When and where do you meet?
Our weekly Sunday event takes place at 11AM at 2107 Dwight Avenue in Berkeley. You can find specific directions here.
What does the church’s name mean?
We get asked that a lot. “360” stands for 3 commitments (to our Creator, to Creative people, and to Connections between the two) lived the other 6 days of the week with 0 regrets. Read more here.
Is this whole church thing going to be strange or creepy?
Not at all. You’ll find 360church to be respectful, credible and easy to understand. Our people will make you feel welcome and treat you like a human being. You can participate in as much or as little as you like.
What about money? Isn’t that all churches want?
Sure. Without finances we couldn’t operate. But our contributions all go toward providing a facility, serving our city, and bringing the good news about Jesus to the world. Our pastors are all supported financially by other churches and individuals in our national network, and our bank accounts are monitored monthly by a CPA firm chosen by our regional network. 360church is a 501c3 non-profit corporation.
So if I visit on a Sunday at 11AM, exactly what happens?
You’ll probably remember the organic, fair-trade coffee, the informal atmosphere, some funny video, friendliness, singing, and that the talk was practical but shorter than you expected. Another memorable feature are the times during our event to encounter God in prayer, healing, or in various ways that God may speak to us. We believe that lives can be changed during these encounters with God. And then we go for lunch together.
Is your church part of a denomination?
360church is part of an international network of churches known as the Assemblies of God and its regional expression, the Northern Californian-Nevada District.
Do I have be a member or a religious person to visit?
No. 360church is very accessible to those with no religious background whatsoever. In fact, we welcome people who are exploring faith or deploring faith.
Are you green?
With some good basic practices in place like careful energy management, recycling, and earth-friendly paper products, we’re working on making everything we do as environmentally-friendly as possible.
Are the sermons long and boring?
We call them “talks.” Mostly they are around 25 minutes. We work hard to make our talks thoughtful, authentic, practical, and better than you expect. You can watch our talks live or recorded on our media page to get an idea of what they are like.
What kind of people will I meet at 360church?
There really is no “typical” 360person. We include many nationalities, races and life journeys, and speak languages like Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin, in addition to English. We value diversity and really enjoy a multi-cultural atmosphere. 360 is not a demographic, it’s an attitude.
Are you haters?
No. We hate hate. God defined love by sending Jesus to die for us. Through love, God pulls us close enough to change our lives, but hate is never the instrument of that change.
Does faith require me to stop thinking?
Hardly. Since the mind is a gift from God, the faith life allows us to think in a new and really interesting way. 360 values questions, doubts, concerns and issues as part of the faith journey.
Will I be singled out as a visitor?
Only if you want to be. We think most people just loathe being made the object of attention when they are new, so we leave you alone to experience the 360 environment at your own pace. You’ll be welcomed personally, but not publicly. No worries. You’re safe.
What if I want to help? Do you have a place for me?
We would be happy to talk with you about opportunities to be a 360volunteer. Contact us by email and we can start that process right away.
Do you have music? What kind?
Our Sunday events do feature live music by our house band. The style is evolving and eclectic, but has a soft contemporary feel for which we’ve made up the term neo-rock.
Do I have to dress up to visit?
No. We are a casual group that puts more emphasis on how people live not how they dress. You’ll see lots of jeans, shorts, t-shirts and even a sports coat now and then.
What’s the vibe at your meetings? Am I going to feel condemned?
Our events, large and small, have an informal feel and a positive, respectful atmosphere that focuses on Jesus and people, and how the combination of the two can change lives and change the world. We don’t beat people down.
I’m moving to Berkeley and looking for a church. What do I need to know about connecting with 360?
Welcome to a great city. You can connect with us in advance of your move by email or by joining our Facebook group. We would be glad to answer any questions you might have, and/or you can meet us at one of our Sunday events.
I’m a student in Berkeley. Is 360church friendly toward students? Where do I start?
Yes. Students often attend out events and other activities. We welcome you to join the Facebook group and visit one of our Sunday events. Also, you’ll want to check out Chi Alpha, a Christian fellowship that meets on the Cal campus to serve students.
Are you aligned with right wing politics?
Our group includes a variety of political persuasions. One of our earliest visitors said that, unlike what she expected, “You’re not the Fox News people.” We try our best to be aligned with the Bible in both belief and conduct, treating people the way Jesus would. Also, we encourage individuals to be actively involved in their world and their city using their talents to make things better.
Contact us by email to suggest a new FAQ or ask a question that is not on this page.
