LIFEGATE Denver — Attraction in Denver

It's hard to write this review—it feels impersonal. Like I'm making a comment or judgment without hearing the voice of the leadership. But again, that’s how it feels every Sunday. General statements are made about "us"—the body, the Denverites—each week. It's a one-way dialogue.

And I want to say this clearly: it's hard to write something like this because I love this place. It has been a part of my life, my faith, and my community. That’s why it hurts my heart to see what it's becoming.

As the years have gone on, this church has gained popularity and cultural appeal. It hits all the cultural marks: fashion, verbiage, trends. But I don’t see a strong spiritual emphasis. This church feels like Denver itself: well-dressed, polite—but at the end of the day, it's businesspeople meeting to build their brand, grow their funds, and glean whatever benefits they can.

If you’re not on that trend—if you just want to talk and respect others as humans made in God's image—that’s a tough sell. More often than not, your status and affluence are what inspire community.

Back to the one-way dialogue: if you're in a tough spot, I hope God gives you the strength to persevere. But most Sundays, I haven’t heard a message about going into the workplace or the community with boldness to profess Christ. Instead, there’s an emphasis on growing the church building, or on how little the church community is doing—for, well, mostly the church.It's also strange that there's no transparency about what the church is doing with tithe/offerings...

I can’t express it all, but there seems to be an air of resentment from leadership. It’s not overt, but it leaks out. As negative as that sounds, if you're going to church just to check a box and build your platform or affluence, you might miss that resentment altogether. But maybe that’s exactly where it’s coming from—leadership growing weary of a community that treats faith like another brand.

But how can any of that change? There’s no accountability. No dialogue. Just a one-directional conversation from the stage each Sunday. Listen, check the box, leave. But where’s the maturity? The growth? Faith is not a box to check off on Sunday, how can we not acknowledge that our individual relationship with God far out ways the cultural trends and leanings of one ore more Church leaders? Your relationship with God matters, I don't see that talk here or in the air of those around.

“Many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but He will say, ‘I never knew you.’” —Matthew 7:22–23

I’m not writing this to tear anything down. I’m writing this because I care. I love this church, and that’s what makes this so difficult to say. But love has to speak when something feels broken—even if it’s hard.

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” —Proverbs 27:5

Sometimes honesty is the most loving thing...

It feels a little weird reviewing a church but I'm a native here and would really love to see the culture shift in churches and possibly giving a fair and balanced review in love may help.

The teachings I found to be solid, (though too much effort in storytelling and it's hard to connect where the sermon is going) but the gospel IS refreshing for the Denver-Metro area! Many churches here are motivational-speakers, prosperity, half-gospel out of context, or hell and brimstone teachings. I appreciate the gospel-centeredness (made up word lol) of this church. Also, the prayer and worship nights are a blessing!

I would really love to see more churches invest in maturing their sheep as disciples to prepare them to go into the world, AND engage with other believers. It starts in the 'home' first.

I've given my information to the info center a few times so that I can get involved and they say someone will reach out and I haven't yet heard back. I also called and left a vm and didn't hear back, then when I called again the person who answered seemed guarded or uncomfortable to interact with me? I'm not sure what it was but the church has the typical Denver-metro stand-offish feeling and a lack of authentic welcoming and friendliness. During testimonial night, some testimonies were so encouraging! But it was concerning as little children talked about suicide (without fair warning to the parents of children who have never talked about that), and the spotlight went to the church more than praises to the Lord himself. Last thought, some of the stats mentioned in sermons I couldn't find in context. I'm a sociologist and geek out on the topics of culture and research so when data is mentioned I love to learn more about it. Though I appreciate the solid teachings as the pastor points us to the Lord (refreshing!), some of the data is taken out of context, which leads to mistrust.

I guess overall I would say that the body represents its leadership and the leadership is responsible for its body. Leadership is a serious role talked about in the Word and there seems to be a lack of wisdom and maturity. I would love to see the church grow, and it's encouraging to hear the gospel in its entirety! And the worship music is biblical ❤️ and I am excited to see volunteers, leadership, and the church body mature in the Lord, the fruits of the Spirit, and...

Not sure if it’s a Colorado thing or a lifegate thing; the outfits people wear on Sundays it’s crazy. Gym shorts, tshirt and thong sandals? But what’s even worst is EVERYONE shows up as mass is starting or late! 5 mins before mass it’ll be empty! Between the start of mass and 20 mins into is when the most amount of people come in. You might ask why that is? It’s because they know they can show up at 9:15 and someone will find them a seat upfront! So mid worship your being tapped on your shoulder to move over for the late people. I personally think 9:05 close the sanctuary doors and have everyone that shows up late to sit outside in overflow. I bet the following week everyone will show up early! People put on their best outfits for their birthday or wedding but not church? If it was a nuggets game everyone would be there an hour early. Really disappointed by lack of...