What People Are Saying
We asked our closest friends, family, and co-workers what they thought about us planting a church. Here’s what they said…
Michael Liebler has recently asked me the question “Can you see Emily and I planting a church?”. The answer is absolutely yes! I have personally known Michael for 20 years and Emily for 13 years. They are both hard working, respectful and loyal friends. Professionally speaking they are dedicated workers, forward thinkers, empowering leaders, and always bringing excellence in every facet of their lives. I truly believe Michael and Emily have a proven track record of creating systems to better organizations, being faithful followers of Jesus, and living a life focused on reaching people with the gospel through relationship and discipleship. This couple is the perfect candidate to empower and send out to church plant. You couldn’t ask for more passionately focused followers of Jesus.
— Blaise C. // Student Pastor/Michael’s best friend
We have known Michael and Emily for many years through Calvary Lake Ozark. I personally sit on the board of Directors and my wife Dianna volunteers in many different ways and has both worked with the Liebler’s via the same. We have watched them both perform multiple duties, from music, to speaking and directing the church to a virtual format due to C19. They have done all of these things without pause and with great results. I honestly can’t think of a more qualified and diligent couple to plant a church and know that they would be awesome!!
— Sean B. // CLO Board Member
Yes, I can see Michael and Emily working well together to plant and pastor a church. Michael’s desire to see God’s Word impact the lives of unbelievers and new believers is evident in his teaching, as I have sat under him for the past year. He is also a very strong administrator who can keep the details of a church plant moving forward together. Emily contributes in exciting ways, with her enthusiasm to help new people grow, understand God and His plan for them and she is excellent at connecting people to the ministry. They both are high energy and provide seemingly tireless effort that is required in a new church plant. One final thought is that they have both manifested the attitude of a learner, constantly reading, equipping themselves and engaging with others to keep learning. They both exhibit a belief and faith in the Lord and His desire to see the church expand and grow. They work extremely hard while also manifesting a life of faith through prayer and devotion to worship.
— Matt A. // Pastor/Trainer/Consultant at Ethnos 360
Michael is a level 4.5 or 5 leader (out of 5) in my book. He is an amazing training, equipping, and empowering leader. He has the ability to communicate the gospel and organizational concepts in a clear, concise, gentle, and encouraging manner! He is a man that sees the potential in people and is able to engage what God has put into them, and put it into action. Emily is one of the most discipling and mentoring minded people I have seen. She has a discerning heart for people’s situations and is not afraid to love people through hard times. She is a talented first impressions/connection person, and literally loves life! She is super relational and is amazingly engaging to everyone she meets. This husband and wife team can and will change the world. I’m excited to be apart and watch what God has for them, and what he will do through them!
— Andy P. // Worship Leader
Yes, I absolutely can see you planting a church. While serving alongside you on staff at Calvary Lake Ozark, I have seen that you love Jesus, love each other, love your brothers and sisters in Christ, and love the people who have yet to hear about Christ's love. You use your gifts, and you celebrate the gifts of others. You work hard, but you also empower others to share in the work of the ministry. You demonstrate wisdom in the way you live, setting an example for other believers. You are teachable, and willing to admit that you have much to learn.
— Kimberly K. // Kids Director
You both were made to plant a church! For as long as we have known you, you have both been so open in sharing your hearts for church planting. Each unique God-given talent and ability that you possess points back to just how awesome God is in equipping his children for his work! With the amount of passion, vision and diligence you guys have towards starting a church I am confident that God is all in this! We are excited to support you and can’t wait to see God’s kingdom grow because of your love for the unbeliever.
— Samantha B. // Friend
I can picture Michael and Emily planting and pastoring not only one but several churches. They are extremely talented with establishing both long and short term goals as well as the logistics of each and every step along the way. They are extraordinary "people" persons who are able to quickly establish meaningful connections with people of all ages. It is their natural personalities which were further developed with their experience gained during the time they worked in the cruise line Industry. They are not inclined towards complaining, always putting others first by helping to make the best of difficult situations.
— Edie J. // Life Group Trainer Mentor
Yes, definitely. I would consider Mike my best friend. He knows everything about my life and I know quite a bit about his. With that being said, I know his faults, strengths and character. And he knows mine, and still loves me with a love like Christ. I’ve never seen discipline quite like Mike’s. And the thing I appreciate most about him is his ability to cause others to want to be the best they can be in a completely non judgmental way. Whatever church Mike and Emily plant will be a lucky one. I’m super stoked for them on this new chapter in their lives.
