Horizon Christian Fellowship
Website: http://www.horizonsd.org/
Church Review
Scriptural View: 3/5
Beliefs: 3/5
Community: 4/5
Website Review
Site Usabilility: 4/5
Site Design: 4/5
Site Content: 3/5
Summary: Horizon Christian Fellowship is one of the ‘mega’ churches in San Diego. It has a school, cafeteria, a coffee shop (called the “Sacred Grounds” Coffee Cart), Youth groups, Single’s Ministry (The Edge) and about 40 other ministry areas. Their website is sleak and well designed and you can quickly find which compartment of their church you fit in to.From my experience, how do you become a ‘mega church’. The first is through the persona of the Pastor who has a dynamic that is either entertaining or witty but this draws a big crowd. Often in conjunction with this growth, the church becomes a mall. It begins offering services to every population group. Now nothing is wrong with either of these in themselves. But the final challenge is what separates the good from the bad.
The biggest fault with mega churches is that they purposefully avoid scriptural teachings to not ruffle the feathers of those who attend. Time and time again these churches preach a watered down gospel that misses much of the deeper, even challenging areas that cause growth and repentance before God. My experience with Horizon is through the interaction of a number of people who have left because when they had serious questions based on the Bible, those in leadership were unwilling to give them answers. They preferred that people do not seek these things.
With this said, Horizon is still a church filled with brothers and sisters in Christ. They are preaching faith in Christ and we all are part of the larger body of believers here on earth working to proclaim the message of the cross to this world. And it is because of this, that this church is still far better than many churches in San Diego.
Horizon is a church that is preaching Christ, but they shy away from some of the meat of Scripture.
January 2nd, 2005 at 12:47 am
It’s a Calvary Chapel, what did you expect? Horizon is about to experience the same woes as it’s child churches The Rock & MVCF-finding a new facility. There is a lack of available space, and conditional use permits are virtually impossible to get these days. BTW, according to the Barna Research Group, today’s church spends $6 on a building for every $1 it spends on missionary outreach. Maybe the megachurch needs to reprioritize. It really should be the other way around, else the church isn’t “evangelical.”
February 16th, 2005 at 4:24 pm
You say your experience with Horizon is through the interaction of a number of people who have left because when they had serious questions based on the Bible, and those in leadership were unwilling to give them answers. Is this what those people told you? Did you find out what questions they asked? Are you sure it was Horizon’s problem, and not those with whom you spoke? Did they have an axe to grind? Is their perception accurate? How deep did you dig into this allegation?
Also, did you verify their stories with someone at Horizon before printing those accusations? I’ve gone there for over 15 years and have never had anyone unwilling to answer any of my questions…and I’ve had plenty.
Your comment that Horizon shys away from some of the meat of Scripture is patently false. Nothing could be further from the truth. They talk about it ALL…love, sin, repentance, Jesus, salvation, damnation, etc. Perhaps next time you make a statement like that you could back it up with examples?
Finally, responding to Mars Hillbilly. I don’t doubt Barna’s statistics, but to say that Horizon fits in that group is clearly erroneous. They spend so much of their money on missionary work and outreaches that they don’t even have a sanctuary. Their services are held in a gymnasium!
February 21st, 2005 at 8:49 pm
I appreciate the avowed intent of this website to help believers “find a church that is centered on the Bible.” However, I must respectfully disagree with the preconceptions, generalized assumptions, and conclusions of this particular Review.
First, as a Christ-follower, I have experienced Horizon to be solid in every area which this website claims to evaluate churches: Horizon provides incredibly in-depth scriptural teaching and interpretation, has a huge heart for evangelism and mission outreach both locally and worldwide, evinces a desire to glorify God and worship Him, and has a strong sense of community and accountability. Their solid scriptural teachings can be discerned even when watching their services online, which I would highly recommend for anyone curious about this church.
