Consider this: Living Word Community’s story is interwoven with threads from the Welsh Revival of 1904. It also has roots in the 1906 Azusa Street “Outpouring of the Holy Spirit” in Los Angeles. This blend of influences shaped its unique identity.
Living Word Community began with two women in Pennsylvania. One was black and one was white. They prayed together for a spiritual awakening. They met with other Christians in East Lansdowne, Delaware County. These women also held street meetings on North Broad Street in Philadelphia. They had a heart for the city.
In the early 1920s, these prayer partners journeyed to Wales. They wanted to see the revival firsthand. A team of four pastors and prophets came to Philadelphia after their visit. They reported on the Holy Spirit’s movement in Wales. An Apostolic Church congregation formed in East Lansdowne in 1927.
The church moved to Center City Philadelphia in 1955. It was then known as Philadelphia Gospel Temple. In 1977, the congregation officially became The Living Word Community.
Today, Living Word Community stands as a multicultural fellowship. It is founded on the Living Word. The community seeks to see the Holy Spirit open hearts to salvation through Jesus Christ. They aim to change lives in their community and across the globe.
Living Word Community welcomes everyone no matter where they are in life. They invite all on their journey with God. Sunday services are held at 10:15 am. The community believes life is better together.
The church is committed to following Jesus. They deeply experience God’s love and presence through His Spirit. Living Word believes that faith in Jesus Christ is best experienced with others. It promotes life change to be more like Him. It empowers its members to use their gifts to love and serve others locally and abroad.
The leaders of Living Word Community include Dave and Seema Freer. They are the Lead Elders and Pastors. Ted and Karen Lewis serve as Elders. Karl and Maria Dreher are Elders and Worship Leaders. Dan and Donna Moser are Elders and lead the Homeless Ministry. Efrain and Eva Posada also serve as Elders.
Several members serve as Deacons and Ministry Leaders. Elizabeth Centurion-Patel is a Deacon. Seema Freer leads the Women’s Ministry. Ted and Patty Hewson are involved in the Homeless Ministry. Alex and Deborah Molloy are Deacons and lead the Young Adult Ministry. Aaron Ruiz is a Deacon and Worship Leader. Scott and Gretchen Schwartzman lead the Men’s Ministry and Dance Ministry. Beth Seguinot is a Deacon and the Sunday School Director.
Living Word Community believes the Bible is the ultimate truth. They try to apply it to their lives. The community wants to experience the best God has for them. They strive to be a welcoming, loving, supportive community. They want to be clear in what they believe. Living Word’s foundation allows people to get to know who they are alongside what they believe.