Celebration Church

Caring , loving church! Pastor Joe and Lori and everyone on staff cares about every perso that walks through there doors. If you haven't gone atleast 3 times you have no idea how great this church is. more

Wow, reading some of the comments, it makes me wonder if we're attending the same church. My husband and I started attending Celebration in Jan 07. We absolutely loved it and were very saddened when in April 07 we moved about an hour away. Tried other churches in our area, but never did feel at home the way we did at CC. Last October we decided to just start making the trip each week. It costs us $15+/wk in tolls and gas, but for us it is worth it. Sure, the church might not be for everyone, but there isn't a church out there that is. I have always been warmly welcomed - even by the folks directing traffic. And, quite frankly, I think they do a great job of getting everyone out quickly. I have also personally met Joe - I just walked up to him and started talking. Didn't have to go through any ""bodyguards"". I'm sure if you go to the early service it is probably harder to talk with him personally as he is gearing up for the next service. I've never felt pressured to raise my hands in worship. Many people do, but a lot more do not. Pastor Joe and the church also generously gave us tickets to the marriage seminar in February as we didn't have the funds to attend. As for the money thing, I personally don't feel that they push tithes and offerings any more than any other church I've been to. And, let's face it, keeping the church and the many ministries going takes a lot of money. Lastly, who are any of us to judge the way they live or spend their money? If they are, in fact, not practicing what they preach, then they will face a much tougher judge than you are I. I'm sure any one of us would have shortcomings if our lives were scrutinized in that way.\r \r In summary, if you are looking to be uplifted through great worship with a great contemporary band and wonderful singers(of various ethnicities!), and through meaningful sermons interpreted into real life issues and usually delivered with a good dose of humor, then give Celebration a try!\r \r Pros: Warm and welcoming more

It's a show try and meet with a pastor with his god body guards around him!!! he doesn't shake your hand when you leave the church hes no where to be found. \r He brags about about meeting with ut football & others .what about helping in your own community.your members?\r he had a offering the heart for the house asked couples to give 800.00 teens 80.00 little lids 8.00, what church sets what limit you should pay, they are all about money and making themselves bigger its a shame,.\r One thing that stuck in my head on Jan 30-31 2009 they held love for a lifetime @ celebration, 89.00 a couple, Lunch included. Why was the first two rows across the room were reserved for staff and I couldn't see why they would get better treatment than a member that paid just like them.\r Then the comment made on stage after lunch by a speaker what a wonderful lunch you gave us. it was good. should we tell them what we ate? no they might get mad! we got a chik fil a sandwich in a paper bag w/ chips, apple & cookies. Ooh & this is the best they ate in another room away from all of us with the staff & speakers.\r this is a place of god home of worship the pastors & staff are too good to eat with the common folk, aren't we the ones that make their jobs possible with our offerings?\r another thing they do testimonials & let me tell you these are not on the spot occurances they are planned right now & booked until the end of April.a real story is not what they are looking for where god was there its where celebration was there and how many people can pastor Joe save in one night? \r its a huge show & he wants the best effects for all to see.\r He says him & Lori made this church 8 years ago, well a church is made by the people & god anything else is just WRONG!\r I am now searching for a church with god in mind and not what new shoes i got today or my designer attire for the whole church to see.\r I agree with several fo these members this is not a church its a CULT!!!!! Pros: nothing Cons: Its a cult of personality more

I came across these reviews and was amazed about some of the accusations made concerning the Pastors and the Church. Being a member for over a year, I have seen this Church have a positive impact on members of the congregation and the community. First of all with regard to the Lincoln Navigator that is leased by the Church and used by Joe and Lori Champion, there is nothing improper or wrong with them having a vehicle that is used for Church business. It is no different than a company having a leased fleet vehicle to conduct company business. Secondly, a lot of the comtemporary Christian music sung at Celebration is not ""white rock"". If the truth be known, most of the music was written by Hillsong United located in Australia, one of the most racially diverse Churches on the planet. Thirdly, yes it is a big Church and you may not get to know Joe Champion on a personal level, but there are enough lay ministers to meet the needs of the congregation. Anyway, does one go to Church to idolize the preacher or Worship the Living God? Lastly, in regards to the church being ""Money Centric"". From personal experience, I know that this is far from the truth. Celebration has helped out my son with tutorials and has even paid for him to attend youth camp, because of my financial situation (having gone through bankruptcy). Joe and Lori Champion are good stewards of the blessings bestowed upon them and the Church. They are not out for themselves and only want to spread the Gospel. I am saddened by some to the negative post here, but I am not going to condemn or argue. I will pray that they find a Church home where their hearts and minds are opened. Robert Day, Round Rock, Texas. Pros: You can Experience the Presence of the Lord. Cons: No one is perfect. more

