About Tree of Life Lutheran Church
Our Story
We are thrilled to welcome you to Tree of Life Lutheran Church! Our congregation has an incredible history deeply rooted in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). For many years, we have been passionately serving the community by spreading the message of love, hope, and faith.
Growing in Faith
At Tree of Life, we are committed to keeping the faith alive. Through engaging worship services, thought-provoking sermons, and meaningful fellowship, we strive to inspire and strengthen the faith of all who walk through our doors.
Building Community
Tree of Life is more than just a church; it's a spiritual community where everyone is welcome. We offer a variety of ministries and programs catering to all age groups, including choir, bell choir, RPG club, retiree group, Bible studies, youth programming, and more. Join us as we grow together in faith and fellowship.
Our History
IN THE 1970’s
Plans for a Lutheran congregation on Conroe’s southwest side began. The Texas-Louisiana Synod of the Lutheran Church in America exercised its option for a future congregation and in June 1984, the Division for Mission issued a call to Pastor Gerald Kline to develop a new community of faith. The first service was held on February 12, 1985, in the West Fork MUD at 206 Scarborough with approximately 60 people in attendance. The congregation was officially organized June 6, 1985. The site for Tree of Life was purchased in 1986 and ground was broken for the building on April 10, 1988. The first service was held in the new facility on December 18, 1988.
IN 2004
The congregation had outgrown the existing facility and a new, larger sanctuary was constructed. The previous sanctuary was converted to a fellowship hall with renovations to the kitchen and education wings. During that year, the congregation called Pastor Luke Bouman to serve as the pastor at Tree of Life Lutheran Church following Pastor Kline's retirement. Pastor Bouman served until 2007. In 2008, a generous donation by one of our members enabled us to install a large playground and picnic area. In September of 2008, Tree of Life Lutheran Church called Christopher Lake to serve the congregation as its pastor. He is still faithfully serving the church today.
IN 2012
Tree of Life was at a crossroads and decided the next step on the journey would be to hire a full-time director of youth and family ministry. Ryan Dockey was hired in August of 2012. In 2013, Bunny Stoutes was hired as Media Manager. By 2015, the growth of the congregation led to the hiring of retired Methodist pastor Larry Smith as a part-time associate who served Tree of Life until his death in 2019. The congregation continued to grow and make its presence known in the local community. ​​
IN 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 created some setbacks for Tree of Life. The church had to close its doors to the public for several months, but Pastor Chris, the church staff (and their family members), and several key volunteers kept weekly worship going via livestream until the congregation was able to meet in person again. Even so, it took some time for the membership to return, and the momentum of many of the church ministries and activities suffered.
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Eventually, the congregation began to rebound. Members returned to worship in person, and, in 2022, the church welcomed more new members than it had in several years.
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TODAY
Tree of Life continues to grow and live its mission to invite, inspire, and include all people in Christ's love. The church has fostered the development of three seminarians, including both Ryan Dockery and Bunny Dillard (previously Stoutes), who are now ordained ELCA pastors ministering to their own churches, and the church continues to connect with people and the community in meaningful ways.