I visited this church last weekend and left with so many questions about what they're really up to,…read moreit's unsettling. The moment I entered the compound from the parking lot, I was welcomed by a gentleman wearing an earpiece and directed into the auditorium-style "worship space." Inside, more aggressively cheerful greetings by various folks, including more earpiece-wearers (one of whom carried a visible gun on his waistband and never strayed too far from the side of the pastor who led the day with a Jim Jones-level of dynamic magnetism). When I asked about what kind of church I'd stepped into, the answer was consistently "Christian." This sect is a one of a kind - not affiliated with a larger group like Baptists or Catholics (whose formal worship style and centuries of tradition "pastor Matthew" took a few swipes at during his video-and-light-show-supported talk). The 70 minute "experience we shared together" was extremely well produced and market researched. Showy sets and lights, a soft-rock band playing inoffensive clap-along-and-raise-your-hands songs, and constant stimulation by TV screens showing social-media-ready clips of cheerful, diverse people robotically encouraging you to "get connected" (including via a class that's ominously called "First Steps with Matthew" ... have you learned nothing from the sex scandals of the Catholic Church he mocks)? The diversity is limited to the treacle-filled videos, though. Aside from the single African American woman they put front and center on "the platform" as part of the "praise team," the assembled flock of about three hundred was the white bread, middle-aged type you'd expect at a suburban chamber of commerce meeting. Apparently women have recently been given permission to do some heavily scripted speaking roles in the service, but gays, Democrats, or college educated folks aren't really welcomed here unless they answer pastor Matthew's final end-of-service call to turn away from their sinful lives to join him. Cutting through the (really impressively produced) spectacle, the message of the day was a pretty kindergarden level of Christianity. You sin, but God loves you anyway. A lot. And so does pastor Matthew. Get connected with him and his people. And give money. A lot. That smoke machine isn't cheap, you know.

I was randomly talking to an older woman at Petco and she recommended this church and I have only…read morebeen once since the recommendation but I loved the atmosphere. I would also like to respond to the negative review- I grew up Catholic and even lived in a convent! This is in no way shape or form a Catholic church. My grandfather's family is from North Carolina and they are Baptist - this church is in no way Baptist. From the way the negative review was written it seemed this woman came to church for the sole purpose of causing problems. This is an incredibly popular past time for the recently unemployed bachelor's degree holders with useless majors- or maybe not so useless since these people are pushed in the media. I personally loved the friendly greeters in the parking lot, why the emphasis on the earpieces? And the comparison to Jim Jones shows a complete lack of knowledge of history and cults. I read that this woman is a pro-choicer. This is similar to the gay couples who target Christian bakeries and force them to go bankrupt by taking them to court for not making a gay wedding cake. These people seek out trouble. It is their adrenaline rush. The youth is very lost, which is why we need amazing churches like this to bring the youth back. There are plenty of places that these ignorant (I mean this in the dictionary sense- lack of knowledge) woman could go but she targets the church especially this one because of the kindness of the people. Please let this make us stronger in our faith- we must protect our children for they are being led astray. I honestly do not agree with people protesting at abortion clinics, let those people be, and all the same those people need to either come to church and find Jesus or stop coming to church to be their own preacher of "social justice" (I mean this in the most sarcastic way because killing babies isnt social justice). But this is proof we need to continue the good work of GOD!

Father Herman is one of the most kind and understanding priests I have ever had in all 38 years of…read moremy Orthodox Christianity. Father Herman welcomes all without judgement nor prejudice, and this is especially exemplified by the behavior of all of the parishoners who attend every Sunday. Everyone knows everyone and is always sure to stop and chat in order to catch up. The church is beautiful inside and out with gorgeous icons and handmade woodwork. The architecture will take your breath away, and you will know that you have arrived to pray at the right place.

Attended LaGrange Bible Church this morning for the first time. Everyone was so "genuinely"…read morewelcoming. Thank you for making me feel comfortable. I learned a lot from the Pastor's talk. The music was beautiful! For the time that I am in LaGrange, I will make this my home!

This place is incredible ! I walk in there in one of my darkest hours in my life, the day my wife…read moretried to commit suicide back in 2007 and she was figthing for her life. I was down, very down, but these beautifull people headed by their Pastor sparked back the faith in God in me,. The following day, I was informed my wife was going to be o.k. Besides that nigth, i've only been there again one more nigth, the nigth my wife came out of the hospital, we both thanked the congregation. I haven't had a chance to go back. But, if you are looking for a place to worship the Lord, THIS IS IT ! God bless this incredible place.

What an absolutely wonderful church! Down to earth, very cozy place, and what they teach and preach…read moreis so practical and it just makes you comfortable to be there. Nothing but friendly loving staff, and plenty of opportunities to get involved and to build your knowledge of Christianity. So much negativity in the world, this is a place to come to get built up and to feel great afterwards.

Very enjoyable contemporary service. They had a steel band and the sermon from Pastor Marty was…read morefabulous

The Parkview Christian Church is the best Christian Church that I have ever been to! The services…read moreare inspirational, understandable and make sense! I feel like the church is very welcoming no matter where you are on the religious/Christian Spectrum.

"This feedback pertains specifically to the parking lot egress at the Orland Park location and is…read morenot a reflection on the church itself. Vehicles exit the parking lots at three points onto 183rd Street, resulting in significant traffic congestion and backups during peak times. I strongly suspect that no comprehensive traffic management plan was submitted or approved for this configuration. The church should implement improved traffic control measures to address this issue. In its current state, I seriously doubt an emergency vehicle could navigate through the resulting congestion efficiently.

This is the house of the Lord; let us rejoice and be Glad. This is the feeling you get when you…read morestep in this community of believers becausbecause they treat you how it should be, like family. I especially recommend this place for families, but anyone in general. I love the choir and the leadership that the children take part in. Pastor Sai Ankem is very intelligent, but mostly has God's wisdom and he shares that. He is humble and so friendly, which is hard to find in leaders these days. We drive an hour to get the feeling of joy that this community shares when we are there. Could keep writing on and on... If you are looking for a Bible based church with smiles and love for God, then this church is looking for you! Come rejoice with us!

Of all the Christian churches I've been to this was certainly one of them. :-) The contemporary…read moremusic was radio worthy - the voices, the harmony, the guitars, piano, drums and violin playing. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. We were invited by some friends to join them for the 5pm service on Saturday. (They like the guy who was preaching). We got to the church before them so we walked around. It is certainly a place where you can get involved if you want. They have programs for all kinds of activities and groups. The church is modern, upbeat, and dare I say 'hip'? If you're looking for a group of people wearing their Sunday best and a gray-haired organist playing 8 verses of Amazing Grace, you're at the wrong church (which was pointed out to us by an old timer who was using the excuse his back hurt to leave so he could hang outside while his wife attended the service.) The minister we came to see did deliver a good sermon. It had enthusiasm, passion, sincerity and humor. It wasn't laced with a lot of bible quotes or hellfire. It was delivered to teach, inspire and encourage. If I was looking for a Christian church, this would certainly be one I'd consider.

Amazing service. Have tried different locations and this is the best one. Great people and…read moreatmosphere