Second, is this a review of Horizon or of “mega-churches?” Horizon began with only 12 people. Christians are flocking to it in such astounding numbers because of Horizon’s scripturally sound, in-depth Biblical teachings, strong sense of community in the form of supportive home fellowships, and compassionate evangelism outreaches all over the world; not for its “coffee cart.” In fact, Horizon emphasizes just the opposite of trying to “become a mega-church.” Its focus is simple: “WIN to Christ, Disciple, and SEND.” This emphasis on SENDing is evidenced by all of the Bible-based churches that have grown out of Horizon over the years, from Horizon’s initial group of twelve people.
Third, I am troubled that three times in this Review, you claim to know another’s true motives:
Quote: “…They purposely avoid scriptural teachings…”
Quote: “Unwilling to give answers… ”
Quote: “Preferred that people do not seek…”
I would strongly caution against presuming to know what is in another’s heart. According to the Bible, only God knows what is in one’s heart. “The Lord searches all hearts and understands all intent of the thoughts.” (1 Chr. 28:9). “For He knows the secrets of the heart.” (Psalm 44:21), and Psalm 139:23. Instead, Jesus taught that “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16.) And by this standard, I have experienced there to be an abundant harvest of good fruit being produced at Horizon!
Fourth, I agree with the valid concerns raised by “Happy to be His.” Horizon is not a church that provides an environment in which believers are encouraged to slide. There is constant direction and encouragement to unflinchingly apply the Word to your life, challenging you to identify, address, repent, and confess sin to God. Simply tune in online to any webcast for five minutes, and you will hear this. I too would appreciate hearing some examples.
Fifth, I am writing based on my direct experiences at Horizon. In your review, you state that your “experience with Horizon is through the interaction of a number of people who have left because…”
This concerns me. I can find nothing in your review which shows that you actually visited this church, and this would have been more helpful.
Sixth, is there a church in existence with which no one has found fault? Is it uncommon for someone to receive an answer that isn’t what they hoped for or expected? Not knowing the issues involved, I would strongly caution against relying upon hearsay and second-hand information.
Finally, in light of my concerns, and regarding “Scriptural Views,” I am puzzled at Horizon’s “3/5.” By comparison, I notice that you ascribed to a “Four-Star church” (I won’t even go there) a 5/5 in Scriptural Views, even though it practices Infant Baptism, which is not scriptural and has never been a Biblical practice. To imply that a church practicing infant baptism is right on the Bible and to claim that this departure from scripture is not important “because it does not deal directly with salvation” is disturbing.
I recommend Horizon to anyone seeking a solid, Bible-based, Bible-teaching church.
February 25th, 2005 at 7:46 am
Happy to be His: How much did Mike shell out for that gym/sanctuary? It wasn’t an original part of the school complex. And why are outreaches (Festival of Life) canceled/postponed during this period?
March 19th, 2005 at 3:47 pm
Some friends of mine, I was with them, tried to encourage Horizon to put a few folks on the sidewalk in front of an abortion mill just up the street on Genesee. Just to let the moms know that God loves them and their babies and that He will provide a way out. It became quickly evident in discussions with staff and passing parishioners that Horizon is a dictatorship. Everyone said that because Mike believes this or won’t let us do this, we can’t do this. They said they couldn’t go to the yearly JW events at Qualcomm to pass out literature.
But on the other hand, it is Horizon’s practice to counsel women not to have abortions but if they decide to they will be taken to the clinic and from the clinic so they can be “ministered to” in their grief. What is going on there? Why don’t their people think for themselves?
March 31st, 2005 at 12:07 pm
Stan-
1 word: SHEEPLE!
