Calvary Chapel-Merritt Island

KatyBeth Hall

We visited with our 5 children while searching for a new church home. We always have our children stay in the service with us the first time we visit a church and we also have them come into the service regularly even when children’s ministry is available because we believe it’s important to worship and learn together as a family. I have never been to a church like this where it was made very clear that our children were not welcome in the sanctuary. We politely declined the many attempts people made to take our children to children’s church or to make us sit behind the glass in the back. When we were going into a pew a few rows from the back, a lady came and very nervously told us that she guessed it was ok for us to be there but not to go any further up like she was afraid of getting in trouble because a family with children made it into the sanctuary. Afterwards, we had people compliment our children for good behavior like they were shocked that kids can behave in church. They were also very insistent on giving us a tour of the children’s wing so we would not make the “mistake” of taking our kids into the main service ever again. I was very disappointed because I’d heard great things about their homeschooling community and children’s ministry and was expecting a much more kid friendly church. This was the most unwelcome I’ve ever felt in a church and I would never go back. I have nothing at all against children’s ministry and have been very active in children’s ministry for many years, but the idea of banning children from being a part of the church body was new to me and I’m quite certain doesn’t follow Biblical principles. Matthew 18:5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on My behalf is welcoming Me.” ‭‭ As an aside, my husband had previously visited this church without me and our children and had enjoyed it and was very taken aback and disappointed with how we were treated when we went as a family so if you don’t have kids (or if you believe they should be banned from the body of Christ), you might like this church.

Donna Marinelli

Great preschool for children

Leanne Courtney

Best church ever!!♥️

Curt Hencye

Love this place. The Word, Worship, and fellowship. Once again a great Pastor's Conference!