Samantha M

Review of Scottsdale Bible Church

Very disappointed with my experience at this churc...

Very disappointed with my experience at this church. I am new to the area and wanted to surround myself with Christians who are both passionate about Jesus and inviting to those who are new, and instead I was treated as a spectacle to the regulars when I attended one of the college Bible studies. Upon walking into the room about 12 people were gathered together at a small table, one of which was an adult male I assume to be the pastor himself, and as I attempted to greet them with a smile on my face they stopped their conversation briefly, stared silently as they watched me, and then continued on without saying a word. As I proceeded to stand there uncomfortably one person told me that they'd be starting the service eventually, then proceeded to give a warm welcome to other familiar faces as they walked through the door. I had no option of gathering with them (nor was I invited to do so) at the table as no seats were available, and my alternative choice to standing was sitting alone at the opposite side of the building where they gather for the service itself. In the meantime 3 other newcomers had come in and huddled together in the corner, appearing to be in the same boat I was in given that they were ignored and not welcomed by anyone. After standing there foolishly and attempting several more times to speak to/be acknowledged by anyone in the group, I took the remaining portion of my pride and left unnoticed, extremely disheartened and disappointed that this is what Scottsdale Bible Church has to offer. As members of the body of Christ we should be reaching out to all who walk through that door, not just the familiar faces that keep us in our comfort zone and leave newcomers stranded. I can only pray that any non-believers who enter the same facility will not be rejected as I was!