OUR STORY SO FAR.
25 YEARS OF CALGARY LIFE CHURCH
From the 1980’s-90’s Pastors Anthony and Madeleine were heavily involved in missions all over the world, seeing thousands of people come to know Christ and pioneering gospel movements in post-Soviet states, cannibal tribes in Papua New Guinea and reaching refugees in the middle east. Then, in 1997 Anthony & Madeleine Greco received a call from God saying “I will continue to bless your evangelistic office, however I am building my church.”
Pastor’s Anthony and Madeleine knew that they were called to start a church in Calgary, the city they had just relocated to.
With no previous experience in church planting, no support, no equipment and no building, they heard God confirm his word saying: “Start; You already have everything you need.”
So, In 1999 Calgary Life Church began. CLC began as a bible study in a basement, and an ad in a newspaper. We began to rapidly outgrow buildings, moving from the Greco’s house to the basement of the Radisson hotel, to the Polish Canadian centre, and then after two years CLC moved to the Dreamplex.
As we were looking for a permanent place to call home, we moved into the old Dreamplex theatre and began to grow, moving to 2 services and seeing salvations every week. Then in 2008, amidst the global economic crisis, we were told we would have 8 months left in the building. Once again, God gave us a word. Using Acts 28:30 God promised two more years in the Dreamplex.
“For two whole years Paul stayed there, in his own rented house, and welcomed all who came to see him.”
In 2010, our time at the Dreamplex had ended. We had been given 90 days to reimagine our Sunday Services. We began to set up and tear down every Sunday morning at the Sunridge Cineplex Theatre. With a dedicated group of volunteers, we would start setting up as early as 5:00am! Bringing a trailer filled with equipment to the theatre; we transformed movie theatres into church auditoriums, party rooms into Sunday School, and then we would pack everything up and leave before 12:30pm. Regardless of how it looked, the mission was still the same: Seeing lives transformed by the power of Jesus and His gospel.
While we still saw thousands of people impacted by Calgary Life Church, we longed for a home; Somewhere CLC could be a permanent fixture in a community.
For years our search for a permanent home showed no progress; Looking at dozens of buildings and placing 15 offers, we were empty handed. But, Jesus remained faithful, and once again, God gave us a word. Mark 5:21 “Now when Jesus had crossed over again by boat to the other side, a great multitude gathered to Him.” We knew God was calling us to the other side of the Bow River - the South East!
Then in 2015, we purchased and began to renovate the building we now have. An old heavy machinery mechanic garage transformed into a church. After almost 2 years of renovations we began to hold services here and our first Sunday was November 6th, 2016. From there, we expanded greatly and we began to reach those in the community around us and impact the South East of Calgary.
Then in our 20th year the pandemic hit, and during a time where churches were struggling, we had a different experience; we grew during the pandemic! Jesus was faithful and through him we reached new heights. In a period of time of instability, Jesus confirmed his word. We have seen more growth in this season than at any other time in CLC history. Jesus said: “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail.”
Calgary Life Church started 25 years ago with a word from God and simple obedience from Pastors Anthony & Madeleine. With just a word from God, all things are possible. You and I are a part of something bigger than ourselves. The church is not a building; You are Calgary life Church. We have something our city needs, the message of hope found in Jesus.
There are over 1.5 million people in Calgary. The job is not done! There are lost people who need to be found, broken families to be restored, bodies to be healed, and lives to be transformed. The Great Commission is to go out in all the world and make disciples, what are we waiting for?
Go! In Christ, you already have all that you need.
There are over 1.5 million people in Calgary. The job’s not done. There are lost people who need to be found, broken families to be restored, bodies to be healed, lives to be transformed. The great commission is to go out in all the world and make disciples, what are we waiting for?
Go, God has already given us all that we need.
OUR PASTORS: ANTHONY AND MADELEINE
For 25 years, our senior pastors, Anthony and Madeleine have lead Calgary Life Church, and they’re not stopping now! Calgary Life Church continues to grow and thrive under their leadership because of God’s faithfulness and their continued obedience and trust to say yes to the call He has given them.
