5 /5 Raegan “R Lin”: Access is proof that it’s not about how the church looks from the outside or how big it is, but rather the quality of the messages and the people working within.
This ain’t no fancy looking church. In fact, you wouldn’t know it’s a church at all if it didn’t have big letters out front that say “Access Church”. It’s in a strip mall, and one that’s not necessarily nice or super clean overall. But Access brings up the average.
Inside, it’s more spacious than you’d expect. There’s a nice greeting area, and they even serve free Concord coffee every Sunday (a great local shop)! The volunteers always have huge smiles on their faces and make you feel welcome without it being overwhelming.
They give you a program before the service starts, along with a pen so that you can take notes if you want or in case you forgot something to write with. The worship style is much more modern, a little bit concert-like but in a good way. And they still sing a lot of the better known worship songs which I appreciate.
The main pastors are so genuine and usually bring a good message. They don’t over complicate things but hit you right where you need at times. It took me a couple years to find a church in Lakeland that I truly felt comfortable in, but from the moment I attended Access it captured me with the intentionality. After my first visit I chatted with some workers and they even gave me a first time gift.
Access has weekends where you can volunteer at local nonprofits and help out. They hold small groups every week and baptisms once a month. Their Sunday services usually last around an hour, just enough but not too long. It’s a great place to come and get your Jesus fill!
