The Christmas Musical was excellent! It was FABULOUS, DYNAMIC, INSPIRING, UPLIFTING, JOYFUL, and presented THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. JESUS WAS EXALTED! It's a good thing someone tipped us off to the doors opening at 5:00 pm for a 7:30 pm performance, which meant we'd better get there plenty early. We went 2.25 hours early and got some pretty good seats near the front as the place was filling up pretty fast. By 5:30 all the good seats on the main floor were taken and by 6:30 (still 1 hour before the performance), there was not one seat left in the house both downstairs and in the balcony and we heard there was still a line outside hoping to get in. So if you decide to go to the Christmas Musical next year, be sure to get there a couple of hours early if you want to get a good seat. The performance is that good, with truly talented and dynamic singers who clearly love the Lord and sing from their hearts. My husband said it was THE BEST CHRISTMAS MUSICAL HE HAD EVER BEEN TO. Hope next year's is as good as this one was! read more

Amazing Church that has come a long way from humble begins. That has impacted people from across the globe with their Gospel choir like me. All across the isles of the seas in the Pacific Ocean the Fiji Islands i was ministered to by songs and testimonials of how this church started. The church is very organized has childrens church etc. read more

This church was referred to me by a friend who I knew back in NJ. Being new to the big city, I was trying to find my place and decided to give it a try. After doing some research, I knew I had to arrive an hour early to get a seat (which I did). The music was great and the crowd was very into the joy of it all, but it is very easy to get lost in this crowd. No one says hello to you when you walk in, and I really felt like I was just another head in the crowd. Not a big fan. I went back a few times to give it a fair shot, but honestly the sermons are not even as deep and meaningful as I would have expected for a church of this size and following. It felt more about the ritual than actually finding that connection with God and the community. The sermons were very high level and we didn't even open the Bible two of the four times I went. The other two times that we did, the pastor read maybe one paragraph and did not really explain the passages or pull it into a practical and inspiring message. A bit turn off in my opinion. Overall I have felt much more connected and part of the community at other churches. If you don't mind having hundreds of people around you, and the potential to get lost in the crowd, could be ok for you. But for me, Church is more than the hurrah of music and instruments. I need a good pastor, a connection with Christ, a personable and friendly pastor (I have my old pastor's cell number in my phone!) and a loving community that adores God as much as I do. Not a huge fan of Brooklyn Tabernacle. read more

Worship encountered this morning - an older usher said things in a rude manner. Reprimanding as though I'm his 5 year old child. No need to be so rude. He needs to learn to be polite when speaking to people coming to worship. He gave people a hard time. Bossing people around where they can or cannot sit. Bad experience will not be making donations to this church. read more

Church was amazing and the Christmas show was wonderful! Their seating and usher team were so nice and helpful! Thank you for a great afternoon read more

I was actually looking for a church where I can actually hear the sermon actually feel it I was going through some hardship in my life . Where my spirit is broken up needed uplifting . So my neice asked me to attend after work . I've lived in bk for 30yrs and I've never been there . But when I walked in it was on prayer night (Tuesday evening) starts at 7pm I felt like I walking in heaven I've never felt this way for no church and I'm Catholic you actually can feel the Holy Spirit in there I prayed , they prayed , we sang , prayed in groups I cried cause I finally found a place of worship where I can feel the Holy Spirit among everybody it was so uplifting .. That I will be bringing my kids with me and family but one thing get there early hope this helps but I left and my spirit felt like its been uplifted read more

Real deal church experience. Located on Smith Street and Fulton Mall,this place gets packed during the 12 o clock service. The pastor is amazing, and preached short and sweet without overdoing it,and the message is sincere and heartfelt. The BT Choir is an awesome choir, I recommend you buy or download (on Google Play) their CD album,called Pray,it will have you uplifted. read more

The Brooklyn Tabernacle offers multiple services on Sundays plus a plethora of events, including concerts. For those seeking to connect within a congregation, be warned that it seats a lot of people and has an auditorium vibe. The church does give back to the NYC community as well as supporting missions across the globe. Sermons always inspire, and the music is heavenly. read more

Has AC, people are friendly.. most importantly the choir is amazing, and It was a different feel from the traditional catholic churches I've been too.. Although it is a Christian church, being my first time there, I felt very welcomed, Would even stop being Catholic and come here.. read more