— Stephen B. // Friend
When I think of everyone I know pastoring a church and planting a new church; Michael and Emily are at the top of that list. The desire they have to build relationships is second to none; I’ve witnessed it in my own life. They are truly living out the picture of love that Jesus showed when he walked this earth. Not only do they do this as individuals, but it’s magnified in their marriage together. The leadership and pastoring I’ve seen them do and have had the joy to be a part of at Calvary Lake Ozark is amazing and really needs to be felt by many more. God has placed an amazing stirring in the hearts of Mike and Em and they are more than willing to pour themselves out into others and build the kingdom of God and see others turn to Jesus.
— Will V. // Friend
Emily and Michael Liebler have followed a very unique path since their marriage eight years ago. For the first three years of their life together they traveled to all seven continents while working aboard a cruise ship. During this time they interacted with people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. I believe this experience laid the foundation for their passion to serve others. I remember a conversation with them where they talked about what a small world we live in and all of the beautiful people they befriended in their travels. Emily and Michael are both unusually mature and committed young people who are passionate about teaching and serving others. More unusual is their natural ability to listen to others and ask deep questions. The opportunity to plant a church and pastor would be the natural next step in their journey. I know in my heart that the Lord is guiding them to plant a church at this time when we need more than ever to come together.
— Louann R. // Emily’s Mom
When you asked me if I could see you guys planting and pastoring a new church I kept thinking of the baby bird analogy. Too Corny? Oh well, I can’t stop thinking about it. Calvary, of course, is your nest. It’s where you’ve gained the experience and friendships you will need. But, now is the time to leave the nest to go and receive the knowledge and guidance to build that new nest, one that’s your own. So, go birdies, fly off. It’s time, and we your parents and friends will watch and support you, because we know this is what you’ve always strived for. Can’t wait to see where this flight will take you. God Bless!
— Charles R. // Emily’s Dad
I believe my son and daughter-in-law would be the perfect candidates to start a new church. They have been working together at Calvary Lake Ozark for over 4 years now. Michael has been the driving force behind the operations and management of the volunteers, and staff. He implemented Life Groups to bring people closer together in small groups to learn more about Christ. I believe the two of them have the knowledge and ability as well as spiritual maturity to open and operate a church. This is something my son has wanted for many years now and has been actually working towards it.
— Michael L. // Michael’s Dad
My son Michael Liebler and my daughter-in-law Emily Liebler would make wonderful new church planters in any church. This is their dream and have talked about this for a couple years now. They are both very committed to the Lord and dedicated to making a church that can become theirs a reality.
— Vivian L. // Michael’s Mom
Michael and Emily Liebler are a dynamic, creative, visionary, hard-working, relationship persistent and Christ centered couple who have a contagious passion for ministry and the church, are easy to follow and inspirational in their leadership. Those that are under them or on their teams know that any decision that they make has been well thought out, researched, that they sought wisdom from others and covered it in prayer. Church planting would be a perfect fit for them and they would do well with it.
— Becky P. // Music & Production Director
I have known Michael and Emily Liebler for 15 months and have thoroughly enjoyed watching them serve our church at Calvary Lake Ozark. I have seen the meticulous way of making sure that everything gets done to make sure that the church runs smoothly and efficiently from week to week. It is not just watching them do what they do, but it is seeing their passion for serving Christ as the driving force to make sure that there is excellence in everything. I am excited to watch and see what God does with Michael and Emily as they give their full desire, heart of passion and unwavering commitment to going through the process of planting new churches in our country in such a needed time.
— Bruce J. // Worship Leader
In my experience with Michael and Emily Liebler I have seen them want nothing more than to plant a church. For me I don’t think it’s a question of if I can see it, it is a question of when will I see it. What confirms me is how closely they listen to God. If this is where God is pointing them they will follow it with all of them whether they succeed or fail. I believe their hard work, determination, passion, and fear of God make them capable of anything.
— Shelby S. // Student Intern
I feel like Michael and Emily will be perfect for pastoring and planting a church. Michael has a big heart and goes through every detail to make sure the word of God is shared to reach everyone. His passion of leading others to Jesus is admirable. Emily is a great leader and is one of the hardest working staff members at our church. These two leadership and determination will lead to a great church being planted.
— Tyler L. // Student Leader
Mike and Emily love Jesus and serve others daily - I have known Mike and Emily for a while and their love for Jesus and serving others suprasses any doubts that I have for their motives as to why they are wanting to plant a church. After many discussions and opportunities to hear what is on their hearts, I can say, without a doubt, that they are yearning for an opportunity to plant a church that stems from Jesus drawing them to Him each day. Planting a church will not be easy, and will have many valleys and peaks, however, I believe that Mike and Emily are drawn to planting a church through the love of Jesus and they will point to Him continuously - regardless of the outcome.
