Calvary Chapel At The Cross — Attraction in New York

I have visited this church several times. I love the work of God in Pastor Drew's life and his verse by verse teachings. I praise God for his love for the Word, his love for the Body of Christ and the wisdom that God has given him. His wife, Susan, is godly woman. She is very loving and giving. My grandaughter has been a recipient of her generosity. I love the musical talents of Susan and their two children too. Lastly, I loved how the Body participated in cleaning up the church before and after a service.

Nevertheless, here are some of my realistic observations:

1. There was alot of distractions during the service. When the pastor and a guest speaker were teaching, some people stood up to get coffee, warm it up in a microwave, and stood in front drinking their coffee. I was surprised by their actions.
2. In my visit last November 2021, a lady interpreted to a non English speaker loudly while the guest pastor was giving a very good sermon. I really wanted to listen to his message but I was distracted. She has helped one guy but she has distracted many in the congregation, especially me.
3. Again during a sermon in 2020, a lady sitting beside me greeted a late comer and played with the baby loudly. I told her to tone down but she was just oblivious.
4. Whenever I visited the church, some regular attendees have asked me, "So, are you now going to start coming here? Is this now going to be your church?" I don't like to be put on the spot like that.

So please, Pastor Drew, talk to your people about being respectful, sensitive and orderly especially during a sermon and towards visitors. Many times I want to visit your church because of your fine teachings, but when I remember the distractions I have encountered, it just turns me off. Please take my advice with a grain of salt and do something about it. I want the very best for...

We started coming here in early 2021, and we couldn't be happier. My husband and I and our three children were in desperate need of finding a home church and adopting and connecting to a church family, and I say with full confidence and wholeheartedness that the Lord has blessed us by answering our prayers. This church is not just a building, its a true congregation that thrives on fellowship and discipling others to come to the one and true Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. No manmade rituals, no social legalistic rules to follow, just His will and His written word. After just a few months, our family has grown some much in our walk with Christ and our spiritual journey. This church helps guides us to be better individuals, parents, and has blessed our marriage. Personally for me, one of my favorite things about our new home church is that Pastor Drew, his wife Susan don't just preach and talk at us, they speak with us, they follow up on us, they truly make you feel so welcome and due their biblical diligence on establishing connections, while maintaining boundaries. Lastly, its very family oriented atmosphere, which is always a plus for our children's social, emotional, mental and...

Thinking of this place brings back so many painful memories. This church is great as long as you do not get too involved. I learned a lot here.

I was also yelled at and insulted by someone who calls himself a pastor for the first time in my life. The pastoral misconduct happened on multiple occasions and in different contexts as well. Not on one occasion. I still remember being told "you haven't had any kind if success in your life" by this pastor which at the time was untrue and extremely hurtful. I was also told I had to immediately break up with my boyfriend by this pastor. A command which I obeyed not knowing at the time that this level of control was inappropriate. I say this because I wish someone had posted their experience so I had some kind of warning about this place. I found this church on Google. I pray for repentance so that no one else has to experience what I did. Thank God I found a...