LGBTQ POC here if there are any reviews saying this church is homophobic or xenophobic that's simply not the case. I have attended here 25 plus times when I was church hoping and find an atmosphere of love to be present. Do they condone or morally support alternative lifestyles? No, but are they hateful racist and sexist? Absolutely not. We as Christians need to remember alternative lifestyles are not biblical, no matter how much scripture twisting we do. This church should be a little more aggressive in the culture war but other than that its sound doctrine. read more

Started going to Austin Stone in college and really liked the variety of speakers and how much effort they put into the celebration of love for God. However, I was turned away when I shared my beliefs that people should be able to marry who they love, including same sex couples, and they said that thought process would "make a dangerous environment" for our other parishioners. This ultimately was the last straw that pushed me away from church. read more

I attended both the St. John location and the Travis High school locations for some of 2016 and most of 2017. I was invited by some old college friends to attend and was very impressed with the amazing production values, the good coffee, the occasional donut/cupcake/macaron breakfast, the organized MC community, and the kind folks that make up Stone's attendees. New to Austin, I dove right into the MC groups and attended regular volleyball sessions, bible studies, dinners, and other fun social activities. So why the 1 star review? Everything about the church worship, from the sound systems, the lights, the stage design, the live bands, is amazing. But when I learned more about the MC missions, and the head pastors' theology, I realized that the organization was selling a false narrative to lure in young impressionable Austinites. Austin Stone's theology is extremely homophobic and xenophobic. Matt (the head pastor) holds ultraconservative views on women, race, sex, and lgbtqia. In most of the sermons of 2017, Matt would time and again point out that women were to act in service to men. Matt stated that abortion was murder, and that both husband and wife and all who assisted or approved of terminating pregnancies should be stoned to death as the bible reads. Matt preached that MCers that go out to foreign nations to convert them, should remember that ultimately they are Americans, and should not be swayed or misled by the "tempting vices" that other cultures exhibited. Matt preached that "true marriage" was only between a man and a woman. And that anything else was simply a sham ruse and perversion of God's divine mandate. Any opinions that differed from Matt's teaching, and would not bend to attempts at "group convincing sessions" was silenced and outcast. If you are someone who cares about diversity, equality, and inclusion, then avoid Stone and get the heck out of dodge. They may have decked out churches, coffee, and amazing sound systems, but their theology is wack. Yelp took down my original review per Stone's media team's request and asked that I write a more specific review of my experience. I have done so here. read more

Had to laugh when I saw this 1 star review below which claimed "Austin Stone's theology is extremely homophobic and xenophobic", "preaches abortions is murder". Sounds like a review copied right out of a Liberal Political Slander and Cancel Manual phrasebook. What's next - "they hurt my feelings..." read more

Wow. Ratings for churches? Never thought I'd be posting a church review, but here it goes... The Austin Stone is not a place to go if you are seeking to be comfortable in your current life, hear watered down truth, or sit quietly while a harp plays. This is a church that is focused on shaking things up. Yes, it is a huge church. 4 services--9AM, 11:15AM, 5PM and 7PM. It meets in the gym at Austin High School--each service has the same message, but has it's own personality. 9AM is a little more quiet, 11:15 is packed with a lot of visitors, 5PM is mostly young families or young professionals/college age, and 7PM is mostly young professionals and college students (and usually the loudest). First and foremost with the partners and regular attendees...the pastors challenge people to not be okay with sitting on the sidelines. Joining the church is not called membership, rather partnership--as they said it's not a country club where you pay dues and can come and go. They ask people to be a partner on mission with the church. And as partners, to take responsibility in serving the church The church really encourages people to be a church FOR the city of Austin, an advocate per-se. People that at a heart level care about the well being of Austin. Powerful and dynamic worship is a part of every service...it is not meant to be a show or one-sided, rather a time to focus on Jesus. The "rock band" feel--yes, it's loud. But listen to the words. Listen to the worship leader and the passion they have, their focus. Grab a pair of the free ear plugs in the foyer if it's too loud. Another key focus of the church is for people to get plugged in--to be in a small group of believers (over 250 groups across the city!) to create core relationships, keep eachother accountable, and serve together. They know that this church is big and that it's easy to get lost. There is a group of people at the church called the connections team that works in responding to visitors--welcoming them, and helping get them plugged in. Each fall and spring the church offers "get trained" classes on various topics. I've taken 3 different classes--each one has challenged me and taught me a ton. If people have just started attending (or don't attend / live far away) sermons are available online on the webiste or via podcast for free. It's nice bc if you're out of town, you can still catch the sermon. Lastly, the pastors and staff all are genuine people. They don't claim to be parfect. They willingly admit faults. Sermons are packed with verses and not just warm fuzzies and self promoting fluff. The goal is to push people towards God and challenge them to grow. The church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention and the Acts 29 Network. Reformed theology is taught. Long story short--I've been to all different sized churches and all different denominations. My mantra has been to go where there are authentic people and where Jesus is preached. It never really mattered to me what denomination the church was. The Austin Stone has been a God send...literally. I moved down here a little over a year ago from the midwest, not knowing anyone. The Austin Stone was where I found genuine people seeking Christ together. read more

