The Moody Church

The Moody Church is the greatest church in the world. The pastors, congregation and Biblical teaching is so amazing and truly a blessing. If you are looking for a church that teaches the word of God directly from the Bible without watering it down, I highly recommend that you make The Moody Church your home church.

I guess it depends on what Sunday you go.
I went on Oct. 11,2015 in the morning and heard some kind of sermon about revival. It is on line at their website, so you can hear it for yourself. You can’t make this stuff up.
Apparently instead of Christians going out and sharing the gospel message like it is said in the bible, all the Christians have to like get on their knees and pray a lot. The Holy Spirit will get so worked up he will bring people in, sos they will want to get saved. They made references to a bunch of people, I never heard of to say this is the way to go. I left with the notion that they have a really low opinion of Christians.
I did meet a lot of nice people. but this ministry has a wrong opinion of Christians don’t really like them.

I came here on the Chicago Architecture Foundation Open House tour, it was a fantastically huge, impressive space that probably sounds amazing during a live music event (they had stands, drum sets, huge organ, choir seats, topped by an organ façade and wood/​gold trim mantle). The seats are hard, small and old with hat holders underneath, a remnant from another era. The people are very warm and welcoming who were volunteering there. There is no mistaking they had a very enthusiastic zealous flair and used (in my somewhat shallow understanding) a lot of old-​time religious language with a revival flair (reminiscent of my interactions with the Southern Baptists and evangelicals during my mission work in the South).
Curious about their religious beliefs, I looked at their very well-​outlined website which has very particular tenants, many of which are socially conservative and, by current standards, on the wrong side of history, such as «We believe that participation in any activity related to fornication, pornography, homosexuality, bisexuality, bestiality, incest, and/​or adultery is a sinful perversion of God’s gift of sex. We believe that God created human beings male and female; therefore we hold the distinction between the two sexes to be sacred. We believe that God disapproves of and forbids any attempt to change the appearance of one’s sex by hormones, surgery, or any other means.» Make of it what you will, I wouldn’t support their movement based on this, but as long as we can all share the heritage of this wonderful space and piece of Chicago history that would be fine.

I have always considered myself a believer and thought that was good enough, but I was so wrong. I considered myself a Christian, but I was not a Christian. I used to despise goody-​goody Christians and wanted to stay as far away as possible. I wanted nothing to do with Churches because I thought they were evil and hypocritical. What I did not realize is that my heart was not open and I was the hypocrite. I was ignorant and did not know that a Christian should not judge or hate its neighbor. I did not read the Bible for myself in order to understand it myself, but figured what I got from church the 1x per yr I attended was good enough. That I did my part. Wrong!
I never understood why my life was so empty and why I never felt satisfied. All the money, and all the designer clothes, and all the fancy dinners, trips, etc., felt good for that second, but when I got back to reality, my life was cold, empty, without purpose, and lonely. No matter what I had or how much I had, I wanted more and more because I thought that would make me happy. I was never happy. I was dragging my sins behind me and felt like I wanted to give up on life. It’s been a while since I stepped foot into a church and it’s not until 3 weeks ago that I became hungry for the word of God. I knew that I wanted and needed more. In order to receive all the blessings of what God is trying to tell us, we must open our hearts and accept him, otherwise what is the point? I decided to attend Moody Church one Sunday morning and I have to say that I was blown away. The message was strong, honest, and to the point. I felt as if the message was directed specifically for me. God, was speaking directly to me and told me to open my eyes because it was time. My perception completely changed the minute I open the Bible and started reading The New Testament. «Matthew»
Everyone is welcomed here and no one will feel out of place. Parking is a little tricky, so if you do not arrive early, you will have to search around a bit. May God bless Pastor Erwin Lutzer and his family, in the name of our Lord Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

