The Block Church — Attraction in Philadelphia

The Block Church Español know how to draw you in, most are very friendly and so are the pastors, but when you need help the pastors are too busy to tend to you, it will make you feel you are not that important. And I believe it could be the pastor is both a pastor and an evangelist who probably tires himself out to tend to comers except for his own circle of friends and family. Though his teachings are on point, he preaches whatever the main head pastor wants to be preached. In other words, it may not be wrong, but what if God gives the pastor a word, he can not preach it? That is my own observation. He has to stick to what was given to him by the main pastor who is not the one in front of this congregation. Maybe I don’t understand it, but this is what it appears like, there is a control over these pastors and congregations from the main pastor who pastors in the Northeast not in Port Richmond, downtown, West Philly nor any other areas. How would he know what every congregation needs to hear if he isn’t present? Though it is a Biblical teaching church and on point on the Word, I feel something isn’t right. Tried sitting with the pastor about my doubts and questions but he said I had to wait until he takes a evangelical trip to DR and somewhere else, even though I am one of his sheep who has concerns. My concerns can wait, I guess is what he was telling me, even though I tried to make an appointment with him three weeks prior to his trips with no response from this pastor until a few days before his trip. So if you desire to stay, then stay. You will meet people who genuinely love and care but good luck in knowing the ones who lead you. It is IMPORTANT to know who leads you, when off his stage. I have also heard from the head pastor of these congregation himself while giving a financial report to the congregation he pastors about 2 years ago, there was over $22, 000,000 in the church account. How does 3 to 4 churches who are filled with mostly minorities save up so much money? And who has control of that money? And how much money do the pastors get paid? And how much go to the community and people in need in the church? And they just bought a building worth I don’t know how much? Now, buying another building isn’t wrong, but where does all that money come from? I lost my job and lost my home. My pastors knew my situation but never offered to help me, knowing these groups of The Block churches have millions. Please get to know all about a church and your pastor. Never just settle. Especially when God has been exposing people who say they are called to pastor. Know the Word and have a relationship with Christ. Do not depend on pastors for they too fall short of the glory of God. Salvation is individual. Know your rights and pray for the body of Christ whom Satan at all cost...

What can I say, weather you are a hipster, an executive, a youngster or a Senior member of our society, The Block Church will welcome you with the same open arms. The level of Love the leadership and congregation share among each other is priceless. I have not seen many churches that are this well balanced in regards to how they go out their way to make the atmosphere feel welcome to Millennials and older generations alike. All of it while enjoying a Lead Pastor Joey Furjanic, that will always go step above and beyond to preach the gospel of salvation, repentance and redemption; A message filled with conviction, Love, and mercy for the souls. A message not just for you to feel right, but a message based on sound doctrine for you to be moved and be touched in the spirit to get right. I also love this quote that Pastor Joey has as one of his mantras in life and I could say that pretty much this summarizes the quality of church this is. -“INTEGRITY WON’T GET YOU THERE FAST, BUT IT WILL GET YOU THERE WHOLE” when a lead pastor has such an inner conviction about integrity He then goes beyond his way to share this value across all his leadership teams, and for me this was a clear indicator that I didn’t have arrived to my next home.

If I would have to describe es h location in a short sentence;

Port Richmond: The Foundation “Always feels like family”

Center City: The Energizer “Young and Fun” -Pastor Derrick will make your time worth your while!

Northeast: The Balance “Where the young meets the old and they realized, they were all just the same! - Love you Pastor Matt.

P.s. I thank The Lord and a great friend for leading me to this place!

-Proud member and Volunteer of The...

If I could give this church zero stars, I would. My siblings and I have attended every so often for a few years now, and while we kept hoping things would grow more welcoming and Christlike, it has become painfully clear that this is not a spiritually safe place for everyone.

The lead pastor often chooses volume over compassion, and instead of creating a space where all people feel seen and valued, he regularly speaks in ways that exclude entire communities. Most recently, he stated that gay Christians do not exist. Hearing that as someone with a gay Christian family member was heartbreaking. Nobody should come to church to be told that their identity makes them unworthy of a relationship with God. That is not the Gospel Jesus taught.

In a city as diverse as Philadelphia, a church should be the first place to embody welcome, grace, and humility. Instead, the messaging here has become heavily political, selective in its outrage, and focused on drawing lines between who is “in” and who is “out.” It feels far from the heart of Jesus, who consistently reached for those on the margins.

There are some pastors and staff members here who genuinely seem to care and teach with sincerity. I truly feel for them, because their work is overshadowed by leadership that appears more invested in control and ideology than in love, truth, and community.

If you are seeking a church that reflects the inclusive, compassionate teachings of Christ, I would encourage you to prayerfully look elsewhere. Faith should not be something you have to endure. It should be something that brings you closer to God, not something that makes you or your loved ones...