Wooddale Church Review

I've had the pleasure of getting to know the staff at Wooddale over the past year and I very impressed by their focus on their community and their dedication to reaching people with the love of God.

Very welcoming and nice people. Kids friendly... Family friendly... I am a Catholic but planning to go there every Sunday.

I want people to know about an experience I had with Pastor Dale before they decide they want to become a member of this church. My son and I moved to MSP from CA a few months ago and due to some bad luck and other things that I won t go into here we have become homeless. We have been living in my car and sometimes staying in hotels while we save money to get back home. I lost my job a few weeks ago and spent all the money I had saved on a hotel for us to live in because it is so cold. After exhausting every resource I could think of..this is not a situation I am familiar with or have ever been in before. My husband walked out on us which left us in really bad shape. I never should have come here but at the time I just needed to escape. Anyway, out of complete desperation, I decided to reach out to churches in the area to see if they would help me keep my hotel room for a few more days so we don t have to go stay in the car, in the cold. My son is sick, it s Thanksgiving and it s depressing enough. I reached out to Pastor Dale via the website for his church in Eden Prairie. The response I received was heartless, lacked empathy, compassion and he might as well said he couldn t careless what happened to us. I wish I could post it on here. Not even an I am sorry for your situation.. nothing. He told me There was a 2 week waiting period and to call the main number for more info. When I was looking at the website, I noticed you could not go anywhere on that website where there wasn t an opportunity to donate money to his church, after all it costs money to telecast his message , to run 3 locations, not to mention, pay salaries etc. I don t know where all that donated money goes to but what I do know is that Pastor Dale would not lift a finger to help a frightened single mother with a sick kid out of an emergency situation that really would not have cost that much. More importantly he handled himself like a bank manager and not like a man of god, atleast not any god I want any part of. No wonder the church gets such a bad rap.

Wooddale is the place I work. However, it's much more to me -- my wife and I met here, we married, we did lay leadership, we grew in our relationship with God here and it's from this foundation that God called me out of my business vocation to become a pastor

I attended for 3 months. During this time I wanted to get involved in small groups and become part of the church. They ask you to fill out new member cards during the service. I filled one out for the first 4 times and all I got was an email and a letter saying thank you and that they hoped to see me next time. I inquired to the meet up people how to get involved and it took a long time to hear back, sometimes I never did. It felt like trying to join an elite club. "How do I get the special membership pass?" You don't, you have to know someone.

Plus, this place jumps from NIV to ESV and to Living Word without a reason why. They have missed some very key points in all the sermons I went to because they use thought for thought translations and not word for word.

I recommend finding a church that ISN'T about the glittery lights,the singer on stage barefoot rocking back and forth screaming "OHHHHHH!" like she's Mariah Carey during an encore and IS about getting you to know the Word as well as other Christians.

God continues to work through the ministry of Wooddale Church! Welcoming, others focused and globally impactful.

I love this church. The message is relevant and transformational.

They are pretty friendly. However a lady seemed disappointed that my daughter and I went to another church. We were just there for a Christmas party

Wooddale is truly a place to belong. The teachings are relevant and applicable to my life. I love what wooddale does to reach out into the community and beyond. The creativity they display every Sunday to reach out in a meaningful way through media not only enhances the worship experience but makes it memorable. Thank you for all you do Wooddale Church!

Everything was phenomal minus the sequestered seating for live recording purposes.

Great place, great people, just great check it out!

Its sad to say that on a beautiful Sunday like the one we all enjoyed on March 31st 2019 it was sunny enough to walk to a church I hear about on the 98.5 praise fm radio a lot so I arrived after a beautiful 1mile walk there was greeted by a gentleman named Kent I asked him after fellowship if with him a bit where the restrooms were and where I could hang my coat he pointed as I was in the restroom I didn t notice but Kent followed me in there and to hang my coat up as he was following me he ask how I was I said great then I proceeded into mass to worship I was new to this church so I stood in the back along the wall that marked back row for families with babies/children while standing there a women usher peaked in and looked at me I thought nothing of it she did this three times then an different gentleman walks in mass while we are praying points at me and says you I whispered,(me) yes you come here I followed him out the double doors there are 6 greeters and they shut the doors to the hall so no one else would hear what they was about to happen, where he than asked me what is your name I Extended my hand and said Alexander Aikens,what s going on here? the man did not tell me his name and would not let go of my hand while gripping tighter asking me now What are you doing here? I responded I m here to worship and praise Jesus Christ my savior. After I said that he told me while still squeezing my hand what s in that pocket as he points to my right dress pants pocket,mind you I m in a three piece Maddison blue suit I said to him I don t think this is right sir while holding my right Dominant hand squeezing tighter and tighter he says empty your pockets I said, sir I can t your sweezing my hand and won t let go. As he let go of my hand the 5-6 workers that were around me tightened up as the gentleman said sternly three times slowly...slowly...slowly... as I reached into my pockets and pulled out my phone wallet and keys I asked him are you happy sir I don t understand what s going on, you make me wanna cry. Now I said to the man may I please go back to praise Jesus again sir please he gave me an evil look and shoulder nudged me as I was walking back into service mind you this is a leader or staff member of this church and I m a Christian Caucasian male in my 30 s and this gentleman was same race as I but in his upper sixties ex military body build for an older man very Intimidating structure and very strong. I made a police reply about the incident case number 19011628

Wooddale is a wonderful, welcoming place. Their Job Transition Support Group helped me through my last bout of unemployment and there was never any pitch to join the church or push in any theological direction, just honest volunteers and a flawlessly executed professional networking group.

I attended this church as a visitor on Palm Sunday April13, 2014. After a few beautiful songs and three scriptures I was shocked when the pastor went to a huge blackboard and preceded to describe how by the year 2022 the church could witness to 700,000 people. How they plan to expand satellite churches and if you would like to be a pastor don't worry about having a theology degree, they have plenty of pastoral staff to train you to lead a church. Please visit their website to view this sermon if you think I am exaggerating. I was there with a friend who doesn't often attend church and was in need of a spiritual experience. I was embarrassed as a Christian and as a human being. I almost left about 10 minutes into the service but kept thinking the pastor would mention something about it being Palm Sunday, the meaning, what God did for us, etc. I was so wrong. As we left my friend said that we would have gotten more out of the service if we had gotten a cup of coffee and sat on the couch. Don't get me wrong it is admirable to have a goal of reaching 700,000 people but what about the one you have right in front of you that you did not reach? Shameful.

Engaging Praise and Worship. Message from the Pastor that is heart felt and uplifting

Their bathroom smells like fruit loops. The only way I could smell more fruit loops is if Toucan Sam himself shoved my face into a fresh box of loops. God bless this church.

If you want to hear the TRUTH, this is the church for you. Dale Hummell is one of the most courageous pastors I have ever had the pleasure to hear. He shares his Bible-based messages with love and humility. Lots of growth opportunities for all stages of the Christian walk. On the other hand, if you want to cherry-pick only what is "comfortable" for you, i.e. "your truth"- there are many other options, and Wooddale is not the church for you!

Friendly Bible based Church which helps community as well as missionary work in other countries

Excellent bible based church with emphasis on mission work here, near and far; also exceptional youth programs from pre-school to high school and young adults; many bible study opportunities with something for adults and seniors and so much more.

It was good place to park for the State Fair, it look like a really big church it must have been for the size of the parking lot.

Best church in the cities. Their youth and junior high school programs are amazing. Love the pastors and the worship

I go here on and off on Mondays for an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting called Tradition 5. Good group of people, I do recommend if your into that type of thing.

Great moms group every other Wednesday nights. Drop your kids of at wow and join us.

Modern worship style, topical preaching, the Bible was discussed but not central to the message.

Very dynamic and involved church. Even though it is a large church they make an effort to connect with the individual. Messages given, are poignant and easy to apply (well sometimes tough stuff). Very good music ministry.

Great message! Awesome youth group programs! Get involved!

Pastor Dale Hammel is a fantastic teacher... This may seem odd to point out but, his voice is pleasant and doesn't get all preachy, yelling or ... Not Pitchy

The focus is Love and living in congruity with what Jesus taught in all aspects of our lives.
Getting rid of hypocrisy in a gentle way...

I feel...I hope everyone could feel welcome here in spite of the vanilla congregation.

People are super friendly and there's always someone available to help find your way around or talk to at any point.

There is a new branch in Loring Park
Would like to check it out.

Cons-
Not a fan of the music
Don't so much like most of the "new" music. Not just at Wooddale but all non-denominational or Evangelical churches. I like that they are trying to improve the quality but I love the Hymns and miss them
The newer stuff ... it's always trying to be new and fresh. Fine for listening but not for singing along. IMO

When I do go
I go late

I ve been attending Wooddale regularly for 2 years, but just recently became a member. I ve noticed the efforts that the church has made in become a welcoming place not only for its members, but for all new and first time guests. I ve enjoyed the teachings of the new pastor because he sticks to biblical truth and really challenges people to follow and live out God s commands. Because of the size of the church I made sure to get myself connected with various volunteer activities. Their Senior High and young adults programs are great and I ve had so much fun being a part of them! There are a lot of volunteer opportunities at Wooddale because they are reaching out and partnering with organizations in Minneapolis and around the world.

Fantastic kids program! Made our kids (ages 7 & 3) feel welcome and excited about church.