This is the 5th time I have been to the Brooklyn Tabernacle and it was no less inspiring than the first! The choir is amazing! Pastor Cymbala is an anointed man of God, able to connect with those who attend on a weekly basis and those who are visiting from anywhere in the world. The congregation is welcoming and friendly. I highly recommend making a service at the tabernacle a priority while in New York! read more

Years ago, in fact decades ago, I was a member of this church and a member of a major ministry​ in this church. I will not say which ministry. I first and foremost like to say the pastor Cymbala is a wonderful pastor brother in the Lord. I have no fault with him and still love him in the Lord. I also each week listen to all his messages via internet. Mega churches like this I guess it is hard to keep up with everything that goes down amount the people. I was a baby Christian back then and did not stand up for my self as I should have. As a result I got the short end of the stick when something really bad went down within the ministry I was in. If I had to do it over again, I would stand up for myself and speak up loud and clear for righteousness sake and for the sake for everyone in the church. No one now would shut me up or shut me down. I know how to advocate now loud and hard. I know when to pray about it and when to speak up about it. I'm no longer a baby Christian. Due to this, although I have forgiven and moved on with my life, to this day in 2017, I will never forget what happened to me. . Is that unforgiveness? I hope not and ask God to take it from me. Back about 1986, while within the ministry, I came face to face with others in that ministry who displayed reverse racism towards me a white woman. Ugly things were said to me and slander circulated. I found myself shunned. No one really talking openly about it but it was there. I was shunned by other members of that particular ministry in the church after it was brought to my attention of a sisters racial slander against me. I was even uninvited to a Bible study to my face and given some lame excuse. I know the slander had gotten to them when they uninvited me. One of the sister in that ministry returned to her seat only to find me sitting in the once vacant seat next to her. She refused to sit next to me and some other sisters in front of me asked her what was wrong. . She pointed to me. Those sisters asked her to sit next to them so to get away from me. And so they all did. I made it my business to give them a full of love greeting during the meet and greet. But to no avail. I found myself a baby Christian, abandoned, alone, shunned, out of fellowship, and left for spiritual death. Pastor Cymbala always came up to me to greeted me after the service and asked how was I doing. I always put on a happy face and said I was well. I was trusting in God so much about this situation. All my tears in the bottles. Trust God will work everything out. So in that sense, I was not lying to Pastor. I was hurting so bad back then over it all. I was so horribly isolated that I felt spiritually forced to leave Brooklyn Tabernacle. And I did. Racism is ugly. Hostile. Murderous. There is no place for it in the body of Christ. No place for it in the Church of God. Once that kind of slander gets around about you, your good name is ruined and there is nothing you can do to fix it. Racism is a monster that devours and spreads like wildfire. About 30 years ago when this happened. Today, I am on a cancer journey. I need up most support system and I guard my heart full of Hope that God has given me to stay positive and stay alive. I will never go to a church like Brooklyn Tabernacle. It almost cost me my spiritual life and I refuse to allow it to cause my physical death. I hope pastor Cymbala reads this and now finally knows the truth after all these years. It was not just lack of mercy there at that time, it was something much more evil. Please forgive me for not speaking up when I should. I do not know how much more time I have on earth so I am saying something now. It's better late than never. Thanks for listening and I hope this helps and going through something like this in the church and do not wait 30 years like I have. Speak up and fight racism. Put the real racist out of the church if they do not get right and act right. read more

I have always passed by this house of worship, but never entered until Caribbean Night. I was greeted by smiling ushers and quickly realized that this was more than a church, but an auditorium. I had no idea the Tabernacle could seat so many. Despite its size, there were monitors to help audience see the stage personnel and performances. The audio was also great. Positive attitude and very helpful members. Based on the multiple events advertised, they seem to be a community and faith-oriented congregation. I hope to visit more often. read more

Extraordinary experience every time! I have been to their Christmas show,Easter Show, & their New Years Eve Celebration! Each show is better than the next. This church was an old theater many years ago and has its original architectural detail throughout. This congregation is large organized and filled with wonderful people. It is a great place to worship. Plus the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir is always a treat. They are amazing!! read more

