I posted previously about the lack of transparency and sketchy financials at City Church, and on a…read morewhim, I decided to check out if things were getting better, since a friend recently told me they were launching a big fundraising push to plug a potential $1.2M hole in their budget. Email is attached. I was really surprised that they could be running so large of a deficit because the Paycheck Protection Program should have been available to them to help plug any deficit that they could have had. So I went and pulled their annual financial report on their website for Sept 2020- Aug 2021 (https://citychurchsf.org/Give) and I was surprised that nothing was mentioned in the report about taking PPP money, given the deficit that they claimed to have. But then I checked the government databases, and saw that they actually were able to get $858,200 from the PPP in two tranches, one on April 9, 2020 for $429,100 (see https://www.federalpay.org/paycheck-protection-program/city-church-san-francisco-a-congregation-of-the-reformed-ch-san-francisco-ca) and the other for the same amount on April 9, 2021 (see https://www.federalpay.org/paycheck-protection-program/city-church-san-francisco-a-congregation-of-the-reformed-chu-san-francisco-ca) Given how much they got in PPP money, I find it hard to believe they could be on pace to run a $1.2M deficit, especially since most churches in the city have seen giving stay very constant during COVID. I find it even more problematic that City Church did not even disclose that they took PPP money in their $1.2M fundraising push, instead only disclosing that GIVING is on pace to be $1.2M below budget.

I am saddened and yet not surprised to read a few negative reviews - even recent reviews - of those…read morewho reject the courage that this pastoral team demonstrated when City Church became gay-affirming. There is unfortunately, always conflict when something like this occurs and the courage that Pastor Fred and his staff demonstrated in following the path that the Holy Spirit called them to follow - beautifully so - comes at a cost. Fred did what a real pastor does - he followed the leading of God, despite angering some (extremely wealthy), very religious parishioners who ended up leaving as a result of creating a space for gay men and women to be themselves at church. It's pretty rare for a church to do something that rocks the money boat but he followed the promptings of God - the prompt to ensure that the LGBTQ community could enter into an experience of Jesus and know that they are beloved - and never wavered, despite these people who continue to call his character into question with a viciousness I wish they'd save for someone who was actually causing harm. This bitterness over not being able to control him or have a church based on their very specific terms has to be miserable - the heart of the stubborn never finds rest but we'll leave them in hopes that they find some peace. Jesus was on the receiving end of the worst rage of the Religious so I guess it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that this kind of thing continues to happen. For me, as someone struggling with my faith, new to San Francisco, the CG City Church provided was my path back to God and the sermons are incredible. I recommend this Church if you've been broken, if you have always felt you lived on the island of misfit toys and want a relationship with Jesus. You'll find it here.

I had a deeply disturbing experience with this church, and I feel a responsibility to share it so…read moreothers can make an informed decision. During my time there, I trusted members with personal information. Over time, I came to believe that this information was discussed behind my back in ways that felt disrespectful and damaging. Instead of direct communication, there seemed to be judgment and private conversations about me, including my financial situation, which felt intrusive and shaming rather than supportive. What concerned me most, however, were statements and situations that felt threatening and deeply unsettling. There were comments about taking control over people's lives and even statements that came across as threats involving my family. At one point, I experienced a situation where a vehicle came near my home and I genuinely feared for my grandfather's safety based on what had been said to me. Whether others interpret that differently or not, it created a real sense of fear and crossed a line that no church should ever approach. This environment felt driven by fear, control, and intimidation rather than care, humility, and truth. I'm sharing this not out of spite, but out of concern for others. A healthy church should build people up, respect boundaries, and communicate directly--not operate in ways that make people feel unsafe or targeted. Please use discernment if you are considering getting involved here.

Cornerstone has a talented creative and communications team that makes the Word easily accessible…read more The services are upbeat and inspiring. This is a great church if you have a family, make it your only social circle and are completely aligned with their beliefs - which are quite conservative for SF. However, as others mentioned, it is very cliquey and not progressive around the queer community, race and gender. It is their right to define their community pillars as they wish though it is a missed opportunity to not fully love and embrace others as Jesus did through his radical love. It is also challenging to get involved if you are single and newer, as most people have attended for decades and know each other. Even after a few years, you may still be kept at a distance. To each their own!

I was so nervous about going to church after not had been in a few years. The staff was welcoming…read more.The building was simple and beautiful. There is a sense of community in this place which is what i need.This is not your average baptist church which is nice . The pastor and his son message is purely on god and building that relationship with him. I'm glade i came to the service on the last sunday of the year. The spirit of god is all through that building 10/10 recommend.

