About Living Word
Built on prayer. Rooted in His Word. Fueled by purpose.
The Place Where It All Began
Living Word Fellowship started in a living room – with a group of friends gathered around the Word of God, hungry to know Him more.
We met in homes. We prayed together. We studied Scripture and asked the hard questions: What does God want us to do? Where is He calling us? And here we are today: a church family that spans generations and backgrounds, united by one mission: to live His Word and share His love.
From those early days in living rooms to now, one thing hasn't changed: God continues to meet us in every meeting showing Himself mighty in our midst. To Him be the glory and honor for all that He has done, all that He is doing, and all that He will do!
We believe the church is more than a building, it's a family. It's not a Sunday routine — it's a way of life. And we're not interested in religion or going through the motions. We're here to encounter the living God and witness as He continues to transform every aspect of our lives.
Our mission
Living Word Fellowship lives to make Christlike disciples by reaching, restoring, and equipping our families and community according to the whole counsel of the Word of God.
Our mission is the heartbeat of everything we do. From Sunday mornings to Wednesday night Bible studies, from community service projects to one-on-one discipleship, we're committed to living His WORD out together.
A compass that guides every decision we make as a church family.
Worship
Exalt the name of Jesus in all that we do.
John 12:32, Rom. 12:1
Discipleship
Restore our families and our communities according to God’s Word
Matt. 28:19-20
Evangelism
Reach out into our community with God’s love in practical ways.
Matt. 25:40-45
Fellowship
Cultivate a healthy spiritual climate rooted in love, peace, and joy.
Psalm 133
Core Values
W — Word-Centered Living
We embrace the whole counsel of God’s Word as the foundation for spiritual, relational, physical, and financial flourishing.
Scriptures: Acts 20:27, 3 John 1:2, Mark 12:30, John 10:10, Deuteronomy 8:18, 2 Timothy 3:16
O — Overflowing Worship
We passionately worship God in Spirit and in Truth, glorifying Him with all of our hearts, minds and strength.
Scriptures: John 4:23, Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 12:1-3, Ephesians 1:11-12, 1 Peter 2:9
R — Reliance Through Prayer
We seek, wait upon, and follow the Holy Spirit through prayer, trusting His guidance, power, and direction.
Scriptures: Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Matthew 9:37-38, John 20:21, Acts 1:8, Isaiah 6:8, Colossians 3:17
S — Sent on Mission
We live as Christ’s ambassadors, intentionally bringing His love, hope, and light to our communities and the nations.
Scriptures: Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Matthew 9:37-38, John 20:21, Acts 1:8, Isaiah 6:8, Colossians 3:17
H — Holy Faith in Action
We trust God wholeheartedly and respond in faith with bold obedience, generosity, and expectancy.
Scriptures: Habakkuk 2:4, Luke 6:38, Romans 14:23, Proverbs 3:5-6, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 17:20
I — Inclusive Unity
We celebrate people of every background, culture, ethnicity, and gifting, reflecting God’s glory as one Body in Christ.
Scriptures: 1 Peter 4:10, Ephesians 4:11-16, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Galatians 3:28, Revelation 7:9, Psalm 133:1-3, Acts 2:1
P — Purposeful Generosity
We freely give our time, talents, and resources because God has generously given to us.
Scriptures: John 3:16, Luke 6:38, 2 Corinthians 9:7, 1 Timothy 6:18-19, Mark 12:41-44
LIVING WORD FELLOWSHIP
Our Leadership Team
Meet Pastor Rafie
Rafie Sturgis is a multifaceted leader with over 25 years of ministry experience, devoted to serving others and strengthening the body of Christ as a pastor, mentor, mental health counselor, and church planter.
Throughout the Greater Cleveland area, Rafie has been instrumental in launching and supporting a variety of faith-based initiatives that bring hope and practical help to communities. His heart for service extends into the nonprofit sector, where he has served as both a Program Developer and Executive Director, guiding organizations toward meaningful, community-centered impact.
A passionate advocate for hope, purpose, identity, and spiritual wholeness in Christ, Rafie brings a practical, holistic, and compassionate approach to ministry.
He is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary.
Rafie is married to Sonia, and together they have two sons, Isaiah and Jeremiah. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors.
Leonardo Caraballo
Co-Pastor/Co-Founder
Leonardo's journey in faith and leadership has been profoundly influenced by nearly a decade of mentorship under Pastor Rafie. His extensive commitment to service is evident through numerous leadership roles held over many years, particularly within the worship, youth, and media ministries.