I came here for Easter Sunday 2014 and witnessed a service followed by the Story of Love.. From the moment you walk in you are greeted by about 10 people standing in the hall, as if that was their job for that moment. The service and production was like that of a broadway musical.. The singing was amazing and the acting brought me to tears. If your coming with more than two or three people make sure you arrive much earlier to assure you're all seated together. Definitely looking forward to returning for the Christmas Eve show... read more

Amazing amazing amazing!!! The atmosphere is welcoming, the word is positive and uplifting! The message is real and raw. I loved it so much I wish I could go every Sunday. read more

I've been attending this church since I was 4. I couldn't ask to be apart of a better congregation.

secret attraction jesus is alright with me brooklyn knows whats up Woah! The Spirit is here. Sacraments of the Brooklyn Tabernacle: music, music, and more music. I don't remember the sermon at all, but I remember being blown away by the choir here, and I'm pretty sure only half were there. Regardless of where you came from, what you're used to, or if you are spiritual/religious at all, Brooklyn Tabernacle is an experience, and everyone should check it out. (Not to mention that the building is a gorgeous maze.) read more

Enjoyed visiting the church. Got to be part of the Choir when Pastor Jim Cymbala asked all the men to come up to sing!!

Outstanding. Our first visit was Easter 2015. What a grand experience for our family!

If you are a church person or you're not but like music then you can defiantly check out the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Enjoy music.

I visited the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church the week before Easter. I had a wonderful time. I was blessed with God's tangible presence during the concert performed by the Brooklyn Tab Choir. I love Pastor Tim Delina and Pastor Jim Cymbala. Their ministries has encouraged me to draw closer to God. I would go back to New York just to visit the church. If I were to ever move to New York, I would be a member of this church. read more

Very rude congregation. My wife was holding two seats, on the main floor while i was in the bathroom and someone came by and said since I wasn't there they couldn't hold the seats. Now we are on the second floor balcony and uncomfortable. read more

Went here with a friend on a Sunday ! The 9am service was too early so we made it to the 12pm service and the church was packed ! There's still some seats of course ! Every one was happy! The church is super big the pastor is great ! I really love this church and would def go back! They are very welcoming and so much ppl! The choir is very good btw! read more

Good message, unfortunately some of the people who were serving were rude. Upon entering the building a guy abruptly shouted that childcare was closed, although I has asked another guy which direction my wife would be coming up, as she had already dropped our children off at the childcare facility. We were then seated in the balcony, corner Rosa Parks' baby section, as we had our 5 month old with us. So conveniently, there was an usher there shushing babies if they made noise, including my baby girl, who was shushed 5-10 times, although she didn't cry at all and only made a few regular baby noises. A few parents got up and left after their children were shushed by this guy. I wonder if Mary & baby Jesus would have been shushed had they been sitting there? When service was over, a young lady told me to pick up my children the wrong way. The lady at the bottom of the steps wasn't too happy about the 5 of us who came that way, and between her attitude & lack of direction, we had to go back upstairs, ask for new directions through the crowded sanctuary, then back downstairs to find my children. If we decide to visit again, it would be great if the people who are "supposed" to be serving in the Lord's house would serve with humility & love that would demonstrate Jesus' spirit shining through their service! read more

If you plan to travel to NYC, plan any Sunday to join the Brooklyn Tab for a sing along and meet the families you've never met. You won't be bored, you won't be tired, but plenty fun in the house of the Lord. After the service, stop by the book store and pick you the Bklyn Tab CDs, DVDs. Oh, don't forget to check online for special visitors, and performances, and get there AS EARLY AS YOU CAN. There's usually a long wait to get in, even on the regular Sundays. For holidays, oh dear, do get there early, looong lines! But don't be frunstrated once you get in, take some pictures, it's beautiful inside, get the wide angle lens. read more

My home church from 2009-2012, when I lived in BK. Great place of worship. Diverse. Welcoming. There are some challenges with a church of this size, but there are challenges at all churches. Awesome praise-n-worship and sermons. Highly recommend. read more

This church is definitely a place to check out whether you're visiting Brooklyn or need a slight change from your local community church. The choir is excellent and although the sermons are a hit and miss, most of the times you leave there learning something about the bible. read more