This is my 1st time to comment, but sometimes you've got to speak up. I?m going to Celebration Church for just under a year. Came from Great Hills Baptist, which, is a wonderful, traditional church. Miss Harold O'Chester, though. Began going to Celebration, because of friends who love it- which includes their regard for Pastors Joe & Lori. No need to point out differences in traditional Baptist churches (in which I was raised) & Celebration- which, by the way, also includes Pastor Joe's wild shoes & ""hip"" shirts. I admit that took a little getting use to. Sometimes, I still have a ""whoa!!"" moment. That said; let's talk about these 2 & their dedication. Lori comes from a Christian, ""preaching"" family & Pastor Joe made a choice, while playing football at LSU, to give his life to God, & to go wherever he was led to share ""the word.? One of his greatest passions is reaching teens; you can?t do that easily this day & time, because often, parents aren?t leading them- media is. Kids are our future. If you want to see something awesome, check out the # of teens at Celebration on a Wednesday night! It takes money to run a church; right? But let?s talk about where a lot of that money goes as well. Yep, it builds the buildings, keeps the lights on, pays the staff & creates the music, but it also goes for generators to keep other churches? lights burning so their doors are open to victims of catastrophes; to ministries outside the church to reach millions of children around the world in need of hope; to ministries to fight ?s_x trafficking? of women & children around the world; and--- I could go on, but I?ll say one last thing. Pastor Joe preaches the bible & God?s word, & you?ll not find him to be phony. He?s genuine (goofy remarks & all) & loves God & the people God brings to Celebration. All the staff may not be perfect, but show me any group that is. Keep on keeping on, Pastors J & L. You?re doing something right. I, along with a multitude of others, am feeling it. Pros: Thumbs way up! Of the people; for the people! Cons: Celebration Church is not perfect. Oh yeah--- is any church? more

All prior reviews accurately reflect how people experience Celebration Church. I did not add the pros versus the cons. I wanted to give an accurate review so I listed them as I thought about them.\r \r Pros= great for kids birth through middle school.\r Teens enjoy the main service because of the multimedia-\r Clean and modern building-\r Cars get in okay-\r Lots of activities-\r Foreign missions-\r Easy to be annonymous-\r Often funny stories within sermons-\r Bible verses show on screeen as speaker reads them-\r Lively music-\r Raising hands encouraged during praise music-\r Jeans and t-shirt okay-\r To join you just attend a dinner for free, everything else costs money-\r The people really do want you to come visit :-)\r The pastormost evident vice? He likes athletic shoes- really! ------\r \r \r Cons= constant changes -\r controlling if you want to work near the inner circle -\r likely will NEVER meet the pastor in person -\r Unless you are a big donor or have a sob story, likely will NEVER be served by or ministered to by this church== its all about what you can do for them. If you are unemployed, this is not the place to be for references or any type of help whatsoever. If you are poor FORGET IT! You will find no sympathy here.\r No inner city missions-\r No local outreach-\r When cars are entering the parking lot, you can't get out without a negative gesture from the volunteer attendants.\r You are expected to ""worship"" in one way -- lifting up your arms over your head for 30 minutes of singing.\r Singing is only one style, White Contemporary rock and roll. \r \r I don't know what kind of car he drives but he travels a lot so I hope its a good one that is comfortable cause he's getting older . Pros: terrific kids program and multimedia experiences Cons: hard to get out of parking lots, constant changes more

