Making a Difference
Founded in 1980 by Senior Pastors Mac and Lynne Hammond, Living Word is a Bible-based, Spirit-empowered, and growing church committed to sharing the hope of the Gospel and making a difference in people’s lives.
Today we meet as one church in several locations with a heart to serve people with the unconditional and unlimited love of God for all. Our heart is for you to know the person of Jesus and to genuinely experience the life and hope He has to offer. That’s why our mission is to reach people, touch lives, and make a difference.
The best way to do that is through the uncompromising Word of God, so our weekend services are central to everything we do. Each service offers a great opportunity to build a rock-solid spiritual foundation that will prepare you for a growing experience of God’s goodness and plan for your life.
Our Congregation
Living Word is first a family, one that is passionate about following Jesus and committed to love, serve, and do life with one another. Our value for relationships makes us stronger, grows us personally, and equips us to truly make a difference. Our heartbeat is to love God and love people as we bring the message of God’s grace to a world searching and in need!
From the moment you walk in the door, our desire is that you feel welcomed by our church family and personally experience God’s presence. You will be greeted with warm, friendly faces who will be happy to answer any questions and provide direction during your visit. We hope you will feel comfortable and energized as you enjoy inspiring worship and a practical message shared directly from God’s Word.
Our Beliefs
We’re here to reach people, touch lives, and make a difference.
We are Family
All of us come from different backgrounds and with life stories just as varied. We are works in progress who do our best to love Jesus and one another. We recognize that church is not the building—it is us.
Lives of Purpose
Life is busy and sometimes it is easy to forget that there is something more. We may not have all the answers, but we believe that living life with an eternal perspective changes things. We want to help you know Jesus and live the life you were created for—it’s that simple.
Not a Fan of Coincidence
We believe that there is a Creator who made you and that He has a special plan for you. There’s nothing we’d like more than for you to visit, to hear God’s Word shared with boldness, and to meet some of our family. We understand we’re not for everyone, but maybe—just maybe—we’re right for you. Come on by, catch us online, or simply shoot us a message. We’d love to get to know you.
Have Questions?
Maybe you’ve never been to church or grew up in a church that was more about rules than relationship. You are not alone. Others in our church family have felt that way, but found Living Word to be just what they needed! We look forward to helping you find the answers, and we truly believe this can be the beginning of the most beautiful relationship of your life.
Our Pastors
Mac & Lynne Hammond
Senior Pastors
Senior Pastors
Pastors Mac and Lynne Hammond
Mac and Lynne Hammond are the senior pastors of a large body of believers at Living Word, located in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Mac is broadly acclaimed for his ability to apply the principles of the Bible to practical situations and the challenges of daily living.
While helping her husband pastor Living Word, Lynne travels internationally as a teacher and author on the subject of prayer. The desire of her heart is to impart principles of corporate and Spirit-led prayer to the Church all throughout the world.
After 43 years, Living Word’s church attendance has grown from twelve people, to an active church body of more than 10,000 members. One of Living Word’s biggest goals is to send the hope of the Gospel all across the world.
Jim Hammond
Executive Pastor
Executive Pastor
Jim Hammond
Jim Hammond has worked in various areas at Living Word since 1991 including Facility Maintenance, Living Free Recovery Services, and Maranatha Christian Academy as the Athletic Director. Jim is currently the Executive Teaching Pastor at Living Word and has been consistently in the pulpit at Living Word since 2005.
Executive Team
Pastor Treena Haase
Chief of Staff
Living Free Recovery Services
Care and Counseling
Pastor Ken Olson
Deputy Chief of Staff
Prayer, LWNW, LWO, IT
Rick Bruce
CFO
Directors
Pastor Tim Amstutz
Key Events, Service Production, AVL
Pastor Heather Sibinski
LW Women’s Pastor, Building & Property, Coffee House, LW Store, & Protective Services
Pastor Baltimore Medina
Creative and Communications Director, Web, Graphic Design, Social Media, Video, and LW Marriage Matters Leader
Pastor Alicia Weiers
Birth-Kindergarten, Grades 1-5, Compass
Pastor Dustin Sherry
Youth, Young Adults, Internship (Next Gen)
Deb Larson
MCA Head of School
Pastor Folu Gisanri
Life & Large Groups, Guest Experience, Member Services, Ministry Support, Outreach, Evangelism, Processing Center, & Reception
Campus Pastors
Pastor John Gapp
Living Word Online
Pastor Brandon Lyles
Living Word Northwest
Family Ministry
Pastor Ginny Shunkwiler
Kids Birth–Kindergarten
Pastor Alicia Weiers
Grades 1-5
Pastor Sabrinna Sherry
Family Support
Pastor Dustin Sherry
Youth, Young Adults
Living Word Pastoral Staff
Pastor Angela Watkins
Volunteer Coordinator
Pastor Nick Kinn
Evangelism
Pastor Kent Otey
Missions
Pastor DuWayne Petersen
Minstry Support
Pastor Jeff Kruse
Manhood, LW Marriage, Altar Ministry
Pastor Tammara Gisanri
Life & Large Groups, Visitor & Member Relations
Pastor Ashton Harrison
Worship
Pastor Deb Campbell
Jewish Christian Relations, CUFI State Director
Pastor Keve Israelson
Executive Assistant in Worship
Care and Counseling
Pastor Michael Minton
Care & Counseling, Ministry Support
Pastor Roxanne Keller
Care & Counseling Lay Pastor
Our Partners
We don’t want to limit God’s love to the four walls of our church. That’s why we love reaching into our community and beyond! We want to bring encouragement and hope to a world in need. Some of the ways we’re making an impact include the following ministries that enable us to connect not only into our local communities, but the nation and beyond.
Mac and Lynne Hammond are bringing God’s Word to the world through The Winner’s Way broadcast and global church planting. Partner with them to plant 50 churches around the world in 5 years!
Teaching and equipping you to grow in your relationship with God and live a life of Spirit-inspired prayer!
An academically rigorous and distinctly Christian school dedicated to excellence, faith, and developing life-long learners!
Living Free is committed to offering hope and unconditional love to people impacted by chemical use. Lasting change starts from the inside; therefore, we provide powerful principles of recovery along with a faith-based approach resulting in lifelong freedom and achievement of one’s full potential.
This unique library offers resources and materials to enrich your understanding of the Jewish community and the nation of Israel.
C-faith provides access to an ever-expanding library of multimedia biblical teachings that will assist and enhance your spiritual growth, help you connect with other believers, and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ.