Allison Park Church Updates

Lasting Impacts: Remembrances P6

I have enjoyed this week's walk down memory lane so to speak.  Many of you have commented to me about how these 'revival' remembrances have impacted you. 

Some were there and were reminded of some life-changing moments.  Some were not there, but now understand the history of APC a little better.  Most expressed how they were challenged to pursue God with a fresh passion and expectation for the future.

Let me conclude these remembrances with some observations about the lasting legacy of what God set into motion back in 1997:

1. Allison Park Church was established in the practice of corporate worship and prayer.  One of the most obvious impacts of the season we were in was that it shifted our worship experience.  We became more free, more expressive, more open to the presence of God.  We also become much more intentional about corporate prayer.  It began with a weekly Noon Prayer meeting--and has now advanced to 24/7 Prayer all year round in our Prayer Chapel.
2. A Church Planting Explosion began right after those moments in our church fellowship.  Actually, on Jan 12, 1997--we were in the early stages of planting our first daughter church.  It is now obvious to me that the release of God's anointing during that time became the engine for Kingdom expansion.  APC went on to plant 5 churches in 5 years all throughout our region.
3. Spiritual Breakthrough Weekend was birthed.  In 1998, we began to host these retreats to help people break free from the hurts and habits of the past, to understand who they are in Christ, and to get baptized in the Holy Spirit.  Hundreds of people now have gone through this process.  The Breakthrough Weekend has become the key process for people's spiritual development at APC.
4. The Network Of Hope was established as a non-profit ministry to help APC and other local churches do a better job at ministering to people's tangible and emotional needs. These compassion ministries and outreaches became a greater burden on our hearts as a result.
5. Missions involvement grew.  As people got touched by God, set free from the past, and empowered by the Holy Spirit--we became more missional.  Many who were touched in the revival moments of '97 became a part of the foundation of the churches we were planting.  Others became key players in international partnerships developed in our countries of focus.  As I wrote earlier, many young people were called into ministry (several of which serve now on the APC staff).  Our financial investment in Kingdom work more than doubled.

What the outpouring of the Spirit did for us in 1997 was shift our local church into a 'apostolic' way of function.  Now I know that the word apostolic carries a lot of baggage with it.  Some who are reading that word, may have never heard it before.

The word 'apostolic' simply means 'to be sent'.  So APC now carries a 'sending' anointing on it.  We are sending out leaders, churches, and organizations (like NOH) to expand the kingdom of God.  As a part of that sending, we are now also resourcing and in some ways overseeing those that we have sent.

This new 'apostolic' dimension came with a difficult choice.  The churches who were touched by that season of revival that was sweeping through the nation at that time seemed to go in one of three directions:

1. They became a 'apostolic' centers that rode the anointing of God toward kingdom expansion.
2. They became a 'revival centers' and served continual place of renewal through continual nightly services.  These 'revival center' locations often struggled after months or years.  It became impossible to sustain the schedule of nightly meetings, and yet maintain the ministries and relationships necessary to remain a healthy church.
3. They were destroyed by division or excess.  Many churches splintered because of lack of leadership or simply because of the division that arose as a result of change.

I remember a critical moment about two months into the experience (March 97) when we had to make a choice.  Were we going to cease being a local church (with small groups and ministries) to become a revival center?  Or were we going to believe that God could move through other means than just 'revival services'?

We chose to remain a local church, and worked hard to regain a balance of worship, fellowship, discipleship, evangelism and ministry.  We also carried a greater anointing on everything we did.  The result was the expansion of the kingdom of God all throughout our region.

My sense is this:  If we had chosen to be a 'revival center church' we would have quickly become inward.  We would have lived for the next 'goose-bump' experience.  And over time we would have become a stagnant pond.

Because we chose a balanced approach, and we chose to be outward in our focus--we were able to ride the anointing of God into an 'apostolic call' that continues to expand through us to this day.

Remembrances P5

Yesterday I shared some Myths about 'revival'.

Myth #1:  Revival solves everything.  (read the former entry for more info about that)

Myth #2:  Revival is something you chase but never expect to catch.  It is that mystical experience that is always just a bit out of reach.   Revival would happen if you would just pray more, sin less, or be intense enough to deserve it.

I have come to realize that God is far more willing to work in our lives than what we know.  We think we have to impress God somehow, to earn God's work in our lives.  This is could not be more untrue.

Romans 8 tells us, 'He who did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also along with him graciously and freely give us all things!'

