The OC Tabernacle has become a standard part of our week at OC for years...check into the house Saturday, visit the Tabernacle Sunday, usually before my feet have even had a chance to hit sand. Yes, the tabernacle is a Sunday morning Church service; an informal service is held at 8 AM on the beach/boards, and the regular service is at 10:30. The tabernacle brings in guest pastors weekely; to my knowledge, there is no head pastor, but rather a Board of Trustees who selects known ministers from around the country to come and preach...and yes, generally, they are very good, providing a solid Biblical message. Rarely do I walk away without a few good points to ponder. The music is a blend of hymns (2, this week) and contemporary...this past week, there were two- count 'em, two- praise bands who were likewise visiting. The music- both familiar P&W and originals- were also great, upbeat. That's for the adults; for the kids, great programs abound. The nursery is very cool...built like an ark- and security is good, and buzzer pagers are provided if a child's parents need to leave the service. Programs for the older kids, provided through 7th grade, made my son exclaim "that was a great class" as he held up his prize, a big kit kat. Also, VBS is provided through the summer, often during the first week of July. Coffee and pastry after the service is always welcome! The new youth center built two or three years ago is also a youth conference center, available for churches to rent and utilize throughout the year. It apparently gets used well, at they have started using it to host movies Saturday nights at 10:30 to give kids somewhere to go. Finally, the property is used on Wednesdays for crafts and a farmer's market. The anchor out front is symbolic in many ways, but the way this organization dynamically anchors OC and provides for the community is impressive. Not to take anything away from other local churches who operate year round, but the tabernacle definitely fills a niche for the weekly renters...a welcoming place to come and be fed, a home while away from home. read more

I have been to a few services year ago at the Tabernacle. The building is pretty and big and full of light! It is more modern than the one in Ocean Grove. It draws a younger crowd than Ocean Grove. I saw Charles Stanley there. It started as Methodist but is now interdenominational. The Christian faith has many varieties like dog breeds but we are all the same as far as fundamental beliefs. Kind of like dogs are all the same only different breeds. I am sure it is all the same to God they are just human distinctions anyway. The Tabernacle has block parties, vacation bible school a choir, concerts, plays,youth ministry, special guest speakers, and other ministries The services are streaming live on TV and the radio and the web site. http://www.octabernacle.org/LiveStream.php It is nice to be able to worship at the beach and even hear speakers I am familair with so far from home but it seemed to be a little more social and less spiritual than I am used to. But it is an option if in the area. http://oceancity.patch.com/listings/ocean-city-tabernacle-association-4 http://national.citysearch.com/profile/6834041/ocean_city_nj/ocean_city_tabernacle_assn.html I like the idea of going to a church in the summer at the beach with a bunch of other people who want to be at the beach. It is less than perfect but a good option for believers of all faiths! The 3 stars is only because though I have attended a few services I do not know much about it and will only endorse or give 5 stars to a spiritual organization I know a lot about. But it is a nice experience in the summer if in Ocean City! read more

Ocean City Tabernacle Association - Churches Near Me - Ocean City, New Jersey

If your a person of faith (or not), the Ocean City Tabernacle is a great way to worship while on vacation at the beach. The dress code is flexible and you will find people wearing anything from suits to shorts and t-shirts. During the summer, they have an impressive lineup of speakers which really draw in a nice crowd. They also have 2 services to accommodate varying schedules. We often bring our youth group to the tabernacle to hear Tony Campolo speak, and then spend the day at the beach. read more