Appreciating churches in Lakeland, FL

Asked

Hey, Lakeland. Jessica here. Every Sunday, I am struck with an incredible sense of thankfulness for my church. I know that there are hundreds, thousands, even millions of great churches out there, and right now, Grace City is the right fit for me.

One of the things I love about my church is its welcoming community. A first-time guest will not feel left out from the moment they’re greeted at the door to the moment they are helped with finding a seat. Another thing I find beckoning me back each week is the authenticity of every person that speaks in the service. It’s a place where an environment of transparency is fostered.

If you’re a church-goer, like myself, I’m sure that you probably feel just as grateful, and that’s why we would love to hear what you appreciate most about your church.

Question

Answered

We recently decided to show a little appreciation to our local churches. We asked what you appreciate most about yours (if you are a church-goer) and you blew us away with 180+ responses of gratitude for our local church community.

If you didn’t get a chance to respond, you can still do so on our Instagram post or in the comments section below the conversation. ⬇️ If you’re not a church-goer, let us know what your favorite community in Lakeland is, including our local synagogues + mosques.

Here are your responses in alphabetical order by church name.

Access Church

• Genuine people and sense of belonging.
• My kids LOVE the kid’s program!
• That people can be real and honest about who we are and that we can see how Jesus is working through us to better our community!
• Access has the most generous community. They truly love and invest in every person. You walk in and immediately feel like home! The free coffee and donuts are a nice bonus too.
• The culture they have built of serving and loving others.
• Diversity, acceptance of all, how they show love to everyone. So many things.
• How much they care about every person who walks through the door, no matter who they are, what style of clothes they wear, or where they came from. It’s a beautiful place full of joy and love, and it is so, so needed.
• I love my Access Church family! The Burns clan really knows how to make you feel welcome.

All Saints’ Episcopal Church

• The congregation who are very committed to this church and put their heart and soul into it; the message we get from the sermons; the music; the Sunday School, which is important to me; the outreaches they foster for the community.
• Being close to God.
• History and tradition...good Bible-based teachings.
• They teach the Gospel and provide many opportunities for learning.

Church at the Mall

• I love that the churches in Lakeland aren’t in competition. They’re in community and partnership. I’ve gone to Church at the Mall my entire adult life, and seeing the infectious passion for Christ that lead pastor Aaron Burgner has for our community, both reached and unreached, reminds me that our mission is urgent.
• Church at the Mall is HOME! Pastor Aaron Burgner is a phenomenal leader and ambassador of Christ! So encouraged by the words he speaks to us each Sunday that show us that the Bible is one grand narrative that points to Christ!

Christ Presbyterian Church

• It stays the course and does not toss to and fro, carried away by every little new doctrine of men.

Christ the King Episcopal Church

• Church family is loving and caring and the service has both traditional elements with contemporary music too.

Covenant Presbyterian Church

• The good news of Jesus Christ as Savior, redeemer, and sustainer is always front and center. We are taught the Bible which we believe to be God’s infallible Word and that it is authoritative in our lives. In this world where nothing seems fixed or reliable, it is a relief and blessing to be anchored to Christ and His Word.
• The sound doctrinal preaching and the sense of community within the church and reaching out to the larger community.

Cypress Lakes Community Church

• That the messages are biblically based and presented in a loving and relevant manner. Excellent music and worship...along with good coffee and donuts before the service.

Edgewood Baptist Church

• I love the people and the diversity of the people at Edgewood Baptist Church!

Epic Church

• Love serving and being part of the Epic Church community.

Discover Family Church

• The sense of family that I feel.

Faith Lutheran Church

• It’s a small, friendly, intimate, loving, and prayer-filled congregation that reaches out to many programs in beautiful Lakeland.

Family Worship Center

• It truly is like being a part of a family! They are intentional with its congregants at every stage of life!
• Truth of the Gospel.
• The presence of God and the leadership from our pastors.
• Pastor Reggie and Pastor Shawn’s loving heart and unwavering commitment to the Word of God.
• Pastor Scarborough teaches the true word of God. They offer many small groups and great youth programs.
• The spirit-led preaching and reverence of the presence of God each week.

Fellowship Church Assembly of God

• I love the word preached from the Bible. I love the fellowship. I love the worship. I love the pastor and family.

First Presbyterian Church

• What I appreciate most about First Presbyterian Church is the resounding affirmation that, “Jesus Chris is Lord!” The mission statement of FPC is, “to make and mature Disciples of Jesus Christ.” That mission statement is lived out every day by members of the church in ministries and missions in Lakeland and around the world. It is a church where everyone is invited to come and participate.
• They have excellent disability ministries for children and adults.
• Every message is a very grounded, academic, teaching of the gospel. It’s all too easy in a consumption based society to choose a church because of superficial things they may do. FPC Lakeland is the kind of church you can go to and learn about grace and the Bible on a much deeper, more impactful level.