So why doesn't 'revival' happen more often?  It does.  Often it is happening in small ways all around us and we are either not aware of it or prepared to go with it.  There are several signs to look for in the atmosphere of a local church...several things which are all present right now at APC.

• Spiritual Hunger - I was so thrilled tonight as I watched maybe 100 to 150 people packed around the altars tonight in worship and in prayer.  Wow.  God obviously was pleased tonight as well because He blessed us with his powerful and peaceful presence.
• Concentration (Unity) - Johannes Amritzer is famous for a phrase that I have been trying to apply in my leadership as much as is possible.  This is the formula:  Concentration = Anointing.  Jesus said, 'Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.'  There is an added dimension of power present when believers concentrate on anything.  Like focused light produces a laser beam, so focused faith releases laser-like power. 
• Expectation (Faith) - Last weekend, Pastor Cullen Allen talked about how lightening strikes.  There is a charge on the ground and in the air.  The two connect and that's what brings the bolt from heaven to earth.  Often in the gospels, Jesus saw evidence of faith and therefore knew that a miracle was possible.
• Declaration/Celebration - Finally, our faith is released as we confess or declare our agreement with God's promises.  Psalm 22:3 says that God sits enthroned on the praises of his people.  As concentrated declarative praise is released by God's people there is a shift in the atmosphere.  God is invited and released to take His proper place on the throne of our lives.  As He does, he brings all of his favor with Him.

I fully expect that we will see a fresh release of God's presence that will bring spiritual renewal within our church family.  And then at some point, at God's choice, there will be an even more amazing and profound 'sudden explosion of God's power' that will bring widespread transformation to lives, families, and to our community.

PS--I so love these weeks of prayer and special services.  As a dad, I love having my kids in church soaking in the presence of God.  All three of my teenagers were at the altar seeking God for an extended time tonight.  Does it get any better than that? 

Parents, don't miss this opportunity to bring your young person into God's presence.  Bring them into your passion for God by bringing them with you to church.

'97 Remembrances P4

All throughout my life and especially while in Bible College, I heard messages about 'revival'.  The thought process goes something like this...'all we need is a revival from God, if revival happens everything else will be great--revival is the answer that every church needs, and it will solve every problem when it comes.'

I would call that Myth #1:  Revival solves everything.

Myth #2:  Revival is something you chase but never expect to catch.  It is that mystical experience that is always just a bit out of reach.   Revival would happen if you would just pray more, sin less, or be intense enough to deserve it.

So let's deal with one myth at a time.  Myth #1:  Revival solves everything.

• When God begins to move, people get emotional, and things begin to change.  These are two things that many people who are used to a particular routine--do not like.  One of the things that I was not prepared for was this:  Some people will not like what revival brings with it. 
• Within the first few weeks of the impact moments following Jan 12, 1997--there was a somewhat sizable group of people who were standing in opposition to it.  Honestly, this was shocking to me.  I thought everyone would be happy for the souls being saved, and the people worshiping with abandon, and the lives that were being changed.  Not everyone was.
• This is actually the Biblical pattern that we see all through the gospels and in the book of Acts.  Where-ever miracles happened, opposition happened.  In every city where Paul visited in Acts, there was both revival and riot.  I did not expect that riot part.
• So while there were several hundred people that joined APC during that time, there were also 50 or so who left in strong opposition to the 'changes' that had occurred as a result. 

What I remember about that time was just how personally exhausted that I was.  We were meeting every night.  We were dealing with so many new baby christians.  I was 32 years old and trying to pastor this season of renewal.  And in the midst of all of it, I was trying to love people as they were opposing what was happening and as they were leaving the church. 

I remember one particular gathering that I was invited to attend at a home where 5 families had assembled to tell me as a group that they were leaving the church.  Many of these were close friends of mine.  It was a very hard night.

In my observation, there are two seasons when it seems that pockets of division and dissension arise within a church.

1. Just before the breakthrough comes.  Often the devil is trying to stir things up to break unity and keep back what God wants to accomplish.  With that attack comes a 'heaviness' on a church family.  Some people interpret that 'heaviness' as a sign that God has withdrawn his blessing, and that the leadership must be in the wrong.  Actually, that 'heaviness' is actually a sign that we need to push through in unity and in prayer.  Mature christians understand that and deal with that 'heaviness' in prayer.
2. Just after the breakthrough occurs.  This is the second moment when the devil attacks and tries to stir division.  He wants to snuff out the flame when it is in its infancy.  So anything good from God will always come with opposition.

Having lived through that season, I would say that it is totally worth it.  So many lives were transformed by what God was doing.  Was it perfect?  No.  Were there some things that I would do differently?  Yes.  Did it hurt to see people upset and divided?  Absolutely.  Was it worth the price?  Most definitely.