I am a retired pastor who has watched the BT on-line for several years. I have been blessed by the ministry of Pastor Cymbla, the worship music and the music specials. I look forward to watching on a regular basis and have even experienced an unexpected miracle of healing while watching the delayed broadcast of the service of September 22, 2013. It was truly amazing for me as I have never had anything like that happen before in my life and I didn't ask for it or expect it. It was truly an amazing event that blessed me and my family. The healing was verified by medical staff the following day and I have had several opportunities to share what the Lord did that day. One event of sharing the miracle resulted in a Musllim receiving Jesus as his Savior. I greatly appreciate the ministry of the BT. I have been present when Pastor Cymblal was one of the speakers at the Expect Conference in Colorado a couple of years ago. I sense his love of the Lord and his desire to be used of God to lead people to Jesus and help them grow. My only negative comment is about the plea for money at each service. I know most churches do this but I find it may be a lack of faith that God will provide what is needed. In my opinion, a better method would be to have the BT leadership pray during the week for the resources needed and then see what God does without a plea to the congregation. I have used a modified form of this and found that God supports the ministries He has founded. My overall opinion of the ministry of the BT is outstanding. I love the diversity of people and what I see is BT's willingness to accept people where they are in their lives without compromising the truths of the Gospel. One of these days I desire to visit NY and attend a service at the BT. My sincere thanks to Pastor Cymbla and the staff of the BT for their dedication and effective ministry to those the Lord has called them to serve. In His Service, Jim Dowling read more

You want a to hear a choir that will fill your spirit and soul with music from heaven ? Then that's the place to be. Lovely building and the staff is quite friendly. The pastor is wonderful when he preaches and the songs they sing just touch your heart. If I was to ever win the lotto or run into any type of big money ,it would definitely give ten percent to the pastor of that church ,mr.cymbla because he let's you know and show what they do with the collections to help people all around the world and you know where your money is going , to serve the Lord and his people. read more

The music/choir was amazing and the greeters very friendly. I went alone and felt quite welcome...that is until the music stopped and the pastor started talking about gay conversion. The day I went they were promoting an event for ex-lesbians. So there you go. read more

I was disappointed by this church. I visited this church with a group from Maryland to support a family member at a child dedication. I felt a heavy spirit when I entered into this church but wanted to show my support. We arrived 15 minutes before church started and needed to find out where the rest of our group was located. My fiance pulled her phone out and someone immediately reprimanded her about calling someone in the church. That was the first time someone acknowledged us in the church. The second time was during the baby dedication and my fiance took her camera out to capture the moment. The flash was off and we weren't bothering anyone but we soon started getting tapped on the shoulders telling us we can't take pictures. They actually called security to stand over us and make sure we didn't take any more pictures...lol. if this was my introduction to Christanity, I would run from anything and anyone claiming anything claiming Christianity. read more

I visited the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church on a Sunday afternoon when the theme was Caribbean nights. Earlier the same day I had attempted to go attend a service at the Abyssinian Baptist in Harlem but was unable to get in (a line for visitors around the corner and down the block). I was almost worried when I got to the Brooklyn Tabernacle and saw a crowd outside, but I got in just fine. The ushers were very nice and found a seat for me right away and the service was absolutely amazing. Although the choir was on the stage they didn't wear matching robes (they wore their own Sunday getups) and somehow that made it feel more personal and less distant. A surviver (actually, the very last person rescued) from 9/11 shared her testimony and the paster went on to share a short but great message. The choir sang, but never by themselves because the whole congregation sang together and I was truly touched. Although I love my small hometown church and our 25 person choir, I am very glad that I attended the service at the Brooklyn Tabernacle when I was in New York. Go if you're a Christian, a music lover, or just looking for a one of a kind experience. read more

Such an amazing church. The choir is wonderful, but more importantly Pastor Cymbala is honest and preaches the true word of God according to the gospel. Joy, who commented below, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your time there. Just wanted everyone who doesn't attend BT regularly to know she is completely wrong. She happened to go on 7/10/16, and we decided to pray for the world after all the violence and terrorist attacks we witnessed earlier in the week. Prayer is essential in the Bible and thus in our church. And Carol has spoken to share a testimony or an encouraging story on songs sang by the choir. But she has NEVER preached in the 30 years my family has been attending this church. read more

