You do not have to know how church works to walk in here.
Tree of Life is a Spirit-filled church in Brookline where you can come as you are, know what to expect, and settle in without pressure.
On a typical Sunday, you will see families, longtime believers, neighbors from Brookline, people returning to church, and people still figuring out what they believe.
Sunday service: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: 1036 Brookline Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
Arriving 10 minutes early usually gives you enough time to park, come in, and settle down.
Come as you are. We will help you know where to go, what to expect, and how to settle in.
Start here if you are thinking about coming in person and want Sunday to feel easier to navigate.
Your First 10 Minutes
You do not need to have everything figured out before you arrive. If you come in casually, quietly, a little late, or a little unsure, you will not be the only one. Tree of Life has room for real life.
Most people simply come in, find a seat, take in the room, and settle in. If you need help finding your way, just ask. If you want space first, that is okay too.
Most Sundays there are pastries and coffee in the community room before or around service time, and food and drinks are welcome in the sanctuary. If you need to step out with a child or take a moment to breathe, that is normal here.
We are not going to make you stand up, introduce yourself publicly, or do anything that puts you on the spot.
Where to Enter
Because the building is large, this helps to know before Sunday: the main church entrance is by the handicap-accessible ramp.
If you are arriving with children, this entrance is also the best place to start.
If you arrive and still feel unsure, that is okay. Ask for help when you come in and someone can point you in the right direction.
Will I Fit Here?
Many different people feel at home at Tree of Life: families with children, longtime believers, people returning to church after a long absence, neighbors from Brookline, people exploring faith for the first time, and people who are new to Spirit-filled worship.
If you have been hurt by church, if your life has been complicated, if recovery issues or hardship are part of your story, or if you are simply not sure what you believe right now, you are still welcome here.
We want guests to feel seen, not managed. You are not expected to perform spirituality in order to belong in the room.
What Tree of Life Feels Like
Tree of Life is neighborhood-rooted, prayerful, expressive, and welcoming. We care more about God’s presence and real people than polished appearances.
Memorable truth: a Spirit-filled church where real life is welcome.
What Worship and Service Feel Like
Our services are shaped by worship, prayer, preaching, and room for the Spirit to move. Worship can be expressive, loud, emotional, and open. You may see people raise their hands, kneel, cry, dance, or come forward for prayer.
That is not presented as pressure on guests. If you are new to this kind of worship, you are welcome to observe, settle in, and participate at your own pace. No one expects you to match anyone else’s outward response.
Service is usually closer to 90 minutes than one hour. We would rather tell you that clearly now than let you be surprised later.
Communion and Prayer
We practice open communion every week. Anyone who believes in Jesus and His resurrection is welcome to participate. We offer both corporate communion with Matzah and juice and single-serve communion cups.
During communion, our prayer team is available for altar ministry. If you want prayer, you are welcome to come. If you would rather stay in your seat, that is completely fine. You do not have to come forward for communion or prayer to belong here.
Families and Kids
Families are welcome here. Children begin in the sanctuary with their families and later are dismissed to Twigs when the purple banner appears on the screen.
Twigs is for children from crawling through 2nd grade. Students in 3rd grade and older remain in service. If you prefer to keep your child with you the whole time, you should not feel awkward about that.
We want first-time parents to feel like they can exhale a little. You do not have to know the routine before you arrive.
What Visitors Usually Want to Know
What should I wear?
Whatever you are most comfortable wearing. Casual dress is normal.
Will I know what to do?
No church experience is required. You can follow along at your own pace.
What if I am not used to expressive worship?
You may notice raised hands, visible emotion, prayer, or other responses. You are welcome to observe without pressure.
Can I just come and observe?
Yes. You do not have to jump into everything right away.
More Questions
What about my kids?
Families are welcome, children begin with their families, and Twigs is available later in the service for crawling through 2nd grade.
How long is the service?
Usually about 90 minutes, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Do I have to come forward for prayer or communion?
No. Prayer is available, not required. Communion is open, and guests can participate or refrain without awkwardness.
What if I have been away from church for a long time?
You would not be unusual here. Many people come with a long gap, a difficult story, or a lot of uncertainty.
Ready for Sunday?
If you are thinking about coming in person, the next practical step is parking and arrival. We would rather help you feel prepared than leave you guessing.
Questions? Reach Pastor Lance at 412-531-0590 ext 205 or lance@GodLovesBrookline.com.