We're So Glad You're Thinking About Visiting.
If you're reading this page, you're already further than most people who think about coming to church but never make it through the door. We don't take that lightly.
Whatever brought you here — curiosity, a friend's invite, a hard season, a quiet sense that something's missing — we want your first Sunday at TCAT to feel less like a leap and more like a step.
So here's what we'd love: let us know you're coming. We'll get you ready and have a small welcome gift waiting at Guest Services when you arrive.
- Drew Oakley, Lead Pastor
Let Us Know You’re Coming
Because walking in feels easier when you're expected.
When You Tell Us You're Coming, You'll Get:
A Free Weekly Devotional from Pastor Drew
Short, honest readings delivered to your inbox each week — straight from Pastor Drew. A way to get to know him before Sunday, on your own time, no pressure to do anything with it.
A Free Welcome Gift Waiting at Guest Services
When you arrive on your first Sunday, stop by the Guest Services desk in the lobby. We'll have a gift with your name on it — our way of saying we're glad you came.
No spam. No sales pitch. We won't show up at your door. Just a warm welcome and a way to get to know us before Sunday.
Sundays at TCAT
Service Times
10:00 AM: Contemporary & Family-Friendly (TCAT Kids Services Available)
Location
6120 Watermelon Road, Northport, AL 35473
How Long?
About 60 minutes: Worship, a message, and time to breathe.
You'll Know Exactly Where to Go
We've walked the path first-time visitors take, and mapped it out for you here.
Pull In and Park
Turn into our main entrance off Watermelon Road. You'll find plenty of parking so finding a spot will be easy.
Grab a Cup of Coffee
Help yourself to free coffee in the lobby — it's on us. Take a minute to settle in; there's no rush to find your seat.
Walk to the Front Doors
Head toward the main entrance. You'll see greeters at the doors who'll point you exactly where to go.
Check In Your Kids
Stop by the TCAT Kids check-in desk and a volunteer will walk you through it. Your kids get a name tag, you get a matching security tag, and only you can pick them up after the service.
Visit Guest Services
Look for the "Guest Services" sign just inside the lobby. That's where your welcome gift is waiting - and we’ll help you with anything else you need.
Take a Seat
Sit anywhere that feels comfortable. We'll never put you on the spot, ask you to stand, or single you out as a visitor.
What to Expect on a Sunday at TCAT
Before the Service
Doors open 30 minutes early. Grab a cup of coffee in the lobby, drop your kids at TCAT Kids check-in, and find a seat. Greeters are everywhere — don't hesitate to ask anyone for directions.
During the Service
A few worship songs to start, a message from Pastor Drew rooted in the Bible and connected to real life, and a closing song. About 60 minutes total. We won't ask you to give, raise your hand, or stand up to be recognized.
After the Service
Pastor Drew is usually in the lobby afterward, and the Guest Services team will be there to answer any questions. No one will follow you to your car — we promise. Take your time, or head home.
We've Heard All the Questions Before.
Here are the ones that come up most — answered honestly.
What if I haven't been to church in years?
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Most of the people sitting around you on Sunday were once exactly there. You don't need to know the songs, the prayers, or what to do when. Just come and see.
Will I feel out of place?
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Probably not — but if you do, you won't be the only one. We've designed Sunday so that first-time visitors blend in completely. No nametags, no standing up, no spotlight.
Is there pressure to participate, give, or sign up for anything?
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No, visiting means visiting. You won’t be asked to give or feel obligated to participate. We won’t pull you aside for a conversation you didn't ask for.
Do I have to believe everything you believe to come?
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No. We assume most people walking through our doors are still figuring out what they believe — or rebuilding what they used to. Honest questions are welcome here. So is doubt.
What does TCAT Kids look like?
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I'd like to actually do something — not just attend. How does that work?
How does check-in work for first-time families?
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What about my middle or high schooler?
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Will my kids actually want to come back?
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TCAT Kids runs during both services for newborns through 5th grade. Every environment is age-appropriate, safety-checked, and led by trained, background-checked volunteers. Kids leave Sunday excited to come back.
When you let us know you're coming, we'll have everything ready. On Sunday, head to the TCAT Kids check-in area near Guest Services. You'll get a security tag for each child, and only you can pick them up afterward.
TCAT Students grades 6–12 attend service with their family and friends. They meet together for youth group on Sunday evenings at 6pm. Students get their own space, their own message, and leaders who know them by name. Most of our students bring friends within their first month.
That's the test we hold ourselves to every single Sunday. If they don't, we want to know.
Yes. TCAT was built in part for people walking through addiction, grief, divorce, depression, or loss. You don't have to clean up first, explain yourself, or have your story together to be welcome here.
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No. We have a full Celebrate Recovery community that meets midweek, and care resources you can access without ever stepping into a Sunday service. Find Help & Community →
Only the people you choose to tell. We don't single people out or share what's been told to us in confidence. If you'd like Pastor Drew or our care team to know you're coming, you can mention it on the form above — we'll meet you with care, not a paperwork conversation.
Absolutely. A meaningful chunk of our community is made up of midlife and empty-nester adults who are entering a new chapter and looking for purpose, friendship, and ways to contribute. You'll fit right in.
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Community Groups are where real friendships happen at TCAT. They meet throughout the week, in homes across Tuscaloosa, and we'd be glad to connect you with one that fits your stage of life.
We need you. Whether it's serving on Sunday, in the community through For Tuscaloosa, or in a role that uses skills you've spent decades developing, there's a place for you to contribute. Tell us when you visit.
Is there a place for someone like me — past the “family with young kids” stage?
How do I find people my age?
I'm in a hard season. Is this a safe place to come?
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Do I have to attend Sunday to get help?
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Will anyone know what I'm going through?
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Want to See What a Sunday Sounds Like First?
Some people want to walk in. Others want to listen first — and that's completely fine. Watch a recent message from Pastor Drew, and some worship from our worship team in your own time, on your own terms. There's no expectation that you do anything with it — just see if TCAT feels like a place you'd want to be on a Sunday morning.