Constantin V. Lysakov

Born and raised in Moscow, Constantin graduated from the Lomonosov Academy of Fine Chemical Technology with a B.S. in Physical Chemistry. Constantin came to know the Lord in 1992 during his senior year in high school and began attending Moscow Bible Church. While studying at the university in Moscow, he served as a pastoral intern and, along with two missionaries, founded the youth ministry at Moscow Bible Church in 1994.

Constantin served as the personal interpreter for Dr. Bill Bright in Russia in 1995 and received a scholarship from Dr. Bright to study at the International School of Theology in San Bernardino, CA. While attending this seminary (1996-99), he served as the campus director for Cru at California State University in San Bernardino (1998-99).

Upon graduating from seminary with a Master’s of Divinity in exposition and teaching in 1999, Constantin returned to Russia and began working as the rector of the “New Life” Moscow Bible College. This school was launched by Cru Russia to train the next generation of pastors for Russian churches. In 2006, Constantin left Moscow Bible College and founded a ministry to businessmen and young professionals with Cru. The ministry united over 300 businessmen and young professionals in Moscow while also establishing branches in St. Petersburg and Krasnoyarsk.

In 2010, Constantin and professional basketball player, Kelly McCarty, launched a Bible study among professional basketball players that included teams in Russia’s VTB League, the Euroleague, and the NBA. Between 2010 and 2012, this Bible study provided spiritual support and guidance to over 40 professional athletes who at the time played in Euroleague and NBA.

In 2012, the same year that he married Alexandra, Constantin left full-time ministry with Cru to focus his time and energy on Moscow Bible Church and its much-needed revitalization. He first began working as the administrative director of the church, and he was later elected as a pastor in 2016. 

Constantin and his wife, Alexandra, have 3 children--two boys, Michael and Ivan, along with daughter, Elena.