Northridge Church

I've been at Northridge since 2004 and overall it's been a blessing in my life. It is not like the Catholic services I've grown up with but that's more good than bad in my opinion. A relationship with God has nothing to do with the works of religion. Northridge shows a church can be relevant without compromising the gospel. I think people need to be careful in their assumptions that since it's big they must be teaching feel good religion or be the "emergent church". This is a bad assumption and if you've listen to their teachings this isn't the case.

Pros:
- They stick to the teaching of the gospel without compromise. Sin is still sin. Heaven and hell are real places. We all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory and Jesus is the only way to salvation. I have never heard anything that refutes the gospel at NRC.
- Their care ministries are very comprehensive. They offer support groups for just about any kind of addiction or abuse people have suffered.
- Lots of programs for teens, singles, seniors, ect, ect.
- They do a lot of outreach programs in society.
- The music is Christian contemporary and I like the fact the same songs they play I often can find on Christian worship stations.

Cons:
- My only complaint is I consider myself a mature believer and I am looking for advanced bible study. Northridge has small groups but the leaders of those groups are volunteers and most have little or no theological training. They cut down the Wednesday night believers services to only once a month. I would like it if they had a pastor that taught bible study for those seeking advanced study.

Those are my thoughts. Overall, They are very good but I would like more offered to the mature believer.

I tend to agree with the last comment, as the reason we decided to leave the church. Have you ever been to the Christmas production? They actually have people hanging from the ceiling as angels. This church brings in more money and revenue than many major cooperations, that alone should tell us something. Not to mention there are plenty of people on leadership there whom have their fingers in other cookie jars, per se. God doesn't want his church to conform to the world, but rather the world to accept Him.

In response to some of the above reviews, I am saddened to hear that some are not impressed with the way NorthRidge Church handles "church". It is a church that is relevant in meeting the needs of people today not 50 years ago. God's truth should never change, but the way church is being done has to change! For the individual whom wanted a traditional church, I guess NorthRidge is not for you. I do strongly recommend that you attend the Discovering the Church class hosted by Pastor Powell, where he answers the tough questions and explains the theology of the church and why we do what we do. Before you pass judgement, think about where most traditional churches are going. Most are not growing. NorthRidge Church is a bible based church. It is not about religion. It is about God's truth! For the size of the stadium, I find it exciting that such a huge amount of people are on fire for the Lord! For the neighbors, please try to find it in your heart that in this day and age where people are broken and hopeless, thousands are finding healing and hope here! We thank you for sharing your community with us! I hope you come in and give it another try! My husband and I and our soon to be 4 children have found a home at NorthRidge. I have never attended a church where my kids are excited to go to church! That speaks volumes! Wednesday night service is not titled "Believer's service", it is called New Life. For anyone and everyone who has found new life in Christ and want something deeper than weekend service. Jesus did not call the church to have a cross to remind us that He died for us, He called us to be "The Body" and that is what you will find at NorthRidge! Size doesn't matter. If you are seeking the close fellowship of a small church, we have small groups that will meet anyones needs! Thank you NorthRidge for growing my relationship with the Lord! We love you all!!!!

First of all, my family comes from a small Catholic parish, and I never thought we would be comfortable in such a large setting. What a mistake that was! The talks are relevant, the church is very accepting, and it IS non- denominational, even if you think it's Baptist. It encourages a relationship with God, and not the denomination. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't attended a Discovering the Church seminar, which will lay out the beliefs on paper. Yes, it WAS Temple Baptist- more than 15 years ago! Pastor Brad Powell has been there a long time, and is definitely not "the new pastor."

There is never a pressure for money- as a matter of fact they tell guests to "please let the basket pass." (That is a direct , and every Sunday quote.) The Bible is referenced many times each Sunday, and in depth, Bible opening services are on Wednesday nights, about once a month.

Please don't be discouraged by some of the other postings. Church is supposed to be personal. Go in a few times, try it out and if it REALLY isn't for you, at least you made your own decision!

In response to the last comment. I was also escorted from the church when I was let go from the church. I am far from dangerous or threatening. I have spoken to several people whom have been let go and they have all been treated the same. Many outside employers do this not because some one is dangerous, but because they fear conflict among the harmony of their cooperation. It's not the most professional thing, but it's how things are done. In support of the last comment, I was quite surprised as well of how I was also treated when I was let go.

