Victorious Life Church was founded in early 1987 when Ed and Janis Russo, along with a handful of other committed Christians, began meeting in a friend's home in Wesley Chapel. Motivated by a mission to reach the lost, to equip the saints, to assimilate new believers, and to lead in a progressive, relevant way, this fledgling group quickly moved into a storefront and held its first public worship service on Easter Sunday in 1987. Experiencing steady and continual growth, the young church purchased over twenty acres of land on Old Pasco Road and built its first permanent sanctuary in 1992. Six years later, VLC more than doubled its seating capacity with the opening of an expansive 33,000 square foot worship facility.

Continuing under the seamless leadership of its founding pastor, Ed Russo, VLC currently experiences an average Sunday attendance of more than 2200 people. The Central Campus in Wesley Chapel is situated on a sprawling campus that encompasses more than 40 acres. It serves its multi-ethnic congregation through a wide variety of ministries, including a Christian school and daycare, while providing various opportunities for personal service through numerous community outreaches.

Our Mission

The reason we exist as a church is summed up in four words: Evangelism, Discipleship, Worship, and Fellowship. we believe God has called us to seek, win, nurture, and train the heirs of salvation.

Our Vision

Our ministry focus as a church is REAL: to Reach the unchurched and unsaved; to Equip people to do the work of the ministry; to Assimilate new people into church life; to Lead in church growth by striving to remain relevant.

Our Values

These guiding principles enable us to truly demonstrate the character of Jesus Christ and give good testimony to the kingdom of God while allowing us to be a place where people are made whole. Excellence: We believe that whatever is attempted for God should be done to the best of our abilities. Acceptance: We believe people should be accepted on the basis of who they are in Christ, not on their degree of spiritual maturity or outward appearance. Compassion: We believe people should be treated with sensitivity, integrity, and a caring attitude. Forgiveness: We believe people should receive forgiveness on the basis of their asking for it, with no bitter aftertaste and with no strings attached. Love: We believe people should be loved at all times, under all conditions.