Shepherd Church — Local services in Los Angeles

A Flaw in the listing; In the listing it says “Non-Denominational”- Reality: Shepherd is fully affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention (State Level) which you can find on church finder in SBC. and Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ (Christian Church, a Restoration Movement) which you can find on CrossLink Ministries website and why they Baptize every week as it is required in the COC denomination for salvation. 2) The listing also mentions the year 1995. Shepherd was established in 1991, whereas prior to 1991 it was known as First Baptist of Van Nuys on Kester & Sherman Way. Despite the fact that their website is a little clearer on this subject and contains some glorified marketing information, Shepherd was founded in 1991. The only significant alteration was the omission "of the" from its original name.

Now let's address the concerns raised by others: 1) If you need to use the lavatory during the service, DON’T! There are numerous complaints about this topic, including one here in the reviews!! This issue has resurfaced many, many times since Dudley assumed leadership, and it will not be resolved anytime soon. In this context, the concept of church from the Book of Acts does not exist. You see, Jesus says to ALL who are weary and burdened, "Come to me, and I will give you rest." Going to the restroom is a matter of health, but the preaching staff views this as an interruption of someone who may need to hear their (occasionally entertaining) message and ideally find a better path in life. The issue; Its not in anyway biblical to one degree or another, it’s a 501c3 thing as they need everyone to “pay attention” and no, its not of Jesus in any way! So use the restroom before you enter the theatre!!

As for the Bethel Glory Fog (Haze or Stage toys); Yes I have seen this as well and its for the Gen Z’s and Millennials primarily to tickle their eyes and ears. The Stage or platform has to stir up some emotions and that’s why this is being used so when you give your “tithe of 10%” that is where some of your revenue is going! When Jesus says “Worship Me in Spirit and in Truth” He is not referring to this entertainment value of their worship. So prepare your hearts separately when you come and don’t let the stage toys be the driving force of your worship.

Conclusion: There are many fine churches out there, and many of them engage in outreach, provide resources and support for a variety of causes, and serve as a platform for excellent worship and preaching. Shepherd has the potential to be that church, but I would first connect with a small group or cell group by asking volunteers in the foyer where you can fit in. When you go to Shepherds' worship session, keep in mind that in a consumer-driven culture, people are accustomed to having their preferences catered to and seeking experiences that bring instant gratification. To meet these expectations, some churches may use a "tickling ears" approach, focusing on offering amusing and uplifting teachings rather than asking individuals to examine their lives or confront deeper spiritual truths. I recommend that you separate yourself from the spiritual milk and begin to seek and digest spiritual solid food along the way, and this is where a cell group at Shepherd "may be possible" to benefit you during those times when a fill-in doctor or others take the podium to give you a positive motivational speech. They are all nice individuals, but you are accountable for your spiritual journey, so pay attention and don't let these diversions take you away from what is truly essential, your...

This is one of my favorite places to be! I have been here for over 6+ years and have participated in many of the events. The people here are for real and truly love Jesus. Pastor Dudley is amazing and is an excellent teacher of the word. You walk away having learned something new and having been treated well. Dudley's story of why he wanted a multi-racial church is inspiring and reminds me that there are obedient Pastors in the world who want to make a difference and train those who want to know, who God really is. I love working with the 2 year olds monthly as they keep me on my toes :) They have snacks on sunday (bagels with cream cheese, doughnuts, juice, coffee) and on saturday evenings, they sometimes have food trucks. I must say that SOTH (Shepherd of the Hills) is one church that truly gives back to their volunteers. I have a great beach chair, water bottles, shirts, gift cards, amazing dinners at the church (catered & donated by Outback Steakhouse & Macaroni Grill). We all volunteer as a family at various events and the kids actually enjoy themselves. They also have great music!!!!!!!! Its really a fun and cool place to go. Shepherd has the most AMAZING JULY 4TH SPECTACULAR! If you've never gone, you truly are missing something big!!!!!!!!!!! There are soooooooooooooo many food and fun vendors its ridiculous. This year was especially cool to me. This year the staff stopped a guy who was passing out religious information at the church event. You would think that's fine? It's a church having a community event. Well, they stopped him because that's exactly what it is, a community event. Church service is on Saturday & Sundays and that wasn't time for church! It was time for community bonding and celebration! Wow what a message! I am constantly reminded how great this church is and why I come. It NOT without problems, but its how they work it out that...

Lost a Soul So, I decided to visit Shepherd Church today, to see if this is a potential church I could attend (that is closer to home). The praise and worship was good, the message was also good (Salvation Message for those on milk). During the alter call or call to salvation-being conducted by the Pastor-a young man (early 20's) was excited to be saved. As he was approaching the alter I heard him say something to the extent "I want to go to heaven"-he was clearly new to the church/first time visitor-and I looked at him and saw his excitement to accept salvation. Before I new it one of the security guards did a Push & Grab. Side Bar: why does a man of THE God who is omnipresent, who is our protector and will not allow a hair on his childs head to be harmed need body guards? This baffles me, is it just me? God is my protector. So he pushed him so hard I heard the thump, then grabbed him by his tshirt and "dragged" by pushing him backwards saying (in an aggressive tone)"what are you doing up here, your not supposed to come right now"! (Mind you the other gaurd came from across the room ready to rumble also). How is he to know? I was right in the front row. What if I wasn't saved and I decided to go up to the alter before "time"? It is custom that as the call to salvation is taking place the people approach the alter. Who knew that you have to wait until the words "ready, set, GO!" (sarcasm but you get my drift) are spoken? Would I have been assaulted too? There was a better way to handle the situation being this is the church SOP. The guard could have operated in Agape. My first reaction was dissapointment, then hurt in my heart. I had to hold my tears back. Today the enemy won and we lost a soul, TODAY. I pray that young man does not allow this experience to keep him...