Grove Church — Local services in San Diego

As a Black family, our experience at The Grove Church in San Diego was deeply disappointing and disheartening. While we were initially met with friendliness, it became clear over time that we were not entirely accepted or treated equally. There was a constant sense of having to prove ourselves or work harder to be seen as part of the community. The church is predominantly white, and it often felt like many congregants had little to no experience truly engaging with people from different racial or cultural backgrounds. Despite attending regularly, my family and I never felt genuinely embraced. It’s also important to mention that the church appears to operate as a family-run organization, with the pastor and his sons in leadership roles. Frequent requests for financial contributions were concerning, especially given the surface-level teaching and lack of spiritual depth we experienced. At times, the environment felt more like a tightly controlled group than a supportive and inclusive place of worship. If you want a church home in San Diego that values true diversity, equity, and spiritual growth, I encourage you to explore other options. There are communities in this city that will welcome and uplift you for...

I've been attending The Grove church for 4.5years and I can honestly say, this church has such a beautiful heart for Jesus. It's easy to come in and judge churches sometimes forgetting that everyone in the church is broken. We are all human. We all make mistakes and no matter how hard you try, you can't please everyone. I've been guilty of judging churches myself and God proved me wrong in every judgment I tried to have.

I can attest the leadership is incredible and authentic. We are not there to play church, but to be the church. There is so much love and support. The church has grown a ton since I've been going and the way to get connected with people is to attend a Growth Group which they have 3x per year for a series of weeks. It's a great way to get to know people on a deeper level and to dig into the Word even more. I've also had the pleasure of serving on the worship team. Not only have I grown SO much spiritually at this church, but I have grown in the gift that God has given me. I'm so grateful for The Grove. God is using this church in a...

I really enjoy attending the Grove Church. The people strive to much to help new people feel welcome. The authenticity of the pastoral staff really is felt as you're not expected to be perfect here, but instead just be wanting to grow more in your spiritual walk. The small groups throughout the week are always a fun environment where you get to meet new people, but also an opportunity to learn and grow alongside people who you would never talk to normally. The opportunities to serve are present and encouraged. I see people of all walks of life attending, and there is such an emphasis on being part of Christ's family. There are sermons based on money, but honestly I've not heard better sermons on it. Often times it feels like a money grab situation, but I can feel the authenticity and the desire for understanding that where your treasure is your heart will follow. I recommend this church to all my friends, family, enemies, or random people walking on the street! A church for all to feel welcome and become part of...