Pictured is the former Real Life United Methodist Church building on Park Street that LifechurchX bought as its new home. Pictured at right are LifechurchX lead pastors Matt and Kati Heck.

Since the Waterloo church’s rebranding in 2016, LifechurchX’s reputation has been marketed on the concept that it uses unconventional methods to serve the community.

Cleaning gutters in the dead of winter. Extreme leaf raking that last year included bagging nearly 10,000 pounds of leaves. A candlelight Christmas eve service at the courthouse bandstand on a cold December night.

The more than 120 members of the congregation, under pastor Matt Heck’s leadership, never cease to amaze when it comes to bringing that “X” factor. But there is one aspect that LifechurchX holds in common with other churches — it needs a place to call home.

Now the group has just that after Real Life United Methodist Church at 400 Park Street recently vacated the building.

“It gives us a sense of stability,” Heck said of purchasing the building. “The church is now firmly established in the community and people can see our viability for growth in the future.”

Heck added that LifechurchX had been renting the building for services and other planned activities while Real Life United Methodist was still the owner. With this transition, Heck said one of the main benefits for the church is the ability to use the facility whenever needed.

“We can (add) more programs for our ministries. And we’re thinking of adding a second service at the end of the summer due to the growth and capacity as the owner,” he said.

Additionally, the church hired an administrative office assistant. Heck said LifechurchX also has an 18-month schedule set for a three-phase renovation plan.

Heck explained that he would defer to the congregation on what facility project should come first but is fairly certain the church will begin with renovating space for a childrens ministry. Increased seating in the worship center and an expanded parking lot to make room for more spaces are also necessary for the church.

The lobby, which Heck described as a fairly tight space, will need to be widened to allow for better traffic flow. The church came to Waterloo in 2014 as a satellite campus of Lifechurch STL.

Last year, LifechurchX split from its parent church to become an independent congregation. Heck said he believes the church has seen a successful transition since then.

“It’s something we built from the ground floor and now we have a good foundation,” he said. “We’re starting to put walls up and build consistency.”

LifechurchX meets for Sunday service at 11:15 a.m. at its newly purchased building. For more information, visit online at lifechurchx.com.