A passionate musician and evangelist from a young age, Leonardo developed his talents as a drummer, performing with his own band and collaborating extensively with various Christian musical groups on stage. He continues to actively contribute his musical gifts as a drummer on the current worship team. Further dedicating himself to spiritual leadership, Leonardo is presently engaged in comprehensive coursework at the Galilean Center, pursuing ministerial ordination.
Outside of his significant ministry involvement, Leonardo is a devoted family man. He is happily married to Ivelisse, and together they are proud parents to their two children, Zion and Natalia. In his leisure, he cherishes quality time with his family, maintains an active lifestyle through fitness, and enjoys the freedom of riding his motorcycle.
Jeriel Santiago
Co-Pastor/Co-Founder
Jeriel Santiago was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of nine—a transition that helped shape his perspective, resilience, and heart for community.
He has long carried a deep passion for serving others through ministry. From preaching from the pulpit to faithfully running production behind the scenes, Jeriel seeks to be faithful and responsive to wherever he is called, serving in different capacities to further the Kingdom of God. He is currently continuing his education at the Galilean Center, where he is pursuing ministerial ordination and deepening his theological foundation with dedication.
Jeriel is a devoted husband and father of three, and he values his family as one of his greatest blessings. He strives to lead his household with faith, love, and integrity, prioritizing meaningful time together.
In his free time, Jeriel enjoys spending quality time with his family, exploring different coffee shops, and cooking while trying out new recipes. He also has a strong interest in theology, apologetics, and the wonders of the universe, and he appreciates engaging in meaningful conversations about faith and beliefs.
Aureanna Santiago
Worship Leader/Church Administrative Assistant
Joel and Lisa Martinez
Youth Leaders
Evy Caraballo
Children's Ministry Leader
Lily Santiago
Women's Ministry Leader / Children's Ministry Leader
Our Beliefs
The Triune God
We believe in one God—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1; Leviticus 19:2; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Isaiah 5:16; 6:1-7; 40:18-31; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19-20; John 14:6-27; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 2:13-18; 1 John 1:5;4:8
Jesus Christ
We believe in Jesus Christ, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead; that He was eternally one with the Father; that He became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and was born of the Virgin Mary, voluntarily setting aside His divine glory and power to become human, as described in Philippians 2:7.
We believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and that He truly arose from the dead and took again His body, together with all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature, wherewith He ascended into heaven and is there engaged in intercession for us.
Matthew 1:20–25; 16:15–16; Luke 1:26–35; John 1:1–18; Acts 2:22–36; Romans 8:3, 32–34; Galatians 4:4–5; Philippians 2:5–11; Colossians 1:12–22; 1 Timothy 6:14–16; Hebrews 1:1–5; 7:22–28; 9:24–28; 1 John 1:1–3; 4:2–3, 15
The Holy Spirit
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Triune Godhead, that He is ever-present and efficiently active in and with the Church of Christ, convincing the world of sin, regenerating those who repent and believe, sanctifying believers, and guiding into all truth as it is in Jesus.
John 7:39; 14:15–18, 26; 16:7–15; Acts 2:33; 15:8–9; Romans 8:1–27; Galatians 3:1–14; 4:6; Ephesians 3:14–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:7–8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 3:24; 4:13
The Holy Scriptures
We believe that the Old and New Testament Scriptures, given by divine plenary inspiration, contain all truth necessary for faith and victorious Christian living.
Luke 24:44–47; John 10:35; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; 1 Peter 1:10–12; 2 Peter 1:20–21
Human Nature
We believe that human beings are born with a fallen nature according to the first Adam and are inclined to evil continually and, therefore, in need of redemption.
Original sin: Genesis 3; 6:5; Job 15:14; Psalm 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9–10; Mark 7:21–23; Romans 1:18–25; 5:12–14; 7:1–8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:1–4; Galatians 5:16–25; 1 John 1:7–8
Personal sin: Matthew 22:36–40 (with 1 John 3:4); John 8:34–36; 16:8–9; Romans 3:23; 6:15–23; 8:18–24; 14:23; 1 John 1:9–2:4; 3:7–10
Christ’s Full Atonement
We believe that Jesus Christ, by His sufferings, by the shedding of His own blood, and by His death on the Cross, made a full atonement for all human sin, and that this Atonement is the only ground of salvation and is sufficient for every individual of Adam’s race. The Atonement is graciously efficacious for the salvation of those incapable of moral responsibility and for children in innocence but is efficacious for the salvation of those who reach the age of responsibility only when they repent and believe.
