Parkside Church

As someone a part of the LGBTQ+ community and still deeply connected to my faith, Parkside has been haven to ponder and ask questions in an affirming space. It has been a safe place to be with others who also have more questions than answers and still hold a deep and profound love for the way of Jesus and loving others. This church is welcoming, loving, and deeply committed to loving God and loving others. I've never felt so safe, so welcome, so at home in a church. (Pastor) Colin and the leadership team is the type of leadership needed within any church. I am endlessly grateful to have found Parkside and the community I have there.

I love every aspect of this church, from its beautiful music, the accepting and loving people to its wonderful sermons. I look forward to going every week as I feel it fills me with a sense of spiritual renewal and a stronger faith.

Parkside at Historic St. Barnabas Church - 45 Moultrie Street, Charleston, SC is a Church for ALL people. Pastor Colin Kerr is wonderful, caring and dedicated, the music team is amazing and the children are learning, growing and thriving with Mrs. Elizabeth. Safe, healthy environment to worship.

It is refreshing how Parkside welcomes all questions and is so thoughtful and inclusive in its love and care for everyone. This is a welcoming church that truly works to “Be Good News.”

Parkside is an awesome, loving community! The Pastor and staff are welcoming and happy to walk beside you on your Christian journey, answering any questions about faith you may have. Their Montessori-based kids program is incredible - this is an amazing church to raise children in! It is diverse, affirming, inclusive and celebrates all people!

Our family so loved visiting Parkside Church during the Christmas holidays. The music and message were inspiring. The church is a beautiful space filled with a warm group of believers. There is a feeling of acceptance of all; it's easy to see that Rev. Colin welcomes, accepts, and cares for any and all who visit. If you are questioning your place in God's world, questioning God's existence in your world, or a committed believer, I think you will enjoy Parkside as much as we did.

A place for everyone, not judgmental. Pastor is kind and knowledgeable. It’s a Bible teaching church, great messages, has tradition and contemporary. Pastor truly believes we are all God’s children.

Parkside Church is one of the most welcoming and transparent churches I’ve ever been to. The people are authentic and diverse, and the leadership team truly forms relationships with everyone in the community. This church embodies who Christ was and what he wanted us all to be like. If you have been a Christian your whole life, and are looking for somewhere that refreshes how you see the Bible, restores your faith on a deeper level, and doesn’t feel fake, you definitely need to try it out. It is LGBTQ+ affirming and you can absolutely come as you are to this church and be welcomed and included in membership.

Great church. The first place I’ve been to that says “All are welcome” and actually means it. Also the first church where I hung out with the preacher after service and discussed theology while drinking a beer. All questions about religion and God are welcome and encouraged! Love this place.

I love the heart that this church carries for the city and their neighbors - it reflects Christ's heart in so many ways. Their motto is "Share good news, be good news." That is such a clear call to action that the church members/leadership have been thoughtful in carrying out. They have been innovative in taking a close look at what they do and why they do it - refusing to settle for "well, this is just how we have always done things". Colin in a phenomenal preacher and carries a full heart and strong vision for this church.

Parkside Church is the definition of true Christian community. Not only do they seek to faithfully engage with the scriptures through thoughtful sermons and interactive discussion, they truly desire to serve their community as genuinely and effectively as possible. I never thought I'd find a church that truly practices inclusion while also celebrating diversity and creating space for personal growth and reflection. Though I have needed a long and indefinite break from Sunday worship in order to heal some wounds inflicted by years of spiritual abuse and exploitation, Parkside's leadership has never made me feel unwelcome or guilty for taking the time and space I need to heal personally while communing in a more intimate setting (love my Parkside community group!) I'd give more stars if I could! Definitely a special place and family.

I love Parkside Church. The people are amazing and I feel so welcome and comfortable every time I attend service or join one of their awesome events. The service is always interesting and the music always lifts my spirits. It is a beautiful, inclusive, and loving atmosphere.

Parkside is such an amazing and diverse church community where everyone is welcome. Tara, our worship leader, does a phenomenal job at incorporating a perfect blend of contemporary and traditional music styles into the service. And Pastor Colin is able to beautifully unpack some of the most controversial topics in the Bible. Do you sometimes wish you were able to ask the pastor a question after the sermon? Here at Parkside we welcome your curiosity, there's a Q&A session that follows the sermon in each service. Hope to see you soon!

Parkside is the most welcoming and loving church I’ve ever been to. The Pastor and congregation welcome everyone with open arms and hearts! You can see and feel Gods love and presence here.

We love Parkside Church ❤ Its great to be part of a progressive congregation that also really delves deep into scripture for deep conversations. Our son loves the Montessori style teaching in the children’s ministry as well!

We love Parkside! God is doing awesome things in this church! After a long search, we finally found "our place"--it feels like home! It's truly a welcoming, warm, friendly, all inclusive, loving atmosphere.

My absolute favorite place in Charleston. Fully warm and welcoming and definitely a safe space for all.
If you have deep religious questions or past traumas and still want to get to know Jesus then this is absolutely the best place for you.

The group of people coming together to worship is diverse and simply amazing. Our pastor is vibrant when he speaks of our Lord. The music is holy and wholly unique and provides a sense of peace. The community of members are loving and welcoming and respectful. Plus - you can wear jeans.

Parkside is such a welcoming church....even in this strange time of social distancing. Every week there are messages in the sermon I need to hear. When dealing with complex topics, Colin does an excellent job of unpacking everything so that it makes sense. However.....if you are having trouble, you can always text in a question for further clarification. How great is that??!! If you miss the "live" version, the video is available on their website.... so you can watch it any time. I pray you do.

Parkside is one of my favorite things about Charleston! It's the kind of place you want to share with everyone in your life. The community and the messages are appropriate for skeptics, people exploring Christianity, and lifelong churchgoers. The worship style is the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary and there is truly something for everyone who comes to visit.