Liberty Church Union Square

I’ll never forget the first time I visited Liberty USQ. Even though I grew up in the church, Liberty was the first time I experienced being in a room that was literally erupting with praise for Jesus, and love for Him and one another. I was so intrigued by the passion of the church, the compassion of the people there, and their zealous lifestyles. The people went out of their way to introduce themselves to me. They always remembered my name. They’d invited me to lunch and hang out week after week. They were/​are living vessels of the Father’s love, and without a doubt I have felt the Father’s love through their faith and obedience.
Liberty has now been my home for 2 years, I can honestly say walking in community with these people, partnering with them in prayer daily, and being under the love and leadership of our Pastors, Parker + Jessi, has changed my life. Liberty USQ is my family –and for them I am so grateful! Their zeal and faith has never ceased to encourage and inspire me. This is the type of community we are called to as followers of Jesus! I am honored to be a part of it. If you’re looking for a church to call home, to dive deeper in the word and the Father’s love with community… come here. We truly would love to see you at USQ :)

I started at Liberty when I started college here in NYC. That was almost 4 years ago. That was also when this USQ community launched.
I have never witnessed faith as fervent, prayer as powerful, and messages as practical as they are anointed, then I have here at Liberty. Parker and Jessi Green are also incredible leaders, and just really great people who are willing to take the time to see you through in whatever you’re facing.
There are so many thriving churches here I’m NYC, contrary to popular belief. But if you’re looking for a place to be planted and rooted, so you can then flourish, this is the place.

I’m a student at The King’s College in Downtown Manhattan, and I have found my church home at Liberty Church. I come from a tight church community in southeastern PA, and I never thought it would be possible to connect with people in a truly meaningful way in a city as big as New York. The people I met at Liberty are genuine, imperfect, inspiring, beautiful people. I am a better person because of what this church has done in my life. There is some serious kingdom-​building happening here, and I am honored to have a role in this God-​honoring endeavor. Hope you’ll visit us! #FiredUp

Liberty has been my home church for about 6 months. Even though this seems like a short amount of time, I have cultivated life long, meaningful friendships and have deepened my faith in unexplainable ways. I have been to churches my whole life and I have never been around such a passionate, God fearing group of young professionals. Our goal is to change the city of New York for the glorification of God. Liberty is changing my life, and I wouldn’t want to call any other place home.

I’ve had the privilege of calling Liberty home for the last 3+ years. What I’ve found in that time is a group of people who love each other, this city, but most importantly… They LOVE Jesus, and they love building His Church.
Building His Church has meant building a community and not a crowd. Much like the early Church, there is an emphasis on building it together. There is an understanding that iron sharpens iron, and that wherever two or more are gathered in His name, He will also be there. Liberty is a group of people who fervently chase after God, and being part of a community who collectively set their eyes on Jesus is powerful.
We were made for relationship, both with God and our fellow believers, and my experience at Liberty has proven that time after time. I’ve walked through many things in the last few years… and without fail, my community was with me through the good and hard times. When I lost my grandmother, I received encouragement, love, and prayers daily. When I transitioned to a new job, they celebrated and praised God with me. When we announced our soon-​to-​be first child, the response was as if everyone was becoming a parent… not to mention we were given boxes, upon boxes, of baby clothes. We’re all called to love as Jesus did, and I can say without a doubt that I have seen the love of Christ in this church. I have seen people taking people in that had housing issues. I have seen people buying subway passes for others that couldn’t afford it. I’ve seen hundreds (not exaggerating) of lives changed, because a group of people has chosen to worship Christ by simply following his example.
When it comes down to it, Liberty is home to one of the most diverse groups of people I have ever seen. There are people from all walks of life and all kinds of backgrounds, but the unifying center of this church is Jesus and God’s plan for NYC. I have the privilege of doing life with the same people I gather with on a Sunday, and I can tell you that, that passion is a Sunday-​Saturday thing. It’s a lifestyle. I would highly recommend checking out Liberty, and giving community a chance.