Isaiah 53:5–6, 11; Mark 10:45; Luke 24:46–48; John 1:29; 3:14–17; Acts 4:10–12; Romans 3:21–26; 4:17–25; 5:6–21; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14–21; Galatians 1:3–4; 3:13–14; Colossians 1:19–23; 1 Timothy 2:3–6; Titus 2:11–14; Hebrews 2:9; 9:11–14; 13:12; 1 Peter 1:18–21; 2:19–25; 1 John 2:1–2
Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
We believe that every son and daughter of God is to be fully sanctified positionally (in Christ) and progressively (by maturing) through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
We believe that, according to Scripture, the hallmark of this baptism or fullness of the Holy Spirit is a surrendered heart that exemplifies the fruit of the Spirit, distinguished by the love of God in the heart of the believer—a love that is displayed vertically toward God and horizontally toward others.
By participating in the means of grace, especially the fellowship, disciplines, and sacraments of the Church, believers grow in grace and in wholehearted love and devotion to God and neighbor.
Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:25–27; Malachi 3:2–3; Matthew 3:11–12; Luke 3:16–17; John 7:37–39; 14:15–23; 17:6–20; Acts 1:5; 2:1–4; 15:8–9; Romans 6:11–13, 19; 8:1–4, 8–14; 12:1–2; 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; Galatians 2:20; 5:16–25; Ephesians 3:14–21; 5:17–18, 25–27; Philippians 3:10–15; Colossians 3:1–17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23–24; Hebrews 4:9–11; 10:10–17; 12:1–2; 13:12; 1 John 1:7; Deuteronomy 30:6; Matthew 5:43–48; 22:37–40; Romans 12:9–21; 13:8–10; 1 Corinthians 13; Philippians 3:10–15; Hebrews 6:1; 1 John 4:17–18; Matthew 5:8; Acts 15:8–9; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:3
Repentance
We believe the Spirit of God gives to all who will repent the gracious help and hope of mercy, that they may believe unto forgiveness and new life in Christ. Repentance, which is a sincere and thorough change of the mind in regard to sin, involving a sense of personal guilt and a voluntary turning away from sin, is demanded of all who have, by act or purpose, become sinners against God.
We believe that all persons may turn away from God and, unless they repent of their sins, be hopelessly and eternally lost.
2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalms 32:5–6; 51:1–17; Isaiah 55:6–7; Jeremiah 3:12–14; Ezekiel 18:30–32; 33:14–16; Mark 1:14–15; Luke 3:1–14; 13:1–5; 18:9–14; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 17:30–31; 26:16–18; Romans 2:4; 2 Corinthians 7:8–11; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 2 Peter 3:9
Justification, Regeneration, and Adoption
We believe that justification is the gracious and judicial act of God by which He grants full pardon of all guilt and complete release from the penalty of sins committed, and acceptance as righteous, to all who believe in Jesus Christ and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
We believe that regeneration, or the new birth, is that gracious work of God whereby the moral nature of the repentant believer is spiritually quickened and given a distinctively spiritual life, capable of faith, love, and obedience.
We believe that adoption is that gracious act of God by which the justified and regenerated believer is constituted a child of God.
We believe that justification, regeneration, and adoption are simultaneous in the experience of seekers after God and are received by faith, preceded by repentance, and that to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness.
Luke 18:14; John 1:12–13; 3:3–8; 5:24; Acts 13:39; Romans 1:17; 3:21–26, 28; 4:5–9, 17–25; 5:1, 16–19; 6:4; 7:6; 8:1, 15–17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Galatians 2:16–21; 3:1–14, 26; 4:4–7; Ephesians 1:6–7; 2:1, 4–5; Philippians 3:3–9; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:4–7; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 1:9; 3:1–2, 9; 4:7; 5:1, 9–13, 18
The Lord’s Supper
We believe that the Communion Supper instituted by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is a sacrament proclaiming His life, sufferings, sacrificial death, resurrection, and the hope of His coming again. The Lord’s Supper is a means of grace in which Christ is present by the Spirit. All are invited to participate by faith in Christ and be renewed in life, salvation, and unity as the Church. All are to come in reverent appreciation of its significance and, by it, show forth the Lord’s death until He comes. Those who have faith in Christ and love for the saints are invited
by Christ to participate as often as possible.
Exodus 12:1–14; Matthew 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:17–20; John 6:28–58; 1 Corinthians 10:14–21; 11:23–32
The Church
We believe in the Church, the community that confesses Jesus Christ as Lord, the covenant people of God made new in Christ, the Body of Christ called together by the Holy Spirit through the Word.
God calls the Church to express its life in the unity and fellowship of the Spirit; in worship through the preaching of the Word, observance of the sacraments, and ministry in His name; by obedience to Christ, holy living, and mutual accountability.
