St Stephen's Retirement Ctr

Pros

• The church is described as wonderful with a loving, welcoming congregation and strong leadership, including Pastor Glenn McKinney guiding its future.
• The church has a rich history and is a beloved staple in the community for years.
• The church welcomes everyone with open arms, regardless of color, race, or gender, and actively helps and uplifts people.
• The worship services are spiritually uplifting, with spirit-filled leadership and an engaging praise team.
• The church and its leaders are seen as generous, hosting food giveaways, clothing drives, and other community support.
• Bishop McKinney is praised as an amazing shepherd and a man of integrity, with the McKinney family described as beautiful.
• The church is organized, efficient, and a place where the presence of God is felt.
• Long-time members and visitors alike view the church as a home and family.
• The church's music program, including the choir and organ, is regarded as fabulous and spiritually enriching.
• The church is described as down-to-earth, friendly, and welcoming, a practical place for prayer and worship.
• The church has made a lasting impact on individuals and the community, evidenced by personal testimonies and ongoing devotion.
• Thanksgiving outreach and caregiving demonstrate the church's generosity and care for others.

Cons

• They had trouble finding the Sunrise Easter Services when they googled for it.
• They didn't know why it wasn't covered by local news or clearly listed on the internet.
• The sunrise service was underattended.
• They miss their church.

Review

This community shines through a long-standing commitment to faith, service, and hospitality. Across many voices, what stands out is a church family that has stood the test of time - rich in history, deeply rooted in worship, and warmly open to everyone who walks through its doors. The overarching sentiment is one of gratitude for a gracious, steadfast presence that many describe as a spiritual home. People speak of a congregation where the transformation of lives feels ongoing, where leadership is guiding the church toward a hopeful future, and where the Holy Spirit seems to move freely among worshipers.

Leaders who are described as both capable and compassionate anchor this sense of continuity and forward growth. Pastor Glenn McKinney is noted for shepherding the congregation through transitions into the future, with admiration for the way he is guiding the ministry. The family name is repeatedly praised, with many describing Bishop McKinney as an extraordinary teacher and leader - "one of the most amazing shepherds" whose integrity and Word-centered approach leave a lasting impression. The reverence given to the McKinney family and the sense of a steadfast, God-centered leadership is paired with a strong conviction that the church remains a place where faith can be lived out in daily life.

Service to the wider community is a major thread that runs through these reviews. The church is consistently described as generous and practical in its outreach: hosting food giveaways, clothing drives, and other acts of care for families and seniors. Volunteer efforts with partners like the San Diego Food Bank and direct Thanksgiving assistance echo a consistent pattern of tangible support, reinforcing the sense that faith here translates into concrete acts of love. People recall helping neighbors in need, sharing meals and resources, and celebrating the blessing of giving as a key expression of their faith. The atmosphere feels not only worshipful but also actively missional, with community impact as a core value.

Worship expression and spiritual vitality are repeatedly highlighted as defining features of the church experience. Visitors have reported being drawn in by the sound of praise and worship, often accompanied by a spirit-filled, anointed leader who can uplift hearts through song and preaching. Descriptions such as "Holy Spirit fire" and "the presence of God" punctuate the experiences shared by attendees. The music ministry - praiseworthy for its soul-stirring choir and uplifting songs - meets the needs of worshippers who come seeking encouragement and renewal. The environment is described as warm, welcoming, and down-to-earth, where people feel cared for as they encounter Christ in word and song.

Several accounts speak to the enduring, even timeless, quality of the church community. Expressions like "This is my home church," "I've been a member for years," and "It will be forty plus years since I first visited" convey a deep sense of belonging. People recount feeling the Lord's presence as soon as they enter the sanctuary, along with the comfort that comes from a familiar, faithful path in their spiritual journey. The congregation's legacy is not only in its history but in its ongoing ability to nurture faith across generations, with personal stories of being raised there, bringing a sense of continuity and shared identity.

Within the lived experience of church life, there is a strong emphasis on fellowship and family. Many reviews describe the church as like a family - supportive, loving, and quick to extend a hand to those who are new or in need. Phrases such as "they welcome you with open arms," "they are like family," and "home church" recur, underscoring a culture of inclusion that honors people regardless of color, race, or gender. The witness of a welcoming, inclusive church coincides with a robust personal sense of being cared for, nurtured, and encouraged to grow in faith and service. In this environment, even ordinary Sundays or routine church events can feel special because of the warmth and generosity that pervades the community.

The range of experiences - from peaceful praise mornings to bustling service projects - paints a vivid portrait of a church that is both deeply spiritual and warmly practical. Visitors have spoken of meaningful personal breakthroughs, fresh inspiration as they prayed and sang, and a sense of renewal in their faith. Their reflections also include constructive suggestions to further share their events with the wider community, such as better publicity for special services and outreach efforts, a reminder that even well-loved traditions can grow with thoughtful communication. Yet the core remains the same: a loving church family that blesses people with spiritual nourishment, practical help, and a hopeful vision for the future.

In sum, the impressions conveyed are of a church that has earned a cherished place in the hearts of many: a spiritual home with a proud history, energetic leadership, and a vibrant commitment to serving others. It is celebrated for its worship that stirs the soul, its generosity toward neighbors in need, and its inclusive, family-like culture. The community looks forward with anticipation to what God will continue to do through their ministry, confident that they will meet the future with the same faith, love, and determination that have sustained them for years. If you seek a place where you can grow in faith, feel welcomed, and participate in meaningful service, this church stands as a compelling and enduring option.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.1 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (3.1 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (3.8 miles)
• McDonald's (4.7 miles)
• Half Door Brewing Company (4.8 miles)
• Bub's at the Ballpark (4.9 miles)
• Pecs (4.9 miles)

Cafes

• Kung Fu Tea (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Communal Coffee (4.7 miles)
• Copa Vida (4.8 miles)
• Ghirardelli Ice Cream And Chocolate Shop (5 miles)
• Tabac Specialty Coffee & Cigars (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)

Transportation

• 24th Street Trolley Station (3.7 miles)
• Gaslamp Quarter Trolley Station (5 miles)
• San Diego Santa Fe Depot (5.6 miles)
• Grossmont Transit Center (6.3 miles)
• Firefly Car Rental (6.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Naval Medical Center San Diego (4.4 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center/Kaiser Foundation Hospital (5.9 miles)
• UC San Diego Medical Center (6.2 miles)

Parks

• Quartyard Dog Park (4.6 miles)
• Balboa Park (4.7 miles)
• Balboa Park South Loop (5 miles)
• Embarcadero Marina Park South (5.2 miles)
• Pantoja Park (5.4 miles)
• Centennial Park (5.7 miles)
• Waterfront Park (5.8 miles)

Physicians

• Internal Medicine Associates (5.6 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Vandever Medical Offices (5.7 miles)
• California Retina Associates (5.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Corpus Christi Church (5.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Mission Valley 2 (6 miles)