My husband and I have just recently become members of Celebration Church and we absolutely LOVE IT! It is a large church, which is something we're not use to, but we are looking forward to getting more involved and finding our place of ministry there. It's wonderful how everyone is encouraged to get involved and plug in to ""do life together"" (afterall it's all about relationship). The worship is awesome and you can feel the prescence of the Lord very strong from the moment you walk in! Pastor Joe is a wonderful preacher who ""keeps it real"" and doesn't sugar coat the truth. We always leave marveling at how the Lord spoke to our heart through his messages. We feel like the HEART of Celebration Church is RIGHT and when it's right before the Lord, lives are transformed and it's no wonder it's growing so fast. It's all about Jesus our King and He's lifted up at Celebration Church! \r Pros: Focus is on Jesus and meeting the needs of His people Cons: No way to personally know everyone by name more

this church is the most amazing church I have ever attended and will ever attend. Once you get to know the people they are ON FIRE for Christ. That being said you might be wondering why I gave it one star. Reason is... no where on their site does it say this, but they believe that every single human who has accepted the holy spirit is capable of and should aim for speaking in tongues/private prayer language. It's not mentioned online, it wasn't mentioned at the members meeting we attended when we joined, it wasn't mentioned in any of the sermons, small groups, friendships, or in any way during the 8 months we poured our hearts into this church. we were even leaders in the Junior High within a month of joining. We loved this church and the people here are the most genuine people I have ever EVER met. Anyone who says otherwise has not actually taken the time to get involved in these peoples lives. I grew up methodist and my husband baptist, so speaking in tounges being a gift everyone is given is simply something we don't believe. we researched it to the ends of the earth and no one at celebration church was able to answer our questions. But I am not upset with what they believe, they have every right to believe as they see fit. I am upset that no one told us and that it isn't even on their website. I felt like we got sucked in and they waited until the LAST moment to tell us so that it would be easier for us to just go ""well these are great people, maybe this is real"" instead of being told up front and being allowed to make a choice based on that. when we left we wrote a heartfelt letter to our deep, close and personal friends in the youth ministry. for some reason it was seen as attacking and they were ADVISED by a LEADER OF THE CHURCH to IGNORE us. Last time I checked, when someone was rude to Jesus he didn't just walk away, he showed love and compassion. I apologized but was still sent confrontational emails by people. it was just about the must gut rending, heart breaking experience of my entire life. I felt like my best friends had turned on me. I felt like they were treating me like I was Judas... and again even Jesus was kind to him. With ALLLLLL of that being said, I want to say that no one is perfect. I feel like everyone got their feelings hurt and hearts broken in this situation so I do my best to not blame any one for any of it. I know God brought us to Celebration to change our lives and he did just that. this church really does have some of the more on fire people you will ever have the privilege to serve with. They care deeply about serving and volunteering and helping and doing for the Kingdom. They are NOT a church of idle seat holders, they are a church that is vibrant and doing things to impact the Kingdom. I wrote this review so that those of you who don't believe in every single person speaking in tongues would know about it in advance, since they don't seem to want to post it on their website. This church is Charismatic, borderline Pentecostal. Pastor Joe and this church is actually HEAVILY affiliated with charismatic/pentecostal movements. if you believe in these things, and you want a church that is on fire, YOU MUST GO TO THIS CHURCH! YOU MUST GET PLUGGED IN! THIS CHURCH IS AMAZING! I just felt someone should be honest about their beliefs. Pros: if you believe as they do this is the church for you! Cons: misleading more

The problem with big church's is that they are fine for a few visits. However when you need something specific to your individual needs you end up caught in red tape. I really liked this church at first but sadly their lack of flexability made me seek something more personal. Cons: Beaurocratic more

The church has changed a lot so I changed my review. I left Shoreline Christian Center because of all the glitz and glam and lack of Jesus. This church is doing an excellent job of becoming Shoreline Far North. No thanks. Pros: Good light show Cons: Too much like Shoreline now more

I never can understand what causes a person to just complain if they don't like something instead of simply going somewhere else. If you don't like Celebration Church, go somewhere else. Those of us that think the Champions are incredible would not be offended. It's ok, really. Whatever Church you find that makes you feel like you are in the right place the minute you walk in the door, great! No judgements! Any religion, just find the one that fits. For all of the members of Celebration and those that are joining every week, we feel we have found it. I don't really care what kind of cars they drive or what kind of house they live in, what difference does it make?? They deserve everything they have and more for the commitment they have given us. They could have made it in any field they chose and I'm sure they could have made far more money but they have dedicated their life to this Church and to letting people know that they don't have to face life's challenges alone. I am so grateful I have found the place where I truly feel God's presence and I hope those who haven't found their place find it. If you don't need it now, someday you will. more