My husband and I have been attending NorthRidge, now, for almost 2 years, and we absolutely LOVE it! We came from a small non-denominational church and used to believe that all BIG churches were for people to get LOST in the crowd---for non-committal people.
We were very wrong. Of course, if that's what you WANT to do, it's much easier to be invisible in a BIG church, rather than a small one.
But, there are plenty of opportunities to serve at NorthRidge.

Once we started attending NorthRidge, we both noticed that God was setting us free from RELIGIOSITY. (To name a few thoughts we USED to have...you shouldn't eat or drink in the sanctuary (do you think GOD really cares? Or, are we being RELIGIOUS-caring more about our carpet than God's people? Do people need to dress so ultra-casually (shorts, ballcaps, sandals, etc)? Does GOD really care, or are we being RELIGIOUS all dressed up on the outside with judgment and bitterness on the inside?)

The music (even if secular) is ALWAYS pertinent to the message being spoken. The worship music is contemporary and reaches out to God's people--today! Nothing wrong with Hymnal's and reserved music, but Jesus didn't have a hymnal when He walked this earth. I believe that music is a tool to create an atmosphere that ushers you into the presence of God where you can truly worship Him. However, many get caught up in the "TYPE" of music rather than pressing in to worship. If you truly have a heart of worship, nothing can stop you from entering into His presence.

NorthRidge does have state-of-the-art equipment and everything is done with EXCELLENCE. Not to be great, themselves, but to bring glory, honor and praise to Jesus Christ. Isn't the King of Kings and Lord of Lords worthy of EXCELLENCE and exuberant praise? (It's shouldn't just be for Hollywood or rock stars in the world.)

The Bible is continually referenced in the programs given at the door as well as on numerous projection screens. You don't HAVE to bring your Bible on Sunday, if you choose not to, because the scriptures are written in the program guide as well as on the screens.

I agree, this sort of congregation may not be for everyone. We must seek the direction of the Lord to be led to the place He would like us to be. But, there is certainly nothing anti-scriptural or sinful going on here. They are doing God's work and reaching out to many lives....and God is changing lives and saving souls.

Now, that's a good thing!

I don't like the fact that NorthRidge Church is calling themselves " non-denominational " when in fact they are Baptist. All of the articles on the internet are stating that they were once Temple Baptist Church and they changed their name to bring in more members. The church is following the doctrines of the Baptist religion (denying baptism to infants and small children, emmersing the whole body to be baptized, not recognizing previously baptized individuals if they were baptized as infants, etc.). The majority of non-denominational churches were either Baptist or Pentecostal, and are changing their names to bring members to their faith, still following their doctrines.

There are also no crosses in the church. Crosses should bring a constant reminder that Christ died on the cross for our sins.

The auditorium seating with cup holders reminds me of a large theater instead of the coziness of a traditional church. The orchestra was excellent and the singers sounded like professionals (sang beautifully), however, the music was so loud that you could not hear yourself or your neighbor sing. There were no traditional songs sung either. The huge building does not look like a traditional church and doesn't have a steeple.

I also do not like the fact that Wednesday nights are titled the "Believer's Service" and the services on the weekends are used mainly to attract new members, putting on a production. When I visited on a weekend, this distinction made me feel like I wasn't a "believer".

A two star rating means "wouldn't recommend" which I didn't want to use because I believe everyone should go to a church to strengthen their faith and sing praises to the Lord. That is why I rated the church with 3 stars.

I am 16 years old and i have been attending northridge church since i was born.I could debate and go on for hours with people who talk bad about northridge, but i am going to make it short.We need more parking spaces to fit more people in the church so we dont turn people away from growing there relationship with God. GET OVER IT!!.We have all the good light and sound to make it fun and to make peoples relationship with God come alive for them.so SUCK IT UP!!!! WE use the Bible all the time in service,and every weekend i and thousands of other people walk out of that building with a deeper love for God.SO GET OVER IT!! i can understand if the church is not your kind of style,everyone is different, but dont go on the internet and try to discourage people from coming to grow there relationship with God.

