Here in Door County, Wisconsin, we know a thing or two about winter. We also know that not everyone wants to stick around for all of it! Every year, snowbirds head south to escape the cold, and Florida is one of their favorite destinations.
For Christians who spend part of the year in Florida, finding a church away from home is an important consideration. After all, the need to hear God’s Word and receive His gifts doesn’t take a vacation.
Whether you’re a Wisconsin snowbird wintering in Tallahassee, visiting family in Florida’s capital, or relocating to the area permanently, we’d like to recommend a couple of congregations where you can worship while you’re in town.
Both churches belong to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), the same denomination as our congregations here in Door County. That means you’ll find a shared confession of faith, an emphasis on the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, and worship centered on God’s Word and Sacraments.
Here are two Tallahassee, Florida churches we recommend.
1. Epiphany Lutheran Church
Denomination: Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Address: 8300 Deerlake Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Phone: 850-385-7373
Website: https://www.epiphanytally.org/
If you’re looking for a church in Tallahassee, Florida, our first recommendation is Epiphany Lutheran Church.
Located in northeast Tallahassee, Epiphany is a congregation committed to the historic Lutheran faith, Christian education, and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Like our own congregations in Door County, Epiphany belongs to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Its teaching is grounded in the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, with a particular emphasis on God’s grace and the forgiveness of sins won for us through Christ’s death and resurrection.
Worship at Epiphany Lutheran Church
Epiphany’s Sunday worship follows the historic Christian liturgy, shaped by the seasons of the Church Year.
The congregation gathers to hear Scripture, receive preaching, confess the Christian faith, pray, sing hymns, and celebrate Holy Communion.
The Lord’s Supper is celebrated every Sunday. For Lutherans who are accustomed to receiving Christ’s body and blood regularly, this is a particularly welcome feature.
Epiphany understands worship not primarily as something Christians do for God, but as the occasion when God comes to serve His people through His Word and Sacraments.
It’s a familiar and comforting understanding of worship for Christians who have spent their lives in the Lutheran Church.
Bible Study and Christian Education
Another strength of Epiphany is its commitment to Christian education.
Sunday mornings include an adult Bible class before worship and a Family Bible Hour afterward. Children have opportunities for Sunday School, while adults and older youth study Scripture together.
The congregation also supports Epiphany Lutheran Classical School and Preschool, extending its commitment to Christian education into the wider Tallahassee community.
Throughout the week, Epiphany offers additional Bible study opportunities and congregational activities.
For winter visitors who want to do more than attend Sunday worship, these gatherings provide opportunities to meet fellow Christians and become acquainted with the congregation.
Sunday Schedule
- 8:45 AM: Adult Bible Class
- 10:00 AM: Divine Service
- 11:15 AM: Family Bible Hour and Sunday School
Why We Recommend Epiphany
Epiphany is our first choice for those searching for churches in Tallahassee, Florida.
Its combination of faithful Lutheran teaching, weekly Holy Communion, historic worship, and Christian education makes it an excellent option for both permanent residents and seasonal visitors.
If you’re spending the winter in Tallahassee, we’d encourage you to visit Epiphany, introduce yourself to Pastor Tim Barber, and enjoy the fellowship of fellow Lutherans.
Learn more at Epiphany Lutheran Church.
2. University Lutheran Church and Student Center — A Church Near Florida State University
Denomination: Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Address: 925 West Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32304
Our second recommendation is University Lutheran Church and Student Center, located near Florida State University.
University Lutheran is another congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, sharing the same confessional Lutheran heritage as Epiphany.
As its name suggests, University Lutheran has a special ministry to college students. But it is not exclusively a student congregation. Christians of all ages worship there, including permanent Tallahassee residents and people from surrounding communities.
A Church for Students and the Wider Community
University Lutheran describes itself as a community centered on Jesus Christ, Scripture, faith, and grace.
Its campus location gives the congregation an important opportunity to serve young adults during their college years.
But the presence of older Christians and families alongside students is also valuable. The Church is not divided into separate generations. Christians of all ages belong to the same body of Christ and have opportunities to encourage one another in the faith.
For snowbirds visiting Tallahassee, University Lutheran offers an opportunity to experience that intergenerational community while continuing to worship within the Lutheran tradition.