Why is it so easy for some to criticize leaders of the church? The previous posts that cast shadows of doubt over the motives of the Champions are completely ridiculous. So now a $600 car payment is excessive? The roads are over flowing with ""$40K millionaires"" driving much more expensive vehicles than Pastor Joe's Navigator. Yet, no one gives these over budget commuters a second thought. Its 2008, Cars are obscenely expensive! Maybe a family of FIVE should own a subcompact import?\r \r Lets not preface such comments with the complete story of how Celebration Church came to be what it is today. Lets not discuss how Pastor Joe came from a non-Christian home with an NFL coach as a father and an older brother that serves as high ranking officer in the U.S. military. And that from this collection of ""ALPHA"" males came ""preacher boy"" as his family called him when he decided to go into the ministry. Lets not realize the amount of faith required to uproot your family in Louisiana and move to Texas because the Lord instructed them to do so. Like it or not, Pastor Joe and Lori are public figures and have a certain image to maintain. Would you continue to watch the local nightly news if the newscaster brought you the world's current events in a backwards ball cap and dirty t-shirt?? Would you allow your surgeon to operate on you or your child if saw him arrive at the hospital in an old beat up red pick up truck with one blue door and a rusty tailgate? Of course not.\r \r Unfortunately, what you have witnessed and decided to criticize are in one word... BLESSINGS.\r Deuteronomy 28:1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. more

We have known Joe and Lori for over 5 years. I am saddened at some of the reviews that I read. They have a vision to change the world. The ""flash "" is about being relevent to the younger generation. Our children see movies and play games that cost hundreds and millions of dollars to make. In this world of high tech and over stimulation Celebration Church is real, and relevant and is rocking Round Rock, Georgetown and beyond. I am proud to say I am a member and I will always have Joe and Lori's back. They love there people and most importantly love and serve Jesus everyday , I wish every one on this blog could say the same. I encourage anyone who is discouraged, down trodden or just needs a hand up go to Celebration Church it will rock your world. The holy spirit is alive and well within the walls of this amazing church!!!!\r Pros: Jesus, worship, the congregation, the Pastors more

I've been going to Celebration for over 2 years. The services are powerful and the church appears to be under great leadership. However, I am concerned at the cash flow coming into the church. After a little bit of research, I found a bond package online that really was ok until I read about a lease on the pastor's 2006 Lincoln. As members, we are paying for that vehicle, in addition to his salary which exceeds 150,000. Is it wrong for me to question this? I'm just cautious where my tithes to a church go. After seeing this, I am a bit dissapointed.\r \r LEASE AGREEMENTS \r \r The Issuer entered into a vehicle lease agreement on January 13, 2006, with Mac Haik Ford Lincoln Mercury (?Lessor?) and \r Celebration Church (?Lessee?) for a 2006 Lincoln Navigator. This lease agreement will expire in January 2009, and calls \r for monthly payments of $631.47. \r \r strongtowerfinancial com/ downloads/ church_bonds/ CelebrationCTX.pdf Pros: Great church, people, and worship. Cons: Concered about recent offerings... more

I will try to be as respectful as I can but my goodness, where oh where are these people who write the negative reviews looking? I have never written a review in my life, however; I feel absolutely compelled to write this one.\r Growing up Catholic in England, I had a very strong bond with the Church and its beliefs, rites and rituals and seeing my husband pull away from the RC Church last year hurt me deeply. He wanted to try Celebration and asked me to go...I wouldn't here of it, yet I too, if I was honest, was not feeling/hearing God as I needed to. I eventually went with my husband to Celebration Church one Wednesday night last October and attended twice thereafter before becoming a member. This Church has not only changed my life and that of my family: It has deepened my faith tremendously and through this I now know what it is like to have a personal relationship with the man, my Saviour Jesus Christ.\r Pastors Joe and Lori are young, loving people of God who DO NOT deserve these mean reviews AND if people have a concerns with the way they dress or their car or their home then THEY are the ones with the problem. They work and they are paid a wage just like me and you and GOD be with them if they can manage their money better than some of us are able to. \r I have just returned from probably the most powerful service I have ever been to at Celebration and believe me the word of God is, in no uncertain terms coming from that man's mouth. \r Of course the Church has to ask for money in order to grow. If we don't grow how on earth do we spread the word of the Lord.\r To those who condemn others please remember Jesus said, ""Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"".\r We need to wake up to a new life in God and release our old, stale, cliquish ways. We shouldn't be hurtful, jealous or condemn;it will steal the life out of us when what we really need is to be lifted up in Jesus' name. Pros: Children's Ministry, Pastors, Service, God's presence more

