(http://www.belmont.org) I read Ariah's review with disappointment. My family and I have attended Belmont since 1991 (this time - I originally began attending in 1981 but moved out of state), I believe I am qualified to comment on the church. Belmont DOES minister to the Edgehill community-extensively. There's Edgehill Kids Club. Isaiah 58 serves meals in the Fellowship Hall, has outreaches to the homeless downtown (spiritually, with food and job placement assistance), and aids those who drop by the church office with clothing. The church has regular celebrations in the Edgehill neighborhood with food, games, music, face painting, prayer, and more - all WITHOUT explicitly advertising that it is a Belmont Church event. The Katherine House and Villa House serve, respectively, women and men making the transition from homelessness to securing jobs and permanent housing. There is a jail ministry. Belmont participates in "Room in the Inn" every week in winter months. There are tremendous ministries to youth, young adults, seniors, women, men and "community groups" to assure that no one is "lost" in a large membership. In fact, there are groups that concentrate on specific needs or interests including those open to families of every description. Additionally, there are numerous teaching programs, ongoing special presentations and services, prayer for prodigals, and more. There are numerous missions programs, both long term and short term, for all ages from Jr. High (middle school) and up. Brian Wade is the teaching (preaching) pastor. He gives insightful, personal and biblically based messages. Probably most widely known is the incredible worship. "The bench is deep" in the worship department. From the youth team to various teams composed of amateur and professional musicians (it is "Music City" after all), we are blessed. One thing I believe reflects the church character: we know that Belmont is NOT for everyone. Our visitor’s DVD recommends several area churches.
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