I felt I was racially profiled at the Austin Stone Downtown. I was questioned by police officers, and frisked, because of "suspicious behavior." I was informed by Student pastor Steve that it happens regularly. Which is very concerning. I introduced myself to a girl named Riley. I told her that I was Tax accountant. She informed me that she was in the Woman's Missionary Community. I asked what it was. Her: It's like a Ph.D in theology, and I'm going on mission. Me: Se Habla Espanol? Her: No Me: Where are you going to do your mission? Her: Germany Me: Spreken ze deutsch. Her: No Me: it's going to be hard to convert any Germans if you don't speak the language. I was not engaged with the sermon. I opened my notebook, and took some notes, and doodled. Riley left, came back, and then asked me to watch her coffee, and left again. I walked out of the gym. Officer Rick, Luis, and Steve the pastor stopped me. They directed me to a curtained off section. They questioned me went through my fanny pack, frisked me, felt my genitals, and made me feel guilty that I was suspicious, and didn't even apologize to me. The most concerning thing is that Steve said they do this all the time. Congregation is mostly white. I am young darker Hispanic Male. read more

First let me admit I am one of those folk who can find something wrong anywhere I go. Just my personality. I did like the music, though a bit loud. The doctrine was good but I found it a bit Hyper - Calvinist. I am a 4.75 point Calvinist but these guys seemed a full five. And you find quickly they do not allow disent, even mild disent. Lastly I attempted to find a small group and was actually turned down because of my age. Yep. At 51 I was too old. That was the reception I got. I still find it ok. It is for younger folks, hence the loud music and Community Group age constraints. Austin needs all the help it can get, so if they change one person's mind for Christ, then it is by definition good. read more

I found this "church" to be far more worried about being "hip and relevant" than a place to grow closer to God. It certainly could be considered a fun place to meet some very nice people - if that's what you are going for...I was disappointed, since that was not my goal. I wasn't thrilled with how the staff treated my youngest child either. I didn't get the feeling they were very experienced with children... maybe because this is more of a college person's hang out? Hopefully things have changed...but my experience was not good. read more

Just a little background I had in church growing up: I went to a small Chinese church with roughly 200 members. It was small enough to where everyone knew each other and it was very personal. I experienced culture shock the first time I was at the Stone. It was strange enough that it was held in a high school gymnasium. Then there was the crowd. I suck at estimating, but I'm guessing there was a good 800 people in that one service alone. The place was packed and pretty much every seat and bleacher filled up. It was much different than what I was used to. Then we started worship and I forgot about all of this. The closest thing I can compare worship at the Stone is maybe a Passion conference or anything Intervarsity. With that many people around you singing praise at the same time it's a very moving experience. Sure, there's a commercialized feel to it, but it does it's job in preparing your heart for the Lord. As for the sermons Matt Carter is great at getting the message across. He's not afraid of talking about tough issues and backs everything up with scripture. I usually can't find myself keeping my attention on any one thing for too long, but I don't have trouble following his messages from beginning to end. He's not the only pastor there and they occasionally bring in people to share. Right now they are going through a mini summer series where they are getting pastors from around the country and every service I've listened to has helped me grow. Even though I'm not getting the same intimate relationships I would if I went to a smaller church I still feel that my relationship with God is strong. Isn't that the most important thing? Each church is going to have it's pros and cons, and Stone definitely delivers. read more