There are a lot of solid churches around the Detroit area. NorthRidge Church is one of those churches. It is actually one of the best in the country if not the world. People that make negative comments, especially those who say they don't use the Bible or are not Biblically sound - are limited in their NRC experience or confuse truth with their preferences. All you have to experience yourself - go to www.NorthRidgeChurch.com and listen or watch Brad Powell (Senior Pastor) - listen to his last message from the weekend of 3/8&9/08.
NorthRidge's value is that God's truth must be communicated with doctrinal integrity and cultural relevance. 2039 people signed cards in 07 letting the church know they asked Christ into their hearts & lives. 845 people rededicated their lives to Christ - 537 were baptized. Those who say the Bible isn't used are out right lying - proof - as mentioned above - watch any talk. One time the Pastor used 48 passages of Scripture. NorthRidge is all about loving people a the way to the empty tomb - their purpose - to lead people to a life of faith in Christ and then on the journey to full devotion to Him - one life at a time.
NorthRidge is a big church and a small church at the same time. It's not a perfect church, it's not a perfect Pastor and staff - it's not a religious church - it's a relationship filled church - where you won't be judged but you'll be loved and cared for... because Jesus said - they'll know you're one of mine if you love. Other "religious Christians" who tear down churches like NorthRidge or any churches that teach God's Word - are not worth wasting your time listening to. As Brad always says - don't buy what he tells you or any other person teaching from God's Word without cross checking. That what they are saying juxtaposes with God's Word. The proof of a successful church is when lives are being changed - people are finding the eternal Hope of heaven through Christ - where God's Word is not compromised - no matter what anyone else says in these given comments on this site about NRC. By the way - aren't you tired of relgious people who call themselves and most likely are Christians - and rip on other Gospel teaching churches - just cause they don't get it - it's not what "they like or want" - how quick they forget what we need to be focusing on - loving people to the Cross to find Christ. Satan is doing quite enough to keep people away from hearing the Gospel - there are Believers that really need to pray instead of harming the cause of that one person coming to Christ!
Like I mentioned - there are a lot of great churches in the Detroit area - and NorthRidge is one of them. God has used this church to change thousands of lives - they're now going to heaven - students are finding living for God is awesome - and they don't have to buckle to peer presure to make bad choices - Marriages are being healed - Divorced folks are finding God's love and acceptance and worth - Parents with Special Need Kid's come and find a ministry that not only cares for their kids' but ministers to them. The list could go on and on. NRC - is a great church!

This is a big stadium style church that worships God with popular style music. They have very charismatic speakers and have a very approacheable style.

A friend invited us to this church. I was a little leery at first by the size of it, but have never regretted going since. They have a way of making everyone feel welcome and they have something for everyone. They have over 700 small groups you can get involved with. They have many out reach ministries, like a prison ministry and ministries that reach out to the poor.

The music is up to date and awesome. They also put on plays and programs that are truly Broadway quality.

I have been attending this church for 8 months. It saddens me that some people on this review site have negative things to say about this church. This church takes away all the traditional religious man-made "stuff", and brings you the Bible (and a great way to worship our Lord that is actually exciting). You can invite all your neighbors that have never experienced the love of Christ and not feel like they will be put off by guys in robes with incense (yikes). God is finally accessible to the masses, and while this may not be the answer for everyone, it is for thousands of people that may not have know Christ in our area and you can't say much bad about that. Also, I am a member and I have not been pressured to give a dollar to anyone, unlike the review below mentioned. I agree, that it would be rough to live too close, as it is busy, but since all these people are hearing about the love of Christ, I would manage to look past that for eternal purposes. By the way, there are reasons for not having a cross...people start to overlook it and it does not have a impact any longer. There is a cross at some times during worship.

OK, its big. That's for sure. Impressive facility and a large audience. So what? The Bible was hardly opened. I've heard so much about this church, but I was not prepared for the utter lack of reverance for God and the complete lack of Biblical substance.

The band was impressive and I like contemporary music, but why did they play secular music in their service? I'm still trying to figure that one out... If you want "Christianity-lite" and you're more impressed with big crowds, lights, smoke & mirrors than you are with straight Bible teaching and God-centered worship, then this is the place for you.

The loud music and stadium seating are not for me. If others enjoy North Ridge and they feel it is a positive force in thier lives, I am happy for them. I must say that this large operation has a negitave impact on the lives of area residents. The Church is currently suing Plymouth Township to add 3268 more parking spaces to the campus. Shame on them.

Though we found the church quite by accident, it has become a home for our family. We have invited many people who have also become menmbers and no one has been disappointed.