Great place walked in 12 years ago and have never stopped attending. Leadership humble and preach the real word of the Lord no prosperity gospel just straight truth. All about Jesus and the pastors act and speak like ordinary people and they dont exalt themselves but only Jesus. A true new testament church. Love my church. read more

This review is not about attending a service; it is about the treatment I received when my fiance and I attempted to participate in The Brooklyn Tabernacle's premarital counseling program. As Christians, we were truly excited to go through faith-based counseling before taking the huge step of getting married. We applied online, and received an email that we needed to come in and meet with the Pastor. This seemed normal enough, so we scheduled an appointment. The Deacon rescheduled a few times, and then on the last re-schedule he said that he would be meeting with us instead of the Pastor. This seemed a little odd, but we both took off work early one day and went to the Church to meet with the Deacon. There we spent 40 minutes with the Deacon talking in circles, and ultimately saying that because we live together, we are not allowed to participate in their program. Now I have no problem with that rule, but if it is a rule, they should state it up front or he could have told us that via email or phone. Why waste our time re-scheduling several times? As I sat in that awkward and uncomfortable meeting, I have never been so humiliated - I felt like a child being chastised. Whatever your beliefs, I felt judged by a stranger that day. God is the only one who can judge, and I was beyond upset that we were turned away like that. I will never go back to this Church because they treat people in this way. read more

Wonderful Pastor and choir. We used to go for the Christmas shows driving 70 miles from NJ but stop going after the church let the anti-Christian senator Chuck Schumer on the pulpit few years ago. read more

I came to this church on sunday 3/29/15. I was invited by some relatives whom wanted to visit the church and attend an easter play. The play started with a very profound monologue about love and how us, individuals have an unfullfilling thirst to be loved and are constantly looking for things to fill the gap. I was highly impacted becouse I am one of those people. The play began, mostly focused on the crucifixion. To much pain displayd and intense red lighting for my taste but non the less a wonderfull experience. The inside of the churches building is magnificent. The congrgation is extreamly diverse. We live in a world that sometimes feels so full of separation, discrimination and often negative atmospheres, so, it was very emotive to be able to share such a moment. At the end the pastor spoke beautiful words that I felt were very heartfull. All the ushers and people working for the activity were wonderfull, very welcoming. I had a great experience, I thank the Lord and for the activity and all the beautifull faces I saw, all of us together with one objective on our mind and hearts. I definatly recomend. read more

Here is a Church where you can really be blessed, find God, be taught God's word and hear one of the most awesome Choirs ever.. Do you know that the Brooklyn Tabernacle blesses lives all around the world.That they help feed our homeless and less fortunate. They minister in foreign countries and prisons. And they started from a small storefront church at 543 Atlantic Avenue, when they were then known as The Brooklyn Gospel Tabernacle. Even then they were a blessing. Countless people were saved. I use to go to there services on Sundays, and when they had services with the Baptist Temple. They have three services on Sunday, one is at 9AM, the second is at 12 Noon, and the third is at 3PM. They have a Tuesday night Prayer meeting as well. If you need a good church to go to come to Brooklyn Tabernacle. Many people have been saved from this ministry, some went on to have recording contracts, and sang in choirs.You will be blessed. Come All Are Welcome. Come see the Christmas play coming up too.The Brooklyn Tabernacle Does have a teaching ministry as well look on there website as the Pastor expounds on various books of the bible. read more

I moved to NY from GA and I was really concerned about finding a church home. I am so glad that I walked through the doors. The Word, the choir, and the people are wonderful. I'm so blessed! Every church has its challenges. People are not perfect but every mature Christian knows that. If you want to grow and be a part of God's work then you should definitely visit. read more

i amm actually a member of The Brooklyn Tabernacle for the past 9yrs also was involveed in Ministry , however i had to step aside for a time because of the nature of my job. The lead pastor Jim Cymbla and his wife who leads the choir are really devoted to the love and will of God. I can hear passion for their love of God in their lives they are not perfect none of us are but God works in them and they truly gave of themselves to theprompting of the Holy Spirit a great time in worship with the presence of the Holy Spirit is all we need to find peace hope and deliverance. Blessins to all. read more