“Sharper than any two-edged sword” That’s how the Church of the Living Word describes the word of God. We’re standing before a place with a mission rooted in the belief of life-changing power. This is the Church of the Living Word in Los Angeles.
Since 1964 the Church of the Living Word has served the people of the North Hills and greater Los Angeles. The church’s history reflects a dedication to biblical truth. It also shows apostolic authority in the modern age.
Many of the church’s founding members came from Grace Chapel in South Gate California. They wanted to establish a church in the San Fernando Valley. A small group began meeting in homes and facilities. They met around the Valley in the early 1960s. Eventually they built the current facility in North Hills.
John McKune a contractor and elder donated the blueprints and construction work. Church members also helped build the church. They donated their time and labor. The sanctuary was completed in 1964.
The first service was held on Thanksgiving Day November 26 1964. The building was dedicated in 1965. In March 1968 the Church of the Living Word became an independent congregation.
In 1969 John Stevens started the School for Ministries on Saturday mornings. These lessons were videotaped. They were later distributed worldwide. The church supported this ministry. It printed and published Stevens’ teachings. His teachings became known as “the living Word” to that generation.
In the early days the church envisioned a school to train young people. It would focus on academics and spiritual growth. The church purchased land across the street. This prepared the way for the future school.
Classes began in small houses across the street in September 1974. Construction also began on an annex to the church. This annex would initially house the school. By the early 1980s the school included preschool through high school.
Construction started on the current school facility in the early 1990s. It was completed by 1997. The school campus includes educational facilities. It also has an athletic field an elementary play yard and an amphitheater.
Originally the school was called Centers of Learning. In 2019 the name changed to North Valley Christian School. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits the school.
The church facilities include a sanctuary offices a large kitchen and fellowship areas. The sanctuary has served many purposes. It has hosted choir performances. Choirs from universities like Yale Princeton UCLA and USC have performed here.
The church has been a blessing to the local community. It has hosted Bible conferences and art shows. It has also hosted events for the Los Angeles Police Department and its chaplains. North Valley Christian School uses the sanctuary as an auditorium. They use it for assemblies musicals and chapel services.
The Church of the Living Word has always been independent. It was affiliated with churches started by John Robert Stevens for much of its history. This fellowship of churches became the Living Word Fellowship. The leadership of the Living Word Fellowship directed much of the congregation’s oversight.
Under John Robert Stevens and later Gary and Marilyn Hargrave the church saw many ministries. These ministries were faithful to their calling. They gave their lives in the house of God. Many people came to know Jesus Christ. They experienced His unconditional love and forgiveness. The church campus has hosted baptisms weddings and memorials. It has also celebrated biblical feasts. These include Passover Pentecost Tabernacles and Purim.
The Living Word Fellowship dissolved in November 2018. The Church of the Living Word reorganized its operating structure. Local elders lead the congregation now. Local trustees manage it.
The Church of the Living Word is ready for a new season. Growth and blessing are coming. The congregation and leadership commit to following God’s Word. They will follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. They want to share the living Word of God. They want to share it with those who desire a daily walk with the Lord. As we leave remember the active Word spoken here for generations.