Artisan Church 487 Alexander St

Can’t express enough what a welcoming and informed community these people have built up in this city of Vancouver. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone who has been a victim of religious or spiritual trauma but is still looking for a safe and approachable spiritual community and practice because, based on my experience here, the church has a trauma informed approach in its teachings and practices and respects the boundaries and sensitivities of those faith based experiences. Not your cookie cutter church

Their message and values they seem to hold are appealing, and their hearts seem to be in the right place. However, I have personally failed to feel welcomed. Went alone without anyone I know, or knowing anyone there. The woman who sat beside me the whole service only muttered a one word "hi" during the greeting interlude, but didn't introduce herself or let me break the ice, then just turned around to talk to her friend the whole time. Only one person came up to talk to me for a brief moment (thanks Jonathan, you tried) for the half hour I lingered awkwardly after the service, while hoping to be introduced to others and maybe plugged into a small group (but he had to go, so that didn't happen). I surveyed the area trying to gauge how the crowd interacted. Didn't really see people intentionally going around to look for newcomers to greet. I get that, as it's comfortable to default to sticking to one's own clique, which is why I used to be intentional with seeking out new people to talk to after service in my old church. I have to admit though, it was extremely discouraging to be on the receiving end of that, as someone looking to find a new home church. This review isn't meant to be meanspirited; I just hope it will push the leaders to encourage a more intentional welcoming atmosphere.

Been here visiting several times while visiting Vancouver. Very welcoming community.

Loving community dedicated to growing and looking withward, inward, upward, and outward