Good Church Choices (updated 1/1/21)

I’ve visited all of these churches many times, written about them in my Alaska Dispatch News columns (adn.com/churchvisits), Anchorage Daily News blogs, and archived them all on my blog Church Visits (churchvisits.com).  These choices should provide a safe, comfortable, warm, and generally welcoming worship experience to first-time guests. No visit order is implied by this list.

This list has been edited to eliminate those churches offering live services at this time. When in-person services are safe, I’ll add them back to the list.

I’ve omitted Catholic and Orthodox churches as the focus of their services is the Eucharist. Worshipers should already understand the expectations of worshiping with these faiths and receiving the Eucharist.

Name

Website

Denomination

Comments

Cornerstone Churchakcornerstone.orgnon-denomSouth Anchorage church with two streaming services, adults – 9:30 a.m. and kids – 11:45 a.m. When meeting here in-person, I’ve experienced warm greetings, contemporary Christian music, and excellent Bible-based messages.
St. Mary’s Episcopalgodsview.orgEpiscopalAn inspired and inspiring leadership team, Bible-based services, and impressive social gospel outreach. Currently streaming their service at 10 a.m.
St. John UMCstjohneagle.comMethodist (UMC)South Anchorage church with social gospel leanings. Streaming traditional services at 9:15 a.m. and contemporary services at 11:30 a.m. via their YouTube channel.
Amazing Grace Lutheranamazinggracelutheranchurch.orgLutheran (ELCA)9:45 a.m. streaming services via FaceBook Live. Through past visits I’ve seen this hillside church offer warm greetings, traditional Christian music, and liturgical style worship. It has a caring congregation.
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Churchshilohmbcalaska.orgAmerican Baptist Churches USAOne of my favorite churches in Anchorage. This African-American church has more spirit, love, and compassion than most. Their music, prayers, preaching and warmth never cease to amaze me. Streaming 11:00 a.m. contemporary service.

If you disagree with any aspect of this list or have corrections/additions/updates please let me know by email at churchvisits@gmail.com.

Thank you!
Chris Thompson