PLAN YOUR VISIT

A New Church Can Be Intimidating...

We know because we've all been there. We've designed this page to help you prepare for your first visit to Lifehouse Community Church so you will know exactly what to expect. On a typical Sunday morning at Lifehouse, you'll find many different kinds of people on different parts of their faith journey.  Chances are, there will be several other newcomers just like you. Whether you're new to church and faith, or a longtime Jesus-follower, we have a place for you. 

What To Expect

Expect to Be Relaxed

First off, come as you are.  We're much more interested in the type of person you are on the inside than what you look like on the outside.  We want to meet the real you. Some people bring their Bibles - we love and live by that book.  When you come in, grab a hot cup of our house blend from our café and bring it into our auditorium.   Our services last around 75 minutes.  It should not be so long that you need to pack a lunch, but long enough to make it worth getting out of bed in the morning.

Expect to Meet Friendly People

For us, two things get us really excited on a Sunday morning:  seeing God do big things in people's lives and having company.  You can expect to be warmly greeted and treated with respect.   You'll likely be offered a handshake or two, and we'll make ourselves available to answer any questions you might have during your visit.  People at our church like coming together; it's a highlight of our week, thus the smiles.  
We warn you that enjoying church and making friends tends to be wildly
contagious at Lifehouse. 

Expect Passionate Worship

At Lifehouse, worship is an integral part of our community experience.  We don't consider it a sing-a-long time or just another part of the program - it's not a concert or performance.  We believe in genuine, thoughtful, intentional, and passionate worship. While we have many talented musicians and artists, you'll find only room for one person in the spotlight - Jesus.  We share in Holy Communion each week, which is central to our gathering. Bringing our tithes and offerings are also part of our worship. Our vision of worship is not limited to music and singing.  We believe all our gifts and talents were given to glorify God and bless the community. 

Expect Relevant Teaching

Many things in church are negotiable, but preaching truth and grace directly from the Bible is not one of them.   We believe the Bible is very applicable for the day and culture in which we live and we place a high value on the authority of scripture for our lives.  We use many mediums to communicate God's word to bring understanding and personal application with each message.  Our lead pastor is known for connecting the Word of God in very down-to-earth and practical ways. 

Expect Your Kids to Have Fun

At Lifehouse, kids are crazy important to us!  We are super excited about kids from the moment they walk in the door.  If you have babies, you'll find a clean, safe, and well equipped nursery; staffed by pre-screened and well trained volunteers.  Children from pre-school through 5th grade receive the same love and attention with programs and learning specifically geared to their age level and needs.  At Lifehouse, we strive to help, heal, and grow healthy families and we work hard to integrate that mission into everything we do. What we do for our children and youth is not the afterthought in our community, but our top priority.   
Click Here to Plan Your visit
questions? See our FAQ's

What's a Service Like?

Our services typically last about 75 minutes.

  • The sanctuary is open to everyone 30-40 minutes before service begins for personal prayer and reflection.  You will find lowered house lighting with prayerful music playing and scripture on the big screens.

  • 15 minutes before service begins, the pace changes slightly as the house lights come up and sanctuary doors open. Typically,  announcements can be found on the big screens while people come in, say hello to friends, and find their seats.

  • Service begins at 10 am. Someone on the platform team will greet everyone and kick off a time of worship music and singing led by a live band. The words to all the songs will be projected on the big screens. Most everyone will be singing,  and you can too. Participate as you feel comfortable. We use music to express our love for God and appreciation for what He has done for us.

  • Communion is made available before, during, or after our time of worship, and clear instructions are always provided so that no one feels confused.

  • There will likely be a few times that one of the leaders will pray during the service. You may be asked to sit or stand at various points during the service, but don't worry. We'll always ensure you know exactly what to do and won't leave you guessing.

  • One of the things that our church is known for is the powerful and engaging teaching from our lead pastor. Each Sunday, you can expect a solid lesson/message from the Bible. Our goal is to help everyone understand the Bible and to apply it to their lives. The teaching will be practical and challenging and hopefully will inspire you in your pursuit of God. Expect scripture to be center stage - not a personality.

    We encourage you to take a little time to view some of our teaching so you will know what to expect:
Watch Sermons
  • Typically, each service ends with a clear challenge or call to action for everyone to consider. For those who desire to receive prayer, we always have prayer team members or pastors ready to do so immediately following service.  

  • Each week, those who consider Lifehouse home also give our tithes and offerings as an act of worship and to support the work and ministry of our church. Most tend to give digitally online; however, baskets are placed in the back of the room for those who prefer to give via cash or check.  As a guest, please know this is entirely optional. You will never have anyone twist your arm for anything.
Have Questions? See our FAQ's

When we Meet

Sunday Mornings
(In-Person)

9:30 am  |  Pre-Service Prayer
10:00 am  |  Community Worship Service
10:00 am  |  The CREW Children's Ministry

Sunday Mornings
(Online)

10:00 am  |  Online Community Worship Service  via
Church Online Platform
Youtube Channel

Wednesday Evenings
(In-Person)

6:30 PM  | Lifehouse Midweek Lifegroups
6:30 PM | Amplified Student Ministries
6:30  PM | NIGHT CREW Children's Ministries

Ready to Plan Your Visit?