June 23rd, 2005 at 11:23 pm
God calls us to be “in one accord”, what I am finding on this site is a Horizon-bashing and Horizon-defending battle that needs to stop. I have been involved at HCF, particularly through HJSHS (Jr. Sr. High School) for seven years. I understand that some may not agree with the way Horizon is run, in fact, I have some problems with it. But the truth is, to sit and bash someone over their leadership style is not what God calls us to do. Yeah, Horizon has it’s share of problems, there are some very strong, self-centered personalities in leadership there. I honestly think that Pastor Mike as well as Pastor Mickey and the staff are trying to seek God in all of their leadership. God has placed Mike in a position of leadership for a reason, if he says no, than the church staff must respect his decision. Mars Hillbilly, in regard to your question about the “Festival de Vida” spending being halted, It has to do with the lack of funding during the transition into their new sactuary, in order for the call to “Win, Disciple and Send” to continue, they must find a place to permanently call home. The City of San Diego is not making this easy for them. In the end, we are Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and what I see here deeply disturbs me. I am not a member/attender of Horizon, I just found that it wasn’t the right environment for me, I know Horizon has issues in certain things, I have been involved in them first hand, but I take comfort in the fact that I know God has placed people in positions of leadership there, and is moving within the leadership to make decisions necessary for the betterment of the call that God has given them.
Thank YOu
June 28th, 2005 at 1:01 am
Didn’t The Lord All Mighty take one of King David’s biggest mistakes and produce King Solomon? If Mike or Mickey or any other pastors at Horizon have made a few mistakes in things they’ve said or done over the last 31 years, forgive them…pray for them and keep your eyes on Jesus…and let God sort it out…Keep seeking and keep praying…Kirk
December 31st, 2005 at 11:36 pm
I like Horizon but their worship sucks so I left. They also do not believe in or practice the gifts of the spirit.
February 6th, 2006 at 12:55 pm
2004 “Gifts of the spirit” intensive study at Horizon:
http://horizonsd.org/audio_archives_holy_spirit.asp
God bless.
February 19th, 2006 at 2:11 am
May I ask whether the underlying tension between the reviewer(s) on this site and Horizon (or Calvary for that matter) is the endless war between Calvinism (reviewers) and Armenianism (Calvary)? Im trying to decide on a church in san diego, and this is what it seems to boil down to for the most part. Would one go to hell if they believe wrongly in this matter? How does someone want to believe when no one seems to agree on this doctrine?
February 19th, 2006 at 8:46 pm
Student,
We are partners on the gospel. Horizon and Calvary get a nod of approval as they are normal/good churches to attend. Yet at some point we have found they shy away from teaching the deeper doctrine of Scripture, which can cause problems for Christians facing crisis.
Will you go to hell? No. Can it impact your walk? Yes. Are all churches who follow ‘calvinism’ recommended? No.
We seek Bible-saturated, missional, communities who desire to preach the whole counsel and spread the gospel to the world around them. These are the churches we recommend people attend.
March 2nd, 2006 at 12:59 pm
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood,before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.JOEL 2:31-32
When the Jews and the followers of Christ, were scattered,many went to the west,to the Greeks and something happened when the scriptures were translated in greek.The name of our high priest who intercedes for us(JESHUA),was change to a greek form(Jesus).
There is no other name that can interceed for us before our Creator other than the high priests’.
The high priest holds all the authority and it is in His name that we come before the Lord Almighty,for salvation.We enquire,like Jehoshaphat,through that name.We cannot take that name and translate it,for who uses a translated name.Try using your names’ translation.
ZACHARIA 3:1-9, and HAGGAI indicates to us that it is this branch/seed/stone that will build the temple of the The Almighty Lord God.”Hear O Israel, the Lord is one”.
Jeshua the first high priest, brought the Israelites into the land of canaan after they crossed the Jordan and went in to take possession of the land.
After the fall of Jerusalem ,its catpture and its destruction, the Israelites were again subjected into slavery by the Babylonians in a foreign land.Yet,Jeshua the high priest of that time was able to go back and rebuild the temple of the Lord and its courts and gates once more re-establishing Jerusalem and the worship.