I grew up going to christian school and church and once I left the school I felt ostracized. I always felt a connection to God but never to a church until the Austin Stone. I moved to TX without knowing anyone and I thought it would be a good time to dive deeper into faith and meet like minded people. I truly have never felt a connection to a church like I have the Stone. I read these reviews all the time and am always cautious of them but honestly, I have no words to describe the impact this church had on me. I have since moved back home because while I loved the church, the city itself was tough for me to adjust too. While in CA I'm still looking for a church with half of the community, feel, and passion I felt when attending the Stone. I miss it all the time and I hope you have as great of an experience as much as I did. read more

The Austin stone is nationally known for its teaching. Great church. If you want to be equipped and trained to do the work god called you to do, this is it. Community is hard when there are thousands of people, but it's the churches job ( you ) to get connected and connect others. read more

I feel a bit odd writing a review of a church on yelp, but since others have opined, I guess I will as well. I grew up in a fairly large church, and drifted from faith in my early 20s. I attended smaller churches and larger churches, but never felt at home anywhere. Then I found the Austin Stone. It gets a bad rap sometimes for being so large, but the church genuinely makes a concerted effort to bridge the gap between newcomer and community. The model for the church is constantly changing, and the pastoral staff are always seeking ways to make easier, more direct contact with the church body. Most of my issues that I had with the church diminished over time. Everyone has his/her own idea of what the perfect church situation would look like--but it's not realistic to assume this will happen on one's first visit to a new church. What's important in a church is vision and doctrine, both of which are clearly stated in just about every Sunday sermon. It's reformed doctrine (meaning, it adheres the the concept of total inerrancy of the Bible) and it's vision statement is "A new testament church existing for the supremacy of the name and purpose of Jesus Christ." What's more important than Sunday gatherings is what happens during the week, outside church proper. My missional community is where I've truly gotten to know people and experienced radical life-change. This church will not do the leg-work for you. You have to be proactive. However, if you put in 10% effort, you'll get 200% back, guaranteed. Come give the Stone a try, I know we'd all love to see you. read more

Today I finally ventured into Austin Stone...I've been putting it off after months of hearing amazing things about it. The worship was great, the message was good, but my main question is why is a MEGA church like Austin Stone STILL meeting in a high school gym? buy/build a building already, PLEASE! Lord knows they have the money. I had to leave after the sermon because my bum was tired of sitting on a folding chair for so long. I do intend on continuing to go & even join a class but next time I'll wear more comfy clothes! read more

The Stone may feel like a "rock show" at first, as some reviewers noted. But the heart of this place is not how awesome its musical worship experience is, I promise you that. There is a greater happening here at the Stone. Want evidence? Don't just look at inside church. Instead, look at what its doing outside of the worship service: http://www.austinstone.org/serve/ and http://www.forthecity.org/. Consider the number of orphans adopted, students mentored, hungry people fed, broken places healed, and souls saved. Things are happening. Get involved and you'll realize that the Stone isn't about fancy worship and a great sermon. It's about worshiping Christ by changing your own life and the lives of others. read more

I hate to see the ratings for this church go down because of closed-mindedness so I'm going to do my best to be political - yet honest about this community church. My first year at UT i had gone church hopping because I wanted to make sure that I was comfortable in the place in which i sought my spiritual food. Everyone had told me to try this place and I had been reluctant at first because i didn't want to just go here and settle, but after weeks of going to different services, I decided i hadn't found my niche yet. So i go to ASCC and can honestly say, WOW. I grew up in a church with ~200 members and recently moved to an even smaller church with ~50 members, before college. I've been to Mega churches (Prestonwood and Lakepointe) and though this isn't as large in number, on any scale it contends. Worship is AMAZING. I won't lie - that is the one thing that set this church apart from the others for me. It DOES feel like a Christian rock concert, loud, but in a good way. Sometimes all the noise and crap of the world needs to be tuned out. :) And the current Pastor, is both wise and speaks with such a passion that you cannot help but be moved. He's hilarious and by no means, lives in an ivory tower. He speaks with such authority yet does not intimidate you. The church has done some great work since its establishment, and continues to be a blessing to Austin community. And to those who have found the services to be a "rock show" i will say this: For many people, going to church SHOULD be rock show where they are so moved by what they feel that their emotion and praise cannot be contained. Perhaps this kind of service is too contemporary or unconventional for some, but i will say that it IS a place where one can grow closer to God. To me, my walk with God IS "hip and relevant." Downsides: Service is held in a highschool gym...so it's always PACKED. Go early to avoid the inevitable traffic. I always freak out because the church is right off the highway and that means even with traffic, there's going to be SOMEONE driving 50mph (probably because they're late for church. lol). There ARE multiple services though, so that's a remedy. read more

