2023 40 Under 40 Honoree: The Rev. Lance Rhoades (39)
“One of my favorite stories in the Bible is about how a good shepherd will leave 99 sheep together to chase after the one that is lost. I wanted to build a church filled with those who are lost, separate or isolated from support.”
The Rev. Lance Rhoades
Pastor, Tree of Life Open Bible Church, Brookline
The Rev. Lance Rhoades was called to serve God after a family member who struggled with mental health succumbed to suicide.
Rhoades founded the Tree of Life Open Bible Church in 2003 as a Bible study in a one-bedroom apartment in Oakland. Eight years ago, the church moved to Brookline and has grown to serve up to 1,200 people a month.
He oversees the South Pittsburgh Opioid Action Coalition, the Brookline Christian Food Pantry and a clothing bank, focusing his life’s work on helping those living with substance use disorder and those experiencing stressful situations in life.
Tree of Life hosts church services led by people in recovery for people in recovery, as well as Sunday worship services.
“I am trying to get people to see the image of God inside of people that the world is trying so hard to hide. If I can do that, I think I’ve done something truly divine.”
