Looking for the right church for our family in the MSP metro area (Minneapolis: 2013)

[Tyryztoll]

Hi, I have posted here before about our desire to relocate to the MSP metro. We currently live in northern Michigan, and are targeting next summer (2013) to finally make the move. We're very excited about becoming Minnesotans!

Before I continue, I very respectfully request that this thread does not disintegrate into any kind of religious debate, and/or argument. I am not seeking to impose my beliefs upon anyone else, but rather to gather valuable information as we prepare to enter a new phase of our lives as a family.

We are Bible believing Christians who have attended baptist and non denominational churches in the past. We prefer fast growing, larger churches which offer many programs and activities in addition to worship services.

We have not determined which area of the MSP metro we will be living in as of yet (will be within a 50 mile radius of the cities), and so all recommendations would be welcome.

Thanks to all who respond in advance!

[golfgal]

Our kids have done some interdenominational youth group activities at the Lighthouse Church in Rosemount (high school aged kids). They are very active in our community. I don't know that much about how they practice their faith but for those that attend that church they really like it.

[Tyryztoll]

Thanks, golfgal. Will look it up.

Have already looked up Grace in Eden Prairie, and Eagle Brook in Lino Lakes. Would be interested to hear from anyone who attends or has been to either of these. Thanks!

[plain and simple]

Hello The Northerner. I'm sure you'll love Minnesota. There really isn't that much not to love. The things I dislike, I dislike completely. However, no place is perfect and the wonderful things about life in Minnesota far outweigh the bad.

As a fellow Bible believing brother, first and foremost, I would encourage you to (as I'm sure you already are) pray about where God would have your family attend worship. Although, based on your description, I would highly recommend Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. It's pastored by John Piper, who teaches from the Bible (as opposed to other books) and seeks God for what message He would have him preach. (Sadly, many pastors today replicate sermons they find online.)

[MnMomma]

I know alot of people who go to Grace as well as Wooddale. They both sound like something you would like.

[Glenfield]

If you end up in the NW suburbs, I would suggest that you visit Plymouth Covenant in Plymouth and Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove. As an aside, both Bethlehem Baptist and Eagle Brook have several campuses. I believe that Eagle Brook's main location is in White Bear Lake. Wooddale has two, and a dozen or so daughter churches around the area. There are many opportunities for you to worship here, and I would be confident that God will lead you to the right place.