First United Methodist Church Lakeland

• The people are genuinely like my family. They stick by me through everything – they certainly display the love of Christ.
• The friendly, welcoming people.
• Pastoral Staff.
• The people are so kind and welcoming.
• Three fabulous Pastors and the wonderful fellowship.
• My husband and I moved to Lakeland a little more than a year ago. We both were very familiar with the area as we are graduates of Florida Southern (Go Mocs!), but we were now coming back to the city as a married couple and looking for a faith community to share our lives with. We found the eleven20 service at FUMC Lakeland and immediately it just felt right. The atmosphere is so welcoming to everyone, whether you grew up going to church or if it’s your first time. Friendly faces wait at the door each Sunday. The people are so kind and remember you by name. The live music during the eleven20 service, an ensemble complete with horns and strings, is so life-giving. I’ve recently joined the eleven20 praise team as a singer and I absolutely love making music and worshipping alongside some of the finest musicians. I would recommend eleven20 and FUMC Lakeland to anyone!
• Worship through praise band songs and a sermon that speaks to me.
• Pastor David.
• Welcoming and worshipful.
• I love First United Methodist Church because it has brought me such great relationships, job opportunities, and made God a number one in my life!
• Authentic relationship! Truly serving all persons in a partnering relationship! Partnering with people around the world for full empowerment! Great opportunities for children, youth and adults to learn more about Christ and others!

First United Methodist Church Clearwater

• I know that this is a long way from Lakeland, but I am thankful that I am able to be my mother’s weekend caregiver and take her to her home church, which has been her spiritual home for 50 years.

Free Life Chapel

• The diversity and love!
• Welcoming, many opportunities to serve and get involved, and phenomenal children’s and teen’s ministries.

Fuel Community Church

• I appreciate the community and the authenticity of worship. People there truly love the Lord and poor out Jesus. The Pastors do a great job of involving the community and growing the church together. We are not individual persons praising the Lord on Sunday. We are the church, together, praising the Lord!
• I appreciate the authenticity of the staff and members, and the fact that all are welcomed in, no matter where you are in your faith journey.
• I love Fuel Church because it feels like home when nowhere else does. Years back when I visited Fuel, I had no idea what they could offer. This little room with black walls.... and a bunch of chairs. This place has changed my life and my faith dramatically. The outreach that’s capable from our church makes a small person like me feel like we can make a big impact on the world and that’s exciting! And the community? Nothing beats it. Our church reminds us all the time, a church isn’t anything without the people, and the Lord knew what he was doing when he put us all together in one place.
• Love my church. The most genuine group of believers I’ve ever been a part of.
• A church that welcomes you no matter where life has taken you. Young or old, the message that Free Life brings every week is broken down so that all can appreciate it and understand it. It doesn’t matter if your Sunday best is jeans and a t-shirt or a suit and a tie...God meets you where you are so come as you are.
• I love Fuel Church! The people are so kind and genuinely care for you when you walk through the door. I love my Fuel Group. I have such a wonderful group of sisters who I love deeply. They have pushed me to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ. Worship can be done alone but there is nothing like the body of Christ coming together to worship. We also have a great worship team who leads us to the throne! We have the best pastor around. I’ve never met anyone like him. He is very passionate about God’s word and is a gentle and kind spirited man. I love my church!

Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church

• I love the authenticity of the people. Love their kindness! Pastor Jeremy does a great job leading the congregation!

Grace City Church

• The lead pastor Andrew Gard and his wife Christina are amazing people. The opportunity to sew into the church is endless and the people are so welcoming. It’s made me the best version of me I have ever been!
• The community and the pastors.
• Pastor Andrew finds a way to make the message relatable to everyone, and the church is so welcoming to anyone and everyone.
• The close community.
• I love the kids ministry and nursery. My little people love going to church!
• Feeling of having a family and people who love me.
• Grace City is a church you “want” to attend each Sunday...and not have that “gut” feeling about “having to attend church” each Sunday.
• Warm, come as you are environment.
• The openness.
• The loving, welcoming environment, and of course the amazing Sundays with Pastor Andrew Gard!
• The moment I stepped into Grace City my entire life changed!! Seriously all my best friends are there. I honestly know no matter what these amazing humans will always be in my corner forever. Really and truly I’ve never met anyone like Christina and Andrew Gard.
• Pastor Andrew has the best stories!!! I laugh out loud, even listening to the podcasts!
• Grace City gave me the greatest friends and community!
• Such an amazing church! Found it a few years ago at one of the most challenging times of my life and have been there ever since. They recently opened the Lakeside Campus which was formerly my childhood church. Love it there!
• I work with my best friends. We have the best youth ministry I’ve ever been a part of and the best college experience you could get.. Always jamming out to Grace City Music.
• Just moved to LKLD and Grace City and their community made me feel SOOOO welcomed and right at home.
• Grace City Has become my home. God led me to Grace City and there I have found the best of friends, community, a place to belong, my marriage has been restored, and Andrew and Christina Gard are by far the BEST pastors on the planet! They genuinely love and care about everyone.
• Grace City has given me an amazing community!
• I love Grace City! I love the people, the mood, the pastors, the leaders, the word, the music and the community!! I sure do love my church!
• What I love most about my church is that Andrew and Christina Gard and the community we have include some of the most empowering and authentic leaders out there. They not only talk the talk, but exceedingly walk the walk and have built their ministry on God ordained, experiential faith. I love my church.
• I met all of my best friends here.
• Love the churches in our city. And especially love the community at Grace City. Honored to lead the charge there.

