Applewood Baptist Church

Pros

• The preaching is great and so is the children's ministry.
• The generosity and charm of this community is a testament to what Jesus would do.
• Everything a church should be - strong leadership with expository preaching and multigenerational ministry.
• Best Bible-believing, expository preaching, friendly church in the Denver Metro area.
• Best Church Ever; the church is welcoming.
• Great church; everyone is friendly and inviting.
• Such a great place to be; the church fosters a wonderful community.
• This church has an excellent worship team, pastors, and consistently great sermons.
• They remain faithful to God's Word; pastors are friendly and welcoming.
• Exegetical preaching; Bible-focused with a strong children's ministry.

Cons

• One reviewer would never come back to this church again, calling the pastor's funeral sermon disgusting for preaching hate about other religions and saying it should have been about love and remembrance; they believe God would be ashamed.
• Another reviewer hated it because it was only two blocks away and they had a hard time going.

Review

Applewood Baptist Church in the Denver metro area comes through in these reviews as a large, welcoming, Bible-centered community that many attendees proudly call their spiritual home. Across multiple voices, the common thread is a sense of warmth that begins at the door and stretches through every ministry the church offers. People repeatedly describe the church as friendly, inviting, and deeply rooted in expository preaching and careful Bible teaching. One reviewer captures the sentiment with phrases like "Best Bible believing, expository preaching, friendly church in the Denver Metro area," while others emphasize strong leadership and a clear commitment to the Word. Taken together, the feedback paints a picture of a church that prioritizes faithful preaching and a culture where newcomers quickly feel at home.

A hallmark of the Applewood experience, according to many, is its multigenerational appeal. The church is described as "multigenerational" and "family friendly," with structures designed to engage people from childhood through senior years. Programs for children and teens are highlighted frequently: AWANA clubs, a robust children's ministry, and a host of classes and activities for different age groups. Reviewers mention youth groups for middle and high schoolers, college groups for young adults, and a thriving environment for moms to connect through support groups. There are also opportunities for adults to gather in career, college, and various life-stage groups, keeping people connected across generations. The Sunday School/ Life Application Group setup is noted as well-staffed and well-suited to the church's broad attendance.

The depth and breadth of the children's ministry stand out in several comments. Beyond the basic childcare and nursery, reviewers point to the love and attention shown to children by volunteers and staff, and they appreciate the ongoing programs that support families in bringing up their kids in the faith. One reviewer even emphasizes that the nursery workers "really love little kids," and another describes the church as offering "music classes and voice classes for kids and adults." The combination of strong childcare, youth activities, and supportive parent groups adds a practical, family-centered dimension to Applewood's appeal, making it feel not just like a church service, but a comprehensive community for raising children in a biblical environment.

Worship and preaching receive frequent praise as well. The church is repeatedly described as "expository" and "Bible-focused," with preaching that is challenging yet uplifting. Several reviewers mention specific pastors by name - Pastor Calvin and Pastor Derrick among them - and speak of sermons that are accessible for all ages while staying faithful to the text. The insistence on "no compromise preaching" and a deliberate effort to teach the Word in a way that listeners can apply to daily life resonates with many long-time attendees and newcomers alike. The music and the worship experience are also highlighted as well-done and engaging, contributing to the overall sense that the church values a sincere, God-centered encounter.

Community life is another major theme. Applewood is described as a place where "the generosity and charm of this community" are evident in daily interactions and in organized events. People speak of warm greetings, genuine hospitality, and a culture of care that extends beyond Sunday mornings. The church's leadership is portrayed as approachable and friendly, with pastors who take time to connect with people, listen, and encourage. Reviewers note a variety of fellowship opportunities - men's groups, women's activities, and church-wide events - that help build lasting relationships and a sense of belonging. The presence of homeshool groups, community groups, and other ongoing initiatives reinforces the impression that Applewood aims to be a home for families and individuals alike.

For many, Applewood is not just a place to attend a service but a place to grow spiritually and feel supported in life's journeys. People speak of personal transformations, renewed commitments, and a sense of turning toward God because of the church's steady teaching and nurturing environment. One reviewer mentions that Applewood helped turn their life around, crediting the love of Jesus and the consistency of biblical teaching. The sense of belonging is palpable in phrases like "I feel this church has helped me grow as a Christian" and "I've never felt so comfortable and welcomed." The church is described as a place where families can find stability, friends, and spiritual guidance that remains relevant across different life stages.

Like any community, Applewood is not without its dissenting voices. One reviewer expresses a starkly negative experience, describing an incident where a funeral sermon was perceived as hostile toward other religions and inconsistent with the period's mood of love and remembrance. The comment serves as a reminder that even in churches with broad support, disagreements and painful moments can occur. It's a reminder to readers to weigh the overall pattern of praise against individual experiences, and to consider the wider culture and teaching of the church when forming a judgment. The presence of this single critical voice alongside many affirmations highlights the church's complexity as a living community of imperfect humans seeking to follow Christ.

In sum, the breadth of praise for Applewood Baptist Church points to a community that many in the Denver area find to be deeply refreshing and genuinely Christ-centered. The church's strengths lie in expository Bible teaching, a robust and inclusive range of ministries for every age, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that encourages ongoing involvement and growth. The steady emphasis on Scripture and the practical outworking of faith - through study groups, youth and college ministries, moms' groups, and social events - creates a sense of stability and purpose that many attendees have found transformative. For those seeking a large church with traditional Bible teaching, strong leadership, and a warm, multigenerational community, Applewood Baptist Church appears to be a compelling choice that many people are eager to call home.

This area of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities suitable for seniors. With several cafes within a short distance, such as Starbucks and Dutch Bros Coffee, residents can easily enjoy a hot beverage while socializing with friends. Nearby parks like Crown Hill Open Space Park and Sloan's Lake Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. There are also various pharmacies in the vicinity, ensuring easy access to medications and healthcare services. Additionally, a selection of restaurants like Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse offer dining options for every taste. For medical needs, there are reputable physicians' offices like Children's Eye Physicians and St. Anthony Hospital nearby. The presence of places of worship such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints also caters to spiritual well-being. Overall, this part of Wheat Ridge provides a well-rounded environment with access to essential services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Cafes

• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.2 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.2 miles)
• The Bardo Coffee House (3.3 miles)
• Bean Fosters (5 miles)
• Higher Grounds Cafe (5.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.7 miles)

Parks

• Crown Hill Open Space Park (1.3 miles)
• Panorama Park (3.5 miles)
• Fairmount Park (3.6 miles)
• Citizens Park (3.8 miles)
• Southridge Park (4 miles)
• Berkeley Park (4 miles)
• Sloan's Lake Park (4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Solace Meds (1.7 miles)
• Lutheran Outpatient Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Grifols (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Best Colorado Meds (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (2.4 miles)
• Twin Peaks (2.4 miles)
• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (2.6 miles)
• Clancy's Irish Pub (2.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3 miles)
• Westrail Tap & Grill (3.4 miles)

Physicians

• Children's Eye Physicians (1.8 miles)
• SCL Health Heart & Vascular Institute - Wheat Ridge (1.9 miles)
• Cornerstone Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (1.9 miles)
• Rocky Mountain Primary Care (2.3 miles)
• Dr Bassow (2.4 miles)
• St. Anthony Hospital (3.1 miles)
• Native Roots Dispensary (3.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Scl Health - Front Range (1.9 miles)
• Exempla Lutheran Medical Center (1.9 miles)
• St Anthonys Medical Plaza 2 (3.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (2.7 miles)
• Wat Buddhawararam (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Denver (4.6 miles)