I'm not interested in bashing any church, and I think Austin Stone is actually doing a decent job for a mega-church. But it is definitely a mega-church. There is no getting around the fact that it is huge. I went there for about a month, and I have no complaints. I went to a friendly "small" group (averaged about 35 people every week) and met some good folks. I needed a place that was smaller and more focused on social justice and the arts, and I found a church where I'm very happy. The Austin Stone just wasn't for me, but I know several other people who have found a home there. If you like contemporary praise and worship and a larger setting, then you may like this church. read more

austin stone is a quickly growing ministry that provides balanced worship with solid theology. AS also offers tremendous level of public service and encourage significant level of adoption and foster care which is clearly observed by my wife and i when we first came to visit. despite the quick growth, AS pastoral team and staff have been doing a fantastic job in staying organized. with growth come with many learning experience i'm sure but compared to other 'mega' churches around, it's the most progressive and diverse we've experienced. one great thing about AS is their casual environment/atmosphere but with serious approach to worship and faith. as with most large church, one will have to take the initiative to get involved which AS offers plenty of opportunity to do so. read more

I travel 80%of the time for my work and I seek out a service to attend in each city that I am in. Being led to Austin Stone was such a blessing today. Austin Stone is truly a conduit of The Truth of God. From the Holy Spirit saturated praise and worship, to the biblical foundation of the message I heard, I highly recommend Austin Stone to those who are hungry for Christ. If there were more stars Id click more! God please continue to pour your spirit out at Austin Stone! -Scott Callaway read more

7pm Sunday service is my favorite! Lots of college students and that makes for a very vibrant energetic congregation. The holy spirit is alive in here! Summary: LOTs of people rocking out to well written spiritually inspired tunes performed by talented musicians. Chris Tomlin. No church choir or gospel music here. Sermon is bible based, simple and still very inspiring and uplifting. Not too long and video screens make it easy to see from any seat. Speaking of seats.. they are fold up chairs. If the sermon was any longer.. they could be a problem. But it's not, so they aren't. Getting connected can be a bit of challenge.. there are so many people in the congregation that I rarely bump into friends. You can join a small group by first logging in online and then searching for a group which is difficult at first. I visited about 5 groups before settling in one and I have been attending the same "missional community" for over a year. :) Oh yeah.. it's in a gym, which makes me feel like a child again.. Being in the presence of my Holy Father.. how appropriate!! read more

Love love love !!! Will be back every Sunday night. Love the atmosphere and LOVE how fired up Jeff is about the word of God. When I agreed to go to Austin stone I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I knew I wanted to experience something different. I loved everything about it and this Sunday night service will now be my place of worship! So happy I was introduced to Austin Stone!! read more

I attend the Austin Stone South Campus. Prior to this year I came about 3-5 times a year. Recently, I have been coming every week I possibly can. The music touches my soul and the praise and singing really connects me with my lord and savior. I highly recommend this church if you are finding your way in your walk of faith and aren't looking for anything too aggressive. They are friendly, loving, have a great kids program, a cool app, lots of events and the best part of all you can come as you are and not feel judged. read more

I've been trying unsuccessfully for almost three months now to break into the cliques at this church. I've gone to several events, joined a small group, volunteered to help with tear down and set up.... And yet I still feel completely left out. There is nothing lonelier than attending a service and having not a soul speak to you. I really like their services and the music, as well as the preaching. However, the people here make me feel the same way I did at church back in high school so long ago. I just feel like I either don't fit in or perhaps I'm just not the kind of person they want attending their church. I decided today after being ignored at church by the very people who were so friendly to me in the past that I won't go back again. read more

