A Community

First and foremost we are people united by faith and connected in community. We cannot be reduced to an institution, a location or an event.

A Catalyst

We’re an agent of change and a tribe of believers with the audacity to believe that by His grace we could influence a city that influences the world.

A Cause

We believe in the gospel and its power to bring generations to authentic, life-altering relationship with Jesus Christ.

I will never forget our first trip to New York City when Paul and I were in the valley of decision as to whether we were going to move our whole lives here (including our three children under the age of five) to plant a church. When we landed on the runway at JFK I was expecting to feel some semblance of “home” but if I am totally honest, I didn’t at first.

New York is one of the world’s greatest cities, yet from the moment we landed my heart was burdened for the people here. I felt overwhelmed by the scale of the need that surrounded me. I saw loneliness in so many peoples’ eyes. I saw a sea of people… many of them searching, looking, desiring to find what they were looking for. You only have to ride on the Subway for 20 seconds to see it. It’s a city of contrasts and extremes.

On one of the first few nights in the city in our hotel room, I was in one of those “valley” moments where I was questioning God…

What are we thinking? Why would we move our kids to a city that never sleeps? I might never have the so-called “dream home”, living in an apartment with no back yard! What if we fail? God speak to me, give me a sign! This makes no sense!!!

And He spoke in a rebuke (like only a Dad can…) Continue Reading

I am sitting here writing this at “Joe”, a coffee shop in the West Village located on the concrete island of Manhattan. “Oldies” songs are playing from my childhood that remind me of my dad and I just can’t stop singing.

I can’t stop pinching myself either because it feels like I am living in a dream world. But I’ve gotta be honest, all this pinching is inflicting pain… because I am not living in a dream. I am living in my amazing, over the top ridiculous, fun reality.

You see, 4 1/2 years ago while my husband Paul, our eldest child Ezekiel and I were living in Sydney Australia, I woke up from a deep sleep having just had what seemed like a crazy dream… one of those dreams that’s not just a dream but you feel that someday might just be your reality. Yes, it was one of those dreams.

So the dream went like this… Paul, myself and not one but three little kids, were on a subway in New York City on our way home from a service at a church that we had planted. Now at the time, as I mentioned, we only had one child so this seemed to be “craziness in dream land”. I could hear the sound of the clicking and clacking of the subway on the tracks. I saw and felt the wave of people swaying to the movement of the subway car … and I knew that this was in our future. It was vivid and real. I could see these three little people that were my children but not their faces, and I knew in my heart that our family was home. Continue Reading

I distinctly remember the day I stood on the Statue of Liberty, desperately seeking God’s will on our plan to move to New York. It was a hot August afternoon and we’d waited for nearly two hours to make the climb. Finally we stood at Liberty’s feet… taking in the view. By this point we were all but committed to moving to New York City. Andi had distinctly heard God’s leading the day before in the 9/11 Memorial in St Paul’s chapel. But I wanted my own revelation, something to come back to when the road got tough, and I knew it would.

I remember feeling overwhelmed. The size of the city. The fact that at that time we knew two people there. Two people, in a city of millions. My business was flourishing in Australia and suddenly we were considering moving to New York… the most expensive city in the world… during the worst crisis since the Great Depression… leaving family and friends behind… to plant a church… and take my business global. I thought to myself many times, “Either this is God, or this is insanity”.

How will we live? Will I find new clients? Will anyone come to our church? Where will the money come from? Oh God… is this You?

I stared at the Manhattan skyline. I’m embarrassed to admit it but I was hoping God would give me a scripture promise in that moment. In all honesty I was worried as a husband and Dad, “How will I provide?”. Yes, I know all the right things to say. “God provides, not you Paul”. But in my humanity I was afraid. Continue Reading

So who on earth are Paul and Andi Andrew?

Well, there aren’t too many people who think moving to New York City with three kids under the age of 5 is a good idea… but Paul and Andi did. Being married for 8 years there is also over 30 years of leadership experience between them.

Andi
Andi grew up in Spokane WA and met Paul in bible school at Hillsong College in Sydney, Australia. Andi truly is an outstanding preacher and it’s little wonder that she leaves such an impact on those who hear her speak. Both Andi and Paul were Pastors at Hillsong Church for many years, overseeing the care of thousands of people and hundreds of volunteers, as well as preaching around the world. For the last few years Andi has been a full-time Mom (aka Mum) to their three young kids. Now Andi’s overseeing the running of Liberty Church and helping people get connected and involved. She also has a secret passion for 80s music (ok, it’s not a secret) and apparently she’s a talented juggler… three kids / marriage / ministry / travel / running a household!

Paul
Born in Sydney, Paul connected with Jesus when he was 16 years old. Never one to do things half-baked, he was in full-time volunteer ministry from the day after he graduated from high school. For 16 years Paul was in senior leadership in non-profit organisations – including Hillsong Church, government funded youth programs, and Youth Alive NSW. It was through those years that he developed his passion for the art and science of leadership as he led as many as 600 staff and volunteers. In 2008 Paul launched his own business called The Leadership Coach, and today is speaking, coaching and training around the world in the corporate sector, helping everyday leaders become effective leaders. Mid-week his main focus is building his business which is also helping fund Liberty Church, though he and Andi are very much in it together when it comes to Liberty Church.

Liberty Church is really a team, not a couple. Not superstars – just a team of very ordinary people who love Jesus with all their hearts as they serve their city.

In June 2010 Paul and Andi Andrew moved to New York City to establish Liberty Church with a passionate team. Beginning with connect groups across Manhattan and Brooklyn, the Liberty Church community is growing fast. We’re a Christian church and we hope to launch services on Sundays in the not-too-distant future.

If you, or anyone you know, is in the Greater NYC Area and you’d like to find out more, get connected or be involved just click here.

Or read these recent posts-

• Paul & Andi Andrew
• What Would You Give For A City?
• What is Liberty Church?