Flagship
Twin Cities · est. 2004 · 4 campuses + online
WHY CAN'T CHURCH BE DIFFERENT?
Out-of-the-box methods. Ancient, unedited faith. If you've ever felt like church wasn't built for people like you — it might be time to meet Substance.
Come as you are
Pick a room. We saved you a seat.
Services run about 70 minutes: a few songs, real talk from Pastor Peter Haas, and a lobby full of people who actually want to meet you afterward. Coffee's on us. No dress code, no pressure, no idea what you're doing? Perfect — that's most first-timers.
Flagship
Historic Wesley Center
South metro
Ramsey
Can't make it in?
Every service streams live. Watch from the couch, the road, or another state — then text us a question in real time.
The out-of-the-box part
Modern methods. Ancient message.
Substance was planted in 2004 by Peter & Carolyn Haas — a former progressive-house DJ and his wife who were convinced faith didn't have to be boring to be true. Two decades later it's one of the youngest megachurches in the country, with turntables and rap on stage and a doctrine that hasn't moved an inch.
01
A church that meets in a 1890s stained-glass landmark and a converted warehouse. Old bones, new life.
70%
of the room is under 30. If you've been "the youngest person at church," you won't be here.
7 min
The "7 Minute Party" — the lobby moment after every service where staff actually stop to meet you.
Pastors
Peter & Carolyn Haas. Peter's the author behind Pharisectomy and Broken Escalators — yes, church can be funny.
Before you come, you're probably wondering…
The stuff people actually type into Google.
No spin. Here's where Substance really stands.
What denomination is Substance?
None, technically — Substance is nondenominational and evangelical. It was planted in partnership with the Association of Related Churches (ARC). The methods are experimental; the core doctrine is historic, orthodox Christianity — the kind you'd recognize in any classic statement of faith.
Where does Substance stand on LGBTQ questions?
Substance holds a traditional Christian view of marriage and sexuality: it teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman, and its pastors, staff, and members don't participate in same-sex unions or marriages. That's the honest answer up front so nobody's blindsided.
Alongside that, the stated posture toward every person who walks in — no exceptions — is welcome, respect, and genuine relationship. You're invited to come, ask hard questions, and be treated like family whether or not you share every belief. If you want to talk it through with a real person before visiting, reach out.
What are the service times?
Sundays. Northtown at 8:30, 10:00 & 11:45am. Downtown, Southside & Northwest at 9:15 & 10:45am. Each service runs about 70 minutes. Full addresses and directions are up in Visit.
Is there a location near me — Minneapolis, Bloomington, Maple Grove?
Four Twin Cities campuses: Northtown (Spring Lake Park), Downtown (Minneapolis), Southside (Bloomington), and Northwest (Ramsey) — plus an international campus in Monterrey, Mexico. If you're coming from Maple Grove or the west metro, Northwest or Northtown are usually the shortest drive. Everything also streams live.
Does Substance have a food shelf?
Yes — Manna Market, a free food-recovery pantry run out of the Northtown campus in partnership with Second Harvest Heartland and local grocers. Pickup is Thursdays 4–6pm and Saturdays 10–11:30am at 8299 Central Ave NE. No registration; just show up. Want to help sort and load? There are volunteer shifts most weekdays.
How is this different from Eagle Brook or River Valley?
All three are large, contemporary Twin Cities churches, so people compare them constantly. Substance's lane is being one of the youngest and most media-driven of the bunch — two touring worship bands (Substance I/O and the EDM project Substance Variant), a film and media-arts academy, and a downtown campus inside a historic landmark. The best way to feel the difference is to visit one Sunday.
What's Christmas / Easter like?
They're the two biggest weekends of the year — extra services across every campus, full production, and a genuinely fun experience for kids. If you've been meaning to check Substance out, a holiday service is the easiest on-ramp. Times get posted a few weeks ahead on each campus page.
I'm not sure I even believe this stuff. Can I still come?
Yes, and you're in good company. A big share of the room is exploring, skeptical, or just back after a long time away. Come sit in the back, keep your questions, and decide nothing on day one. If you'd rather start with the questions themselves, the Alpha course is a low-key, no-dumb-questions space made exactly for that.
Bringing the whole crew
Your kids might like it more than you do.
Substance Kids runs every service for ages 6 weeks through 5th grade — secure check-in, a team that's been background-checked, and worship, Bible stories and games built for how kids actually pay attention.
Got a middle- or high-schooler? Substance Youth (6th–12th grade) gives them their own community, and NOW is the young-adults scene if you're in that just-out-of-school stretch of life.
"Church doesn't start until the service is over"
Three easy ways in.
01
Newcomer's Dinner
First Sunday of the month. Meet the pastors and staff, get your questions answered, no strings.
Save a spot → 02Find a Small Group
The real friendships happen in living rooms and coffee shops midweek. There's a group for your season of life.
Browse groups → 03Join a Team
Serve on rotation — worship, media, kids, parking, Manna Market. The fastest way to feel at home.
See teams →