LIFEsync

Any more "elephants in the room?"

A few weeks ago, I blogged about a future series I'd love to do. I had several good comments but I really don't think we've explored this enough. So..I'm bringing it back. I need your help.

There are very few things as wearisome to a Pastor as the infighting in the kingdom of God over gray issues. Most God-fearing people can settle their theological and philosophical disputes on the black and white issues, but the gray issues become bloody battlegrounds of bias.

Mark Batterson, of National Community Church in Washington DC, blogged about some of these issues when he wrote:

"About four hundred years ago, a German theologian named Rupertus Meldenius, was frustrated with the infighting and backbiting in the church. And he said something so profound that it has passed the test of time." He said:

In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.

We have turned "issues into elephants"! We love to skirt around the issues. The church bells ring with criticism and gossip because of the "elephant". The "world" cuts us out of the equation because we don't care enough about their "real needs" to put down our battle axes.

Would you take a second to comment on this question: What "elephants in the church" would you like to see us speak about during an upcoming series? What are the real issues that intrude on our divine purpose? I am not sure what my timetable will be on doing this series, but hopefully sometime soon.

This should be interesting.

Are you Twittering?

If you have not started "Twittering" yet, you should check out the link: www.twitter.com

Twitter is a unique approach to communication and networking based on the simple concept of status. What are you doing? What are your friends doing—right now? With Twitter, you may answer this question over SMS, IM, or the Web and the responses are shared between contacts.

There are also a number of desktop applications that make the whole experience seamless and easy to track the friends you are following. This is an addicting type of communication. I love the small insight into what is going on in the world of my friends and family. There is a growing network of ALC Lifer's that are connected. So, come on...let's have some fun!

Tweet, tweet!

ALC Surprise Event - May 18th

This Sunday we will unwrap a few more details regarding the ALC Surprise Event that is happening on May 18th! This will be a FREE event! "ALC GIVES BACK" to the host of volunteers, leaders, and faithful ALC "Lifer's", who have invested so much time, work, and energy into our church since our two-service model launch on Easter Sunday. ALC - you are so flexible in your faith! I sincerely appreciate you "stretching" with me! I am so blessed to Pastor this amazing church! We launched our second Worship Experience on March 23rd and we have seen God do amazing things during this season. The best is yet to come!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! May 18th will be a day to remember! We will have a surprise guest on Sunday morning and then have the "Baptism Experience" that evening! WHAT A DAY!!! What a church!

I am curious - anybody know who won the Next Great American Band television show? Truth is...we have potentially one of the greatest Worship Bands "in house" that rock the house every week. We are blessed! If you've never been to an ALC Worship Experience, you really need to check it out. Can I get an Amen?

Check out www.alcplano.org for more info.

Fresh Oil Ahead

Caution: FRESH OIL ahead! Do not drive any further! STOP! Turn around or you'll regret it!

That was my "take" on the sign that we saw in front of our truck recently. I officially dub Monday each week as my "Day Off" even though a "day off" is hard to accomplish in the world of a Pastor. On our "Day Off", you may find us on one of our driving expeditions. We simply drive, dream, and try to discover new and interesting places. I am hoping to get lucky on one of these trips and locate that perfect acreage we could afford to purchase and build that horse ranch we dream about! Anybody got about 30 acres you'd like to hook a brotha up with? (I see those hands going up across the building - God Bless you sir, God Bless you ma'am.)

Anyway, the "Fresh Oil" sign captured my attention! Here we were in the middle of nowhere and somebody had added fresh oil to the roadway.

It is Friday, May 9th around 5:30 pm, and I am sitting in a waiting room getting the oil changed in my big truck and I remembered the "Fresh Oil" sign. Fresh Oil is necessary for forward motion in life. The road needed it. The truck needed it. I need it!

This Sunday, were having a special on "Fresh Oil" at every ALC Worship Experience. Pardon this slick parallel, but the "Oil of the Spirit" is necessary for forward motion in your spiritual life. Royce Wilson will be back again to minister and I feel something really special is going happen. Last week, there was such a rich anointing of "Fresh Oil" in the worship service, during the ministry of the Word, and at the Invitation. It was powerful! I used to hear the old timers say..."It was so thick, you couldn't cut it with a knife!" The manifest presence of God was so thick...you could cut it with a knife!

I am looking forward to this weekend! Fresh Oil available for you! Hope to see you and your Mom on "Mother's Day" at ALC!

ALC Baptism Experience - May 18

In November of 2007, we baptized our daughter. The pic you see is a glimpse into that sacred moment for our family. Many of our family and friends joined us to celebrate Eva's decision to "put on Christ!" It was a special moment.

It has been our dream to make our Baptisms at ALC very special moments. The dream is becoming a reality! We are currently planning an exciting experience for all ALC'ers on May 18th. We made the decision to secure the Rowlinson Natatorium in Plano, TX for our first "Baptism Experience!" It will be an extremely intimate and special time of celebration for our church family. It will be a real "community" experience. Our vision is to create an environment that would allow families and friends to be "up close and personal" to the Baptism. Every candidate will receive a T-shirt and Baptismal Certificate.

Please spread the word. Sign up at an Information Kiosk at the next Worship Experience or Life Essentials.

There will be a Baptism Prep-Class this Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM at the ALC Campus in Plano, TX. Email us at info@alcplano.org if you need anything at all to help you on your spiritual journey.

