Specialties
Here at Vertical Church (formerly known as Living Word Ministries) we know that it can be a little intimidating visiting a church for the first time. That is why we love to make our guests feel welcomed and at home. When you visit us, you'll be greeted at the door by one of our friendly members. Our Info Centers, staffed by lots of friendly people who would love to help you out in any way that they can, are great places to ask questions and find out more about Vertical Church. Stop by our Connexus Café before or after each celebration for a warm cup of coffee or choose from our selection of specialty drinks and variety of baked goods.
Your children will also be warmly welcomed. Children six weeks to grade k can be checked in to our underwater themed Discovery Cove Nursery and Preschool to be cared for, ministered to and loved on by our team. School age kids can be checked in to Vertical Kids for an awesome service designed just for them.
You'll notice we have no dress code. You'll s
History
Established in 1978.
Vertical Church, formerly known as Living Word Ministries, began in 1978 as a small home Bible study with four people. As the years passed we moved to several locations to accommodate our continued growth.
In 1988, Living Word moved to its first permanent location on Bull Hill Lane where we remained for 12 years. To accommodate continued growth, we purchased 36 acres on Meloy Road, formerly known as Soundview Farm. In October 2000, we moved into our new 73,000 square foot facility on our present campus.
On November 21, 2004, Pastors Ken and Kathy Vance were ordained to take the leadership of Living Word Ministries. Over the years it became more apparent to them that God was leading the church to expand beyond its "walls". With a solid foundation on the Word of God, it was time to be the hands and feet of Jesus and reach out into their community. Creating a culture of "Loving God and Serving People" with an emphasis on reaching the unchurched led to the step of changing their name.
Meet the Business Owner: Pastor Ken V.
Pastor Ken Vance is a dynamic pastor and teacher from West Haven, Connecticut, with a unique and powerful gift for presenting the Word of God. Pastor Ken's creativity and humor make understanding the good news of Jesus Christ easy, his conversational approach equips people to be all they can be in living out their redemptive purpose.
Pastor Vance earned an Associate's degree in Business Administration and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. In 1996, he married his wife, Kathy, and together they have two sons, Ryan and Austin.
Before entering full-time ministry, Ken Vance pioneered a successful insurance agency in 1984. He left secular employment in 1998 to assume the role of Associate Pastor at, what was then known as, Living Word Ministries. Pastor Ken became the Senior Pastor in November 2004. Under his leadership, Vertical Church is moving forward and is reaching the New Haven area, as well as the world, with God's love and transforming power.
With a heart for reviva