— Chris B. // Worship Team
I have known Michael and Emily for the past three years. In that time I have seen Jesus shine through them by how they love others and how much of themselves they have poured into the church in order to impact the world for the glorification and magnification of the Lord. I have witnessed them both personally plan, develop, coordinate, and implement new and innovative programs in the church. I watched Michael go from a Worship Pastor to Executive Pastor taking on massive workloads without skipping a beat. I witnessed Emily step up and take on a full time position and impact the church in such positive ways you could only be able to point it back to God. I truly believe God has placed a calling on their lives to pastor and even plant other churches as they have both shared these feelings and desires that have been placed on their hearts. Their administrative, organizational, and leadership skills are beyond their years and I do not say that lightly, given that I have over 18 years in the military. More importantly they both are passionate about sharing the Gospel and truth of God’s word.
— T.J. L. // Life Groups Director
Absolutely I can see the two of you planting and leading a church successfully. Why, because you each have a passion for the Lord and for leading others to know Him and you have demonstrated practical and purposeful discipleship both in and outside the walls of our church. I have known very few that have the dedication and laser focus to carry out what has been impressed upon their heart. Not to mention your love for sharing the Gospel and continually thinking of ways to get it to others! I believe you will be hugely successful in all God calls you to do.
— Cliff S. // Senior Pastor
I can absolutely see Michael and Emily planting and pastoring a church. In fact, I would encourage them to do exactly this. I have known them to always achieve anything that they have set out to do, when they are following their hearts. I know this goal is something that they hold deep in their hearts and nothing would make me happier than seeing it come to fruition. I believe any community would benefit greatly by having a church that was built on their faith and leadership. I certainly have benefitted from this in my own life, and I would be happy to see them affect the lives of many others in the same way. I look forward to helping them in this process in any way that I can.
— Daniel R. // Emily’s Brother
Michael and Emily have been used by God tremendously throughout the last 5 years. They have helped me to walk through more than I ever could have alone. They opened their homes and their lives up to me when I was living my worst life. They helped me walk through getting clean from drugs, helped me to graduate high school, helped me discover my leadership potential, helped me to get to and through Bible college and they are really one of the most consistent and stable things in my life, as they are anchored in God and are always seeking to live/Glorify him. I’d most likely be dead if it were not for my brother and sister and if they were in it for the money I’d owe them a great debt, good thing they are only in it to further the kingdom of our great God!
— Adam L. // Michael’s Brother
Can I see the Lieblers planting and pastoring a church? What confirms this for me? I have known Emily Liebler for almost 16 years and Mike for at least 14. Through those years I have watched them both grow into the Jesus followers they are today. They are my best friends, trusted leaders... I have worked for Mike before and he was a wonderful boss (and I was a difficult worker!). There are several traits I see in them that make me certain beyond doubt that they will be wonderful at planting and pastoring a church. For Mike, he is always teachable and humble, constantly pushing himself to learn and grow. He operates "above reproach" and does all things with excellence. I can truly see him glorify God as he leads in his current position in the church, and as a friend. Emily, is clear headed and driven, and very capable of organizing and tackling any task she sets out to do. Together they are wonderful leaders. They lead by example in their marriage, in their ministry, in their finances... others are always looking to them (whether is subconsciously or consciously) for guidance. And most importantly they both place the Lord in the highest place. Seeking to follow His call for them, faithfully pursuing Him in prayer and trusting him as they step out in obedience!
— Stephanie W. // Friend
I can see you guys planting and pastoring a church. How so, and what confirms this for me? I have experienced fruitful years of Michael and his wife’s seeds grow from leading the music production team, to leading and hosting events, to quickly adapting to this Global pandemic by setting up social media. So the church body can see the Sunday sermons by setting up cameras to live stream and record. And help keep the church body up to date on what is happening with what the church is doing to help the people. Also being able to take charge when no one knew what to do Michael did online calls and meetings on Zoom with other church leaders to come up with ways to improve the circumstances that the church faced and just to lead the way for people to find Jesus and be able to learn about him and be connected. Michael and Emily are by far one of the only people who can without a doubt plant a church and pastor a new church body so they can help reach people who either have no idea who Jesus is and save them by teaching them about Jesus or give them a church where they can go too to worship and love God.
— Connor L. // Michael’s Brother
We are so honored
We can’t believe all the love and support we’ve gotten from the people in our lives that we love and respect most. It is so confirming to us that planting a church is exactly what we need to be doing. Will you join us?