Gateway Community Church — Attraction in South Riding

I was searching for a church home and a small group in order to feel connected. I've been in many great, and not so great churches in the past, held leadership positions for both adults and children, but never have I seen anyone get singled out and made to feel worse than when they first came, all because they respectfully expressed honestly, and defended another person in the group who talked about seeking therapy for her marriage. It seems that if you don't speak the same way as the women in the small group, you get ousted. This was appalling actually, in a time where the church should be welcoming and a safe haven - I experienced the opposite here. This is not how Jesus would've handled things and sadly, many churches tarnish the name of Jesus all in the name...

We found this church because our son had indoor soccer training in their gym. The building is modern and warm. The staff was so friendly they gave my husband a tour of the building and we decided to come back on a Sunday. We had tried a lot of Loudon County churches but Gateway is by far the best in the South Riding area. The worship is contemporary and inviting. The preacher is dynamic, passionate and biblically sound doctrine is preached every week. The children's program is incredible and my kids love the all the hands on and interactive experiences with the small group setting. We love all the events and outdoor activities they put on for the community. A great church for families...

I opted to visit this church instead of mine one Sunday and found it to be unfriendly and unwelcoming. No one spoke and when attempting to find a seat, twice I was told a seat was “saved” for someone else, so I sat in the back in an empty chair and moved it closer to at least seem like I was part of the “group”. At that point the church felt a little “click ish”. The message was good, but not enough to cause me to run back. I’ll stick with my church, just wanted to see what the neighborhood Gateway...