It is a non-denominational church. It is HUGE anfd they are adding on again. A typical week brings in about 8,000 people. But there are also about 700 small groups you can get involved with to find your own niche within the church.

If you have kids, this is a wonderful place for them too. Their day care system, Discovery Island, is unlike anything i have ever seen. Though it is all volunteer-based, it runs very smoothly and the kids are group by age.

Pastor Powell is the real reason we continue to attend though. It is as if he is speaking right to me personally every week! The topics are ones I can relate to, he holds my attention, and gives practical ways we can use the info in our lives today. Very relevant information.

Don't let the satium-style seating turn you away, try a service and see what you think!!

PROS: Outstanding Pastor. Excellent Drama and live music (including concerts)
CONS:

This is the largest church I have ever been in - I don't know if the ones on TV could be any bigger. We figured there must be a lot going for this church if they can draw so many people to keep it expanding, so we gave it a try.

Other reviews on this site that describe the "Broadway-quality productions" are right - this is straight out of TV or Hollywood. The huge auditorium with amazing video and lighting and sound systems and plush seats with drink holders is more elaborate than any corporate HQ I have ever seen. They could have fed several million starving people for what they spent on this one room alone.

Then go down to the Children's section of the church: we were told that it was designed by the same people who designed portions of Disney World. It is stunning - and again, worldly beyond belief.

If you attend a weekend service you are given a sales pitch to come back on Wednesday, and to join one of about 750 groups. They paint it as something for everyone, because they really want you to become an official member of the congregation.

And once you officially join the congregation you find out how they pay for everything. Expect to be pressured for money. Once we started comparing our experience with other people, we all summed it up the same way: Northridge is a business first and foremost.

We didn't find Jesus anywhere in this church, we found lots of Hollywood-type characters and bankers.

Take your family and faith to a smaller church that is well regarded in your local community and leave Hollywood on TV.

I am what they call a "lifer" at Northridge church. Although we have recently moved out of state, I attended it when it was formerly known as Temple Baptist until this past July. I have seen the old way and the new way and I am thankful to be saying they do it God's way. There are pros and cons in every church we have visited while trying to find a new church home and Northridge is no different. My heart is still there even though my body is not.:-)
There were times that I felt the music was too loud, or the subject matter of a sermon was discussed in too much detail for a weekend service (kids under 13 were suggested to not be in the main auditorium) and it really bothers me that people leave during the service and come back with a drink or snack. I downright hated some of the secular music that was played and seen no reason for it even though it was "tied into" the service in one way or another. Some of the words in those songs were COMPLETELY inappropriate in my opinion and when brought up to the church leaders was handled wonderfully and explained in depth why that particular song was chosen. We agreed to disagree on that matter though. I was able to run in and out of church for years because it was so big and I was not involved. That was my bad. The church has so many opportunities to serve and/or be served. The time and energy put into their recovery programs show and benefit many hurting people. The opportunity to be involved in mission work with this church family is God sized. After 3 trips to the Gulf Coast with them reaching out in Jesus' name to displaced Katrina victims, my life has been changed. Their resources are out of this world and the hand of God rests on the shoulders of all the leaders. I hate change and Northridge is all about change. So why did I continue going there?.....because I figured if God loved me so much he couldn't leave me where I am at and he continually demands change, then why shouldn't my church follow His example? Change without compromise! Some things are never meant to be left the same.

A church even young people can relate to. I use to think church was boring until I went here, the time goes so quickly you'll wish it was longer. There music and programs are awesome modern and up beat. They have all kinds of programs for people to join besides the regular church service, singles, prison ministries, men's groups, sports, golf and bike riding groups to get people involved. Everyone is super friendly. A friend of my Moms recommended it to us and I'm glad I went.

Wow, I'm really surprised by the negative reviews of Northridge. When we visited NorthRidge we really just wanted to say we went so we could cross if off our list of potential churches. We had visited once or twice before but we weren't in the market for a new church then. Well since we visited this last time, we have never left. Pastor Brad Powell speaks the truth with revelence. And while the congregation might not all bring their Bibles, that doesn't mean that the Bible isn't taught. They put Bible Scripture up on the screen so that everybody can read it. The music is awesome, yes loud, but extremely professional. They usually perform a secular song that corresponds with the message that is being preached that week. Every denomination is welcome because at this church there are no outsiders. Only insiders. They don't emphasize a religion, instead they emphasize a relationship with Jesus.