We can help make sure your first visit with an awesome experience.
Fill out the form below to get started.














Once you submit this form, you can expect a pastor or volunteer from the church to reach out to you within a few hours. They will answer any questions you have, make any necessary arrangements, or even meet you upon arrival if desired.
Submit My Visit Details

Do you have kids you would like to pre-register for nursery, pre-k, or kids ministry?

Pre-registration of kids requires a little more detail from you, but will be a huge time-saver for first visit. 
Pre-Register My Kids For Their First Visit
Learn More About our Children's Ministry

faq's

Everyone has questions, and we have some answers!
Below are some answers to commonly asked questions.

Where do I park?

One thing we have at Lifehouse is plenty of parking.  As a guest, you will find  reserved first-time guest  parking directly in front of our drive- up  drop-off canopy. We also have plenty of handicap accessible spaces nearby. 

Where do I enter the building?

From our first-time guest parking, the closest door is the main door under the drop-off canopy.  As you come in the double glass entry doors, you can walk straight to the guest services / hospitality desk. You don't have to stop there unless you have questions, require assistance, or are meeting a 'Plan Your Visit' host or hostess . If you go to the counter and identify yourself as new to Lifehouse, our welcome team volunteer will also hook you up with an awesome free gift.

Where do my kids go?

11/18/20 Update: Due to COVID-19 and safety measures, we currently have limited children's ministry options. For details, please visit our Kids Crew page.
At Lifehouse, we have an incredible children's ministry run by passionate, long-term volunteers.  From newborns to 5th grade, we have dedicated spaces with friendly faces. Our children's ministry area is in a secure section of our facility, and our helpful volunteers will make your check in or registration process painless for you. 

When and why do I have to register my kids?

The first time you drop off your child in our children's ministry department, you will be required to register your child in order to participate. All information is kept safe and secure and only used for the purposes of your child's health and safety.  Kids are securely checked into and out of our children's ministry rooms only by authorized adults. We take great care to look out for any special needs (e.g. allergies, etc.) your child might have. 

Can I just take my kids into service with me?

One of the chief reasons we provide specific environments and programs and staff them by well - trained and passionate volunteers, is so that your child can experience 'church' at their level. Messages are tailored for both their comprehension and attention span. While children are always welcomed to sit with parents and guardians when desired, it's our opinion your kids will have a far more impactful and fun experience in their age-appropriate spaces. 

What should I wear?

Whatever you are comfortable wearing - so long as you are clothed!  Kidding aside, come as you are. You will find a few people wearing their 'Sunday Best', but you will also find people ready to relax.  In other words, we don't have a dress code and you will be welcomed just as you are.

Will I have to identify myself or be called out?

Goodness, NO! No one wants to feel called-out or embarrassed. You won't be made to wear a name tag, asked to stand-up, raise your hand to signify your first Sunday, or anything else like that. We do provide connection cards in the back of the Sanctuary and  at the Welcome Counter.  We certainly hope you will choose to tell us a little about yourself or let us know if you would like a pastor or anyone else to follow-up with you.

Am I expected to give money?

Each Sunday there is typically a mention or reminder about financial giving as part of our worship experience. That said, this is intended for those who call Lifehouse Community Church home as members or regular attenders. We would never expect our guests to give in the offering. 

What about communion?

At Lifehouse,  we do celebrate communion on a regular basis. You are not required to be a member of the church to receive or participate in communion. Communion is, however, a celebration and act of remembrance reserved for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and follow Him as a disciple. If that is not you, our first invitation is that you would consider becoming part of God's family. Then, you can truly experience all that Communion (The Lord's Supper) was intended to be. How we take communion varies from time to time and we serve only non-alcoholic grape juice with a small wafer or cracker. Children are welcome to participate in communion if their parents deem them ready and able to comprehend its meaning and purpose.

Is Lifehouse part of any denomination?

Yes, Lifehouse is affiliated with an long time organization called Open Bible Churches.  This said,  you will find that we very seldom mention or focus on our denominational affiliation.  Jesus didn't establish ANY denominations and we want to be a local church focused on Unity. We do feel very strongly that accountability, accreditation, structure, and good doctrine all all vital to the health and vitality of both the church and its leaders. Therefore, we have submitted ourselves to Open Bible Churches and its leadership  for just such a reason. 

Can I rent the church or any of its rooms for an event?

Yes, possibly. It all depends on the purpose for which you would like to use it. Simply contact the church via the contact form below and we would be glad to consider your request. 

How to Find us

Lifehouse Community Church
4095 NW Urbandale Dr.
Urbandale, IA 50322

Contact Us

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