest it's so easy to get an EBT card everyone has one. I would know...I work at Publix. read more

Very good spiritual church. Worship and powerful word of God. Have two services, 9 and 11:15 am every Sunday. Always love to attend this church. The church has worship culture blended with contemporary and modern. read more

I was at first influenced by Dr.Cooper's preaching while living in Athens,Ga.When I moved to Atl. to attend school I took a couple of tapes with me .Eventually he(Dr.Cooper) accepted his current position as Pastor and I went to Mt.Paran.I have attended a few edifying services where other teachers and preachers have spoken and have been quite blessed.However i must say(and others agree) there is something about the anointing of Spirit that is felt in services where Dr.Cooper preaches.Thank you Mt.Paran for being there all these years.Praise God and Hallelujah. read more