A Prayer Request

Please say a prayer for this great man. His name is G. David Hennigan. He is a Pastor, leader, husband, father, and grandfather. I call him "Dad!" Eva calls him...DeDad. Mom calls him...Honey. Gib just smiles and giggles. Ha. Ha.

We are battling cancer with him right now!

James 5:16 says...The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

What a weekend at ALC!

If you missed a Worship Experience at ALC this weekend, allow me to reminisce....

1) The ALC Worship Team and Band did an outstanding job today! "He Reigns" is an old-school Newsboys song that is a major hit in our church right now.

In case you don't know it, here are the lyrics...

It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

Let it rise about the four winds
Caught up in the heavenly sound
Let praises echo from the towers of cathedrals
To the faithful gathered underground
Of all the songs sung from the dawn of creation
Some were meant to persist
Of all the bells rung from a thousand steeples
None rings truer than this

And all the powers of darkness
Tremble at what they’ve just heard
‘Cause all the powers of darkness
Can’t drown out a single word

It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns
It’s all God’s children singing
Glory, glory, hallelujah
He reigns, He reigns

I can almost feel it again now!! We had chuuurch today. Ha. Ha

2) Royce Wilson was "on fire" today! He was tuned in to what God had in mind for us. The Supernatural Series continues through next week. I can't wait to see what will happen. We had one of those Worship Experiences today that you could just "feel" the depths of God's Spirit moving! Amazing! Download the podcast at www.BigGodRadio.com or get the CD.

3) We honored our High School Grads today! Congratulations to Rylee Calvert, Jordan Horvath, and Timothy Lloyd!

4) Another BIG crowd today! I am still amazed at the vibe at our church right now! Tears were flowing, hearts were reaching, voices were exalting. I know Jesus was glorified today! THAT makes my day!

5) Even with the growth at our church, it always breaks my heart to see people fade from their initial fervor with God. It seems clear that multi-generational Spirit-filled folks struggle with consistency. Something about that fourth generation of believers that fade away. It really wears me out that I have to spend a tremendous amount of emotional energy on believers who should "get it" by now. Pray for my strength, seriously.

I am a fourth generation Apostolic (hopefully...an innovative Apostolic :))! So, I am calling all 3rd and 4th Generation followers of Jesus to WAKE UP and raise the relationship bar. Here is novel idea: Intimacy with God through prayer, devotion, and discipleship could actually revolutionize our lives. I am convinced we need a resurgence of "relationship" with Jesus. I am on a journey right now that is rocking my proverbial boat. Join me! Where are the next generation leaders?

We work so hard to make sure everything about the ALC experience is an encouragement "toward God", but here is the truth about this deal...I can't "have a relationship" with Jesus FOR someone. Don't I wish I could...

I'll blog more later...G'nite! Have a great week. Make plans to bring someone with you next week to ALC. It will be Mother's Day! Call your MOM...NOW!

Going Global?

I am currently in meetings with young leaders from around the United States. We have been discussing how to engage our culture in missions. The discussion has been very engaging and refreshing. I think I am just excited to still be considered a "young" leader. Ha. Ha.

I'd love your ideas on what you think the future "shape" of our Christ-cause can look like. We have to share the message of Christ to the world! "How" we do effectively is a huge question! I have meetings for one more day, so please share thoughts as soon as you can. We have to "Go Global"!

Bruce Howell, your passion to engage our generation of leaders is encouraging! Thanks for your time.

A Friend Rests

Justin Clark Myer
October 16, 1976 - April 27, 2008

A life-long friend passed away this week. I have such fond memories of "Justy". No one loved life and laughter any more! He was a "belly" laugher! He was a super talented musician and singer. We have all struggled to understand the "why" of this circumstance. Justin has been in a coma for the last few years. Jason, Uncle Dave, and Aunt Sandra have been heroes in my book! They have provided incredible care to their brother and son.

Justin died Sunday, April 27, 2008 at his residence. Justin was born October 16, 1976 in Nederland, Texas to David N. Myer and Sandra Bridges Myer. He was a lifelong area resident. He was a member of Abundant Life Sanctuary Church where he was very active in the choir and music ministry. He formerly worked in the medical supply industry.

Survivors include his parents, Reverend David N. Myer and Sandra Myer of Port Arthur, Texas; brother, Jason Myer of Port Arthur, Texas; and grandmother, Joy Hart of Lakeland, Florida.

Rest, Justin! You deserve it! Get that Angel Band fired up! We'll never forget you and the smile you always brought to our face.

Jason...You raise the bar for what it means to be a "brother"! Uncle Dave and Aunt Sandra...my heart aches at your loss. You both have added definition to the word "love"!

The Future Bible?

As a Leader and Christ-follower, I know you are extremely busy. When I stumble across a great resource, I like to pass it along. I hope this can make your personal devotional life more fruitful.

You can now access the Bible via your mobile phone at http://m.youversion.com! If you have a web enabled mobile phone, you will be able to read and search The Bible in 14+ translations and much more.

Some of the key features include:

-Quick Search including Book, Verse, Keywords/Text.
-14+ translations currently including: ASV, AMP, ESV, HCSB, NASB, NCV, NIV, NKJV, TNIV, MSG, WEB, LBLA (Spanish), NBLH (Spanish), RVA (Spanish).
-Daily Reading (One Year Bible).
-YouVersion.com User contributions attributed to scripture verses including text, links and YouTube mobile video.

Enjoying the journey with you.

Jeff Hennigan