Pure Heart Church seems very open to new believers and has a wonderful pastor (Pastor Dan). My fiance and I joined back in October and attended on and off until February, when we decided to commit to it as our home church. We volunteered in a community outreach day and attempted to connect with others, which was difficult. My fiance and I also did not have a good experience with the marriage ministry. We are new to the Valley and it is important to us to meet others who are people of faith in our community.
This ministry was not open to anyone attending events without their spouse/significant other, which did not make sense to me at all. We attended a small group even together and were both invited to a young couples event (which he was not able to attend due to a prior commitment). When I RSVPed for myself, I was told that I cannot attend without him which made me feel inadequate and insignificant and as if I was not welcome in this ministry without him despite the fact that I would be representing both of us. While I understand that it is a ministry geared at couples, I did not understand why I could not represent both of us at this one event that I was looking forward to. I was told that I would be "alone", however if the goal is to meet other young couples, wouldn't I be speaking to them?
I was disappointed to witness this kind of treatment from a community of believers, especially as I tried to become connected and meet people (especially young couples) in the Valley.