I have attended this church for the last 4 yrs and just recently left. Over the last year, the church's message has become one of pure money, materialism, and flashiness. No longer is there a humble feel to this church, nor the real meaning of why I use to go three times a week. Instead, every message by the pastor is laced with telling us why we are ""obligated"" to give ABOVE our tithes and offerings, and often times a guilt trip is blamed if we don't. After regular tithes, buckets are now placed at the front, so that you have to walk up to give your additional offering at the cue of the pastor, and so that those that don't are left embarressed and blamed. The pastor's clothing have become more eccentric over time, with the pastor's wife sporting new extensions every couple months---and I don't believe I've seen either one of them wear the same outfit twice. It's very saddening to see that as the church grew, the pastors became disillusioned and are only on the path of money, bigger and better, big screen TV's, flashy lights, and all under the excuse that this is the ONLY way to draw in the younger crowd. Excuse me, but a couple years ago, they were telling us the only one that could do that was Jesus. He's been long forgotten, for a flash in the pan show of entertainment that lacks any genuinity. All humbleness is gone---the reason for coming to church is completley lost. I can't help but think how Jesus is looking down and shaking his head in confusion and sadness. Pros: The worship is great, but if you took away all the smoke and mirrors, you may find a lot of ingenuine people up on stage, that are more there for themselves than Jesus Cons: money hungry, lost vision more

Celebration church is unreal! They can talk you into giving you them money to build a new youth building but the reality is maybe 10% actual goes to what they are telling you it goes to. Maybe it goes to the cool new house the senior pastor bought or maybe the nice bmw Mr. Turner purchased! And I quote you ""We are not in the business of setting people free."" This is the worst church I have EVER attended. My friend used to be really close to Pastor Joe Champion and now he wont talk to him because he is scared Pastor Joe is going to stab him in the back like he has done to many of his close friends and his staff members. The only that makes this a little like is the jacket pastor Joe wears with a cross on it. I am telling you I was there last week and that was the only thing that showed a little bit of Jesus. So go check out if you want.I wouldn't recommend it even if they gave out 50,000 dollars each time you walked through the door. But one thing you might do before you walk through the door is sell your soul to the devil. Cons: Everything more

Pastors Joe and Lori are the real deal. They, and all the staff are truly authentic and look to the Bible for every answer. If you want real sermons with real-life application, and amazing praise and worship - this church is for you. They have an amazing youth and childrens program, and opportunities for all ages. All of this is done in the true spirit of Christianity. Pros: Very welcoming atmosphere more

Pastor Joe Champion shares life relevant messages that are cutting edge, truth based with balance, that go way beyond the feel good culture that our society has come to embrace. This church shares a relentless pursuit of righteousness in every area with a full on desire to represent Jesus to the world in every facet possible. They have high quality facilities that embrace our contemporary culture. Children's ministries model ""Big Church"" and the youth ministry is relevant to this generation. They even have counseling and pastoral care facilities that are administered by licensed professionals. No wonder Celebration Church is one of the top 25 fastest growing churches in America. You have to visit! Pros: Facility, Children's and Youth Ministries more

I was raised in a different environment, so it took some getting used to, but let me tell you I feel the Holy Spirit's presence when I am at this church. The choir is fabulous. The pastors live what they preach, and boy can they preach. I also have learned alot about praying effectivly. My 13 yo came to Christ there, and my marriage is stronger than ever. I was almost divorced and now God raised my marriage from the dead. This church is current on technology, because thats what it takes sometimes to win souls to Christ, and that is what the leaders care about, raising people up to be like Jesus, so they can be effective Christians in the world. Celebration church has a heart that beats with integrity. I would and do invite all of you to come to my church. more