Waterfront Church DC — Local services in Washington

If you are looking to check out a warm & genuine church community, Waterfront Church DC is it!

Waterfront just celebrated its 10th anniversary and it is easy to see why! Everyone is friendly and welcoming. There are a lot of people coming and going throughout the services on Sunday but the church always feels inviting. There is free Lot 38 coffee out front with volunteers who answer questions, point to the restroom, direct to the kiddos space, etc. There are many newcomers each week but it is very common to see folks recognizing familiar faces as one service lets out and another group is going into the next worship service. Noting this because lingering to talk with other people after a church service is a sign of a healthy church! :)

The worship team is always joyful and engaging. Beautiful voices and a mix of newer worship songs and older well known hymns that help get everyone ready to tune in and hear from the Lord.

Pastor Zack Randles does a terrific job of breaking down scripture verse-by-verse each week and pointing to the freedom Jesus brings with weekly encouragement. This is not a doom and gloom "Everyone is going to hell, fire and brimstone" kind of church. Nor is it a "Everyone is going to Heaven" only warm and fuzzy messages church. The pastor does not shy away from deep dives into both the Old and New Testament as he gives more context to difficult passages of the Bible that others might skip over. Pastor Zack is from Texas so there are some examples from his time in the Lone Star state. Overall, he is a down-to-earth compassionate pastor who genuinely cares about serving the people of Navy Yard and DC community as he teaches about Jesus.

FYIs- Waterfront has ministries for children, preteens & youth, college age and young professionals, interns (during the summer), children and families with special needs, and general community groups for those looking to dive deeper outside of a Sunday service.

Location: The church at 100 K Street is ground level and ADA accessible for anyone needing to walk in/avoid steps to get a seat. There is a newly renovated upstairs balcony in the sanctuary space which adds more seating options (and a cool view!). The kids and youth space are on New Jersey Avenue (on the side of Capitol Hill Tower by the nail salon) and there are blue awnings to see where the doors are.

Recorded sermons: It's also easy to get caught up (for traveling folks/curious locals) by checking out one of the Facebook or Youtube live streams or previous audio sermons on streaming platforms.

The sanctuary's lighting is turned down a bit for worship time but well lit during the pastor's sermon. I haven't noticed others having trouble seeing to take notes or navigate around the sanctuary for the restrooms, etc.

Waterfront Church DC is a special place to worship if you are in town traveling through or a native Washingtonian looking to dive deep into your...

Mother’s Day service, he spent the entire service talking about his relationship with his father bc his preacher father was often traveling when he was growing up. This was his biggest tragedy! Maybe Father’s Day he will mention his mother and wife?

Supposed to be teaching from Nehemiah. His main point was to forget about past relationship pains and move forward. He didn’t consider some relationships include abuse, didn’t consider there could be someone there that took his direction to mean to stay in an abusive situation.

I‘m sure he means well but this was a superficial experience lacking depth or relevancy to issues people are struggling with, no speaking for the hurting or vulnerable (Isaiah 1:11-17). He spoke about being led by God to be in DC, sounds so spiritual, but gave no. “why” no differentiation as to how he’s contributing anything different than other...

This is honestly a wholesome, come as you are, everyone is accepted church! The sermons are easy to follow and there’s no fluff! One of my first experiences understanding how much they truly care for the community was partaking the Pastor’s “Equally Yoked” class. I wasn’t even a member of the church but this didn’t matter because they still give resources and guidance to everyone. I’ve been to churches that make me feel as if I need to go through the hoops to feel accepted but not this one. I also love that give everyone a chance to feel connected to DC - I’ve volunteered with them for Night of Shine and Truck or Treat. Feeling close to God comes easier with a community who is willing to pour into others - showing us...