Immanuel Baptist Church 4187 U.S. 90, Pace, FL 32571

"I want to give a long explanation because I dont think it's righteous to leave a bad remark without adequately explaining. But there is something... really off. I keep getting invited here by very welcoming people, and its a very long drive from my apartment, almost an hour, but every time I try to come I feel like I'm being socially ostracized in ways that make me extremely uncomfortable. Just tonight I was invited by someone to an event to meet people and get involved a little with the group, but the person who invited me largely ignored me, didn't introduce me to anybody and kind of gave me the cold shoulder. I think she was upset because I was late... but its just such a long drive for me and she told me prior that it was an all night event. In fact I asked that specific question, and her and her friend reassured me very confidently that it was all night and its okay to show up late. I wouldn't have made the hour drive if they didn't make such a firm point that I could show up late. So I already was kind of feeling weird not having someone to introduce me to a single person in a large group in which I know precisely nobody. Then I wasn't there more than... off memory I think 20 minutes, and I was politely kicked out of the event by a gentleman named Tanner who seemed to have authority over the premise. Both my eardrums were blown out during my time in the Marine Corps, so I couldn't hear most of what he was saying (the music and noise was making my tinnitus fire up pretty badly) but reading his lips I could clearly make out he was telling me it was because I was taking photos of the volleyball game and nobody knew me there. But other people were taking photos, I was watching people do it with their phones, and I specifically asked both teams permission if they were okay with me taking photos and they both said it was okay. So really it was only because some people didn't want me there who were weirded out by me being there. But the thing is I was invited there. By people there. To meet the community. But was kicked out... Because nobody knew me... I drove an hour to experience probably the weirdest social anxiety I've felt since middle school. I've never felt more unwelcomed by a place I keep getting invited to. Its their event, im not gonna argue and try to stay where I am not wanted, I left without causing a scene and was as polite as Tanner was. But that is the final straw for me, I will never again make the mistake of trying to assimilate with the community. I dont understand why in the hell they would keep inviting someone they don't know just to socially stiff-arm them over and over again, but it bothers me so much because I was really thinking maybe this time I might meet the kind of people I've been hoping to have in my life. Church community is supposed to be who you can go to for comfort when you're depressed to lift your spirits, and find strength in their open arms. Not make you more depressed and uncomfortable, and socially ostracize you for daring to show up to a place you were literally invited to. I've never experienced anything like this anywhere else but I intend to never experience it again. Its just so God damn uncomfortable."

"I'm not a "religious" person. I believe in God, but I don't really go to church. I drive and live in a semi. I delivered to a store across the street today. I don't necessarily look like someone you would want in your home. Matter of fact the home next to me wouldn't answer the door. But this church had no problem opening the door to me and giving me permission to stay on their property to sleep for the night. Parking on the coast isn't easy"

"5yo daughter has been asking questions about God lately. I wanted to take her to church somewhere. This church refuses to let me stay with my child regardless. The quickest, surefire way to guarantee I will never step foot on this church campus, and very likely not any church campus ever. Jesus was sent for the sinners, not the Christians. Seems this church doesn't understand the entire reason they are here."

"The best church I’ve ever been part of! We love the kids program and how the teachers have become such an important part of our kids lives. Pastor Jeremy preaches the gospel in a way that’s relatable, easy to comprehend, and powerful. The worship is great! However what I love most is how connected we were able to get through life groups and other ministries the church does."

"I became a member of the church around a year ago and they have helped me in my journey with Christ! Pastor Joel Morgan reached out to me while I was looking for a new church and invited me to lunch. Since then, I have joined the college ministry, a life group and I volunteer with the youth. I have encountered many great people who have been welcoming and uplifting! I encourage you to check out this church!"