Anchor Baptist Church, Massillon OH

If you’re looking for a Bible preaching church, with solid pastoral leadership, that is firmly anchored in the word of God and with a passion to see lost souls saved, this may be the church for you.

The people are friendly, and there are plenty of activities and classes for kids and teens. I value the genuine, Godly leadership that is evidenced here and the love and concern for all of it’s members. Over the years, I’ve seen people come and go, but one thing remains—the truth of God and HIS word— and the steadfast direction that this church is going.

I do not enjoy commenting negatively on a church, but God has put it in my heart to give an accurate rating on my experience here. This church does sing real Christian hymns, and the pastor does preach God's true word (some of his comments are inappropriate). But overall, it is not a friendly church. My wife and I left because we were treated poorly and it was destroying our spiritual walk. Most members our age kept from being too friendly to us because we did not want to have kids. We were disdained because my wife did not have a job outside of the home, even though their doctrine taught the opposite. We were labeled liberals because we did not lock step with their non-Bible based political beliefs. The pastor would avoid us any way he could, but would make plenty of time for many of the other members. We toughed it out at this church for five years hoping it would change, but it only grew worse. Since we left this church, most of the members have refused to associate with us in public, barely even speaking to us if at all. An overwhelming majority have denied my friend requests on Facebook and even blocked me. We always treated them good and still do. I am very thankful to God for the ones who are still friendly, but they are in the vast minority. On a positive note, since leaving that church our spirituality has improved tremendously. God is good!

Regarding the owner's response on here, I am not bitter toward your church at all. I'm just being honest in my rating. I rate every place I go, both positive and negative. I love and deeply care about all members of your church, even if they don't reciprocate those feelings. I may have left your church over 5 years ago, but the bad treatment hasn't stopped. Various members still come into my workplace and disdain me, some even making false complaints about me to my manager. Just like your lesson on bitterness here is good for everyone, lessons on judging others and receiving correction properly are also good for all of us. As I said above, not every member treated us like this, but about 80% did. And we did not leave without trying to reconcile with everyone. We individually addressed each member that was involved face to face in private. Every person denied it but continued to do it. We then tried to talk to the pastor, but he did not make time to stop what he was doing and talk to us. All this spanned about a year and a half. We witnessed others that received similar treatment. That's just being factual. We were given the right of free speech by our Creator for the sole purpose of speaking out against sin, in hopes that correction and rectification will follow. As I said above, our spiritual lives have improved tremendously since leaving. That would not have happened if we were bitter. I certainly would not have been able to cope properly with my wife's untimely passing if I had embraced bitterness. If I had any bitterness, I would not have sent any friend requests to any of the members. I treat my Facebook friends like real family, whether I agree with them or not. Any one of your members can tell you that I was always friendly and outgoing with them when I saw them in public after leaving your church, even when they weren't friendly with me. And I will continue to do that with all those members, including you, without batting an eye. As you said, bitterness only harms the person harboring it. I've forgiven everyone long ago, but rectification is impossible until both sides do their part. It is the biblical duty of every Christian to reconcile with their brothers and sisters in Christ, and whether you or your members think so or not, I am your brother. Your attitude in your response shows that you are assuming that I am just disgruntled, and you are not really interested in looking into this ongoing issue. I will leave the ball in your court to reach out to me when you decide to resolve this matter with an open heart. I pray that this encounter will convince you and your church to work on your own bitterness and grow in the grace and love of God.

Took my kids to a Bible camp they had. Seems like a great place with good people.

A great place to feel at home and hear God's Word preached. A growing church that is friendly and hospitable. I love these people as some of my family go here and it's just a great place that wants to serve God and others the way God intended. Keep up the great work people. May the Lord bless your efforts as you seek to please God.

Great. Church. Pastor Mark Jacobs is a wonderful teacher/ preacher. He teaches so that every scripture is thoroughly explained. There are those that teach, and those that preach. Pastor Jacobs does both. Really enjoy his services.