Real People.  Real Life.  Real God.

The Life Christian Church (TLCC) is a unique non-denominational place of worship for people of many different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.  We like to say that we are just regular people who have found a life-changing relationship with God.

There’s something amazingly special about the people who make up our church family.  Perhaps this special something is best communicated by our Real People-Real Life-Real God theme. 

TLCC is really a network of relationships that help regular people face the challenges and opportunities of life with the power that comes from having a connection with a loving God.  Others often comment on the uniqueness of our church.  The diversity and warmth of the people.  The dynamic music.  The quality of our ministries.  We are so grateful for each of these characteristics.  Most important, however, is the sense that God has graced us with His presence.

There are a variety of ways to participate in the life of our church, including ministries targeting children, teenagers, men, women, singles, and married couples.  We want simply to provide a place where anyone can experience a vital relationship with God and meaningful relationships with others.  We believe TLCC will encourage spiritual growth that brings each of us a greater sense of purpose, personal fulfillment, and the opportunity to help others.

Come to TLCC and feel what it’s like to be in the presence of a Real God.  As you learn, you’ll find a source of strength, purpose in your life, and relief and joy for your spirit.

Some Nice Things Some Interesting People Have Said About TLCC

Pastor Terry and TLCC have been mentioned in several books, magazines, and case studies as leading innovators and thinkers in the church world.  The Willow Creek Association—an organization with 12,000 member churches—highlighted Pastor Terry for his ability to cast vision in their Fall 2005 magazine.  In his highly regarded resource for pastors Starting a New Church, Dale Galloway, popular author and Dean at Asbury Theological Seminary, included Pastor Terry as a model for creating faith-building momentum in the church.  A case study on TLCC’s impact in the West Orange community was also discussed in Kent Hunter’s The Jesus Enterprise:  Engaging Culture to Reach the Unchurched.

“I’m here today because this church is not about four walls and just taking care of the congregation itself, but being in the community and reaching out with love to be a conduit for the light and the glory of God’s love.”

Cory A. Booker

Mayor of Newark, NJ

“When this congregation took over what was then a bowling alley, Main Street was at its low point.  I don’t think in any way that it is a coincidence that when this church and all the wonderful people who are its congregants grew, then too started to bounce back Main Street.”

John F. McKeon

Mayor of West Orange, NJ

“I first heard of the Reverend from my father who said that this young man [Pastor Terry] was going to do a lot of great things for West Orange, and he was right.  A lot of you obviously are not from town, but it’s more than a town, it’s a region.  And what he and his wife and family bring to this town and to this region is why we celebrate this church.”

Richard J. Codey

New Jersey Governor/Senate Majority Leader

“When I watched you all in the reception area after I first arrived and saw the racial diversity, it took my breath away.  I’ve been in a lot of churches around the world, and I’ve never seen anything like it.  The sense of energy and community among you is infectious.”

Pastor Bill Hybels

Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church

TLCC’s Historical Timeline

1983

New Life Church forms; meets in a home

1985

Church grows; begins to meet in a rented hall at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Orange

1991

Terry A. Smith is elected as pastor by 54 members

1991

Church begins to meet in the Washington Street School gymnasium

Church offices set up in the basement of Pastor & Sharon Smith’s home

Pastor introduces the concept of small groups, called LIFE (Life In a Family Environment) groups

1993

The New Life Church begins to meet in the West Orange Community House on Main Street and rents office space at 91 Main Street

Active search to purchase a worship property begins

1995

106 Harrison Avenue property purchased

106 Harrison Avenue turns from a printing factory into an amazing worship center

First Weekend Celebration held in July

Church renamed “The Life Christian Church”

1999

TLCC members vote unanimously to purchase 55-57 Ridgeway Avenue in West Orange as a potential site for a new worship center.

TLCC Ministry Offices and Family Life Center moves from 106 Harrison Avenue to the Ridgeway Campus

2000

Fellowship area at 106 Harrison Avenue remodeled into KidZone

2002

Pastor Terry begins negotiating with the town of West Orange and developer Larry Pantirer for the exchange of the Ridgeway Campus with undeveloped Metzger farm on Northfield Avenue

TLCC members vote unanimously to pursue the opportunity to exchange the properties and develop a worship center on the Northfield property.

2004

Town of West Orange approves Northfield deal for TLCC

TLCC hires architect David Price who consults with Master Site Team in designing our Northfield Campus

2005

Master Site Plane for Northfield facility is revealed to TLCC congregation in February

2006

Northfield lot officially becomes 747 Northfield Avenue and is dedicated during our “From Dirt to Destiny” Event

2008

TLCC begins construction of temporary office complex at 747 Northfield Avenue