Harvest Assembly of God

• Great family atmosphere, free of judging people. They welcome each person. We may be a church but you won’t feel lonely. Our pastors staff is all family and they have a heart for missions and reaching out to Lakeland community. They have Rock the Block each year giving over a 1000 b.c. backpacks and supplies to people in the community because we feel each person is important.

Heritage Baptist Church

• I appreciate the pastor’s ability to include every age group into every message, as well as his ability to relate to everyone and the openness to calling out prominent issues within our community.

Harvest Church

• Pastors preach The Word. It feels like family. Wonderful Spirit filled worship. Activities for everyone and outreaches to the community. Several different bible studies and Sunday School as well as men’s and women’s groups. Excellent kids church, youth pastoring, young adults group and activities. There is something for everyone, including seniors. Support of world missionaries. We do what Jesus told us to do. I love Harvest Church.

Highland Park Church

• The staff is humble. On a given Sunday morning you’ll see the finance director sweeping up a spill in the cafe, the middle school pastor helping out with the elementary kids, and it goes on. No one is too good for anything. They lead by example.
• Community, pastor Brett is amazing, and lots of fun events!
• I love the people there and the family-oriented atmosphere.
• Love my home church! Been attending there for the past 14 years and I wouldn’t change a thing! It has helped me to grow and become the person I am today! It may be a big church but it is always so welcoming and the pastors are always around to talk to.

• The authentic, challenging preaching/teaching ministry of our pastor. His messages are relevant and yet contain solid Biblical teaching.

Highlands Church of Christ

• Extraordinary love for one another and numerous contributions to the community. We are a family that makes everyone feel welcome. We support work in South Africa, Honduras, Eastern Europe and have a disaster relief fund for major catastrophic events. The most generous church I have ever been a part of.
• What a wonderful group of Christians who support many local events in the Lakeland area, the U.S., as well as abroad. These are people with very generous hearts who really care about everyone and not just their members. The Church of Christ Disaster Relief Program provides assistance for hurricanes, floods, fires, and other catastrophic events.

JW Kingdom Halls

• Everyone is so loving and I love the in depth studies.

Lakeland Family Church

• The desire to serve the community as a way of showing God’s love.
• I love the culture of community and discipleship at our church. It truly is something special!
• The feeling of being amongst family every week.
• It is a new church, meeting in R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School. I appreciate it most for the intentional, loving way we are building strong ties with each other and the school.
• I appreciate that my kids love and want to attend every worship service, service project, life group gathering, youth group event, and social that is offered at LFC. My daughter told me if I didn’t bring her to church she would ride her bike to get there! That kind of comfortable and welcoming atmosphere is so important. It is a church where everyone - all ages, colors, and abilities - are valued and engaged. It is just the right “village” I want to influence my children as they grow.

Lake Morton Community Church

• Friendships, warmth.

LifePoint Church

• The family atmosphere.

Mt. Zion Assembly of God

• The fellowship and community. Also the truth that the pastor preaches is one of my favorite things.

New Jerusalem Ministries of Florida

• We are a home based church that is growing quickly and will be planted in Lakeland very shortly. I appreciate the encouraging word that is ministered there as well as the humbleness of each member. They are desiring a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and it shows as they are growing in there faith. Also, the outreach ministry that flows from it is amazing. It reaches into cities like Mulberry to feed the needy and donates clothing and other much needed items. I am so grateful to be apart of this ministry as it is developed in our community! The pastor’s heart for others is overwhelming and the knowledge she ministers is empowering. I am so thankful and blessed every time I attend!

Oasis Community Church

• The loving family of people who truly accept all of us with open arms.
• I love Oasis Community Church. It is truly an oasis for those seeking refuge. The thing I appreciate most about Oasis is the preaching. Our pastor, Robby Waddell, is a professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature at SEU. He is able to bring scripture alive using his scholarly insight and background knowledge of the culture and language. Every single week I am challenged and leave church thinking about the message and how it applies to my life. The mission of the church is expressed in the words “Up, In, and Out.” (Up) Encounter the God who loves you. (In) Engage in a community that welcomes you. (Out) Serve the world that needs you. At this church, “everybody’s welcome, nobody’s perfect, and anything’s possible.” Our community is made up of people from all walks of life. Because we believe that God values everyone, we strive to create an environment of total acceptance, radical inclusion, and unconditional love.
• The authenticity of leadership and the uniqueness of church.
• I appreciate that Oasis isn’t over hyped, embraces the academy, and regularly cares for foster families & those with food insecurities.

