The Abyssinian Baptist Church

3/21/26. Abyssinian Baptist Church had a family Heath day! Many organizations provides information from banking to mental health and on site blood pressure and breast exams. They had health pannels and meditation and a DJ. Lunch was provided and I signed up a few studies!

Date of Visit: 7/12/2026 I rarely leave negative reviews, but I genuinely wish someone had prepared me for what this church service would actually be like. I would’ve selected somewhere else to worship if I had known. I came seeking God and this is how I experienced it. If you're looking for a church where you can actively worship, hear substantial biblical teaching, pray with the congregation, and leave spiritually nourished, this may not be the place for you to visit. It was not that experience for me. The overwhelming majority of the service was spent listening to the choir and sitting through announcements. As a visitor, I felt more like an audience member watching a performance than someone participating in worship. There were no lyrics displayed, so unless you already knew the songs, there was no real opportunity to join in. The choir is beautiful, but that’s just it. It’s like watching a concert. Not an active worship and praise that shifts the atmosphere to bring Holy Spirit down towards you. The sermon itself was surprisingly short compared to everything else, and very little Scripture was actually read during the service. The only word read the day I visited was Isaiah 40: 1-5, that’s it. There was no closing prayer, no pastoral benediction, and no sense of being sent out encouraged in the Lord. The lack of an altar call for prayers was so jarring. The service simply ended with more singing by the choir. Service lasted about 2 1/2 hours. About an hour and a half or more was spent mostly on announcements. The sermon was approximately 30 to 40 minutes. What made this even more disappointing was that there were multiple requests for offerings throughout the service. I have absolutely no issue giving financially to a church. I believe in tithing and generosity! But personally, it felt strange to be asked repeatedly to give when I left feeling like I had received very little spiritual nourishment in return. The atmosphere also wasn't what I expected. In my experience, several of the ushers were more aggressive than welcoming, and I did not feel warmly received as a first-time visitor. After the service, I specifically asked an usher whether this was an unusual Sunday or if this was how the church normally operates. I was told this is their normal format. Personally, I did not feel the presence of the Lord in this service. I left spiritually empty, confused, and honestly disappointed. I came expecting to encounter God through worship, prayer, and the preaching of His Word. Instead, I felt like I had watched a program. It felt more like a spectacle. I had to go home to worship and praise on my own in order to recharge my spirit. I'm not saying this church is for no one. Clearly, many people love it. But if you're visiting because you're looking for a Christ-centered service with active congregational worship, meaningful prayer, strong biblical preaching, and a welcoming atmosphere, be mindful. I think it's important to know what to expect if you come here.

I've was a follower of Abyssinian online for several months before I joined in December of 2025. I now attend services in person and it is life changing! The choirs are amazing and uplifting. The sermons are life affirming socially relevant and applicable to all ages. There's a very specific attention to ALL ages, as well as, regular interracial attendees. Quite a number of visitors are regularly from other countries cultures and religious experiences. Of course Abyssinian is known for pastors Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., and his son the Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. This history of the establishment of Abyssinian goes back 218 years. While there is much reverence and respect for its history, there are exciting advancements being made for consistent investment in the future of the church the community and the world. Abyssinian Baptist Church is simply amazing; being among the membership is the best thing I've experienced in quite a long time. I'm humble and grateful to be here. Visitors are always very welcome! There is also a very active online membership. This church is top-notch in service. community, and spreading God's word.

An unforgettable experience. The Sunday service at Abyssinian Baptist Church is truly inspiring—filled with powerful gospel music, heartfelt preaching, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The congregation made us feel like honored guests. A beautiful expression of faith and Harlem’s vibrant community spirit.

What a wonderful place of worship! The people, from the lady welcoming us, the couple sitting next to us, the ushers, and the gentleman explaining the history of this church...thank you for making us feel welcome. NOTE: as a visitor, you will need to go to their website to make a reservation. You can't just walk in to attend their service.

Very disappointing experience. The staff was rude and unwelcoming, and no one made any effort to share basic information or help. We came all the way after calling the day before, hoping to feel included, but instead we were made to feel like outsiders simply because we are not members. To make it worse, this experience completely ruined our Sunday morning. The irony is hard to miss—this is a church, after all. If kindness, openness, and hospitality are core values, they certainly weren’t reflected here.

I went to this church last week,and I was devastated. Don't get me wrong the choir sings very beautifully.🥰.. but I came to hear the word, the sermon, the knowledge rolled off someone's tongue with a message that comes from God. Is what my goal is far as going to the house of Lord. I did not get that at all. The pastor did not bring that into my heart. People wanna feel the presence of the Lord when they leave church. But that collection plate and tides of money,was asked by him very often. I will be going somewhere else on Sunday unfortunately. 🤔

We are deeply disappointed. On your website, the “New Here” section does not state anywhere that attending the gospel service requires a mandatory reservation. This lack of clarity is extremely misleading, especially for international visitors. Three months before our trip, I sent an email asking how to attend the service. I never received any reply, nor any delivery failure or error message. Today, we were simply told that our email was “never received,” despite the fact that I had evidence showing I followed the correct process. When we arrived, despite our good faith, preparation, and explanations, no solution was offered, no empathy, no attempt to help — just a blunt refusal. This trip was carefully planned, and this experience meant a lot to us. Seeing my partner in tears because of this situation is something I will not forget. A minimum of transparency on your website and a minimum of human understanding could have prevented all of this.