Great way to end 2017 and look forward with confidence to 2018. Thanks to Heather Flies for you wise words..

I love the Bible study fellowship every Monday night.

Great biblically centered and engaging teaching by the senior pastor, Dale Hummel.

Multiple small settings (Lifegroups, Bible studies, widows group, singles group, etc. ) so you can get to know others well even though it's a large church! Because it's a large church you have to be assertive in getting to know people. So jump into a smaller group to make friends...don't be shy... you'll miss out on some great blessings!

Great traditional worship that is difficult to find in most churches these days. Marvelous music, including the Wooddale Choir, the pipe organ, the Wooddale orchestra, and the congregational singing of the great hymns of the faith!

We have really appreciated Kyle's Christian messages during the past two weeks. His ability to give us God's good words as it relates to our current political communication problems and the world we live in is very helpful.
Ted & Eloise Giannobile

I love the traditional service and the golden old hymns. I especially love the full orchestra and a choir.

On Mondays Job Transitions at Wooddale Church is so helpful. It gets the week off to a great start. And it's free!

Not a welcoming place. An aura of judgment every time I walk in. Very clearly one of those kinds of churches where "do as I say" is the way while some of the discussions with members (especially the young adults) were clear that the idea is the only way to heaven is through this church. Very much is representative of the types of congregations that made leave Christianity (cuz if this represents how this belief system makes one live then the system is a problem). Sorry, but do you want honest or fluffy lies for a review?

Pastor Dale Hummel is a great, Godly man who teaches the Bible beautifully. No bull, just God's Word taught without watering it down. The traditional service, Saturdays at 5, has amazing choir and organ music.

Excellent church, I've been attending for over 15 years. Bible based teaching with real life application. Church size is very large, possibly overwhelming to some introverts but its easy to get plugged in with lots of volunteer opportunities. Take a risk and say Hello to a stranger. A great place to grow in your faith and learn about God's love. Very friendly congregration. I've found it to be very welcoming, 1st time Visitors get FREE coffee/snacks at Lydia's coffee shop.
I prefer the contemporary service, I like the music upbeat, lively and encouraging.
The job transition group is among the best in the city's, talented folks generous with their time, great networking. Open to everyone.

Please contact me with any questions.

Plenty of people and resources to encourage your relationship with Christ. Fantastic people. Comfortable environment.

Very large place.... be sure, before you get there, you know which door you are to go in - for your reason to be there otherwise, plan on extra time to find your event.Enjoy!

Great music, great message. Good for all believer's and non believer's! Give it a rry.

Great place, great community, great mission. Highly recommend, you will not regret it.

Awesome message from youth pastor. I could listen to her messages all day and night. Such an inspiration!

Seriously. I would ve stayed home rather than sit in front of an empty stage!!! Let Kyle preach. You aren t that great that I should come, park , sit & watch you on screen??? Shame on you Dale. If I wanted to watch church on a screen I d watch it on TV or my Mac!!

Went for a St. Paul Chamber Orchestra--the orchestra is a 5 star group. Wooddale Church is a recent build that sprawled over the land with two indistinct entries, three hanging arches and very uncomfortable pews. The later may be to remind congregants to not get too comfortable. The balcony overhang interfered with the acoustics but the sight lines were good. Need to hear the SPCO in a better place.

Always a privilege to visit when we're in town. Excellent sermons too!

We entered thirsty for beautiful music and were not disappointed. Thank God there are a few churches that appreciate old hymns and organ music at least part of the time. Beautiful sanctuary filled with "Minnesota-nice" people and solid Biblical teaching made our visit worthwhile.

BEAUTIFULL place. They have lots of 12 meetings too.

I love this church. The pastor preaches with humility and is very down to earth. They teach the Biblical truth and I always leave the services with peace in my heart and ready for a new week. Wooddale is great.

Small groups are great. Warm greeting first time I came. Inspiring sermons

Wooddale was blessed to have Leith Anderson for many years, but I really appreciate Dale Hummel's messages and style. I am also pleased that Wooddale has not buckled the way many churches have by adopting leftist/progressive theology. This is a great bible based church.

Great community, great kids services, and nice coffee shop. Solid sermons too.

great message - especially for those going thru a difficult time.

Big bucks built it. Not sure how I feel about that.

I've never attended services but I definitely appreciate that they allow civic events like voting at their church.

First it's a huge church, you can easily feel alone in a large crowd. They preach truth in a simple way and have accommodation for different age groups. From child care to high school ministry. This is also a venue for shuttle to the MN state fair $5 per person roundtrip, kids 5 under free.

Judgmental. Embodies the worst of religion in America. I recommend that you do not attend.

A wonderful worshipping experience centered on bible teachings. Musicians are excellent.