I used to be a member at Village Church in Highland Village and when I moved to Austin everyone said Austin Stone was just like the Village. I found this church to be more like a ROCK SHOW then an actual worship service. When it came to the actual sermon it was boring and all over the place. Maybe they should spend less time rocking out and more time focusing on the message. read more

If you're new to considering a relationship with God or revisiting your "religion" after a decade of trying everything else (like me), or maybe you already love Jesus and are looking for elders who are constantly in the Word and praying to help lead you; all or any of the above - you should absolutely check out this church! Don't let the 5+ different locations at various schools confuse you - it's just a church for the city so instead of building a "mega church" they serve us each and every Sunday in convenient places near your side of town. What makes this church different? -The pastors and elders of this church are open, honest, and transparent about their own sin and their continual walk with Jesus to repent of that sin. They're not perfect and they don't pretend to be. -They don't preach just to hear themselves talk, they walk through life with you. They leave no stone unturned- discussing all the things many of us struggle with, including sex, porn, addictions, pride, greed, you name it - they're willing to go there. -They help you learn about the grace and love of Jesus and how he can change your life for the better. They help you understand you're incapable of changing your life on your own and that until you accept Jesus into your heart, your life will not be able to look different. You're not expected to "follow the rule book" or live this perfect life before you get to come and learn more about Jesus. -As a result of the above - they are not like other churches where they claim "everyone is welcome" and then give you weird, judgy stares when you walk in (like maybe you've experienced like me a time or three), but the people of the Austin Stone actually genuinely welcome "messed up" people, "different" people, people who have a lot of questions and are skeptical, people who are the farthest from living out a perfect life, etc. They welcome you and help you seek out the answers to those tough questions and they're going to be so darn nice to you you're going to want to keep coming back regardless of how mad or confused you might be with God at the given time (again just speaking from experience here). :) In conclusion - don't wait until you "fix" your life on your own. Get here, get plugged in with a small group of normal people you'll enjoying hanging out with (Sundays can be a little overwhelming because this church is growing fast!), and start exploring what God has in store for you. It's not by accident you're reading this! Go learn more about Jesus as he is certainly working, living, and breathing through this group of people at the Austin Stone. read more

The music and teaching at Austin Stone are great, but the people are not friendly at all, which is really disheartening. I'm new to Austin, and I tried this place out on four different occasions at different services and locations, and nobody ever once made an effort to talk to me, even when I purposely lingered just looking for even one person to talk to. And after the services are over, everyone immediately flocks out and leaves with their little cliques, which makes it near-impossible to ever speak to another human being unless you already know someone. Austin Stone honestly has no sense of community, which is ironic with all their talk about reaching the city, being the church, etc. If you can't even create a welcoming environment for people that walk in the door looking for fellowship and refuge, how do you think you're ever gonna reach a lost city? I had honestly hoped for more from Austin Stone based on what I was told about it. I really tried to give it a chance, and I wanted to like it, but it seems to be more show than actual substance, which is really sad. Like I said, the preaching is strong and the music is vibrant and full of truth, but the people leave much to be desired. Unfortunately, unless you already know someone who brings you to Austin Stone, you will most likely experience the same thing I did. I think what it really comes down to is the fact that Austin Stone is a mega church, and like most other mega churches, it has become more like consumer religion than an actual body of Christ. read more

It is very politically infused. We went for quite a long time. Every sermon is about some political agenda that they manage somehow to sprinkle in. They tied book of Jonah to current politics somehow, not mentioning a single word that it is profoundly prophetic book about death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that He himself was talking about. Pathetic approach! Some pastors are better than others yet don't expect noticeable Christian growth. No. At all. Revamp your blessed emotions - yes! Calm your conscience kinda yes! Why? Some of the pastors are so to say wannabes and don't seem to have any background in theology, if they do it is very shallow, because they quote wrong passages , they bring up politics in the sermon, and not much Biblical references, knowledge of Judaic and Christian history, not much experience working with people who are in search for God etc. Leaders of small group don't go through training. I have noticed that pastors' wives don't work, with Austin cost of living the pastors I guess they are not some cheap guys. This gives me a picture who tithe who and why they have so many locations and times slots all over Austin. Cristian chain fast food church. When you see generations of non employed with full time church jobs pastors it creates not healthy parasitic climate. This is my observation compared to many of churches in USA and the world. Also, they are affiliated with southern baptist convention- and this is a shady organization who sponsors not exactly Christian values. Looks like Austin stone is a lucrative non for profit model for inner circle. Its targeted population is mainly young students, they will eat anything if you mix in some cool music and feeling good vibes. And parents are happy that their precious baby is not with bad guys. As a born again Christian this church gave me nothing I can go and share. This church felt like a political religion pop club not as Christianity. Bottom line something is profoundly rotten in the core of the administration of this church or in upper management. Ps. One of the leaders in group has such a strong gay appearance, from dress code to body language, probably they think that non Christian people are stupid and blind. read more