Finding a good church is harder than finding a partner, whatever your orientation. I fell in love with Redeemer Presbyterian and had a beautiful long-​term relationship – filled with critical analysis, soul searching, growth, and laughter – but the honeymoon soured when its mission became focused on money and expansion. And, by expansion, I mean total New York domination with cells all over Manhattan, funded by our wallets. The kindness of the congregation changed and Tim Keller preached less and less. I went for a trial separation and a few months later filed for divorce, but darned if I don’t fight pitting my new dates against the glory days of T.K. and Redeemer Pres… I preface my review with this, so you all know I am completely aware of the bias I have to fight in giving new places a fair shake. I actively acknowledge and then check those expectations at the door so I am open to receive a new experience…
Alright, with that out the way, I was terribly disappointed, if not disgusted, by this church. I attended the 7 p.m. service, thankful for a time that fit my schedule. The location is convenient and the entrance, if you quickly browse their website prior to attending, is very easy to locate. I walked in a couple minutes late, but the music was in full swing, and the roughly 100 – 120 seats ¾ full. An usher greeted me and sat me in a seat between two people: one who was visibly annoyed I interrupted his flow, and the other who was so in her flow she didn’t notice. I will admit, the music, though more contemporary than I tend to appreciate, was wonderful. I did find myself drawn in to the fullness of sound, depth of lyrics, and equal commitment of the musicians and congregation. For me, the first time this scenario didn’t yield a performance, rather a true worship gathering. (Note: If you are a traditionalist who does not like attending rock concerts during a church service, don’t even bother with this place. Houselights off, spotlights on, I’m nearly 80% there was fog on stage. Nothing wrong with being a traditionalist, just giving the heads up.) Regardless, we know good music is not enough to make a good church.
After the songs concluded, a very witty and engaging brunette woman took the microphone to give announcements, updates, take prayer requests/​give positive prayer reports, and then finally pray for us. Her presence was lovely, her prayer was strong and sincere. I found myself hoping she was the pastor. She wasn’t. She left the stage for a young man, who was also quite charming, to speak about the difference between tithes and offerings. At the end of his speech, he revealed himself to be the pastor of this location* and spoke of his «smoking hot» wife. However, he deferred his sermon for the founder and head pastor of Liberty, Paul Andrew, to speak.
Paul took the stage and began exclaiming about the church’s three year anniversary in an undeniably thick Australian accent. He proudly spoke of having never visited New York City, but having a vision to move with his wife and start a «church for the business community.» And, by golly, he made that vision a reality. My ears immediately perked up. First, who does not learn and respect the tumultuous climate that is New York City via field research, prior to launching a church? Hubris at its purest. Second, what does it mean to have a church specifically for the business community? Stating it once is off-​putting enough; however, Paul felt the need to underscore it three times. So, basically, he left Australia to launch a church in New York specifically for the wealthy. If this isn’t bad enough, his follow-​up statement blew all redeeming qualities: «Gentrification is a good thing. Going in and making things lovely and beautiful is a wonderful thing. I love gentrification!» Verbatim. I kid you not. I can’t even put a good spin on this quote, especially understanding every neighborhood has plenty of beautiful and lovely people well before imperialistic ignorance moves in to raise their rent and flush them out. I hate to know it, but he lived up to the stereotype of prejudice (often racist) Australians I so badly wanted him to buck and be the anomaly. (If this statement sounds odd, just google Australia and their current treatment of Aborigines («aboos») and race relations. It’ll make US tensions seem like child’s play.)
This self-​righteous country club approach to saving the lost may not deter you, but it was enough to make me leap out my skin and run screaming for a soul shower. Perhaps, I am just too liberal and sensitive. After all, Jesus did only come to heal and save the wealthy. I’m positive it’s written somewhere, «blessed are the rich, for they get a front row at church.» I can’t recall the book and verse, but I’m sure an awesome Unilocaler can find it for me.
Later, I read:
(«feminist» is a dirty word)
*Liberty is also a part of the domination movement, with cells all over the trendiest parts of the city.

If your looking for a community not a crowd, this is the church! Great pastors, wonderful music, and an uplifting community. Amazing friendships and solid people.

Liberty has been my church for over two years and it’s an amazing community. Fun, purposeful, and not just on Sunday morning. There are many ways to get involved in what Liberty is doing in the city and in the world, and to hook into the community in a way that fits your life. Great leaders who really care about the individuals who call Liberty home.