Tapestry LA — Attraction in Los Angeles

This is the perfect church if you are looking for:

Experience. The main worship area is very dark to set the right mood. No lights for you to read your Bible. In fact, I was the only one with my Bible (paper kind) and I could not read it because it was so dark. I should have traded down my Bible for an iPad since that seems to be what everyone else had or their phones. Actually there was no need for your Bible since every passage was displayed on the big screen. Also right when you walk in, you're greeted by a huge coffee area giving you the feel that you're not at stuffy/traditional church but a hip coffee shop with cool merch. But hey, the proceeds go towards missions so it's all good.

Emotion. This church charges you up with great emotion. From the moment you enter their building music is blaring and you can't hear anyone singing. There is also skits and dancing before the sermon comes. An emotionally charged ballet dancer weeps off the stage as they try to visibly display the Philippians 4 passage about not being anxious. People around me were crying from watching the ballet performance. The crowd also got into the break dancing moves by the male ballet dancer. I just love it when there is break dancing at church! Nothing gets me close with God like break dancing! Woot, woot!

The songs were also very emotionally driven by talented singers and band members. The songs were very generic about God and feeling. It could have been songs about any god since no mention of Christ or his atoning work for sin is mentioned. In fact, the songs seem to be vetted and carefully chosen to give you an emotional experience. Perfect for those who are looking for a pure emotional experience.

Eloquence. The pastor, Aaron Kim, was incredibly eloquent. He quoted Andrew Sullivan and Henri Nouwen, two openly homosexual Roman Catholics, waxing eloquent on their views about being still and quiet. The pastor spent more time quoting theologians and philosophers instead of explaining the meaning of the biblical text. Very impressive!

If you are looking for a place which will preach the Word of God, the gospel as the remedy for sin through faith in Christ alone according to the Word of God alone to the glory of God alone, look elsewhere. If you want the Bible with context, exegesis, and biblical exposition you will not like this church. Instead the sermon drips with worldly eloquence!

But if you're looking for emotionally charged, experientially inviting, and eloquent speakers - this is the church for you! They are very open and do not want you to be offended. They will make you feel very welcome...

i go to another church nearby but had heard great things about tapestry so i checked it out.

if you are looking for a congregation is largely younger (high school, college, and a big demographic in the 20s and 30s), then you will probably like tapestry. no church can be all things to all people but i found the people welcoming. the church is definitely on the modern side with modern worship, big production and a modern space.

if i had any criticisms or concerns for people who are looking to check it out, it would be the following. bear in mind that these are preference issues and fundamentally i think very highly of the church, but these may be dealbreakers for you.

pastor tends to speak very long...frequently over 60 minutes. i didn't find the pastor to be very dynamic, but again, this is a preference issue. as far as theology and content, the messages are very much on point.

congregation is on the young side, and the demographic is largely asian.

parking can be a little difficult in this part of DTLA and it's a little more run-down but then again, so is my church's area (i go to newstory LA).

if this appeals to you, check out their services on youtube for a sense of what they are like. their channel is...

This place is for genz, young people. The church has so many members, about 400-500 people per each service. But it's spiritual place. I can eat donuts and coffee every Sunday. I love this church. Praying team is awesome...