I'm a fan of the Stone. No question, the music soothes the soul, loud or not. Each pastor's expository style of preaching God's Word, within series of contemporary themes, is easy to follow and generally satisfies the need for a heart-felt sermon. I like to feel convicted by a message, when I leave the service. The Stone delivers. After attending the downtown campus for a year plus, I concur with some of the reviews mentioned previously, both pro and con. 1) It's a Mega-Church, of sorts. Being that we meet in the Austin HS gym, it's not Lakewood, Willow Creek nor Saddleback. There are lots of people, particularly young people. That's a good thing. I'm glad to see it, as a father of college-aged kids. The missional life groups are there, as are other opportunities to serve and/or interact. Whether it fits into one's weekly schedule or need, since there are plenty of ministries, groups and informal Bible studies around town, is completely the individual's decision. I'm blessed attending the service on a weekly basis, without the need to commit further (at this point). I'm also older than most who attend and a veteran church servant in years past (multiple small groups, worship leader, mission trip leader, etc). I like being a Christian-at-large, available to connect with people, without an agenda. 2) Politics & Money. Zach S had quite a bit to say about the political structure and behind-the-scenes business model of the Stone. Frankly, much of what he said stands to reason, assuming his observations are true. The SBC has a long history of financial planning, resources for new church plants and other programs that clearly reflect a business-savvy organization. First & Second Baptist churches are known for elders that are business & political movers & shakers in cities nationwide. It's obvious that an organization like the Stone, with 8000 in attendance, is going to watch the bottom line. SBC pastors expect professional executive compensation and live in nice neighborhoods, when their churches succeed. I've witnessed this several times over in churches with multi-million dollar budgets. These days, the model tends towards closed inner circles (eg elders/overseers) that know specific salaries, while employee wages, as in total staff/employees, are a general line item in the budget, made available to those donors that commit to tithing. This model is somewhat standard in today's contemporary churches. Also, wealthy donors are known to gift large ticket items, like cars, trips, homes, etc to pastors. No surprise, if the leaders appear to live the "good life". They can and do. Church politics are a challenge. I've personally known more than a few SBC church staff at local congregations and regional SBC employees who are candid about the politics in the organization. It is a hierarchy of powers, schmoozing and not unlike military rule, at least in the old days. However, each locally affiliated SBC church is granted autonomy. Frankly, church political structure can mirror corporations, boards, or smaller entities like LLCs with operating agreements for members/partners. In this case, the organization is a 501c3, in the eyes of the IRS, with all vested rites. This said, I see the organization as the operating partner and the rest of us as silent partners, if we choose to contribute monetarily. Who wants to deal with the day-to-day headaches of the organization? The Stone, like all organizations/entities, functions to fulfill its mission, make a living for its founders & staff and has an IRS mandate to reinvest what's left over. After all, we live in a democratic, capitalist nation. As consumers, we're free to choose to patron different brands. The Stone is a church brand and provides a service. 3) Austin needs the Stone! It's great that a church of its caliber is accessible to touch people across all socio-economic, political and demographic levels, all throughout the city. Founding leaders, Matt Carter & Chris Tomlin, have been visionaries for this present and an earlier generation of young believers who needed a place to identify and encounter God through music and the weekly messages. Austin is a city of the future, with tech, money, liberal politics, entrepreneurs and the arts, all converging in a place originally known for state government and the university. It's easy to get lost in the crowds here (6th St/Rainey, SXSW, ACL, UT, corps like Dell, etc). With so many attracted to the opportunities, I've heard more than one say he/she feels like an outsider. Do everyone else a favor and say "hello". This is Texas. We say "hi" or "howdy". Look for opportunities to serve and care for others. Whether you find your place of worship at the Stone or elsewhere, remember to smile and greet others. It doesn't have to happen on Sunday morning (or evening) when all the wanna-bes and hipsters in the flock make a quick dash for the exit. Church trains us to serve others. Make that your mission every day! read more