Worship at University Lutheran
University Lutheran follows a liturgical pattern of worship, incorporating Scripture, prayer, preaching, and Holy Communion.
The congregation celebrates the Lord’s Supper every Sunday, and Bible classes are offered regularly.
Its worship is somewhat less formal in presentation than that of some traditional Lutheran congregations, while retaining the historic structure of the liturgy.
Sunday Schedule
- 9:30 AM: Bible Study
- 11:00 AM: Sunday Worship
The congregation also offers additional gatherings during the week, including activities connected with its campus ministry.
Why We Recommend University Lutheran
University Lutheran is particularly convenient for Florida State University students and visitors staying near downtown Tallahassee.
Its combination of campus ministry, intergenerational fellowship, and regular Lutheran worship makes it a worthwhile congregation to visit.
Why We Recommend LCMS Congregations When Traveling
You might wonder why we specifically recommend churches belonging to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
The answer is simple: what a church teaches matters.
As Lutherans, we believe that the Christian Church is gathered around the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the means by which He delivers His gifts to His people.
The LCMS confesses that the Bible is God’s inspired Word, that sinners are justified by grace through faith in Christ, that Holy Baptism grants God’s gracious promises, and that Jesus gives His true body and blood in the Lord’s Supper.
These aren’t merely denominational preferences. They concern the way Christ serves His Church.
When you visit another LCMS congregation, you can generally expect to encounter the same foundational teaching that you receive in your home congregation.
Of course, individual churches have different personalities, worship arrangements, and ministries. But the shared confession provides an important continuity.
That’s especially valuable for snowbirds who spend several months each year away from their home congregation.
A Word to Our Door County Snowbirds
If you spend your winters in Florida, we’d encourage you to find a local congregation where you can worship regularly rather than relying exclusively on livestreams from home.
Livestreaming can be a blessing, particularly for those who are ill or unable to attend worship in person. But there’s something that a screen cannot provide: gathering bodily with fellow Christians to receive the Lord’s Supper.
The writer of Hebrews encourages Christians not to neglect meeting together, but to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25).
That encouragement applies whether you’re spending January in Wisconsin or enjoying the sunshine in Florida.
And if you find a congregation you enjoy, don’t hesitate to participate in its Bible studies, fellowship activities, and other ministries while you’re there. Seasonal visitors can become a valued part of a congregation’s life, even when they’re only present for part of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Churches in Tallahassee, Florida
Are there Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations in Tallahassee?
Yes. Epiphany Lutheran Church and University Lutheran Church and Student Center are both LCMS congregations located in Tallahassee, Florida.
What church would you recommend in Tallahassee?
Our first recommendation is Epiphany Lutheran Church at 8300 Deerlake Road. Epiphany offers historic Lutheran worship, weekly Holy Communion, Bible study, and opportunities for Christian education.
Can snowbirds attend an LCMS church while spending the winter in Florida?
Absolutely. LCMS congregations welcome visitors, including those who spend only part of the year in the area. If you intend to receive Holy Communion, it’s a good idea to introduce yourself to the pastor beforehand.
Is there an LCMS church near Florida State University?
Yes. University Lutheran Church and Student Center is located at 925 West Jefferson Street, near the Florida State University campus. It serves both college students and the wider community.
Do I need to transfer my membership when attending a church during the winter?
Not ordinarily. If you’re spending only part of the year in Florida, you can remain a member of your home congregation while attending an LCMS church near your winter residence. It’s helpful to introduce yourself to the local pastor and explain your situation, particularly regarding Holy Communion and pastoral care.
Finding a Church Home Away from Home
One of the blessings of belonging to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is the fellowship we share with congregations throughout the country.
Whether you’re in Door County, Wisconsin, Tallahassee, Florida, or somewhere in between, you can find fellow Christians gathered around the same Gospel of Jesus Christ.
If you’re looking for churches in Tallahassee, Florida, we especially encourage you to visit Epiphany Lutheran Church. Its commitment to Word and Sacrament, Christian education, and the historic Lutheran faith makes it our top recommendation.
University Lutheran Church and Student Center is another congregation worth visiting, particularly for those staying near Florida State University.
And to our Door County friends who spend their winters in warmer climates: enjoy the sunshine! We’ll look forward to seeing you again when the snow melts.
In the meantime, don’t forget to go to church.