Chaparral Christian Church — Attraction in Scottsdale

I grew up in a very conservative religious sect that left me gunshy with any church that forces conformity or claims to have "the" accurate interpretation of scripture. I've been looking for 10 years to find a church that loves Jesus, is egalitarian in leadership, values love and acceptance over rigidity and rules, and welcomes curiosity and independent thought. I also appreciate that the music is well done and that I'm not watching the clock during the service. A few specifics: People aren't creepy, so you can come and visit without concern about being stalked, prayed over, touched, or converted. The pastor is, in my opinion, hysterical, with a snarky sense of humor that challenges irrationality without being harsh. I feel like he focuses on the things that matter, and I appreciate that. The DNA of the church is deeper than the pastor. I learned about the church from someone who'd gone through a traumatic time and felt continuously love and held. I felt that same kindness and instant welcome, and safety--which is a big deal if one has religious triggers. Diversity and advanced empathy is shown in so many ways. I immediately noticed that they have a variety of chairs (see pics) to accommodate seating preferences and abilities. They've managed to hold respect for both the young and the old. There is a family room for people who visit and others who may want to watch the service but in a more comfortable space that is kid-friendly. It feels easy to get involved, and that's a little difficult to explain. But the messaging, opportunities, and openness will make it easy for you to sit in the back for two years if that's what you need until you feel comfortable, or, to jump into the fray and make friends. No pressure. No...

I attended this church with my children for 5 years, feeling welcome and supported. However one day many months ago, I was told by the pastors wife that I was no longer welcome. This was announced to me in front of a large number of people in the coffee shop and she would not explain why during her discourse. She repeated her announcement, not in soft tones, several times over with the promise that she would explain later. In fact she began by referring first to my children as not being welcome. I had absolutely no forewarning nor any idea of what it was about. I attempted to contacted several members of the church and not one person would speak with me. Not one. I finally gave up trying realizing that I should not be begging members to explain to me what caused that humiliating scene. This church did not in any way follow their own doctrine of having the kindness and compassion to speak with me in private before they publicly stoned me. I conclude that this church is not at all what it appears considering this began with the pastor’s wife and I heard that the pastor completely supported her. Despite my attempts to contact him, he also would not return my calls. They obviously felt I did something egregious which I think being a reasonably intelligent person, I’d remember. This was not done with love but evil intentions with the full knowledge and apparent blessing of many members of the board which I also tried to contact. I can only see this is a church devoid of Christ’s mercy and love, kindness and compassion. I pray that God will bless and protect all who enter there. Toby Ringland,...

Went there for 5 years and out of the blue without any explanation was told that my children and I we not welcome. And that came from the pastor’s wife. A coffee shop worker who has mental issues said something about us but no one will tell me what. Not one person would talk to me to tell me what we were accused of. Must have been bad. But this person made threats against us so I guess she turned it around and totally manipulated then. This church is unkind, judgmental and if this is what they call “God’s Love” then I think they missed the mark. They’re all about “community outreach” but then eat...