About Us

ABOUT US

We are real people, living in a real world, serving a real God. We are a community of people who are striving together to discover God's purpose and plan for our lives. Proverbs 27:17 states that "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. " So, we believe that life is better together!

We strive to be a church without walls, as Jesus calls for us to go outside the walls to reach the lost and the broken. At LifeWay, we want to reach the "One", the One who is feeling disconnected, the One who is far from God.

We highly value our relationships with one another. We look to grow through fellowship and ultimately growing closer to God. We value the word of God, and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. We look to extend grace to all of the lost and broken, and lead those with no hope to the hope of Jesus.

WHO WE ARE

OUR MISSION

LifeWay Church exists to "Reach The One" in the greater Hartford area and beyond, to help them connect with God, others, and community.

OUR VISION

LIfeWay Church does not just exist for the people who are here, we exist for the people who are not here yet. We want you to be a part of reaching the one who is lost, absent, or disconnected.

OUR VALUES

We love God passionately. We will do anything short of sin to "Reach the One". We are spiritual contributors not spiritual consumers. We desire to grow. We laugh hard, loud and often. We believe in life-changing encounters. We put His Kingdom first. We believe you belong. We believe the best of each other.

STATEMENT OF FAITH

What do we believe about God?

We believe in one God who is the Creator of all things. He is all-knowing and all- powerful. He is unconditionally loving, relentlessly merciful, and absolutely just. And He has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

What do we believe about Jesus Christ?

We believe that Jesus Christ was fully human and fully God. He lived a sinless life. He died a substitutionary death on the cross. And He was raised from the dead on the third day.

What do we believe about mankind?

We believe that humankind is created in the image of God. We believe that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And we believe that unconditional love, unlimited forgiveness, and undying hope are found in Jesus Christ—the one and only mediator between God and man.

What do we believe about the Bible?

We believe that God is beyond human reason and imagination, but He has revealed Himself through His Word. The Bible is our source of divine inspiration and timeless wisdom. We believe the Bible is inspired, authoritative, and infallible.

What do we believe about the Holy Spirit?

We believe the Spirit of God indwells every believer. The fruits of the Spirit are the by-product of a spirit-filled life and evidence of spiritual maturity. The gifts of the Spirit should be earnestly sought and used to serve others and glorify God.

OUR STAFF

Steve Cianci

Lead Pastor

A Newington native, Steve Cianci is co-founder and lead pastor here at Lifeway. He and his wife, Tina, have been married for over 20 years and have 2 boys, Michael and Silas. Pastor Steve is a church planter and musician with a heart to reach people with the love of Jesus. When not with his family or sharing the gospel, Pastor Steve is often found playing retro video games and listening to podcasts.

Christine

Crowley

Executive Pastor

Christine has served in ministry for over 20 years alongside her husband, Pastor Tim Crowley. A mom of five and former nurse, she now serves full-time at LifeWay Church, where her greatest passion is helping people discover how they were uniquely created for a Kingdom purpose. When she’s not planning or pastoring, you might find her curled up with a bowl (or three) of Lucky Charms, dreaming about van life adventures.

Matt Raineault

Life Groups Pastor

Pastor Matt has a heart for community and a passion for discipleship. He is committed to helping people connect, grow, and thrive in their faith journey. Pastor Matt believes that life is better together and works tireliessly to create meaningful and authentic relationships within our church community.

Tina Cianci

Worship Pastor

A Montreal, Canada native, Tina’s love for music has been a lifelong journey which started out with a little girl singing solos in church. As her love for music grew, she stepped into her role of leading worship. Tina is married to lead pastor Stephen Cianci and has 2 sons, 2 cats, and a dog named Ruger she has plastered all over her social media.

Jose and Evette Rivera

Family Pastor

Pastor Jose and Evette Rivera are passionate about creating a safe, joyful, and faith-filled environment where children can grow in their relationship with God. Through engaging lessons, laughter, and love, they help kids experience the wonder of God in real and exciting ways.

They’re the proud parents of four beautiful daughters and love serving together as a family to build up the next generation.

Tim Crowley

Digital Media and Online Campus Pastor

Born and raised in Connecticut, Tim serves as the Digital Media and Online Campus Pastor at LifeWay Church. With a deep love for people and a heart to reach the next generation, Tim uses technology to help others experience the gospel—both in person and online.

He and his wife Christine (LifeWay’s Executive Pastor) are raising five amazing kids and doing their best to keep up with the laundry.

Kristy Koyama

LifeWay Learning Center Director & Head Teacher

Born and raised in Newington, Kristy has been working with children and families for over 20 years. Kristy has been attending LifeWay Church for 6 years and leads our Guest Services department. She has been the Head Teacher at LifeWay Learning Center for 2 1/2 years.

In her down time, she loves spending time with her family, listening to music, and cooking.

Joel Rissinger

Pastor Emeritus & Co-Founder

Pastor Joel has been in ministry for over 30 years as a pastor, speaker, writer, and chaplain. He has a heart to see lives transformed through Jesus Christ.

REACHING THE ONE