There are many friendly Christians here, who love the Lord. But regardless of what church a person attends, it should be New Testament based. Yes the building is quite lovely, and comfortable. Although they claim to be non-​denominational, whenever I see a man’s name other than Jesus Christ’s, listed as part of a Church’s name I know it is either a covert or overt denominational church.
This church basically attempts to fuse the teachings of D.L. Moody covertly with the gospel message. Overtly the gospel message is publically preached, but it is in many of the classes that his teachings are covertly mixed in with the gospel message. You know what the bible teaches– you cannot serve two masters, you will either hate the one or love the other.
They do publicly preach biblical messages, but like any where else they have to be checked out to see if they are inline with biblical truth. Be wary of many of the classes where they attempt to covertly teach D. L Moody’s doctrines. Be very wary of such terms as revival; brokenness; and we are all sinners. Ultimately their goal is a form of covert mind control/​indoctrination. In many of these classes the opportunity is taken to brow beat Christians to convince them that they are no good sinners, who are faithless failures.
Hidden behind their covert doctrine is something very ugly and yes blasphemous: All Christians are basically no good sinners. Because of sinning Christians God’s power has failed. Only when all these bad, sinning Christians repent, then God’s hand will move and we will see revival. You can see why they do not make this mess public, knowing it would be soundly rejected by bible believing Christians everywhere.
The bible is clear, God never fails, and keeps His people who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ, who enables them to do His work and will.
They have two distinct classes here: Attendees who come, some perhaps for many years, just being a bible believing Christian is insufficient to be a member of this church. Then they have Members, those who agree with their rules/​regulations. The members are given envelopes (12) and must send in donations each month.
I believe that ministries must be supported cheerfully, consistently and to the best of one’s ability, but giving is biblically private, between the believer and God only.
On paper they have a public statement of what they believe, but covertly in some of their classes they adhere to non biblical doctrines of D.L. Moody, which must absolutely be rejected. For this reason be wary of their classes I pay no attention to their covert doctrines as do many of the Christians here. Ultimately it is to God that those who preach anything other than the gospel shall give account to.
But then there are some classes that you wonder if the teacher has actually read the bible for it is here that the problem lies, for some attempt to foist on the student clearly blasphemous doctrines that have no biblical support whatsoever.
This church willfully casts off the main tenants of salvation. They do not see the Christian as the new Holy Spirit filled creation in Jesus Christ, but merely as the old man still living a sinful life just as though he or she had never been saved.
I had three long time members here who claim that all Christians are evil, and try to teach me and others that evil Christians are why God’s power does not work in the world. They claim this is the teaching that they have been taught in the Moody church. This is scary since one of them is seriously mentally ill, being taught to condemn, hate, and blame all Christians, and call them evil. Two months ago after much consideration I left this place for my own personal safety. I do not think this is a trusted place at all, but a very dangerous one. I hope one day this church will fully accept and preach the Bible in private as well as publically, and not covertly the unholy doctrines of men.

They preach the Gospel, they Disciple and they they’re not ashamed!
Any ?‘s

Historic beautiful architecture, with a newer addition to the old building matching it well. Over 4.000 pipes to the pipe organ, which is still played weekly, and also used by music majors in the city. Very diverse congregation– they say over 70 nations represented in the membership. Music is truly outstanding on Sunday mornings, and you may hear 4 or more genres in one service meeting. Church is named after famous, beloved evangelist of the late 1800’s, Dwight L Moody, who founded it 151 years ago (original name– Ilinois Street Church).

I just attended TMC for the first time; and highly recommend it! (if you share my tastes. =))
I was looking for a church nearby, and specifically an evening service because I prefer the non-​stuffy, non-​formal, more main-​stream music, and most importantly, sermons that prioritize helping us apply the gospel to our daily lives.
I listened to a few sermons from the evening masses and didn’t connect with it too well. However, I took a liking to Dr. Lutzer’s messages, and he seemed to speak regularly at the 10AM mass, so to 10AM mass, I went.
Ambience: Church was beautiful; and you’re sitting in the midst 150 years of worshiping history. Crowd was Super diverse (racially, age-​wise, dress-​code-​wise, etc.). A small touch that endeared me: the seats were elevated so that even when you sit in the back, you could see over people’s heads!
Music: I really enjoyed the song choices and music; the blend of traditional and modern blends, as if blending my anxieties, cares, and sins all into one space to be reflected and re-​evaluated.
Message: Dr. Lutzer did not disappoint. Expect sprinkles of humor, and wise guidance. We looked at bitterness today, and though I did not come to church this morning thinking about that… I’m sure many of us walked out, ready to reflect upon and uproot the bitterness that we all harbored.
So to 10AM mass, I’ll plan on coming back!

I have been in Moody Church for 2 years. Not a member but love this church. We are still attending their Wednesday Prayer meeting. Great pastors. Loving people. It took us a long time to really feel part of the family because it was so big. But when we figured out that we had to be part of small groups that was resolved. If you want to go to a good church go to Moody on LaSalle.

A well known church in Chicago that has a strong history. I used to attend a Bible study group there, and I have been to their Sunday services, so I can safely say that their knowledge of the Bible is solid. I like they acknowledge there are many different populations in the church, and they offer ministries to address most of them. The ministry groups meet at various times throughout the week. I also like they appear to be a constantly busy and growing church. They offer a Sunday morning service as well as an evening Sunday service. It is a big congregation, but I believe people can probably feel at home there if they are diligent about being involved in the church’s ministries and small groups.

I can only speak to the Sunday evening services as that is the only ones I’ve attended but it’s a great church that is open to people with really busy schedules. During the Sunday evening church service its not in the big auditorium it’s in a smaller room on the north side of the church. I’m glad they offer this service — I’m a WIllow Creek member and when I cannot make it I travel on the 36 bus to get here. It’s the perfect alternative when I cannot make it downtown.

Went to church here for the first time today and LOVED every aspect of the service. It was a great combination of tradition and TRUTH.

