Applewood Baptist Church in Wheat Ridge, CO

Pros

• It is a great church where everyone is super friendly and inviting.
• Its preaching is great and its children's ministry is strong.
• The generosity and charm of the community testify to Jesus' example.
• It embodies everything a church should be, with strong leadership and expository preaching.
• It is multigenerational and offers AWANAs for kids.
• It is the best Bible-believing, expository-preaching, friendly church in the Denver Metro area.
• It is a welcoming church, with people who make visitors feel at home.
• It has excellent worship, consistently strong sermons, and vibrant community events.
• It remains faithful to God's Word, with friendly, welcoming pastors.
• It is a wonderful place with loving people where families and individuals feel cared for.
• It provides solid biblical teaching and a wide range of study groups for all ages.
• It is a church where first-timers feel comfortable and quickly become part of the community.

Cons

• They would never come back to this church again.
• It was disgusting that the pastor preached hate about other religions, especially at a funeral.
• It should have been about love and remembrance, not hate or pushing a religious agenda.
• God would be ashamed of this.
• They hated it because it was two blocks away and they had a hard time going.

Review

Applewood Baptist Church in Wheat Ridge is best suited for families and individuals who want a biblically solid, expository teaching environment wrapped in a genuinely multigenerational, welcoming church family. The community leans into strong Bible-centered preaching, a broad array of age-specific ministries, and a proven track record of steady leadership. It distinguishes itself by offering robust programs that family members of all ages can plug into - from AWANA and a well-staffed children's ministry to student groups, college gatherings, and active men's and women's circles. For those who want a place where biblical teaching is front and center and everyday life gets tied to the Word, this is a compelling home.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are primarily those who place a premium on universal inclusivity with a consistently nonconfrontational tone, or those who prefer a smaller, more intimate church rhythm. A minority of reviewers flag concerns about how certain sermons address other religions or sensitive topics, suggesting there can be moments when tone or messaging feels exclusive or challenging for some guests. For seekers who prioritize a more understated approach to controversy, or a quieter worship rhythm, other area churches may feel more aligned. Likewise, individuals seeking a deliberately low-key scale or less program-driven environment may find a different pace more suitable.

The strongest advantages here are clear and well-articulated in the church's daily life: expository preaching that stays tethered to scripture, a Bible-centered ethos that anchors all teaching, and a kids-and-family backbone that keeps families engaged across generations. The church consistently earns praise for sermons that feel substantive and actionable, not merely comforting. Families find confidence in the depth of the children's ministry, the variety of age-graded groups, and the presence of ongoing studies and classes for moms, homeschoolers, and various adult communities. The leadership is described as faithful and approachable, with pastors who are considered both passionate and well-grounded in doctrine. The culture is openly friendly, making newcomers feel seen, welcomed, and invited to belong from the moment they walk in.

On the other hand, the main cons - primarily isolated complaints about tone in one or two sermons - do not erode the broader pattern of strength cited by most attendees. A few reviews recount experiences where messaging during a funeral or at the fringes of interfaith dialogue felt off-putting to some; these incidents, while not universal, are a reminder that sensitive topics can influence first impressions and long-term affinity for certain guests. The church's size and active calendar also mean not every program will land perfectly for every family, and visitors may need to explore multiple ministries to find the right fit. Yet even these caveats sit in the context of overwhelmingly positive reports about genuine warmth, practical teaching, and predictable biblical focus.

The positive attributes effectively offset the possible drawbacks for most families who value doctrinal clarity, a broad spectrum of programming, and a tangible church community. The expository preaching and Bible-driven approach provide a sturdy framework for spiritual growth, while the multigenerational design ensures that kids, students, singles, and seniors all have a place to belong. The breadth of ministries - from daycare and nursery care to youth and college groups, to men's and women's circles - reduces the friction of alignment within a single household, making it feasible for siblings and parents to worship and study together without compromising individual needs. In short, the pros build a resilient, family-friendly ecosystem where faith formation is continuous and communal life is lived out in concrete ways.

For decision-makers weighing options, Applewood Baptist presents a compelling package: strong biblical teaching, a welcoming culture, and a comprehensive suite of ministries designed to support families at every life stage. It is a church that rewards regular attendance with deeper growing opportunities and practical avenues to serve, learn, and connect. If inclusivity in tone and a consistently non-confrontational environment are essential, or if a smaller, quieter setting is a priority, exploring alternatives remains sensible. Otherwise, a church that programs for the whole family, sustains expository preaching, and cultivates a broadly connected faith community stands out as a sound, action-oriented choice worth committing to. Plan a visit, attend a few services, and sample the family ministries to verify fit before making a long-term commitment.

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)