Again,we find that the Jews fell short and the Romans subjected them to tribute in the rebuilt Jerusalem.Yet,this time we find another high priest=the seed of David,Jeshua the intercessor who went back to His Father to be granted authority to build and establish the Kingdom of The Lord God Almighty on earth.A kingdom that the gates of hades will never prevail! An everlasting kingdom in christ.Refer to Zecharia 6:11-13
Before Jeshua was symbolically crucified, he prayed for his disciples;”HOLY FATHER,PROTECT THEM BY THE POWER OF YOUR NAME-THE NAME YOU GAVE ME-SO THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE.WHILE I WAS WITH THEM, I PROTECTED THEM AND KEPT THEM SAFE BY THAT NAME YOU GAVE ME.NONE HAS BEEN LOST EXCEPT THE ONE DOOMED TO DESTRUCTION SO THAT THE SCRIPTURES WOULD BE FULFILLED.John 17:11-12.The Lord’s Kingdom has one King + priesthood that was established.A kingdom of priests.The new Jerusalem.
Probably you are wondering how I came to this.I read Mathew 1:21 and looked up its reference in the HOLY BIBLE ,NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, a translation from the International Bible Society,copyright 1973,1978,1984
March 26th, 2006 at 10:33 am
Horizon is a soul winning church. This is their purpose. Their pastors pepper their sermons with sentances designed to reach the heart of a non-believer to convict and convert them. And God blesses Horizon because of this. It is the place to send a questioner for them to convert.
Yes Horizon has its leadership problems. If they were worked out, Horizon could be a 30,000 + megachurch. But just as God called David a man after his own heart, and forgave David of his sins, God is using Horizon for His purpose of winning souls to His kingdom. And God is willing to overlook some leadership judgements to achieve this. Horizon is made up of Humans. Humans who follow God still aren’t perfect and do screw up. So where do we use grace, and where do we use judgement? May the Lord give us guideance in all we do and mercy when we make choices that are not the best for us.
Horizon does put its money into evangelism, outreach and equipping people to do that ahead of many other things, including plush buildings. A gym where you have to stackand take down the chairs every week to hold services is a much better use of funds than having a sanctuary sitting empty all week.
The teaching at Horizon has its purpose, and many people prefer this teaching to others. No its not indepth, word by word type of teaching. If thats what you are looking for, try another church. If great worship, teaching from the heart with stories relating to happenings in the world today interests you. You will love Horizon.
Just remember, God does operate outside the box that churches and people try to put Him in. Find a church you feel comfortable in, then quickly get involved in helping that church with their ministry.
April 27th, 2006 at 12:55 am
Well first of all it seems to me that there are several people that really don’t know Horizon at all or Calvary Chapels for that matter. I have been attending Horizon north county for the past 5 years and I have attended Calvary Chapels for around fifteen. I have never learned so much about scripture and Christ as I have at Horizon. I have been walking with the Lord for well over 20 years and as far as I am concerned Horizon and Calvary Chapel teach directly from the Bible and are vary Christ centered churchs. By the way Calvary Chapels are niether Calvanistic or Armenian in belief they belive in the scripture completely. I find it interesting that those who do not like the true teaching of the scriptures find ways to find faulot with others.
I feel that many who would judge these churchs must themselves beware of that judgement as the scripture tells us in Mathew 7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?
Enough said I let the scriptures speak for itself!
May 4th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
I attended Horizon Christian Fellowship back when Miles, Leo and other Sr. Pastors were still interns. I came as a young Christian woman hungry for the word of God and hungry to see “real Christians”. I found all that there and more. Horizon, MVCF and the Rock all have one thing in common and that is their love for Jesus Christ, His Word and the people.
There is no perfect church. There’s an old saying “If you find a perfect church don’t join it because you might ruin it.” The only perfect person is Christ and until we are perfected in heaven with Him, we will have to live with life’s criticisms especially as Christians and even more as Christian Leaders and pastors. Don’t I know this. Jesus took upon insults, attacks and the bible says “He was acquainted with grief” meaning He knew grief very well. As a new Sr. Pastor’s wife my husband and I receive criticisms almost weekly and what God is showing us through it all is that it is part of leadership and we have to either learn from the critiques and grow from them or learn to ignore them if they were given as attacks from the enemy. It’s a refining process to make us more like Christ.