I attend this church ands its really gr8. I m frm India and i started going to church at 26^th nd Michigan and it was kind of all ways lead to God which I don’t agree… My frndz called me to moody and I checked it for the first time and i was like wow. and i have ever going there for nearly 3 years. The message s always gr8 picked up frm various topics which are relevant and useful to a 24 year old all time :) They have gr8 choir and music and I love it. but some Sundays they play old hymns which is not like soo much of my liking. I would say that it is a gr8 place to any n Chicago to connect with God and other people…

Last Sunday’s evening service started the book of Colossians. Eric Naus’ teaching is pretty practical to relate to, bits of nice revealing perspectives. Nice worship band – love the bongo drums! Such a blessed time.
Come visit, you will not regret it. Set apart at least one day – how ’bout an hour at the most — to glorify the Lord :)
You can go on their website to see who the speaker is for the night, they have different speakers for a certain series. I think Eric Naus is supposed to be the regular speaker.

I moved to Chicago last August and was looking for a church home. I was thinking, how am I going to find a good church home in such a big city? My sister found out about The Moody Church in October, so we decided to check it out. Of course the church is big and there’s a big congregation, so you have to get plugged in. After a couple Sundays we found out about the Salt group, which is fellowship group made up of 20s-​30s. The people are so diverse in background and in thought, and everyone can find a friend here. The group meets several times a week in different Bible studies, so there’s always one to fit in your schedule.
I love going to hear Pastor Lutzer speak on Sunday mornings, but I work most Sundays, so I go to the evening service at 5pm. Usually the associate pastors handle these services, but they are just as great as Lutzer. Pastor Butler and Pastor Eric are teachers who can draw you in and their messages can be applied to your everyday life. They are talking about the things we’re dealing with in our lives right now.
I never knew I’d be able to find a church home so quickly after moving to a big city, but God directed me here and I love it.

Beautiful church. Main room looks similar to my church back home (Second Baptist). The preacher is good, beautiful music. Didn’t like the bible study I went to afterwards. I’ll be back — Maybe try a different class though.

4.5+ Very beautiful church and the Christmas Choir sings heavenly. Came here w/​some friends long ago. Great architecture.

This church is extrememly big. I was not fond of being apart of a body with folks that i didnt have access too. I like smaller congregations. But enough of that, i dont even go to church anymore. That was in my youthful years.
I must also add that I took some theologian classes at moody when I was in high school. This school is up tight and pretty segregated!

Even if one is not a Christian, I would still recommend going to Moody Memorial Church at least once while in Chicago. If for no other reason, one should consider going to Moody Church simply for the rich history that this church has, not to mention the feel that the sanctuary gives. I appreciate their adherence to the foundational truths of the christian faith. I have attended the church on numerous occasions; however, this is not my church home for two main reasons, I like a church that you know everyone at and you don’t have to introduce yourself to someone new every week for a year and still not meet everyone, plus I live farther north, and prefer to attend a church in the community that I live in.
Note: Just and FYI Moody Memorial Church, and Moody Bible Institute, while they often have things in common with one another and network together frequently, they are NOT affiliates of one another.

Its a non-​denominational church.
No one bothers about how you are dressed, your ethnicity, your background, your anything. I’ve been here in the summer months and seen some people come in right off the street, shorts and tank tops. Honestly, there are times that I’ve been out clubbing till dawn, got washed up and came out to Moody!
Its a great group of people that love GOD and worship together. The church services aren’t kept private to church members. Call or check out their website for more information. Or do it easier by stopping in on a Sunday morning. Never mind if you are late to the service, just walk in. Its a big church with seating on two floors. Not sure exactly how many they can accommodate, but I’d heard its around 3,800 seats!
I love that there are many pastors. There is the senior Pastor, Dr. Lutzer, I’ve attended many of his services over the years and its always a pleasure to sit and listen to Dr. Lutzer. He is my fav pastor at Moody. The message has alot of meat to it. I know run-​on messages, I’ve sat in on my share of pastors that would talk endlessly about a topic to which I’d sooner than later, start to doodle on a handkerchief. I haven’t had an occasion yet to do that here at Moody. Its like I read in one of Robert F.‘s statement in a thread. The church is «alive»
If you’re open to receive it, you can feel the spirit. Holidays are a great time to check out the ceremonies. Moody has a wonderful chorus group and orchestra. So much to mention, but I don’t want to run on.
Seated on the balcony during a sunny day, you sit and are amazed at the colors seen across the walls. The sun light shines through these huge wonderful stained glass windows.
At different times groups will come to perform music or songs, or they may have special speakers. I think two years ago they had a group of kids from Africa. The kids were part of a mission school that Moody was helping support. That was a lively performance.
When you’re in the presence of so many that love GOD, you become emerged in this overwhelming feeling. I love it.
Ok, I’m off the soap box. Check it out if you like.