"The grave is now a groove." This line from one of their songs sums up the Easter Sunday service…read morefriends invited me to attend. The format was songs, songs, and more songs (including churchified mixes of Sting, Bill Withers, Staple Singers, and Marvin LGBTQAS). Even the sermon was spoken word, and the layperson homily was beatnik. I saw at least 10 people on stage doing the music, but I heard afterward that "many more" crowd up there when they do gospel choir at least once a month. In lieu of missals or printouts was a projector screen with words for following along. All kinds of people were present: white, black, tan, copper, goldenrod, babies / toddlers, 20s-30s, parents, grandparents... the list goes on. Some looked like they stepped out of Wallpaper* or ReadyMade Magazine, some were UO / F21 / H&M (but not Am Appy), others were Talbots or just general churchy. I did see a snapback being worn, as well as a driver's cap. These diverse people were all feeling the worship via frequent clapping, putting up of hands, standing up, dancing, and / or hollering. There were 3 dunk-you-underwater baptisms during the service. One of the baptizees busted out the classic "two sets of footprints / one set of footprints" beach Jesus story before their dunking. An artist was set up just in front of the stage getting their Bob Ross live painting on throughout the service. Out in the hallway was a makeshift photo station (why?) for before or after service. They needed props though. There were also cupcakes and I believe varieties of marshmallow peeps to coincide with "come and peep", where you learn more about current church initiatives. What a good morning. I'm thankful for my friends. Happy Easter!

Very welcoming, especially for people who want to explore Christianity and learn moreread more

I feel a strong urge, perhaps nudged by the Spirit, to share my experience with Reality SF,…read moreespecially in light of recent events where Christian pastors in DC were arrested for advocating for Palestine, after being gaslit by Reality SF and its leaders that I was the only person in their entire three thousand people congregation that supported the humanity and dignity of Palestinians. My story with Reality SF is a long one, spanning over 12 years of attendance, from their early days in the Swedish American Music Hall, transitioning to Everett Middle School, and finally to their current residence in a lavish $15 million building. My relationship with the church has been complex, characterized by its lack of welcomeness, but the strong and insightful teachings, attracted me to stay and call it home. Despite never voicing my concerns publicly--unlike the 200 congregants who once left in protest against the leadership--I remained silent and mostly defended the church, until the church's (lack of) response to the Gaza genocide pushed me to the brink, when they have commented on Ukraine and social issues in the past. Reality SF's portrayal of the genocide as a mere 'war' and their silence on the human rights abuses inflicted upon Palestinians led me to question the church as an institution, my faith, and to question God's character and even existence. My efforts to discuss these issues, including some encouragement for my faith, were initially met with a wall of silence. Persistently, I sought to make my voice heard, only to be confronted with defensiveness and outright dismissal. The most disheartening part of my quest for dialogue was trying to engage with Dave Lomas, the head pastor, who, as I learned, 'doesn't do emails' and proved to as difficult to meet with as the Pope. This barrier to communication only compounded my frustrations, leading me to take a hiatus from the church. Yet, in a twist that felt laden with divine intervention, after weeks of abstaining from church services, a sequence of undeniable signs led me back to Reality SF one Sunday morning. Carrying a glimmer of hope that the day's sermon might finally address the suffering in Palestine, I was met with disappointment as a guest speaker took the podium, leaving my expectations unmet. In an extraordinary turn of events, as I was about to leave, disheartened, I spotted Dave Lomas by the exit. In over 600 Sundays, I had never seen him greeting congregants. Unlike the kissing babies and shaking hands type of pastor, I've always respected him in his introversion, which I thought fueled his insightful sermons and considered him a guiding figure in my spiritual journey. This encounter, whether by divine arrangement or sheer coincidence, gave me the courage to approach him and share my concerns directly. While I prefer not to divulge the specifics of our 1:1 conversation, it was dishearteningly marked by significant ignorance and a lack of the compassion and justice Jesus preached. This interaction left me more lost than ever, questioning the foundations of my faith and the leaders who are supposed to embody Christ's teachings. In my quest for clarity, I turned to what my generation does for anything--social media. It was there, that I found the accounts that Dave follows on Instagram--conservative influencers, luxury golf resorts, and luxury watchmakers (think Richard Mille, not even Rolex). This revelation served as a poignant lesson: God often uses the imperfect among us to serve His purpose. I was wrong for putting Dave on a pedestal for his teachings. This reflection brought me to a deeper inquiry: Why had God, through a series of undeniable signs, guided me back to Reality SF that particular Sunday, to a moment of face-to-face encounter with Dave? Initially, it seemed Dave, as the pastor, might have thought he had a divine message for me--"you don't have to agree with everything your church believes" and he encourage me to stay, or, he pointed to the door (it literally was as we were right by the exit). However, upon reflection, perhaps the message was to Dave - to have a more compassionate heart, one that embraces all of God's creation, including Arabs (Muslims and Christians). I hope this somehow gets to him (he's a foodie so I have a better shot of getting to him than by email) and my worldly message is: read works by Ilan Pappe or Richard Becker.

