Still Looking for a Church

My neighbor just moved here in March and goes to Legacy. They really love it. We just moved here a few weeks ago and haven't gotten our act together to get to church yet. However, I'm starting at Legacy.

my family and I attend Life church on loan Elm Rd. in Olathe, it is awesome, there is alot of nice people there to welcome you and make you feel comfortable and lots of programs, groups and child activities to get involved in. it is getting big, but it is easy to talk to people and become involved. my husband and I looked at several different church's in the olathe area and we both agree this one is great! hope you find one that fits you I know you will! good luck.

C. - Have you tried St. Andrew's Christian Church at 127th & Pflumm? They are sooo welcoming and have great youth programs. After my small, friendly church had to close it's doors, this is the first church that I felt at home in. Be sure to go more than once as they vary their service a bit. Good luck and God Bless.

Hi, C.. This church is not very close to you, but it is very family oriented and has awesome activities and groups for its youth. We have been attending for 7 months now, and we know it is the place for us. We knew one family that attended there, but we do not attend with them on Sundays. My 2 1/2 year old is in the "sunday school" room and my 8 year old is in the Extreme area. They have a youth group for your step-daughter and their goal is to help youth face problems with a "God-like" attitude and to know that whatever the problems your children face, God is behind them. The name of the church is Westside Family Church. It is located on Woodsonia and 87th. Your step-daughter will LOVE the music, as it is loud and on the radio. The services are at 8:30, 10:00, 11:30, and 5:00 on Sundays. Check out their website at Westsidefamilychurch.com. You will be glad you did. You can hear past messages and get a feel for what goes on there. If you need someone to talk with about your daughter and family situation, call their number and ask for John Huber. He is the family minister and can help you out in understanding what they have to offer. We have NEVER felt unwelcome at this church, but we have at others, so I know what you are feeling. I hope this church works out for you. God Bless.

C.,
I don't like to make recommendations, but I attend Breakpointe Church at 88th and Farley in overland Park. I find them to be very friendly and accepted my daughter long before I started going. I never have felt judged and have always been made to feel welcome. Feel free to call me ###-###-#### if you'd like more details.

have you tried Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 151st & Blackbob? they have BVW students in their youth group. their youth minister, Mike Pearce is kind and loves kids so much. this is a medium size church that would love to love your 15 year old...and YOU!

St Paul's United Methodist Church in Lenexa (79th & Pflumm) is small and very friendly. We went there first because it was so close to our home.... the people were so friendly and welcoming - we were impressed & ended up joining. Our son goes to their preschool so we don't know what the high school group is like - but it seems like they've always got something fun going on. good luck! www.stpaulslenexa.org

Hi C.. I know it can be difficult to find a church where you feel comfortable.

I don't know if you have tried Heartland Community Church (currently at 83rd and Lamar but moving out to 119th and Strang Line next fall) but I have been attending for over 10 years and LOVE it. It's not a "mega" church but it's fairly large; total attendance for the two Sunday services is around 1100. It may sound like a lot but it doesn't feel that way. We really strive to make it smaller, connecting those who want to be connected and respecting those who don't. We have a great system of ministries and small groups that bring it to a more personal level.

There's a wonderful high school group that meets weekly. The leaders are fun and the kids are great.

I encourage you to give it a try. Then after the service, go to the Grow Space. There are people there to help you get connected. I would actually be more than happy to meet you there if you'd like.

I wish you well in finding a church home for you and your family.

Oh... here's our website: http://heartlandchurch.org/

My family and I searched for churches for months before we found our home at Grace Covenant Presbyterian in OP. It's located at College & Nieman. We LOVE it! Very welcoming, good sense of community and we have never felt more comfortable in a church. They have a fantastic youth program and awesome adult groups. No cliques! We drive from south Olathe to go...well worth it!

My 15 yo son has attended the youth groups at Colonial Pres at 135 & Quivira and Life church in Olathe. Both of these are good. We are currently attending Leawood Pres but they don't have many teenager's yet. There are about 35 kids ages 5th grade and under. Many blessings, L.

I hear you C...I too am going through a similiar situation. I attended Life Church and it has amazing programs!!! However it too has grown so much and for me has lost its personal touch. I discovered this when my father fell ill..his minister came (from a different, smaller church) , visited and said a prayer for him...I never experienced any of this with the mega churches. I know I'm not much help..but take the time to check out different churchs on Sundays and you'll know when you have come "home". Best of Luck!

I have been attending Evangel Temple for about two months now and love it. They include everyone in everything. I am not sure about the youth group since my daughter is only two but from what I can tell they are not cliqeey at all. Check them out.

They are just off 435 on 103rd.

Belton Assembly of God is a friendly church. Also has a good group of youth. It is located in Belton Mo off of South 71 HWY. Take 163rd exit, turn right. Go to stop light turn left at Quik Trip and O'reilly. Church is on the right. We have a 9:00 traditional service, 10:30 contemporary service and 6:00 service on Sunday. Wednesday night the youth service meets at 200B street next door to Sonic. For those directions at that stop light take a right and Youth church is on the left next to sonic. Wednesday night starts at 7:00 and the main church has several classes available. Adults, Royal Rangers for boys and Girls Ministries for girls. We also have nursery provided for children under 3. You can check out the website at www.beltonag.org for more information. We aren't a megasize church but attendance is between 300-400 and has a lot of activities to be involved in as well as outreach programs.

C.,
i reccommend the kansas city church of christ http://www.kcchurchofchrist.org/index.php?p=location
it is a non-denominational church and i was very impressed with the diversity in their congregation, not to mention they are all very friendly and very inclusive. unfortunately my husband (don't get me started) didn't feel it was a good fit for him, but i would reccommend it to anyone.

I absolutely love Southwoods Christian Church. It's on 161st and Metcalf. It was the first church I really felt I could call a church home. I can't speak to the teen groups there, although, I imagine it's most difficult to break into those regardless of where you are. I moved near downtown so haven't been going there the past few years, but plan to again when we move farther south next year. It's not too big but big enough to have lots of opportunities for involvement. Best of luck! God bless!

very friendly church in Gardner celled new life. they have a strong youth program and good fellowship for adults. they have coffee shop once a month, on fri. (very good coffee, i must add.) i know it's not where you were looking, but i think if you came down 175th, it would be a pain--free ride to church, maybe some time to woof down some donuts! i've been there a handfil of times and they were happy to see me!
in addition, i feel as though you deserve an apology, b/c this is why we go to these places... to get away from the burdens "of the world" ... i'm pretty sure you should NEVER feel like an outcast when you enter God's house. i guess we can take the oppertunity to say thank you for not letting me be that kind of person...meg

Hello C.,
I don't know how far out you would want to drive and not sure where you live, but I go to Lane Avenue General Baptist Church. We are located on 87th St and Lane Ave. It's between James A Reed and Raytown Rd. We are a little country style church. Not small, but not big either. Everyone knows everyone and we welcome people disregard of background, ethnicity, etc. We love people and want to welcome more. Our number is ###-###-#### and the website, I think, is www.laneavenuebaptist.org. or google it and type in Lane Aveneue General Baptist Church. Good luck in your church search!

A.