Newer member (2 years or so). I grew up in the church but have been apart of quite a few different denominations. I've visited and been apart of 25ish churches so my views may be different than others. Overall, Summit works for my family. We love Summit Church and attend weekly.
Few things I want to note based on my experience and some of the reviews I've read on here:
1) I grew up in a family that tithed above and beyond 10%, so that heart of generosity is instilled in my beliefs. God loves a generous giver. People don't realize the impact of tithing until they do it regularly. Our society as a whole is money-driven, consumeristic, poor with finances. and just self-serving in a lot of ways. There isn't a "forced" view of this from Summit but they do encourage it, as they should.
2) I appreciate that the church as a whole is focused on the now but also the future. I am waiting for revival in this area! Sometimes God calls us to things that doesn't make sense at the time, but God sees the big picture and that's where our own faith comes into play.
3) Pastor Bryan is real. He's a human, just like all of us and has humility. He reaches a multitude of people because of how open and honest he is and (most importantly) because of his understanding of the Bible
Some cons:
4) Youth group: my kiddo enjoys the Wednesday night youth group! It's been great for building connections. I just wish it started a littler earlier & ended a little earlier, Or if they made the last half hour as play time instead of the first half hour. It's hard with school starting so early the next day. The real con: there have been some body shaming/inappropriate language by some of the boys in the youth group and it doesn't seem like things are addressed well when that happens. Parents need to step up with raising their kids and the youth group should have more conversations about the impacts of words and inclusion.
5) I did Rooted and it was amazing. Unfortunately my group didn't turn into a life group and I want to go through it again just to be able to connect to a small group. I miss my Life Groups from other areas and they were really important to me. I'm having a hard time finding a new group that's close to my home. I realize I need to work harder in building community because I don't feel community with others here. I think I'll start with volunteering because in the past, I've always been active/involved in my churches.
6) The worship... *sigh*. I miss the old worship leader. I know my worship is dependent on my heart and many songs I tune out to sing my own words of praise to God. I love songs that are worshipping God (singing to him) and not just about him. I want my words to be directed to God when I praise him. It's hard because so many songs played now are so generic Air1/KLove songs (besides "God Turn it Around"). Some people like that alternative/rock/pop worship but I want songs that pull on my heart strings. Songs that slow down where you can marinate on the words and not just sing song lyrics. I love to worship and my favorite worship pastors were also intercessors. Their time in prayer and communication with God was reflected in their worship. When some of the volunteer singers lead (like the super tall guy), worship is amazing. I am praying for transformation in worship at Summit. I hope that things can slow down and take the focus off the stage/worship pastor and onto God. I agree worship should be fun but the purpose is to praise God. I really hope this is taken in a way of love and doesn't discourage anyone, but instead encourages one to seek God's word and his will over our own. It's taken me awhile to write about worship because I don't want to hurt people, but I do want to see change and transformation. I think the worship leader has strengths in sermons.
I know transformation can happen cause even Alex Berger has transformed the way he preaches. The first time I heard him, there was too much focus on himself and the second time and so on was so transformational. He's improved vastly and puts the focus on the Bible and God with just short , very brief examples to make things relatable to himself and others in the church. He's grown so much as a preacher and it's exciting to see in the church.
Overall, a 5 star doesn't mean the church is absolutely perfect, but it is a wonderful place for us to call home. All of our kids, my husband, and myself enjoy going and we know we'll be apart of this Church for years to come.
I'd take reviews with a grain of salt and try visiting Summit yourself. Personally, before I dismiss a church, I like to attend a few times to see if it is a good fit. We all have a place to belong in God's house though. God has space for you and I hope Summit facilitates that for you. But if not, don't stop searching. God desires to have a relationship with you and to be known by you. He's created you and adores you. He yearns to know you. read more