The people at Experience are great! From day one, I felt genuine kindness and potential for great…read morecommunity. After almost 2 years, that's continued to prove true. I've been able to create great relationships with so many people, and I know that I can count on many for just about anything! The people at Experience have also contributed to helping me maximize my potential in creativity, leadership, and most importantly spiritual/faith growth, which have all brought me closer to Christ. I never thought I'd be able to sing worship on stage at a church on in San Francisco, but I've been given that opportunity here! The people here will make space for you and truly want to get to know you and see you grow! The entire pastoral team is fabulous. Including each characteristic above, each pastor is truly anointed; by this I mean each one, I believe, has genuinely been chosen to be on mission for Christ's purpose and has each been given wisdom and revelation that speaks encouragement, truth, and potential into the church body. The desire of their hearts is to serve the city of San Francisco and bring about a faith-in-Christ movement, a revival of hope in Christ; and in just under 2 years, I've been witnessing these fruits in development. They are open to feedback and constantly trying to improve to be excellent. I'm blessed to be a part of what they've fostered so far in this season of my life... ... and I am blessed by being a member of this church family!

THIS IS HOME. A spirit lead church that's so intentional…read moreabout creating community and inviting God's presence. I truly have family in this church, people I can't see myself doing life without. You're looking for a place to belong? You already belong boo Want community? We got it You want to grow in your faith? We got opportunities for ya! You just curious about church and faith? We invite you to come!!! Whoever you are, wherever you are in you journey, this is a house welcoming to all!!

Loved this church! Was plugged in from the beginning and was able to join two groups! They even…read moresuggested to serve on the worship team! Love this church, definitely will recommend

Very welcoming environment with classes for kids of all ages, amazing coffee, powerful worship,…read morediversity in age and race which I love to see and dynamic speakers. There is so much going on not just inside the church building but outside as well, city life partners with the city and supports the community which is a beautiful reflection of what the church should be.

I have been to Francis Lutheran Church San Francisco, many times…read more Today though they are hosting a Winter Solstice and Blue Christmas gathering. Thursday, December 21 · 7 - 9pm PST The Winter Solstice is the shortest period of daylight and the longest night, and is a day of celebration. Blue Christmas is about comforting those who are grieving and struggling to find joy and hope during the season.

St. Francis Lutheran church is a beacon of light for many folks. I have never felt so welcomed by…read morea community before discovering St. Francis. The church building is beautiful with wonderful stain glass windows and an amazing Memorial Terrace outside. The worship service draws one in with well thought out liturgy and great music. During communion, you are reminded to "Live in forgiveness, claim your wholeness and go in peace." We are all God's children. I recommend that you visit the St. Francis website to learn more about the unique history of this little gem located just across from Safeway on Church St. & Market.

My husband and I have visited Anchor Church twice now and have had great experiences both times…read more They are located in the Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center, usually in the Main Hall, once in the Senior Room. (Evidently, when the Main Hall occasionally gets booked out by other parties -- like a line dancing event! -- they'll always try to find an alternate meeting location still onsite and mark the path there with signage.) They meet on Sundays at 10am. When you arrive, they have basic refreshments available -- water, coffee, tea (I think), sometimes cookies. The church is small in numbers, so you will be noticed if you're new (and it's great to be seen, known, and loved into community)! The people we met were cheerful, warm, and hospitable; members made sure we knew where refreshments were and even grabbed sermon note printouts and pens for us. As the service starts, Pastor Rachele and her guitarist (I didn't catch his name ) led humble, authentic worship. Pastor Noah delivered a funny, story-filled, relatable sermon with easy points to remember and practically apply. They always serve soup after service, which is a great way to get nums in your tums while meeting people. The last time we visited, the focus was "Back to School," so we all prayed over the students and teachers returning to school that week and, through the church's nonprofit, Urban Exchange, packed 50 backpacks to bless kids at a nearby Mercy Housing location. That's the definition of love in action!

My mom and I came to Anchor about two years ago. The church we had been going to was impersonal and…read morewe never felt we belonged. My best friend invited us, everyone was friendly and welcoming, so we kept coming back. Later I asked the pastor's wife, Rachelle, if I could join the worship team once in a while, she said that would be great! I didn't have much experience, but she still let me try. I love this church it's one big family!