An Insider’s Review of Waterloo Iowa Churches

In this article, I provide an insider’s and expert review of Waterloo, Iowa churches that those searching for a place of fellowship should prayerfully consider. To begin, I am a local church leader (pastor) with an open and admitted bias toward the fellowship I lead, so it will not be included on this list.

Furthermore, I have worshipped at the churches listed below and personally know their pastors well. I am deeply blessed to know them and to fellowship with them on an inter-church basis.

Many churches will not appear on this list for various reasons, but the focus is to offer those looking for a church home options that will shift the entire direction of their lives.

In fairness, there are two churches with which we have only recently begun fellowshipping, and they may be added to this list in the future. Soon, I plan to profile the leaders of these churches, focusing solely on my personal experiences with them, their behavior, and their doctrine.

In no particular order, here are seven (7) churches serious Christians should visit:

1. Gift of Life

   This fellowship is led by Bishop Brian E. Hill and Prophet Judeda Hill. My admiration and love for this leadership team are difficult to express fully. I recall struggling with a personal issue when, during a dinner, they revealed truths to me that stirred hostility in my flesh but caused my soul to rejoice!

   
   

   While less serious preachers might offer a “back pat” or false flattery to make one feel good, Bishop Hill and Prophet Judeda, lovingly confronted me with the Word of God. They risked our relationship for the sake of the gospel.

   
   

   If you desire to be discipled, loved, and encouraged, Gift of Life may be the place for you. Visit their website here.

   
   

2. Impact Church of Hope

   Impact Nation (my nickname for them) is led by Dr. Marshaundus Robinson and his wife, the elegant and brilliant Dr. Amber Robinson. The Lord God of Armies has sustained this couple.

   
   

   Where the enemy sought to destroy them, Jesus not only preserved them but positioned them to lead far beyond the walls of Impact. Dr. Marshaundus is not one of those self-proclaimed “doctors” who claim the title without academic rigor.

   
   

   He has earned his credentials through diligent study.

   
   

   Impact offers a unique worship experience that breaks from traditional church norms, allowing the Holy Spirit to move freely. Like the Hills at Gift of Life, Dr. Marshaundus has spoken hard truths to me that I needed to hear.

   
   

   For instance, when I was upset about something said about me, he remarked, “Man, why are you mad about something you know is true about you? They just said what many others think.”

   
   

   For those seeking a place of belonging with a pastor and wife who reject religious elitism and love relentlessly, Impact is the place. Visit their webite here.

   
   

3. New Gospel Temple

   New Gospel Temple offers a smaller, more intimate worship experience led by Elder Marvin Evans. Unlike many church leaders I know, Elder Evans embodies a quiet spirit that pursues righteousness and the things of the Lord God of Armies without pretense.

   
   

   I have known this brother for over forty years, having graduated high school together. As a child, he survived a terrible accident, and if the Lord’s hand is not on Elder Evans, I have never witnessed it on anyone—myself included.

   
   

   For those drawn to a powerhouse worship experience led by a truly called, anointed, and sent man of God, visit New Gospel Temple now!

New Gospel Temple

1107 Linden Avenue

Waterloo, Iowa 50703

Elder Marvin Evans Facebook

4. Mount Moriah Love Center

   What can I say about this church, led by the truly called, anointed, and sent shepherd, Pastor Corey Holmes, and his wife, Sister Holmes?

   
   

   In transparency, I once worked for Pastor Corey’s parents, Pastor Robert Holmes and the elegant Dr. Gloria Kirkland-Holmes, both now gone on to glory. His father, a decades-long pastor in our community, gave me wise, biblical advice, and his mother lovingly corrected me on several occasions!

   
   

   Despite my affection for them, I remain unbiased when discerning whether a leader is God-sent or, like some, an uncalled, unsent, and unanointed false preacher.

   
   

   However, Pastor Corey is the real deal! He carries a Word from God and a grace that can only come from the Holy Spirit. More importantly, Mount Moriah is a safe place for those hungry to know Jesus.

   
   

   Pastor Corey is somewhat unconventional yet, in other ways, among the most conservative leaders I know. Visit Mount Moriah Love Center this Sunday morning to experience the presence of the Lord God of Hosts.

   
   

   Mount Moriah Love Center

   321 Normandy St.

   Waterloo, Iowa 50703

   Mount Moriah Love Center Facebook

   
   

5. Christian Fellowship

   Pastor PF Thomas, leader of Christian Fellowship, possesses the meek spirit of Moses, the prophet par excellence.

   
   

   Let me be clear: this does not mean he is weak or timid! Like all truly called men of God, Pastor PF exudes the grace of the Lord Jesus. Christian Fellowship is one of the few churches I’ve heard even the lost commend as a place that feels different from others.

   
   

   I am challenged by Pastor PF’s quiet spirit and his love for God’s people. This congregation has also come to our church’s aid on multiple occasions.

   
   

   If I were you, I would visit Christian Fellowship quickly. Visit their website here.

   
   

6. Pilgrim’s Rest

   No one—absolutely no one—better say anything negative about Pilgrim’s Rest, Pastor Lovie Caldwell, or the church’s associate minister and theologian extraordinaire, Dr. Kenneth Adderly!

   
   

   For those whose spirits connect with a more traditional worship experience, Pilgrim’s Rest will truly become a place of rest.

   
   

   Pastor Lovie, like the Hills and Dr. Robinson, has told me things I needed to hear but didn’t always want to. As a Biblicist and scriptural literalist, I adhere to passages like Ephesians 5:11, which instructs us to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

   
   

   I also follow the example of Jesus and His apostles, who publicly confronted hypocritical religious leaders. However, Pastor Lovie once advised me, “You can uphold the Word, Dale, but that doesn’t mean you can’t at least say hi and demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit.”

   
   

   My flesh was offended, but my soul rejoiced.

   
   

   When false local pastors, whom I confronted biblically, rejected and tried to destroy me, Pastor Lovie, in front of them all, walked up, shook my hand, hugged me, and walked away.

   
   

   I didn’t understand the gesture at the time, but as anointed men and women of God do, he spoke volumes without saying a word.

   
   

   This love extends not only to outcast church leaders but also to those who have left churches due to hurt and to the lost.

   
   

   Put Pilgrim’s Rest on your church-visiting schedule—you will not regret it.

Pilgrim's Rest

432 Newell St.

Waterloo, Iowa 50703

7. Mount Carmel

   I deeply admire men of God who visibly strive toward the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus, and the angel of this house, Pastor Frantz Whitfield, is such servant! One can tell much about a man who willingly serves other men.

   
   

   I have already written about him in another article on Pastor Frantz, so no further words are needed here but, as I said in the article, keep your mouth off his anointing! Mount Carmel says the church is located on Holy Ghost BLVD., but since I can't find that Google listing, check them out and right soon!

   
   

   Mount Carmel

   805 Adams St.

   Waterloo, Iowa 50703

These are places where you will be safe, discipled, and, most importantly, loved, so pray, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead!