Michael Durso

Looking at Rev. Michael Durso, senior pastor of Christ Tabernacle in Glendale, NY, you would never guess he once lived a fast life that included heroin, Quaaludes, and cocaine.

As heir apparent to his family’s successful pasta business, Michael and his live-in girlfriend, Maria, weren’t the least bit interested in church. Not until Maria sensed God’s call on her life. A reluctant Michael accompanied Maria to church where they came face-to-face with the emptiness of their lives. Surrendering their lives to Christ, they tossed out the baggage that came with their old lifestyle, married, and began serving at The Brooklyn Tabernacle.

In 1984, a small building in the Queens area was turned over to Pastor Jim Cymbala, senior pastor of The Brooklyn Tabernacle, with one stipulation: the building was to be used for the work of the Lord. The Holy Spirit directed Cymbala to Michael and Maria. Twenty-two years later, the congregation at Christ Tabernacle has grown from five to 4,000.

On Sunday, March 16, Rev. Durso joins Bill Hybels for a unique experience of prayer and worship at our weekend services.