LIFEsync

Behind the Scenes

The Weekend in Review

The weekend of June 20-22 will be one I remember for quite some time!  Here goes the random list...

- The anticipated production, Pirates of Patmos, turned the Worship Center into a first-class theatre.

- All of the cast and crew were absolutely amazing!  The reviews have been incredible!

I heard..."First class", "best I've ever seen", "professional".  

- I have to give a few "props" to the folks who made it all happen:

Gary and Laura Powers -  Thanks for dreaming big!  Huge things ahead!!!

Derek Sample - Your creative mind is a gift from God!

Katrina Potts - Director extraordinaire!

Jim Huff - This set design and construction was your best yet! A work of art!

Chad and Amy Nordstrom - Mr. and Mrs. "Do The Impossible!" We see, hear, and feel everything at ALC

with excellence because of your talent.

- In the words of Josh Westbrook...we "won't can't" do more productions!

- The Summer Blockbuster Series continued on Sunday with Jeff Manning preaching an incredible message 

on "Jaws"!

- It was definitely one of the best messages I have ever heard on the power of tongue!

- He said that there was more power in the jaws that were in ALC than the jaws on any Great White 

Shark in the world!

- You should definitely download the podcast and preach it at your church next Sunday!

- We baptized a lady at the end of the first service! I live for those moments!

- Our attendance for the weekend was incredible! Thanks, ALC Lifer's for keeping the DREAM

moving!

- There was a moment during worship in the 2nd Worship Experience that stole my breath - the Worship Center

was echoing the voices of Lifer's passionately worshipping God! You could literally hear everyone singing 

praise to God!

-Miquell and the Worship Team were off the charts!

-Both Worship Experiences concluded with a couple of incredible moments...

First moment - Jeff Manning had everyone "speak life" to someone around you. As we begin speaking positive 

things to our fellow Lifer's, you could sense the presence of God in a powerful way! Amazing!

Second moment - we now end our service earlier, invite our Prayer Partners to the front, pray our prayer of 

Dismissal, and then allow anyone to come for prayer for ANY need. You can't even begin to imagine 

how good it has been...You'll just have to come experience it!

- That's all for now. Got a big day and week ahead of me!

ALC Summer Blockbuster Series: TITANIC

 

The Summer Blockbuster Series at ALC continues on Sunday, June 29th, with the message themed TITANIC.  I am so excited about preaching this message!  This will not be a message with the traditional "Titanic" imagery and blatant message.  You will have to come experience ALC: TITANIC to believe it!  

If you are a "Lifer", I'll see you on Sunday!  We're going to have a TITANIC day!  If you are not able to be in the ALC Worship Experience, you can listen live at www.BigGodRadio.com or download the podcast on Itunes.

Our Worship Experiences are at 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM.

Pirates of Patmos premieres tonight at ALC!

THE PIRATES ARRIVE TONIGHT AT ALC!

BRING THE FAMILY and ENJOY THE SHOW!

ALC Summer Blockbuster Series: JAWS

The ALC Summer Blockbuster Series continues this Sunday with the message themed around the old classic film JAWS!  It should be quite a thrilling message. This message will be unlike anything you've heard or seen in church...maybe ever.   

If you are a "Lifer", I'll see you on Sunday!  We're going to have a powerful day!  If you are not able to be in the ALC Worship Experience, you can listen live at www.BigGodRadio.com or download the podcast on Itunes.

Our Worship Experiences are at 9:00 and 11:15 AM.  See you there!

The Weight On My Shoulders

Erma Bombeck wrote:  "Then God molded long legs and broad shoulders. The angel nearby said "Do You realize You just made a father without a lap? How will he pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?" God smiled, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."  

My father has always had strong shoulders.  Recently I was visiting my hometown, the "Ground Zero" of his battle with cancer.  When I pulled into the driveway, I was greeted by my Queen Mother and led into the war zone where my father was engaged in the fight.  As I turned the corner, my attention was drawn to the man in the corner of the ring.  For just a moment, I could almost hear the bell ring and hear the announcer say..."And now in this corner, David Hennigan, ready...fight!" Upon reaching his side, I knelt down and gave my Dad, a hug.  

I wasn't prepared for that moment in my heart.  It wasn't something I had ever considered in the realm of possibility.  What is going on?  My Dad's shoulders are not supposed to change!  An enormous tide of emotions overwhelmed me.  That moment only lasted a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity.  My hero, my strength, my mentor, my friend, my Dad's shoulders were noticeably weakened by the heavy burden he has carried for years.  During this battle against cancer, I am often asked about my Dad.  When asked how my father is doing, my immediate response now is..."weaker frame, stronger heart!"  

For years, my father's broad shoulders have carried me, Mom, Miquell, Eva, Gibson, a great church, and anything else he could get his big hands around.  There is a "legacy" on his shoulders and in that moment...I sensed it's weight.  I felt my shoulders grow.  Something happened in my spirit that is beyond explanation.  

I don't know too many people who could give cancer the fight that my parents are giving. The discipline, valor, and courage that my parents are displaying is truly inspiring. Every hour of the day seems filled with another treatment, organic meal, IV session, or nutraceutical concoction.  It is a mind-numbing regimen.  I have watched my mother and father handle it all with confidence and class.  I give honor to my Parents!  

