START WHEREVER YOU ARE

Sundays 10:30am | in-person & online
Wednesdays 7pm | in-person
2515 Hillegass Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704

NEW HERE?

If you're new here — or new to church in general — this page is for you.

We're a church in Berkeley. We know that's a loaded phrase in this city. So here's what we actually are: a community of people trying to follow Jesus honestly, ask hard questions, and show up for the neighborhood.

If that sounds worth checking out, keep reading.

Explore:

Start where you are.

A monthly, informal gathering designed for people who are new to this community. It's a place to ask questions, connect, and begin discovering what's next. No agenda. No pressure. Just people and conversation.

Discover:

See what happens.

Everything changes when you choose to be present. This is where your experience shifts from 'me' to 'we.' It's more than showing up — it's where you begin to belong.

Become:

Go deeper.

Get equipped with practical tools to grow in every area of life. We build a foundation together — spiritually, relationally, and practically. There's no timeline. You move at your own pace.

Engage:

Use your skills.

We don’t just volunteer—we build. We create a home for others and ourselves. Love serves, and we love to serve. Discover how your gifts and passions can meet real needs and contribute to something bigger than yourself.

GET INVOLVED

PLAN YOUR VISIT

JOINING IN-PERSON?

If you're going to participate in-person, check out this map to see where we're located. We can't wait to meet you!

Emerge Berkeley is located at 2515 Hillegass Ave, Berkeley, CA — a 10-minute walk from UC Berkeley. We serve Berkeley and the surrounding East Bay communities.

Sundays at 10:30am · Wednesdays at 7pm

JOINING ONLINE?

Joining Emerge Berkeley online? Join from anywhere. Your living room, your car, your grandma's house. No matter where you are, you can participate in Emerge Berkeley.

Emerge Berkeley will be live on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram every weekend.

You probably have questions. Good.

Where do I park?

We're centrally located — a 7-minute walk from UC Berkeley, so walking is a great option if you're nearby. For those who drive, we offer limited onsite parking for people with limited mobility and families. Street parking is available. If it's your first time, let the parking team know — we have a reserved spot waiting for you.

Is there something for my child?

Yes. We offer age-appropriate spaces for Emerge Kids (ages 2–5th grade) and Epic Youth (6th–8th grade). Both are designed to help your child feel valued, connected, and supported.

Plan Your Visit

Is there a dress code?

No. Come dressed however you're comfortable, whether casual or formal. What matters is that you're here.

What is a gathering like?

Gatherings are typically 80-90 minutes. We start with 2–3 songs — you're welcome to sing along, but no pressure. Then someone from our teaching team shares a message connecting Scripture to everyday life.

What if I have questions when I get there?

Our greeters are easy to spot and happy to help. Look for someone with a name tag and they'll point you in the right direction.

Will I fit in?

Probably. Emerge draws students, professionals, longtime East Bay residents, people who grew up religious and people who didn't. Come once and see if it feels right. We'd rather you find out than take our word for it.

Will I be welcomed?

Yes. We're not checking your history at the door. Show up, find a seat, see how it goes. If you want to talk to someone, there will be people around after the gathering. If you don't, that's fine too.

What if it's been a really long time?

It doesn't matter. Nobody is keeping track, and nobody will ask you to explain the gap. Just walk in.

What if I think God is mad at me?

That's a question worth sitting with, not dismissing. The short answer is: we don't believe that's how it works. Come and hear why — it's more interesting than a quick reassurance.

What if I've had a bad experience with church before?

We're not going to tell you that won't happen here. What we can say is that we take that seriously — it shapes how we lead, how we talk about faith, and how we treat people who are still figuring out if they can trust a community like this. If you want to talk about it before you show up, reach out. If you'd rather just observe for a while, do that.

The Connect Card

You'll find a Connect Card on your seat when you arrive. During the gathering we'll also display a QR code if you prefer to fill it out digitally. Share your contact info and any prayer requests — our team prays over every request weekly.

Hand your physical card to welcome team members by the doors as you leave, and you’ll receive a gift. You can also fill it out digitally using the button below.

Digital Connect Card

THERE'S MORE HERE THAN YOU MIGHT EXPECT.

New to Emerge General Emerge Berkeley Church in Berkeley, CA

Prayer Emerge Berkeley Church in Berkeley, CA

Outreach Emerge Berkeley Church in Berkeley, CA

PLAN YOUR VISIT

TEST DRIVE A SERMON

PLAN YOUR VISIT

START WHEREVER YOU ARE

You probably have questions. Good.

The Connect Card

 2515 Hillegass Ave Berkeley, CA 94704