If you look to find fault I guarantee you will find it. However, this site is meant to be a church “review” not church critique and I recommend to the writer/admin of this site to be very careful in what you say and to make sure you are giving facts not opinions. Stay biblical and uses scripture to be your resource on giving your doctrinal or personal reviews and facts and remember that one visit to a church may not have all the answers you are seeking so stay flexible and try to think the best not the worst and although we of ourselves may have personal opinions on how we believe a church should be, we need to keep in mind that our opinions in the scheme of things are still our opinions and what really matters is what is God’s opinion through His Word.
The real question to ask ourselves is “are we as “the church body of Christ” manifesting Jesus to the World?” After Jesus washed the disciples feet He told them to go and wash one another’s feet and then went on to say, “This is how they(the world) will know you are my disciples by your love for one another.” paraphrased. John ch. 13
So let’s stay focused shall we on edifying each other as; “a manifestation of Christ to the world” in love and unity as one body in Christ.
May 27th, 2006 at 9:36 am
BRINGING OUT THE CAPSTONE TO SHOUTS OF ;GOD BLESS IT,GOD BLESS IT!!
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood,before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.JOEL 2:31-32
When the Jews and the followers of Christ, were scattered,many went to the west,to the Greeks and something happened when the scriptures were translated in greek.The name of our high priest who intercedes for us(JESHUA),was change to a greek form(Jesus).
There is no other name that can interceed for us before our Creator other than the high priests’.
The high priest holds all the authority and it is in His name that we come before the Lord Almighty,for salvation.We enquire,like Jehoshaphat,through that name.We cannot take that name and translate it,for who uses a translated name.Try using your names’ translation.
ZACHARIA 3:1-9, and HAGGAI indicates to us that it is this branch/seed/stone that will build the temple of the The Almighty Lord God.”Hear O Israel, the Lord is one”.
Jeshua the first high priest, brought the Israelites into the land of canaan after they crossed the Jordan and went in to take possession of the land.
After the fall of Jerusalem ,its catpture and its destruction, the Israelites were again subjected into slavery by the Babylonians in a foreign land.Yet,Jeshua the high priest of that time was able to go back and rebuild the temple of the Lord and its courts and gates once more re-establishing Jerusalem and the worship.
Again,we find that the Jews fell short and the Romans subjected them to tribute in the rebuilt Jerusalem.Yet,this time we find another high priest=the seed of David,Jeshua the intercessor who went back to His Father to be granted authority to build and establish the Kingdom of The Lord God Almighty on earth.A kingdom that the gates of hades will never prevail! An everlasting kingdom in christ.Refer to Zecharia 6:11-13
Before Jeshua was symbolically crucified, he prayed for his disciples;”HOLY FATHER,PROTECT THEM BY THE POWER OF YOUR NAME-THE NAME YOU GAVE ME-SO THAT THEY MAY BE ONE AS WE ARE ONE.WHILE I WAS WITH THEM, I PROTECTED THEM AND KEPT THEM SAFE BY THAT NAME YOU GAVE ME.NONE HAS BEEN LOST EXCEPT THE ONE DOOMED TO DESTRUCTION SO THAT THE SCRIPTURES WOULD BE FULFILLED.John 17:11-12.The Lord’s Kingdom has one King + priesthood that was established.A kingdom of priests.The new Jerusalem.
Probably you are wondering how I came to this.I read Mathew 1:21 and looked up its reference in the HOLY BIBLE ,NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, a translation from the International Bible Society,copyright 1973,1978,1984
June 22nd, 2006 at 7:53 pm
My family has been attending Horizon for a little over three years. Could it be called a mega church? Sure. However, I found most of the “review” unfairly stereo-typing Horizon with the reviewer’s view on mega churches instead of discussing what is actually taking place at Horizon. After reading it, I really wondered if the reviewer took the time to actually visit Horizon or just did a review based on a website visit, mix it with their views/bias on mega churches, and added in a little discussion on what a few people who left had to say. Quote, “My experience with Horizon is through the interaction of a number of people who have left because when they had serious questions based on the Bible, those in leadership were unwilling to give them answers.”. And another quote, “Horizon is a church that is preaching Christ, but they shy away from some of the meat of Scripture.”.