Today, I took a moment to look out the rear and side-view mirrors of my life. Where have I come from?  Where am I going?  How am I doing on the journey? There are a few facts... I am a 36 year old, husband, father, son, and Pastor.  I often feel the "weight" that each role adds to my shoulders.  Many days I wonder if I can carry the load.  Miquell, Eva, and Gib must find strength and resolve in my spirit.  My wife needs a shoulder to lean on and my kids need a shoulder to hold tight when other things seem fleeting.  

The church I Pastor is filled with amazing people.  God has blown our minds the last few years.  There is a paradox of being a "Pastor" that is often overwhelming. The moment you find yourself thinking..."were on track", "everything is coming together", "that family is rock-solid", "God just sent us help"... and then life happens, the people that you worked tirelessly to show the love of Christ to just walks away from the church (Yes, I know its not personal, but it still feels personal!), and within weeks you can experience an array of emotions that can leave even the most prayerful Pastor discouraged.  There are just times when the "weight" seems overwhelming.  However, I am feeling my shoulders getting stronger.  

Dad - I'm certain there is no one any stronger in the world than you.  We can win this fight!

Mom - You're strength is a showcase for the God you faithfully serve.

Miquell - I think I have my Dad's shoulders.  You can lean on me!

Eva - I'll carry you on one side.

Gib - I'll carry you on the other.

ALC - God put us all together to reach this city.  Let's stand shoulder to shoulder!

Scott Wesley Brown wrote a song many years ago that has been on my mind lately.  I hope you hear these lyrics speak to weight you are carrying also…

There is no problem too big

God cannot solve

There is no mountain too tall

He cannot move

There is no storm too dark

God cannot calm

There is no sorrow too deep 

He cannot soothe

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my brother that He will carry you

If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders

I know, my sister that He will carry you

God is molding strong shoulders on me.  The weight is often heavy but we trust God through it all. My earthly Father is strongest man I have ever known.  If my Dad's shoulders are that strong, I can only imagine how strong my Heavenly Father's shoulders must be.  I pray that you feel the weight that is on your shoulders being shifted from you to your Father.  I must confess...the shoulders seem stronger and the burden seems lighter.  

Should I go to church today?

I recently read this comment over at Church Marketing Sucks and wanted to share with my blogging friends.  I'd love to hear your feedback.  

It's time to get back to the basics.

I don't know any non-Christian who wakes up and thinks, "Gee, I should go to church today." Churches need to find ways to make people think that very thought--whether it's through billboards or outreach events or the incredible example of their members (or all three and more--my point, don't get hung up on the method). If churches aren't getting people to think that, then what are they doing?

Unfortunately, too many churches have settled for the status quo, the steady stream of Christians who do wake up thinking they should go to church, and for some churches that's good enough. Those churches are social clubs, and useless. Sadly, many Christians are that way too.

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1178 

Summer Blockbuster Series: Master and Commander

I am looking forward to preaching again this Sunday.  We will celebrate Father's Day at ALC and something special is going to happen.  We are using the film, Master and Commander, as the canvas for the message.  I will be challenging men to live the adventure of a Godly leader!  

If you are a "Lifer", I'll see you on Sunday!  We're going to have a powerful day!  If you are not able to be in the ALC Worship Experience, you can listen live at www.BigGodRadio.com or download the podcast on Itunes.  

 

Choosing to cheat changed my life!

We are giving away copies of this book to every man who walks through our doors on Sunday.  It is our "investment" into the lives of the men who have trusted us to adventure with them on this great adventure with God.  

I read this book several years ago and it impacted everything in my life as a young husband and father.   I have a vision to see the men who call ALC "home" become great fathers, husbands, and leaders.  

If you are planning to be in a Worship Experience on Sunday at ALC, please get your copy!  Let's have a great Father's Day!  I look forward to the message I am preparing to speak!  

Gonna get my preach on.

Jeff

I am a dangerous man...right?

I recently ran across a comment that rattled my cage.  

"To do them justice, the people who crucified Jesus did not do so because he was a bore. Quite the contrary; he was too dynamic to be safe. It is has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have declawed the Lion of Judah and made him a housecat for pale priests and pious old ladies."  - Dorothy Sayers

I have said in the past that "the church should be the safest place in the world!"   I still think it should be a safe place for young adults starting families, a safe place for single parents, and a safe place for the hurt, broken, and bruised.  However, I am now convinced that the "center of God's will" for your life is the most dangerous place in the world!  It may seem paradoxical, but let's take this discussion one step further.

Men and young adults are drawn to adventure and reckless behavior at times.  They love taking risks!  Think about this...these things are actually frowned on in the local church.   Most congregations offer a safe, nurturing community--an oasis of stability and predictability.  Studies show that women and seniors gravitate toward these things.  What happens to the "risk taking" man?

Most men readily acknowledge the goodness of the Christian faith, but they are not swept up in it because church life is so soft and sweet. The secure womb that is today's church fails to match the adventurous spirit found in most men.  I ran across the following statistic (can't remember where) that illuminates the plight of men in the church.  On any given Sunday there are 13 million more adult women than men in America's churches, and 6 million married women are worshiping without their husbands--that's one out of five. As many as 90 percent of the boys who are being raised in church will abandon it by their 20th birthdays--some never to return.

So men and women readers, I need your help.  How are we going to create a local church that "dangerous men" will connect to?  I look forward to hearing from you.  Let's discuss how we can reposition men of God for impact in the local church.  How will ministry to men evolve?