OneChurch.to — Attraction in Toronto

Our Experience at OneChurch.to

We loved this church, until we saw its other side.

When Lead Pastor Jonathan put out a call for help, we answered, eager to serve. However, we were met with an unexpected and disappointing response: we were told that only long-term members could serve in meaningful ways.

The first email I received incorrectly stated that I was “new to my faith,” which couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve been a follower of Christ my entire life. The response I received outlined these requirements:

Longevity in our community, This helps ensure mentors deeply understand our culture, values, and discipleship approach. Serving within NextGen – Before stepping into mentorship, we ask all mentors to serve in another capacity within the ministry to ensure a strong fit.

I actually co-lead Alpha twice , but okay. Not to mention being a Leader in my industry…

Here’s my response:

Hi Stephanie,

I appreciate your response and the opportunity to connect. However, I have to say I’m quite disappointed with your assumption that I am “newer to my faith.” If you had taken the time to truly understand my journey, you would know that my faith has been a core part of my life, not something recent or new.

Joining a new church does not mean I am new to faith, it means I am looking for a new community in which to grow and serve. I was excited about the possibility of mentoring and giving back, but your response makes me feel like I need to “prove” my faith before being considered. That’s disheartening.

That said, I will find other ways to serve in the community. I appreciate your time.

Best, Kristan

That same day, we faced another frustrating response. Lisa, who has been a high school teacher for 26 years, was told she could serve in the café instead of in a meaningful teaching or mentorship role.

Then, to make things worse, she received this email:

Hi Lisa,

Thank you so much for your interest in serving with NextGen! We truly appreciate your willingness to be involved and invest in our community.

As I was reviewing your application, I noticed that under the question, “How long have you been a follower of Jesus?”, your response appeared to be copied and pasted. I’d love to invite you to connect with Pastor Stephanie to explore the best ways for you to get involved and to talk through what serving in NextGen looks like.

To be completely transparent, serving in NextGen is one of the most thorough processes in our church, as we take the responsibility of shaping children’s faith very seriously. Because of that, we do ask that those teaching and leading children in their faith be confident in their own journey with Jesus.

That said, we absolutely want you to feel welcome and connected here at OneChurch.to! If you’re still exploring faith, we do have a serving role within NextGen at the Welcome Desk that might be a great fit. Additionally, there are many other meaningful ways to serve across the church, such as at the Blue Wall, as a Greeter, or in the Café, where you can build relationships and be part of our community.

I’d love to support you in finding the best place for you to serve! Please let me know if you’d be open to a conversation about this, and I’d be happy to help.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best, Veniece Gozum NextGen Administrative Support

Lisa, a high school teacher of 26 years, was told she could serve in the café instead of mentoring or teaching. That alone was baffling. But to imply that her answer was “copied and pasted” felt dismissive and insulting.

When a church’s lead pastor calls for help, and then volunteers are turned away, only to have that decision defended by leadership, something is deeply wrong.

Sadly, we can’t support a church that preaches inclusivity but practices exclusion. So, we say goodbye to this hypocritical place of worship.

Matthew 7:5 (NIV): “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your...

I always tell my kid that if you got nothing nice to say to a person, do not say it, especially behind their backs. But I have to make this review an exception. I was a very happy member here at this place for more than 25 years but with this special age group I have joined, I wasn't too impressed. Whenever I said something positive, like a good compliment to another member for example, they react like I said something bad. On the app messaging system, the majority of people (only few of them are supportive and nice) there from that same group are very TOXIC. I had messaged one individual saying "I hope you have a great week" they behave in a hostile way like they do not want to make friends with you or making this place an unwelcoming atmosphere. Another individual I have spoken to, I literally said something in "2 words" and I promise its nothing horrible (got screenshots to prove it) he also gave me this bad attitude. Some staff member came up to me and response “if you message a member one more time especially the numbers, address and other more important info being exposed and cannot be set to private that are easily given and shown, we will kick you out.” That sort of rule was not stated anywhere and somehow, I got the blame. Once you give your contact to a big group then do expect that another person will be saved that contact info as it is not protected. There are thousands of phone apps out there with a secure feature but they picked the ones that anyone’s information can be breached. Therefore, they have to fix that feature and not point fingers at another member. I thought this is an unionized group of Protestants helping another Protestant but they have proof me wrong. One good side of this church, they provide good preaching, food bank, shelter services and better treatment until 4 years back, everything has changed, people there will treat you like a stranger on urban street. It really takes more than greeting visitors from outside only because words are nothing but words. Attitude and treatment do count the most to have good momentum. This does break my heart a lot that this church is no longer the same church that I once knew (it used to be called Agincourt Pentecostal church and Ling Fu but not that matters anymore). Not enough culture to respect people, not enough security to protect our privacy and not enough given group conduct to know what is right and wrong thing to do. It’s really hard to let go of something you loved the most and if something has changed, then I also have to change my direction and that is going to a better church whom you can be surrounded by good people.

UPDATE: Just had the discussion with the staff member and due to hypocrisy and favoritism, they let that individual scotch free. Its something of me they don't like or accept it make me the exception but that one person. They can take away my respect, dignity and integrity but they wont take away my rights to practice my spiritual beliefs so i will go do that some different places. Lastly, a staff member named Stephanie is a moon cricket. Moon cricket lives...

OneChurch.to is more than just a place of worship—it's a thriving, welcoming, and transformative community that embodies love, faith, and inclusivity. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the warmth and authenticity of the people here.

The leadership team, volunteers, and congregation genuinely care about every person who walks through the doors. Whether you're new to faith, exploring, or have been attending church for years, you’ll find a place where you belong.

One of the things that makes OneChurch.to so special is its commitment to both spiritual and relational growth. The messages are relevant, inspiring, and deeply rooted in scripture, but they also connect to real-life challenges. The worship is powerful and engaging, creating an atmosphere where people can truly experience God’s presence.

Beyond Sunday services, the church is active in the community, fostering meaningful connections through outreach, small groups, and events that make a difference in people’s lives. It’s a place where faith isn’t just something you practice inside the building—it’s something that impacts the world around you.

This church has been a source of encouragement, strength, and hope. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of such a vibrant and supportive church family. If you're looking for a church where you can grow, connect, and be loved, I can’t recommend...