Willingdon Church — Attraction in Burnaby

We used to attend this church for years but felt really let down during the pandemic. Other churches worked hard to connect with outdoor services and events, but Willingdon disappeared. There were no out reach or check in’s. Other churches had free student kits so the children could do activities online with the pastors. They also had weekly zoom meetings with the pastors. Willingdon Church did not. It felt like we were forgotten by our own family and leaders, during a time when we needed them the most.

So much money invested in renovations and yet, it is not God’s home if His Word is not a priority. This church has changed into something commercial. Their social media is constantly plastered with photos of people attending the church, praying, worshipping etc. It seems they are more focused on promoting the church rather than being in service to God and His people.

It makes me extremely uncomfortable to know that children and students’ photos are constantly posted on Facebook and Instagram. Isn’t it more important for people to attend the services and events comfortably and with ease, rather than worry about whether candid shots of them walking, praying, singing etc will be posted? Why are so many photos necessary? What is the intention? Who does it serve?

A quick google search of a few random churches’ websites and social media confirm that this is not a normal occurrence in the church community. It would be helpful if Willingdon Church would stop posting these photos, especially of people (families and children). These photos are not necessary and do not serve beyond one’s self promotion and ego.

This church has changed drastically in the last few years. We used to attend regularly because it was an inviting church that had great worship, good sermons and events. Ever since the worship pastor and Sam left, the new worship team has not been able to fill those shoes. It is also puzzling to me why the worship team is not groomed in a way that is representative of a church. There is a difference between casual comfort and dishevelled mess.

The “junior” pastors seem stressed and there is just a general feeling of disconnect with God, His people and His Word. I’m not sure what’s going on but it makes me very sad. Willingdon was our home and it is indeed...

Unlike some country church, a mega church like Willingdon is not control by just one pastor. Lead pastor here doesn't have the power to set the course of the church or what to preach from the paulpit without their consent! Fact is, this church is run by 19 elders comprised mostly by business men.

Before, this church was full of spirit. But after elders forced very spiritual senior pastor to resign, things has been going down hill ever since. Now this church is more like a social club. Just read the comments of those who giving high ratings. It's all about how wonderful, warm church made them feel and/or about impressive performances!! Church is NOT a Social Club!

Here are sobering quotes for you. The Church is not a business! She should not be run by business men and definitely never be run like one!!

Therefore:

1. Qualification for leadership are spiritual - MBA is not listed in Bible. (Too many of the elders are business men. What do they know about God? Stop running this church like business!)

2. It should not be changed to meet the felt need of man, man must be changed to meet it.

3. It is a spiritual organization, with a spiritual head and spiritual mission.

"If people leave impressed with you or your church, but unimpressed with the gospel, you're doing it wrong."

Ed Stetzer

"A church is not a Fortune 500 company. It's not simply another nonprofit organization, nor is it a social club. In fact, a healthy church is unlike any organization that man has ever devised, because man didn't devise...

"UPDATED"

This church used to be great. But ever since they fired the senior pastor, her spiritual condition has been in decline. Now, people there starts and spreads malicious gossips and slanders about other people without restraint. Not only that, this church has group of people who defame others. Willingdon has very spiritually toxic environments!!

Willingdon church asks its member to sign "Membership Covenant", which specifically states " I will protect the unity of my church by refusing to gosship". This is church is run by 19 elders and has 11 pastors. What's with all these people? None of them even bother to enforce the covenant! I ask you, why even make her member sign it??

As other people commented before me, Willingdon is no longer great place. Now, this church is overrun by fake believers (tree is known by it's fruits), who has reduced this once great spiritual place to mere "Social Club".

If you want to grow spiritually, don't bother attending this church. Go...