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Each week, Neighbors Northwest features a question-and-answer
profile of a house of worship in the community and its religious leader.
Pastor Steven Macaluso, senior pastor of Liverpool Community Church,
answered our questions this week.
Name of Church:
Liverpool Community Church
Address:
7570 Oswego Road, Liverpool
Who is the pastor?
Steven Macaluso
How many years has he led the group?
Seven
Briefly, what are your denomination's core beliefs:
We exist to bring a never changing message to the ever changing world we live in.
Describe the beginnings of the group and any significant historical events in its evolution:
Our goal was to bring a Bible-teaching, relevant, contemporary ministry to the Liverpool area. Over
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the past seven years, we have grown from 20 to 200. It is our goal to continue to find unique ways to relate to the community we have been called to serve.
How have the core values of your denomination and your congregation changed over the years?
Core values rarely if ever change. They are what drive the mission. Methods change that reflects the desire to pull off the mission.
Average attendance during weekend worship services?
200-plus
Describe the makeup of the membership:
Our congregation genuinely reflects our community. We have a very healthy mix of young, old, married, single, etc.
What obstacles has the church overcome in recent years?
Well, starting a church is a huge task, especially if thegoal is convert growth vs. transfer growth, but
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God is able to do immeasurably more than we can even imagine. That's really cool because I can imagine a lot!
Is there an interesting aspect of your congregation that you wish more people knew about?
We are a very unique congregation I guess every congregation is. This is an accepting, loving, serving, very real group. I think that is why we have grown. The church really models the love of Christ!
What are the greatest challenges -- spiritual, practical, secular or financial -- facing your congregation?
Keeping ahead of the growth, financial, physically and Spiritually, is a challenge we
always need more space and more people to implement programs, classes, etc.
What are the greatest challenges facing the nation as a whole?
Wow! That's a tough question. I don't have all of the
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answers, but I know this country was founded on biblical, Christian principles. A step in the right direction would be a step back to those principles and its our responsibility to pray for our leaders to that end.
Does the church offer outreach services, food pantries or other charitable services?
Yes, we have a food pantry, and we participate in a variety of ways to assist people verypractically and remind them that God loves them. We call them random acts of kindness, but they are more intentional than random.
Questions for the pastor:
What is your Favorite verse from scripture?
Philippians 4:6,7 peace is what we all look for, God is the-one who gives it. This verse reminds me of that reality.
Who is your all-time spiritual hero?
Billy Graham and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They
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both dared to be real and different to make a difference, and they both challenged the world's purity without sacrificing their own.
What is the hardest thing about being a member of the clergy?
It seems the work is never done and never easy.
What's the funniest "God question" a small child ever asked you?
A child once said, "You and God are a lot alike, you're both old."
What do you do to recharge your spiritual batteries?
I listen to tapes from others. I respect every week, good music, hunt with my dog, and play with my family.
What can the community do to assist the church?
Nothing. The church doesn't exist to be served but to serve. We too often forget that.
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