Saddleback

That kind of presupposed that you already believe in Jesus. If you weren't sure, and you were just checking it out, the issue would be- why would I continue to go to this, if it didn't speak to me on the first go. Given that there are thousands of churches out there and countless other religions etc, why waste my time?

That is the problem with Christians today. They treat church as a social club rather than another place in which to serve God. I don't think everyone who showed up at Paul's prayer meeting way back when, were all Christians and he definitely didn't expect that. Why do we? Why do we assume that the only people who will walk into our churches are those who have already found God? Since when did church become exclusive?

Overall, it is a good church with plenty to offer, much of which I didn't take advantage of since I was only a visitor (things like small groups and various other ministries).  As for friendliness, I was greeted by several "official" greeters from the parking lot all the way into the sanctuary.  Beyond that, nobody said hello.  But, at a church this size, I doubt anybody knew that I was not a member.  Still, it was not a very sociable place...everyone seemed focused on their own agendas.  The singing was quality, but a little contrived.  With all the professionalism of the place, there seemed to be very little room for the Holy Spirit to do his work in the midst of the service.  As for the preaching, I know the speaker wasn't Rick Warren, but I can't for the life of me remember anything about it.  I do remember thinking that it was rather bland and a bit watered down.  Overall, there was nothing terribly dynamic about my experience.

Saddleback focuses on bringing people to Christ, maturing them through bible study, small group and classes, helping them find a ministry to serve others, teaching them how to reach out to the community and go throughout the world to equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick and educate the next generation and praying, encouraging and leading them in honoring, obeying, glorifying and worshiping the creator of the universe. With larger size comes larger complications and headaches and much more criticism. It may seem unfriendly, but that's more the nature of the beast. The size is overwhelming and it's not common for people to go around saying hi and hugging everyone in their path. I know some who do that, but they are the exception. It's the same at any church, event, mosque or temple I've ever been to. There are greeters and they do enjoy what they are doing and really want to greet and make the visitors feel welcome. When you have a mob of people coming at you its hard to stop and have a meaningful conversation. Some people don't like to be bothered at all and enjoy being able to slip in and out. I know one atheist visitor and have heard of others who say the thing they like least is the greeter - mainly for hygiene reasons - you can't please everyone. There is a consistant, huge emphasis on small groups which help make this huge place feel small. When I think of church I think of my small group - I had dinner with them last night. They are the ones who ask how I'm doing, really doing and encouraging me to live in obediance, keep priorities straight and stay in prayer. Saddleback is very big and has no plans to stop growing. We won't stop growing or attempting to reach people for Jesus Christ. We don't need or even want to get bigger but we're not closing the doors.