Parkway Baptist Church

• We have attended Parkway for about two years. We were nervous about looking for a new church because all of our children are adopted. Everyone at Parkway is family and you feel that as soon as you walk in the door.
• I love my church and the way our people show genuine love for whoever comes to the church!
• Love God - Love People. That’s Parkway’s motto. I love my church.
• We love our Church and our church family. So supportive of everyone no matter the situation. We are all God’s people.
• I love how the people at Parkway treat their guests and have real love for people and God.

Redemption Lakeland

• I appreciate the support leaders provide to their members in their time of need. I have witnessed financial support along with spiritual support and comfort for those struggling. They genuinely want to see every man woman and child in the greater Lakeland area receive Jesus!
• The message from the Pastor is always presented in an interesting way. People are extremely friendly and they have a great children’s program

Scott Lake Baptist Church

• Our Pastor who preaches strictly from the Bible. His sermons are positive and encouraging. Always with a message about salvation and the love of God.

Solid Foundation Ministries Church

• My Pastors are down to Earth people who love God and have a heart for him and his people. My church is a family atmosphere where all are welcome.

Somos Church

• This is a special place where you can truly be yourself without feeling judgement for it. You’ll find people there willing to support you in whatever it is you’re going through. Truly happy to call Somos my home.
• Somos Church is my home! It is a place where everyone is family and for each other! We are for people! For Lakeland I love the people and leadership so much! A church full of dreams and willing hearts to do so and what’s a faith!
• Somos Church is home and there isn’t a better way to describe it.
• Cheering for every Lakeland church...grateful to be leading Somos Church and Somos Youth with the best!

St. Joseph Catholic Church

• The people and the clergy.

St. Paul Lutheran Church

• Preaching and teaching about our Lord.

Strong Tower Church

• Best community at Strong Tower Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

• I most appreciate the sense of community and belonging that extends further across the nation and the world.

The King’s Church

• Everyday people fighting to show up and worship God.

The Rock Community Church

• The open, caring, serving hearts they have toward everyone and the giving to Lakeland missions.
• Our amazing pastors that are a husband and wife team that pour into our youth as well as the entire church. I also love our small close knit family feel.

The Way Community Church

• I appreciate the realness and authenticity of the people. It’s having an extra family that loves you unconditionally, just like Jesus. I’m always welcomed no matter where I’ve been. The Pastor and his staff always have a timely word and sermon each week. Most importantly though, it’s a community that extends into the Lakeland community seamlessly – by outreach and the love of Jesus through serving. There’s no place I’d rather be.
• How it really feels like an authentic family. I’m constantly challenged in my faith, encouraged by others, and feel like I belong.
• What I love most about my church is the realness, the sense of community. It is so spiritually filled! Our pastor’s love for his community is undeniable. It is such a huge part of our life here in Lakeland and one of the reasons why we would never want to move.

• Oh my gosh! What don’t I like about it? The Way has the greatest community, great messages, and so much love.

Together Church

• Very welcoming. A joyful place to worship. Pastors are so real!

Trinity Presbyterian Church

• Teaching by Tim Rice.
• Community Groups.
• Trinity models radical generosity by directing a significant portion of its income and resources to local ministries in service of our community’s neediest and most vulnerable individuals.
• Community and Tim Rice.
• Sense of Community and the preaching.
• I most appreciate the reality that life is hard, sometimes messy and we need Jesus to get us through. I also love the community of people we are surrounded with there. Good stuff!

TBA Church

• TBA is an authentic community. The pastors are not afraid to talk about the hard things, seeking out God’s will for us as individuals and as a church body is a priority, my church loves my kids, and we’ve made incredible friendships that help us grow in our faith.

Victory Church

• The community that is always willing to help! Love my church family.
• The message and the worship.
• Happy and spiritual people.
• Friendliness; exceptional music and worship; Pastor is a great leader; messages are encouraging yet bring accountability.
• Victory is a community of supportive people. My entire family volunteers with the smaller children and babies. It fills our hearts while helping others.

Village Church of God

• My pastor

Youman’s Praise and Worship Center

• Pastor Acevedo and his wife have a heart for the community to be reached with the gospel. The pastor makes prayer an important part of the church and preaches a quality message based on the truth of God’s Word. Everyone who comes will feel welcomed and the pastor genuinely wants to be sure each person finds an area of ministry where he/she would serve and connect best.

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)