Maranatha Chapel - Poway Campus
Non-Denominational · Contemporary worship · Poway, CA
- Location
- Poway, California 92064
- Denomination
- Non-Denominational
- Worship style
- Contemporary
- Size
- Mid-size
- Ministries & emphasis
- Contemporary, Expository Preaching, Kids Ministry, Youth Ministry, Small Groups
- Google rating
- ★ 4.8 (216 reviews)
- Kids ministry
- Yes
Official websiteSermons on YouTubeStatement of faith / beliefs
What visitors say
Before we left Maranatha Chapel, we spent over six months trying to meet with pastors, elders, and staff to gain understanding and address concerns we had. We didn’t walk away lightly. We made repeated, sincere attempts to have honest conversations, but those efforts went nowhere. My family attended Maranatha Chapel for five years and served as small group leaders. Over time we saw a consistent pattern of poor accountability, unclear leadership, and very little transparency. Ray Bentley is still listed as the primary leader years after his passing, and although people say “Ray isn’t the church,” in reality his name and legacy still dominate everything. There is no published elder board, and even long time staff couldn’t name who the elders were. Internships also seem to go almost exclusively to staff children, which reinforces the insider only culture. The weekend services follow a very producer–consumer model: you are told to “fellowship” for 30 seconds with the people next to you, and then you sit and watch a stage performance. Despite banners everywhere saying “Belong,” there is no membership process and no real path to actually belong. Financial transparency was a major concern. We had been tithing and developed concerns around the total lack of financial transparency after searching and digging for any public information such as an annual report or budget. When I tried to get basic financial information, I was stonewalled at every step. Calls were screened, emails and messages ignored, and the Business Administrator, George Chial, never responded for a long time. When I finally did reach him, he told me it would take months before I could see a budget. Months — just to look at a budget? Attempts to speak with Senior Pastor Daniel Bentley about governance, finances, and how I had been treated were met with the same firewall. Small groups and pastoral care were also disappointing. The Growth Groups Pastor, Martin Sanders, was warm every Sunday—shaking my hand, talking about our group, even visiting me in the hospital. But when I reached out during a family crisis, he told me he was leaving for vacation and would follow up afterward. He never did. My attempts to reach him afterward were met with call screening and silence. Nearly a year later he finally contacted me, but it became clear he mainly wanted feedback on a study we had done. When I shared that our group found it campy and shallow, he was visibly offended. Despite the friendly surface and the “Belong” messaging, the culture feels closed, unaccountable, and resistant to honest questions. After five years—and over six months of trying to resolve concerns—we left because the internal culture simply didn’t reflect what we believe a healthy, transparent, Christ centered community should be. Found Maranatha online during COVID in Aug 2020. Have never looked back and decided to move to San Diego on Sept 2022 to be closer connected with Maranatha. The best church I’ve ever attended. The teachings are proud and filled with so much love and care. It’s a big church with family vibes. Everyone I have encountered and met since attending weekly service and women’s weekly Bible studies have been so warm. My life has forever changed by learning from the late Pastor Ray via streamed services and his Step Into the Story series, which is now hosted by his son Pastor Daniel Bentley which is a pure joy. The worship team is a delight. The music hits my soul and brings such joy to my life. Kayla and Jimmy who lead are outstanding in their talent. Kayla’s voice is heavenly. If you’re looking for a new church, please come and visit Maranatha. It’s an extraordinary community with many events to feel closer connected to the Lord, each other and offers so much foundational support and strength for this day and age. I have been forever transformed and found my home. God answered my prayers and can do the same for you. All around 5+ stars and beyond. I have a twinkle in my eye after going through so much loss this year. Thank you Maranatha and staff. Our family attended and served at Maranatha church for years, investing deeply in this community with our time and resources. However, through the lens of Dr. Henry Cloud’s teachings on organizational health, we have realized that the church is operating as a 'closed system' that avoids biblical accountability. Despite our years of commitment, when we reached out for pastoral support during a significant crisis, we were met with silence. This is a profound failure of the Law of Responsibility. Scripture is clear that shepherds are to care for the flock (1 Peter 5:2) and 'bind up the broken' (Ezekiel 34:16). Instead, we felt like the 'scattered sheep' described in Jeremiah 23:2, who were not attended to by their leaders. Furthermore, the church lacks the 'relational property lines' necessary for a safe community: • No Formal Membership: This lacks the contractual clarity of who belongs to the body and who leaders are responsible for (Acts 2:41, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). • No Financial Transparency: Paul modeled transparency in 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 to 'avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.' Hidden finances prevent the trust necessary for true fellowship. • No Public Elder Disclosure: Leaders must be 'above reproach' (1 Timothy 3:2), which is impossible if their identities and conduct are not visible to the congregation they serve. Dr. Cloud teaches that 'transparency is a pillar of trust,' yet this leadership creates a culture of secrecy. We hope they will move toward the light of truth and accountability so that other families do not experience this same abandonment." Our family has loved and grown in this church for the past 7 years. Big church with a tight-knit family feel. Lots of programs and ministries for every age. Faith building women's ministry. Amazing children's ministry. Awesome worship. Wonderful friendships. We are blessed and well fed on the Word here. You are going to LOVE this body of believers. A group of Christ-followers who gather to worship and praise, to fellowship through meaningful friendships and tight knit community, to give and serve generously, and to be transformed into the image of God's Son. The worship isn't some showy performance, it's heart felt and genuine. The preaching has depth bur is also relatable and easy to digest. You don't need a degree in theology to understand the messages. The pastor is young (mid-40's),so the sermons have a certain energy and enthusiasm to them. The congregation has a heart for Israel and the Jewish people. They celebrate the Feasts of the Lord. Come check out Maranatha Chapel, and experience the joy, healing, and presence of the Lord.
Is Maranatha Chapel - Poway Campus right for me?
Maranatha Chapel - Poway Campus may be a good fit if you're looking for contemporary worship, a Non-Denominational church, a church with a kids ministry in Poway. Every church feels different in person — plan to visit a Sunday service, and check the church's website for current service times.
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