After having some less than enjoyable worship experiences in Austin I was very happy ... no ... make that overjoyed to experience Austin Stone. It was evident that the message/sermon took center stage. The musicianship of the praise band is excellent, and the band members don't take themselves too seriously like other praise bands I have been exposed to. I've been to stadium churches where no one speaks, but people at Austin Stone were introducing themselves and thanking me for worshiping with them. Wow, what a nice difference. Ausint Stone ... I'll definitely be back again. read more

The Austin Stone, is truly a "Church for this City," and they encourage you to be that also. It is odd to write a review on a church, but I will do my concise best. The church is not a place where you show up, sing some songs, nod in acceptance to the ministry, and then get a "club" card. The church is a community driven church, that does not pay for advertisements, does not insist that you "bring a friend," and yet pulls in very large crowds to fill four services year round all because of the energy, their mission, and the voids that they fill for people with honest answers. I have been attending the church for a few years, and recently the past year became a "Partner" to the Stone. To be a partner is not just a rite of passage for attending, but it is a journey and education that you need to involve yourself in. Matt Carter and the Elders do their best to ensure that they preach what is meant by the Bible. It is not based on current events, trends, stage props, or happy cream filled lessons that you can quickly talk about at a party without offending someone. It is serious, and it is about God. The Word preached is "expository" and it will be line for line, and every so often there will be a break to fit the needs of a current issue or situation. It is a serious "no holds barred" self analysis of you and the Bible. It is sometimes a concern that their theology is not presented openly to those in attendance, if that is a concern then please approach Matt Carter, the Elders, or request additional information from the staff. Everyone is willing to get you what you need, reference it, stand by their choices, and never be offended by questions you may have. You may need to make an appointment, do not be offended; this is for your convenience and theirs to provide you what you need. I personally have friends who have left the church for their beliefs, great people always, but they left knowing the answers to their questions; no fluff, or swaying to the answers, just open honesty. The crowd at the Stone is largely youth based, which makes me very proud to see so many kids choosing to attend church rather than other items. The music at the Austin Stone is top notch accredited, and famously known for it's artists, but if you go there for that, you are missing the messages COMPLETELY. The Stone is about His word, and not who is on stage. The Stone has brilliant support, and missions all around the Globe to include many HERE in Austin. The Church is "for the city" and I have personally helped with programs that bring food and worship to those in need. There are MANY community based programs to help with no matter your talent or skill, your distance or location, there is something for you. (check the website) If you are looking for answers to questions concerning yourself, life, the Bible, or the community; come by and ask or stay for a few services. Would you like to hear them? Go the Stone's website, pick one and listen for yourself. Though this is a good option, it NEVER replaces attending the Stone and meeting the people there. As with any religious choice you make, choosing and attending a church is a personal journal of questions and convictions. Come see the Austin Stone, be honest about what you are looking for, and I think you will see that the Stone is a great fit for you. read more

I liked the worship, who wouldn't? As far as the staff goes, they seem okay, though I never had much dealings with them. My major complaint was that I could not find a small group that was willing to accept someone in my age group. I mean that the person I talked to literally said he thought I would not be a good fit due to my age and insisted I meet him first before I even showed up to a group meeting. I have no desire to jump through hoops for a church. I think Jesus already did that for me. Seems I am too old for this bunch. That and they do seem to get hung up on Calvinistic doctrine a little too much. read more

