Our Story
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ
Philippians 1:6
Philippians 1:6
How it all started...
Zander and Olivia Shashura are local to the Pittsburgh area and have been married since 2020. They have three kids, whom they love to take on walks, to various parks, and Costco, of course. They have both served in some aspect of ministry for most of their teenage/adult lives, and truly desire to see Jesus change, heal, and strengthen His body of believers.
Olivia’s parents planted Calvary Chapel South Pittsburgh where Zander has served as an assistant pastor and Olivia the worship director for a number of years.
Olivia’s parents planted Calvary Chapel South Pittsburgh where Zander has served as an assistant pastor and Olivia the worship director for a number of years.
Expanding the vision...
In the fall of 2023, during a conference, Zander and Olivia both sensed the Lord stirring their hearts to step out in faith. In the months that followed, the Lord began giving Zander a growing burden and vision to reach Pittsburgh through the faithful teaching of God’s Word.
The following summer, friends from the north hills of Pittsburgh reached out asking if Zander and Olivia would consider starting a home fellowship. Through continued prayer, both he and Olivia recognized the Lord’s leading and stepped through the open door before them.
Their desire is simple: that people would see Jesus. They long for others to know and experience the transforming power of the gospel through the teaching of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit. As they walk forward in faith, they do so expectantly—trusting the Lord to be glorified, the church to be built up, and many to come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
The following summer, friends from the north hills of Pittsburgh reached out asking if Zander and Olivia would consider starting a home fellowship. Through continued prayer, both he and Olivia recognized the Lord’s leading and stepped through the open door before them.
Their desire is simple: that people would see Jesus. They long for others to know and experience the transforming power of the gospel through the teaching of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit. As they walk forward in faith, they do so expectantly—trusting the Lord to be glorified, the church to be built up, and many to come to saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Where we are going...
In June of 2025, Calvary Church began gathering at Eden Christian Academy’s high school campus. Week by week, we meet on Sundays and Wednesdays to worship Jesus and study verse by verse through the Bible—allowing God’s Word to guide and shape us.
We believe Pittsburgh is ripe for the gospel. There are countless lives longing for hope, truth, and the love of Christ. We want to be available to the Lord—humble, surrendered, and ready to be used in whatever way He chooses. As 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him.” Our prayer is simple: Lord, let Your eyes stop on us.
Looking ahead, we desire to continue stepping out in faith. We want to give the Lord room to work—through His church, through His Word, and through ordinary people who have been transformed by the gospel. Our hope is to see disciples made, families strengthened, communities transformed and future church plants sent out across Pittsburgh and beyond.
We believe Pittsburgh is ripe for the gospel. There are countless lives longing for hope, truth, and the love of Christ. We want to be available to the Lord—humble, surrendered, and ready to be used in whatever way He chooses. As 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him.” Our prayer is simple: Lord, let Your eyes stop on us.
Looking ahead, we desire to continue stepping out in faith. We want to give the Lord room to work—through His church, through His Word, and through ordinary people who have been transformed by the gospel. Our hope is to see disciples made, families strengthened, communities transformed and future church plants sent out across Pittsburgh and beyond.