Advice about Non-denominational Christian Churches

1 parent question ▼
Archived Q&A and reviews ▼

Parent Q&A

Select any title to view the full question and replies.

  • In search of Non Denominal church for multiracial, LGBT+ family

    –
    Jan 2, 2025

    BPN Community,

    We're an East Bay, multiracial, LGBT+ family looking for a church for our 10 year old son (and family) to attend and grow our son's sense of spirituality, community & music.

    Below are our priorities for the church we're in search of:

    • A diverse congregation including black, white, asian, gay and straight + (similar to Glide Memorial in San Francisco) 
    • A social connection to the black community for our black son (whose dads are white and asian)
    • A church that has a developed music program to help foster our son's love of the piano playing
    • A spiritually minded congregation that is social minded and promotes volunteerism in the community 
    • A church led by a black man or woman (to mirror leadership for our son)
    • A church located in Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, El Cerrito or Alameda

    Thank you in advance for any suggestions. Cheers!

    Jan 2, 2025

    I'd check out Allen Temple in Oakland.  It's the big, activist church of the East Bay like First AME in LA.  Bernie Sanders made a stop there a few years back and I know they partner with progressive religious leaders of any religion, Jewish, Muslim, etc.  They've got strong community and social justice and music ministries.  I have friends who go there.  Can't speak to how LGBTQ friendly the community is but it's progressive and cosmopolitan. 

    Jan 8, 2025

    You might want to check out St. Augustine's episcopal church at 521 29th Street in Oakland. While it isn't non-denominational, it is a truly incredible community that meets all of your other criteria. And I would say that the explicitly Episcopalian aspects function as a supportive foundation rather than a set of oppressive restrictions. Good luck in your search!

    Jan 8, 2025

    The Plymouth Jazz and Justice Church in Oakland meets all your criteria! Check it out!

    Jan 8, 2025
    Recommended:
    Plymouth United Church of Christ

    I have just the church! Plymouth United Church of Christ and Plymouth calls themselves the jazz and justice church. Led by a Black woman; the congregation is very diverse organically. (Many churchs “try” to be and Plymouth is naturally! Music is phenomenal with many jazz arttidys coming and playing… Lady Bianca, ec. Its in Oakland and they do alot with sa lical elementary school.

    The UCC is far left on spectrum. First to ordain a black woman (1800’s) first to ordain a gay person (1970) very cool denominatiion! Try them

    Jan 8, 2025
    Recommended:
    Plymouth United Church of Christ
    Reply now  »

Archived Q&A and Reviews

Questions  

Non-Denominational Christian Church with a young membership

March 2005

Does anyone know of a church either in Oakland or Berkeley area that has a pretty young congregation? My husband and I are in our early 30's and have a one year old. We would love to find a Christian church to attend preferably with a band or upbeat choir. Any recommendations? Laura

Recommended:

More advice:

  • The Berkeley Mosaic http://www.theberkeleymosaic.org
  • All Nations (in Oakland, I believe)
  • Regeneration (also in Oakland, I believe) http://www.regenerationweb.com/
  • New Church, Berkeley http://www.newchurchberkeley.org