My experience from last Sunday says it all---- My girlfriend and I arrived for the 11:15a service early to make sure we could find good aisle seats. The service almost always runs long (1.5 - 2 hours) so we will sometimes slip out early. Also, I'm claustophobic and can't sit 10 people deep on a row, especially when the gym becomes stuffy like it usually does. We grabbed our two aisle seats on a row that had four other people sitting on the opposite aisle, with about 12 empty seats between us. No sooner had we sat down when a church usher aproached us and asked us to "slide over towards the middle of the row so that late arrivals could find a seat easier. I politely explained to him that we preferred our aisle seats and that we didnt want to climb over people when we left early. The usher became insistant that we move over and I again politely refused and told him we would simply step out into the aisle when later arrivals wanted to enter the row. A couple of minutes later the same usher came back, this time with a church elder wearing an official-looking badge. The senior guy demanded that we move over or in the alternate sit in two seats that were open in the row in front of us. These alternate seats were literally only one chair further in than the seats we currently had..........bizarre. I again politely but firmly stated that we were fine with our current seats and preferred not to move. This church elder began berating us, saying that we were obviuosly new to the church and that we needed to follow their rules. I explained to him that it was not fair to expect early arrivals to be inconvenienced so that late arrivals could have better seating. I also explained that it was not that big a deal for my girlfriend and I to simply stand to allow people to come into the row. All we were wanting to do was to pray, enjoy the fellowship and music and go home. These church Nazi's turned a simple interaction into a nasty, unpleasant experience for us. We thought we had found a church we could assimilate into, but instead left feeling totally disallusioned. Creepy, Cult-like, and spiritually hollow is the best way to describe Austin Stone. read more

As someone who attended a very "dead church" for many years, I always knew, had a hunger, for something more in corporate church worship. The experience at Austin Stone has been life transforming & uplifting to the nth degree! The Word is proclaimed with passion, truth & unending love. The music is spectacular. Services are structured in such a way that you may CHOOSE A CAMPUS in which to visit in the morning or evening & feel engaged. The Holy Spirit is present within this body of believers. read more

This church is absolutely fantastic! The new facility off of the St. Johns exit has more of a church feel rather than the high school at Austin High. But either location the worship is off the charts, the pastors and elders are open to questions and/or suggestions. The sermons are biblical, mind provoking and I wouldn't miss them for anything. Everyone I meet is warm, friendly and inviting. I highly recommend this church. read more

This a Church(Austin High campus) that worships and glorifies God. Christ centered, modern band music, also modernized hymns, honest, biblical preaching, equipping saints, large congregation, mostly college age, but different ages as well. read more

All of the authenticity and gospel-centered love and none of the BS that comes with some churches. Love love love this strong community of believers and I'm so thankful to have found them. read more

It may be the longest line you've waited in all year, but the welcome teams at Austin Stone keep things moving and share a spirit of joy. I'll be back! read more

What an AMAZING CHURCH! I came to the Austin Stone about a year ago. From the moment you arrive the members are kind and helpful. The Church is such a general slice of the community with every generation and every racial and ethnic group represented in the Church. This Church preaches the pure and unadulterated Word of God in Love. Is heart is FOR THE CITY! That has translated into for the Hill Country, for the State, for the Country, and for the World! I leave worship feling as if I am in heaven. I have been driving to the Austin Stone from Fredericksburg for about a year now....since the about thirty people are making the drive and we are happy to drive and thankful every week for the priviledge of being able to attend such a wonderful Church, so lead by Jesus and true to His Gospel. read more

Scriptural teaching, tons of people to make to feel welcome, great worship. There are lots of small group opportunities & the church appears to be well connected with many and a diverse group of service organizations. read more

I am open to people changing my mind about this, so feel free to contact me if you have input. I've been to the church multiple times now, hoping to find a suitable church to go to in the Austin area having just moved here from Seattle. Sermons are okay, music is good, but the one thing that really bugs me is the most important thing to me, community (because you can study and worship at any church you theological mesh with). I have not had one person in all the times I've been there say so much as "hi" to me. There is no community what so ever as far as I can tell unless you already know people who go there. The one option they give is Missional Communities, which, considering the reception I have gotten so far, is an unlikely option for me. I am not feeling the need to get into a more exclusive small group setting when I am still uncomfortable with the church as a whole. Haven't they heard of medium-sized groups (aka young adult ministries, etc)? One could argue that this is not needed in a church with so many younger people, yet the lack of interaction with guests proves that something is needed. I think the reviews have been swayed by people involved in the church or that already have established connections there. Again, I am open in my opinion if I see any hope that this is untrue and I have just ran into weird circumstances. read more

This church is wonderful. God is doing amazing work here. I have attended this church for many years and one of the things I love most is that they stick to scripture. If it says it they preach it. Sometimes it may be hard for me to hear but it is always good in the end. I'm so thankful for this church. read more