I will never forget the first time I attended SonRise Church.
From the moment I parked my car, I felt noticed and cared for. The parkers waved me in with smiles. The greeters said hello like old friends. The “new here” desk offered help before I even had to ask. Then the Ladies of SonRise handed me a muffin and drink, and invited me to sit with them.
When worship began, it felt like one of the singers was singing directly to me. The sermon—Pastor D’s message—spoke right to my heart. As I left that day, I was hugged and told by multiple people, “Please come back.”
And here’s the thing: no one had ever seen me before.
That’s what a true church is.
What Makes a Church Feel Like Home
The First Impressions — From Car to Welcome Team
At SonRise Church, the experience begins before you ever walk through the door. Friendly parkers help you find a space. Smiling greeters open the door with genuine warmth. The new-here desk welcomes you by name and makes sure you’re comfortable.
That’s what I call a real church welcome experience—intentional, kind, and personal.
The Table, the Muffin, the Drink — Hospitality in Action
Inside, someone offered me a muffin and drink. Simple, right? But it made me feel like I belonged. That moment captured the heart of church hospitality culture: small gestures that speak volumes. They didn’t just welcome me; they included me.
Worship, Message, and Spiritual Connection
Worship That Speaks to the Heart
As the worship team began to play, something stirred inside me. One voice seemed to reach straight into my soul. The worship wasn’t a performance—it was connection. It felt like part of an authentic Christian community, grounded in love and purpose.
A Sermon That Feels Personal
Pastor D preached straight from the Bible—no fluff, no show. His message was real and relatable, like he somehow knew exactly what I was walking through. That kind of preaching draws you in and leaves you changed.
Being Accepted, Not Judged
That weekend, I had gone to the beach. I’d spent Saturday power washing a house with my sister and brother-in-law, and all I had to wear Sunday morning were leggings, a hoodie, and old sneakers. But no one cared.
At SonRise Church, I wasn’t judged for what I looked like or what I wore. I was accepted—mess and all.
In other churches I’d attended before, I had encountered hypocrisy and judgment. But not here. At SonRise, I found a community that lives out grace. That’s what it means to truly find a welcoming church.
From First Visit to Lifelong Commitment
Attending Every Sunday, In Person or Online
A year and a half later, I haven’t missed a single Sunday—whether in person or online. The sermons remain powerful, and the worship continues to stir my heart. I love that SonRise offers a church online service, making it easy to stay connected even when I’m traveling.
Baptized in the Ocean (By Pastor D)
My faith deepened to the point that I decided to be baptized—right there in the ocean. Pastor D led the baptism surrounded by our church family. It was one of the most moving moments of my life, a public step of obedience and belonging. That’s what a church baptism ceremony should feel like—personal, powerful, and holy.
Today, I don’t just attend SonRise. I belong to SonRise. This is my church home.
Why You Should Find a Church Like This
If you don’t have a church that feels like home, keep looking—because the right one is out there.
Look for a church that:
- Practices hospitality and inclusion from the parking lot to the pews
- Preaches the truth of God’s Word, not opinions
- Builds authentic Christian community, not cliques
- Extends grace instead of judgment
- Gives you space to grow, serve, and be known
If you’re near Berlin, Maryland, I invite you to visit SonRise Church. But even if you live far away, don’t stop searching. God has a place for you—a place where you’ll be welcomed, challenged, and loved.
Conclusion
My journey with SonRise Church began with one unexpected Sunday morning. What I found was not just a church—it was family.
If you’re still searching for that kind of community, I encourage you to take the first step. Show up. Say yes to the invitation. Let yourself be seen.
You might just discover, like I did, that the right church can change everything.
