Bayside Community Church - Lakewood Ranch Campus - Bradenton (FL)

5 /5 Lisa Moscarello: What a super living nativity they put on. Truly captured the spirit of Christmas and the reason for the season. They took care of everything from live animals to hot chocolate and cookies with sprinkles. They filled you up spiritually, as well as filling you with goodies, even hot coffee! After enjoying the living nativity, we got to view the polar express in the sanctuary on the big screen. As we were ready to go, we were taken back to our vehicle in a very comfy golf cart. Everyone there was extremely friendly.

1 /5 ART NAGUIBINE: A very superficial establishment that builds upon a false sense of belonging. Honesty I was blind to see it as I served in a decently high caliber playing instruments on the “platform” for 10 years bouncing between campuses but spent a lot of time at the main one. My kids attended Sunday school, but hated going to church, as they never could make friends there, I even approached Joe the youth pastor, but the guy was so dismissive and distracted that I knew it wasn’t going anywhere. When I stopped going during covid no one ever asked or inquired as to why or what my reasons were. This church would never get their hands dirty looking for the one when they are so busy tending to the 99. I really felt like I belonged until I wasn’t useful anymore. I’ve since given up on music, churches and God altogether. Very sad to think back and realize how much time I’ve actually wasted. I’d love to see an auto generated response from the team about how much everyone one is valued and appreciated. But that will just fall on deaf ear as actions speak louder than words.

5 /5 Roy wirth: We attended services with our cousins and our Lord filled this church with love and prayers. Pastor Randy ‘s message was a blessing for us.

3 /5 Mike Sersen: I pretty much find this church discernibly, if not deservedly, suspect. This is especially true of the crowds. Something more than God is drawing them, perhaps even misleading them and that by this style of streaming services. Its not congruent with traditional Christianity when the pastor isnt present and youre giving tithes and offerings to a minister who didnt birth the church growth, but bought it. Its as if they bought you, and then sold us a sort of commercialized, mass-media Christianity.

5 /5 Stephanie Leaver: My husband and I have been attending Bayside for over two years now, ever since we moved across the country. Initially, we were a bit intimidated by the size of the church, but the moment we walked through the doors, we were met with so much love and kindness. Despite its large size, we felt truly seen and welcomed. Bayside does an incredible job of connecting with you and supporting you on your journey. If youre on the fence about joining a small group, getting connected, or going through Growth Track (especially Freedom), I encourage you to take the leap—you wont regret it! For us, participating in Groups and Freedom Weekend was life-changing. We rededicated our lives to Christ, and my husband and I were baptized together while I was entering my third trimester of pregnancy with our rainbow baby. Now, as small group leaders, I can personally testify to the power of prayer and the transformative impact of joining together in community. Bayside and the "big C" Church has truly been a blessing in our lives.