New City Church — Attraction in Phoenix

I went here for my four years of attending Grand Canyon University and continued to for about 2 years after I graduated. The preaching is amazing. Truly, Brian has a great heart for the Lord and amazing theological wisdom. I have to admit though, the congregation was what made my husband and I finally decide to search for a church that we could get plugged into and call home. In my 6 years of attending, I did not meet or was never greeted by anyone unfortunately (other than the few college students that I knew from school). Granted I'm not placing the full blame on the people of the church, because I realize it was my responsibility to reach out as well, although it is more difficult when you are younger I must say. It would have been so nice to have felt known, loved, and shepherded when my husband and I got married young. Now that my husband and I are plugged into a church, we serve in children's ministry and attend a small group and feel the love and care of God's people. The growth in our marriage and us as individuals is indescribable. Again, this church has amazing worship and teaching, but this is my loving advice: please challenge your congregation to dive deep into true community. P.S I still listen to Pastor Brian's sermons every week- from one theology nerd...

Love this place! I have been looking for a church for a year now and this seems to be the right fit especially if you are a young adult. Many churchs in the west valley cater to middle class, middle aged families so I felt left out. Everyone is friendly and strangely good looking I think, so I am sure they have singles groups (not that it should be a reason to attend church but it is noted). We have made friends on our first visit and the worship is on point. Being on multiple worship teams I know what I like and I like what NC has. It's loud and bold worship but it's not forced feeling. If you don't like a worship team, they have multiple teams so it's always changing. Also the pastor teaches on relevant things out of the bible. He is smart and precise in his words and relatable. I met him after the service the first time and it wasn't awkward or like "I'm better than you" feeling that you can get from pastors. Anyways, if you struggle fitting in as a young adult in a church, if you have a heart for the city, this could be your church! I gave it once less star because parking sucks. Sometimes you can get a great spot and other times you have to park a block or two down. No biggie for some people but you may have to know how to parallel...

I hope the following will give the reader a taste of New City. My wife and I have attended for nearly 9 years. The sermons are Jesus centered, and the mission is Jesus oriented. They don’t pass around a collection plate, and are clear and open about the allocation of alms. They do offer communion every service for those who identify as followers of Christ. There are opportunities to connect with others through service and ministry. The lead pastor steps back regularly for the associate pastors, ministry leaders, and guests to preach on Sundays. Coffee and water is available each service which is a nice treat. The church is not a mega church, you are welcome to meet the clergy and pray with em. My favorite thing about this church are the traditions: celebrating the Lord’s last supper, the Daniel Fast, and Easter Sunday, amongst other ways we gather to get to know Jesus more. If I had any negative sounding feedback, it would be that I think the worship music is too loud — I think a toned down set would raise the sound of the worship itself. My wife disagrees with me, for what it’s worth; she’s loves a concert feel.

I’m grateful for New City and pray God to continually grow it as a light pointing to the...