The Message Church

Knew I had to check out a church who has their Sunday service inside a movie theater — how resourceful! Parking is free anywhere in San Mateo on Sundays, and there is a garage across the street. Follow the signs for ‘Message Church’ and say hi to the greeter at the front. Someone will walk you in to the service (due to the shared space with the theater).
Service definitely has a ‘start-​up’, grassroots feel. Congregation is still small and members are on the friendlier and inquisitive side in welcoming guests.
A few highlights:
–You can give your offering with your credit card!
–Home-​made goodies made a refreshing, light breakfast in church.
–Message included historical references and a reasonably educated approach to the texts. Pastoral stance was quite strongly to persuade members to follow the traditional Biblically-​accepted lifestyle as set forth in the New Testament. This is a church that promotes a different standard in behavior for Christians and individuals attending church, but yet to accept Christ.
–Praise accompaniment and music selection was actually quite decent. Full set-​up with drums, guitar, bass, electrical guitar, and keyboards — all nicely balanced and not too loud. Music selection was praise pieces a few years old, which were ‘goodies’ and fairly well known. Vocals were a little challenging to ignore.
All-​in-​all, service was a pleasant experience, and a solid 3 star. There were many pieces to like, and are mentioned in the other Unilocal comments.

The main reason why I think this is a great church community to go to is because I feel that the message of Jesus is unadulterated.
Yes, there is plenty of room for improvement, but that hasn’t kept me from attending The Message Church because everything we do here is with our best intention to follow what God commands us to do.
This church has gone through GREAT trials and is still standing by what I believe is God’s grace.
Newcomers will also find a group of people with similar interests, questions and problems that will very likely make them feel part of the family very early on.
If you are planning to start attending church, don’t wait until you feel ready, come to The Message Church next Sunday!

I just recently moved to the Bay Area and thought that it would be hard to find a church. Growing up in the church, it was weird meeting at a theater, but beyond that, it’s really just a small, growing church. The real draw for me was the Pastor Beto’s messages which had so much insight and meaning. He’ll take a passage from the Bible, ones I’ve heard several messages on before, and just bring so much depth from the history and customs of the time and connections to other parts of the Bible. If you ever have any questions on your faith journey or Christianity in general, he’s definitely someone you would want to talk to.
This church is very newcomer friendly. You can come in as you wish as there’s always someone to greet you, and leave whenever you want, just as you would at any other movie.
Or you could stay and get to know the church. That’s always an option.

Love the Message, it’s a great church. If you are in the search for a new church family, be sure to check out this one. You can find them downtown in the Century Theater Sundays at 10am.
Pastor Beto is theologically on point. He attended a seminary that’s renown and it shows. As someone that has studied the bible for a long time, it’s always refreshing hearing something new and insightful in the messages. However, do know! He will challenge you in many ways – though sometimes uncomfortable, this is a good thing.
Members are a great group of people and welcoming. There’s a sense of genuine desire to learn more about the bible. Don’t be intimidated though, many of them are still in their early growth stages as Christians.
Overall I sense it’s still very early in the church’s life. It’s scrappy, resourceful, and on it’s way to building a strong community. This means there are lots of opportunity to take leadership and own initiatives you feel strong about. Try it out!

I have attended this church since January 2014 and since then I’ve become a volunteer worker and their website blogger. It has changed my life and I’ve learned more things about Christianity in 6 months here than my entire life experiences and schooling combined. All I can say is if you’re open to non-​traditional worshipping please give this place a try.
And yes, it really is held inside the Century 12 Theater in San Mateo. Sometimes I’m outside around 9:30am on Sundays doing the greeting and you can ask me anything about this church. The church welcomes everyone. And I love meeting new people and sharing my experiences at the door.
Service highlights:
Beautiful singing accompanied by our own band
Fresh homebaked goodies, fruit, and juice
Free children’s care and service next door — all ages
Meeting and greeting new members for a few minutes before service
Quick and dynamic talk by our own pastor Beto or a guest speaker
Full movie screen with videos and slides during our service
Communion monthly
Invitation to join weekly Small Groups
Invitation to volunteer
NO PRESSURE AT ALL — Come as you are, leave if you want, or stay and ask questions after service, or submit our «Contact me» card in private.

I’ve been going to this church for about a month now. I’ve been church hopping for almost 6 years, but I feel like I finally found a church I enjoy. A few things I want to give you a head ups on if you visit:
1) They moved — They are now in the Century Theatre. Yes, I’m talking about the Downtown San Mateo movie theatre, it’s weird but cool at the same time. Being in a theater actually made it easier to invite some non-​christian friends, because they thought it was neat. Another nice part is the chairs are super comfy and you have a cup holder for your coffee =).
2) This church is a GROWING church. So don’t expect to come and be lost in the crowd, they will come and say «Hi» to you but they don’t make it awkward. In the past, what kept me away from small churches was the awkwardness of the «Hi» from congregation members who were too pushy. Also the people who attend this church range from teens, young adults, and couples with children or are expecting children. Whatever age you are they are welcoming.
3) If you decide this is your church, you’re going to see transformation in this church because it’s bound to grow. The Pastor Beto Carvalho, is super down to earth and is really good at making sure to end exactly at 11:15.
4) Worship is good old songs from when I became a Christian almost 20 years ago. Hillsong, contemporary music, but the band is one person and a keyboardist, I’m sure this will be a change as the church continues to grow.
Bottom line, check it out, it can’t hurt to give it a try, you may actually like it =)!

I became a Christian about 10 years ago, then about 5 or 6 years ago some friends and i decided to plant a church in San Mateo to serve the community, we all here in this church share the same dream to see San Mateo grown spiritually and culturally and to also dig back some values that our community here has lost. Great place to make good friends and place your voice to the community at least, the rest you do at your pace! Pastor is very supportive and I cannot forget to mention that i met my sweet wife here at the message church.

I started attending the Message Church after being invited by some friends… I will admit I was nervous at first, but they made me feel welcome. I was surprised to find that many of the members have as many questions as I do… They live in the Bay Area just like I do, and seem to have their eyes open, have read a few books (in addition to the obvious one), and so on. It’s a casual environment, the music is good, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is curious about God, anyone seeking a community, or maybe just anyone who’d like to grow a bit even on a Sunday morning.

I love it! My two children come too, we all have a blast! Everybody is sooo welcoming. The music is really uplifting. There’s no place I’d rather be on a Sunday! I’d be there more if I could!
God Bless!

What else can I say… THIS PLACE ROCKS!!!
At this church I feel welcome and part of a family. It gives me a great sense of Belonging!
This is my church and it should me yours too! ;)