The mission of the Church in the world is to share in the redemptive and reconciling ministry of Christ in the power of the Spirit. The Church fulfills its mission by making disciples through evangelism, education, showing compassion, working for justice, and bearing witness to the kingdom of God.
The Church is a historical reality that organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms, exists both as local congregations and as a universal body, and also sets apart persons called of God for specific ministries. God calls the Church to live under His rule in anticipation of the consummation at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Exodus 19:3; Jeremiah 31:33; Matthew 8:11; 10:7; 16:13–19, 24; 18:15–20; 28:19–20; John 17:14–26; 20:21–23; Acts 1:7–8; 2:32–47; 6:1–2; 13:1; 14:23; Romans 2:28–29; 4:16; 10:9–15; 11:13–32; 12:1–8; 15:1–3; 1 Corinthians 3:5–9; 7:17; 11:1, 17–33; 12:3, 12–31; 14:26–40; 2 Corinthians 5:11–6:1; Galatians 5:6, 13–14; 6:1–5, 15; Ephesians 4:1–17; 5:25–27; Philippians 2:1–16; 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12; 1 Timothy 4:13; Hebrews 10:19–25; 1 Peter 1:1–2, 13; 2:4–12, 21; 4:1–2, 10–11; 1 John 4:17; Jude 24; Revelation 5:9–10
Water Baptism
We believe that water baptism, commanded by our Lord, is a sacrament signifying our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. By going under the water (immersion), the individual announces publicly that he or she is also dead and buried with Christ, and by coming out of the water, the individual makes a public confession of his or her new life in Christ; this being a public expression of their inner experience of new birth or resurrection.
Baptism is a means of grace proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. It is to be administered to believers, indicating their full commitment of obedience in holiness and righteousness.
Matthew 3:1–7; 28:16–20; Acts 2:37–41; 8:35–39; 10:44–48; 16:29–34; 19:1–6; Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:26–28; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:18–22
Divine Healing
We believe in the biblical doctrine of divine healing and encourage our people to offer the prayer of faith for the healing of the sick. We also believe God heals through the means of medical science.
2 Kings 5:1–19; Psalm 103:1–5; Matthew 4:23–24; 9:18–35; John 4:46–54; Acts 5:12–16; 9:32–42; 14:8–15; 1 Corinthians 12:4–11; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; James 5:13–16
The Second Coming of Christ
We believe that our Lord will return, the dead will be raised, and the final judgment will take place.
We believe that we who are alive at His coming shall not precede those who are asleep in Christ Jesus; but, if we are abiding in Him, we shall be caught up with the risen saints to meet the Lord in the air, so that we shall ever be with the Lord. In that day, God, who in the cross triumphed over all evil powers, will complete His loving purposes for creation. There will be no more suffering, injustice, or death, and God will wipe away every tear.
We believe in the resurrection of the dead, that the bodies of the just and of the unjust shall be raised to life and united with their spirits, and that “they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
Deuteronomy 10:17; Isaiah 11:1–9; 65:17–25; 66:22–23; Matthew 6:9–13, 24; 25:31–46; 28:18; Luke 4:18–21; John 14:1–3; Acts 1:9–11; 3:21; Romans 8:18–22; 1 Corinthians 13:12–13; 15:24–25, 28; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 1:6; 2:5–11; 3:20–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18; Titus 2:11–14; Hebrews 9:26–28; 2 Peter 3:3–15; Revelation 1:7–8; 12:10–12; 21:1–8; 22:7–20
Resurrection, Judgment, and Eternal Destiny
We believe in future judgment in which every person shall appear before God to be judged according to his or her deeds in this life.
We believe that glorious and everlasting life is assured to all who are in God and who have obediently followed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and that those who have rejected God will be separated eternally, as the Scriptures describe.
Genesis 18:25; 1 Samuel 2:10; Psalm 50:6; Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2–3; Matthew 25:31–46; Mark 9:43–48; Luke 16:19–31; 20:27–38; John 3:16–18; 5:25–29; 11:21–27; Acts 17:30–31; Romans 2:1–16; 14:7–12; 1 Corinthians 15:12–58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:5–10; Revelation 20:11–15; 22:1–15
World Missions
We are a Great Commission church. As a global missional community of faith, we are commissioned to take the good news of life in Jesus Christ to people everywhere and to spread the message of hope and purpose in Christ all over the world.
Matthew 28:19–20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; John 3:16; 1 Timothy 2:3–4; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 7:9; Psalm 96:3; Isaiah 49:6; Romans 10:13–15; Matthew 9:37–38
