A Multi-Generational Church on Lovers Lane
Word of Life Fellowship gathers on Lovers Lane in Steubenville, Ohio, with a simple motto: "First Time You're a Guest, Second Time You're Family." Behind that line is a diverse, multi-generational congregation shaped by a long history of Pentecostal ministry in the Ohio Valley and a stated mission to "Pursue God, Build Up People, and Impact Culture" with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The church identifies with the Assemblies of God and holds to the fellowship's sixteen foundational doctrines, from the Trinity and the inspiration of Scripture to the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the hope of Christ's return. Lead Pastor Dave Shores oversees the congregation alongside a small team of ministry leaders.
What a Sunday Morning Looks Like
Services begin at 10:30 a.m. and run about ninety minutes. The room opens with dynamic worship led by the church's worship band under Worship Director Kristi Shores; song lyrics are projected on the screen so that everyone can sing along or simply listen. After the music, Pastor Dave brings a hope-filled message centered on Jesus.
The teaching style is conversational and Bible-rooted. Visitors are encouraged to wear whatever they feel most comfortable in. The congregation is described as culturally diverse, and the goal is for guests to feel welcomed without pressure.
Word of Life Kids and the Wednesday Night Youth Room
Children are a high priority at Word of Life. Kids Pastor Josh Hopple and his wife Tammy lead the children's ministry, partnering with parents to introduce children to "God's great big story." Word of Life Kids serves children from infants through fifth grade in a safe, high-energy environment that combines age-specific worship, a craft, and a Bible story. A secure check-in system pairs each child with a matching parent tag, and every volunteer has passed a background check.
A fully staffed nursery for babies and toddlers (ages zero to three) is open during both Sunday morning worship and Wednesday night programming, so parents can drop off the youngest members of the family while attending the main service or a small group.
On Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m., the building opens for youth, children, and adults simultaneously. Word of Life Youth, led by Youth Pastor Kristi Shores, is built for students in grades six through twelve. The format leans into games, contemporary worship, and an encouraging message aimed at junior high and high schoolers, with the goal of helping each student develop a personal relationship with Jesus.
At the same time on Wednesdays, elementary-age children gather again for Word of Life Kids, and adults spread into Life Groups for Bible study and conversation. The combined Wednesday rhythm turns the church into a three-track evening.
Sixteen Truths from the Assemblies of God
Word of Life's statement of faith follows the Assemblies of God's sixteen foundational truths. The church affirms the full inspiration of Scripture, the Trinity, the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, and the entrance of sin into the world through the fall. Salvation is described as restored fellowship with God through faith in Christ and repentance, followed by two ordinances practiced today: water baptism by immersion after salvation and Holy Communion as a symbolic remembrance of Christ's death.
The church holds the Pentecostal distinctive of Spirit baptism as a second blessing after salvation, with speaking in tongues presented as the initial physical evidence, drawing on the Day of Pentecost in Acts. The remaining doctrines cover sanctification as a lifelong process, the Church's mission to seek and save the lost, divinely called leadership, divine healing, the rapture, the millennial reign of Christ, final judgment, and the believer's hope of eternity in the new heavens and new earth.
Men's Breakfasts, Women's Bible Studies, and Other Small Circles
Beyond the two weekly services, Word of Life Fellowship builds community through two signature monthly rhythms. The men's ministry gathers monthly for breakfast and fellowship, encouraging men to lead each other deeper in Christ and to forge godly friendships through shared events throughout the year.
The women's ministry runs monthly Bible studies and seasonal events designed to inspire, encourage, and motivate women to grow into who God has created them to be. The leadership intentionally shapes these gatherings as fun, inviting environments where attendees can be inspired and build lasting friendships.
Together with the Wednesday night adult Life Groups, these small circles give the larger Sunday gathering a tighter network of relationships across the week.
A Personal Welcome Through "Schedule Your Visit"
First-time guests who want a guided introduction can use Word of Life's Schedule Your Visit form. Submitting a name, party size, and number of children ahead of time triggers a member of the team to meet the visitor at the door, walk them through the building, point out the cafe, explain the kids' check-in, and answer questions. Whether or not someone schedules ahead, a connection team volunteer is ready for a quick greet, a small gift, and a brief overview of who the church is.
Services are also broadcast live online so that viewers can participate from wherever they are, and sermon messages are available afterward for ongoing listening and study.
Giving, Prayer, and Staying Connected
Word of Life teaches that tithing, giving ten percent of one's income, is a biblical way to show trust in God with both life and finances. Three practical giving channels are offered: in person during services, by mail to the Lovers Lane address, and through the Givelify app, which the church describes as a safe and easy way to give online.
A separate Prayer and Praise form gives members and visitors a simple way to share requests and praises with the staff, with submissions kept confidential. Reaching the church is easy through the 740-264-1227 phone line or the office@iwordoflife.com address.
Word of Life Fellowship keeps a steady, welcoming rhythm: Sunday worship at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. for kids, youth, and adults, and monthly gatherings that knit the congregation together throughout the week.