Glad Tidings San Francisco — Attraction in San Francisco

When I first moved to San Francisco back in Fall 2010, I was determined to find a congregation that felt like my home church in Laredo, TX. I googled Assemblies of God Churches and about 5 of them seemed worthy to check out. Glad Tidings was my third visit but at the time, I confused "Grace Church" which is a Korean-speaking congregation for Glad Tidings, since they both happen to be neighbors. I was discouraged because the location was perfect! And it would only take me a 10 min bus ride to get there from my college dorm which I lived in then.

I gave up for a while (about a year) because all the other places that I visited just didn't feel right. But then, one evening that I went grocery shopping at the Safeway on Webster St. (Glad Tidings is located right in front) , I noticed my mistake and I decided to give Glad Tidings a second try the following Sunday.

I WAS HOME.

That Sunday, as soon as I walked in the doors there were the friendliest greeters in the world! I felt genuinely welcomed and as others noticed that I was visiting, they were quick to introduce themselves. Worship and praise time was amazing! Exactly what I had been longing for. That Sunday also happen to be the birthday of the Head Leader, Pastor Forest. It was great to see how members that Sunday morning just showed so much love for their leader and it made me want to be a part of their family.

Glad Tidings met another of my criteria; they had small group ministries for all ages and I specifically was looking for a college one. "Nvision" hangout was announced that Sunday and I knew that I had to go. That's all it took for me to realize that this is where I wanted to be to enhance my faith and walk with Jesus.

So please!...

Often, my past experiences of church were one-dimensional. Everyone looked the same, prayed the same, worshiped the same, and there was very little expository preaching and/or teaching being presented to the congregation. Discipleship was foreign and fellowship appeared to be an extinct past time that was put to death with the last super, but then I found Glad Tidings Church.

A place where religious structures are broken down to the lowest common denominator, a JESUS that SAVES. A place of diversity in people, worship and prayer. A place of refuge and hope for the broken. A place where the Holy Spirit grooms humility, passion and an active prayer life. A place where the bible is studied not just read. A place that teaches generational cycles of destruction, condemnation and conviction can be nailed and then crushed at the foot of the cross. A place where there is an authentic move of the Holy Spirit that has allowed me to see and be an active participant with a real God, that heals hearts, forgives, and transforms all willing persons for a life of lasting change. A place where the importance of finishing the race with Jesus is underlined in red. A place where God loves me just as I am, wow! A church whose foundational beliefs start with Jesus and end with Jesus. If you, as I was for so many years put on the garments of a Christian, perhaps its time for a makeover. Glad Tidings is not perfect nor is it heaven, but it is definitely a great appetizer for what heaven on earth looks like. I am happy to now say that I have found my...

On a scale of 1-10, I'd give this place a wopping 11. Every Sunday, the Spirit-led services are simply jaw-dropping and extravagent. I've been touched and moved every week, and it's all because of the way Pastor Forrest and his staff surrender themselves as instruments for the Lord's mighty orchestra. It's been beautiful to see the number of lives touched at this church including myself! All of this sounds amazing already, but we can't forget about how extraordinary the youth ministry is at this church! With over a hundred kids coming in every week, Pastor Isaiah and Andrea have been faithful servants of the Lord whom He has blessed with such an amazing ministry. Kids from all parts of the city, including kids from San Bruno and Pacifica, come to Underground (youth group) for creative activities and fellowship with one another. They even have their own clothing line called Underground Brand! (@UNGDxBRND) God's blowing up this church, and the city of San Francisco is going to be changed because of this church. You have to check it out for yourself!...