First, I have never known the leadership to not be willing to discuss serious questions based on the Bible or shy away from some of the meat of the Scripture. I have found quite the opposite. I have found they go out of their way to discuss it. If you want to study just come by any Sunday morning. Then come by again on Wednesday night for Chapter and Verse. If that isn’t enough, you can join a Home Fellowship or sign up to take college courses at Horizon College or the Horizon School of Evangelism. If that does not get your questions answered, I am sure Mike, Mickey or any of the other pastors on staff would be willing to meet with you. They also have a desire to equip people for service and offer Discipleship/Leadership Training Level 1, 2, and 3 courses taught by the leadership where you are more than free and encouraged to ask questions.
Fortunately, it isn’t all just talk at Horizon. They believe in doing. They have built an excellent school system, pre-school through High School. They also have a desire to not only spread the gospel but to help people. They do outreach events in San Diego, the US, and throughout the world. They have recently hired some of Billy Graham’s people, now that Billy has retired, to help with Festival’s of Life crusades. This year they will be going to Poland and South Korea. These are just two of the larger events and not meant to cover all the evangelistic things they do. As for helping people, they were on scene immediately during 9/11, have teams in the Gulf assisting people in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, and host an annual Thanksgiving meal for the homeless and less fortunate providing food, clothing, medical and dental care, haircuts and manicure, resume service, and free phone calls to thousands of people each Thanksgiving. Again, this is not an all inclusive list, just some of the ways Horizon ministers to people. Then there is the involvement of their leaders/pastors who are chaplains to law enforcement and fire departments. Bottom line is, they just don’t want you to come, sit, and listen. They want to equip people to serve and they offer them numerous opportunities to serve.
Again, their vision statement simply put is, “Win, Disciple, Send”. Win a person to Christ, disciple them, and send them out to serve.
Is Horizon a perfect church? Of course not. There are no perfect churches. But I would venture to say they are doing more than 95% of the other churches in San Diego to get the gospel out and help minister to hurting people. They want to grow by winning new converts not people changing churches. They have spun off numerous churches, yet they still continue to grow. They have a Senior Pastor, Mike, that has an honest love for people who is always willing to give of himself. He is transparent and more than willing to share his testimony and how God changed his life.
I would recommend the reviewer take a little time to actually visit Horizon and see for themselves what is taking place. Talk to the people attending, make an appointment and speak to the pastors. Your review does not do justice to Horizon or accurately reflect what is taking place there. For others, I would recommend you visit on your own. No, you won’t find a perfect church. What you will find is a place that is willing to teach and equip you for service and provide you plenty of opportunities to serve.
July 30th, 2006 at 4:15 pm
I visited Horizon today and was quite frankly a little disturbed by the content of the sermon. I would not recommend this church at all.
November 24th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
I have attended Horizon for over 2 years. One of the things I like about the church is that Mike goes through the books of the bible and preaches from them verse by verse. Additionally, if you want more “meat” on Wed nites they have chapter and verse where he dives deeper into the text (usually of a different book). I am in leadership at Horizon and have found Mike to be a very humbling servant. He isn’t perfect but I think you will find that he would be the first to tell you that.
One of the gentlemen above noted that Horizon doesn’t practice or teach on the gifts of the spirit. That’s just not true. Mike always talks about gifts we have. Not to mention other schools and classes. Now, will you find pastors preaching in tounges? No. That is considered out of order.
Another said the worship was substandard. Though putting aside for a moment the concept of choosing a church on worship, I think the worship is honest, talented and encouraging.
Finally, I understand there are opportunities at Horizon but I would assume that every church has it’s opportunities. I don’t think Horizon will be for everyone but that doens’t mean that people need to leave complaining. They should just leave and they’ll find that they will always find the same problems at all churches they attend. Maybe the problem wasn’t with the church to begin with.