Now we wait for what God will do in 2007.  I know that God never does the same thing twice.  What is needed in 07 is different from what was needed in 97.  But I stand ready to follow Him into the next season of His working in my life.

Jan 12 Remembrances P3

It was exactly 10 years ago.  Well almost exactly--I am writing at about 9:05am, and it was during the 9:00am service that things began to happen.

• The service started, and I was discouraged on the front row.  I was quickly reviewing a message that I would never get to preach.
• After the initial season of worship and during the prayer time of the service, the Holy Spirit began to move.  People began to stream forward to the altar.  People were crying, repenting, seeking God.  We continued to worship and wait on God.
• Honestly, I had this sense like..."I am not sure what's happening right now, and I have no idea what to do about it, but I know this is God...and I know it is good.'  So I decided to do nothing.  And people, on their own, without pastoral prompting or encouragement poured their hearts out to God.
• Dale Biernesser came to me and said, "I think we should pray for people now".  I said, "Great idea...let's do it".  So we called our prayer leaders and they prayed over people.  The service lasted until about 10:45.  The people for the next service were already arriving.  The people from the 9:00 service were not leaving.  There was a major parking problem...but nobody cared.  So people parked on the grass and up and down Duncan.
• So I closed the 9:00 service by saying, "I had a plan to tell you today that our speaker had to cancel for the week.  He had a tragedy in his office, and is not able to come.  I was not sure exactly what to do since we have an entire week of services planned.  I still don't know what to do.  But I can tell you this, God is on the move.  We will be meeting this week.  Our special guest for the week will not be an evangelist.  Our guest for the week will be the Holy Spirit.  We will simply show up and follow His agenda."  When I said this...the entire church cheered and applauded.
• Many of the 9:00 service folks stayed through the 11:00 service.  God continued to move through that service as well.  Hundreds of people were still seeking God and experiencing His power at 2pm.
• Then we were back again for a 6pm service, and the placed was jammed.  The atmosphere was filled with anticipation.  This night began several weeks of services just about every night of the week.

What was the result?  Over 900 people made decisions to follow Christ from January to March 1997.  Over 120 people were baptized in water.  Countless people got their lives right with God. 

One of the signs of that was a trash can that we placed in the front of the church sanctuary, just in front of the pulpit.  We encouraged people to bring the junk of their lives to the altar and dump it in the can.  The building was open all week for people to dispose of their past in the can. 

Every day we would empty the can and there would be drugs, alcohol, magazines, music, books.  Once there was a gun placed in there.

Beyond that, our entire church was changed.  There was a new freedom, a joy, the tangible sense of God's love throughout the worship.  We still have that atmosphere in our church.  It started in 1997.  The atmosphere of our gatherings was forever changed in those moments.

Quite a few of our young people were called into ministry and/or launched into a Christ-centered focus in their schooling or career.  Hundreds of people testified to God healing the emotional wounds of their past as they soaked in the presence of God.  It truly was an amazing day (Jan 12) and an incredible two months.

But it was not without its challenges.  More on that tomorrow.

What Preceded The Suddenly? Remembrances P2

To commemorate the 10 year anniversary of January 12th, 1997--I am writing a series of entries with some remembrances.  So what preceded this 'sudden explosion of the presence of God'?

1. My Personal Experience - in April of 1996, I visited The Brownsville AG Church in Pensacola, Florida to experience the revival that had started there in 1995.  While I was there, I was moved by the hundreds of people streaming to the front to give their lives to Christ.  There was also a powerful atmosphere of the Holy Spirit in that place.  My exposure to God's presence there changed me.
2. Common Vision Spread - As I shared my experience at Brownsville, it whet the appetite of many people at APC to see a move of God in our city.  Several people traveled to Florida to get in on what God was doing there.  More than that, however, was an increased hunger and passion that grew among us.
3. Worship Gatherings - At that time we were meeting on Sunday nights, instead of on Wednesday nights for our extended times of worship.  We dedicated that time to worship, to pray, and to taking communion (preparing our hearts for what God wanted to do).
4. Relational Healing - In August 1996, we hosted our 30th Anniversary Celebration as a church.  This was of enormous significance because it was just 5 or 6 years after what had been a major season of division and conflict in our fellowship.   During this weekend, former pastors, staff, and leaders returned for the celebration.  At that moment, there were still many unresolved issues between these former leaders in our church (which affected so many others as well).  On the final night of the weekend, without plan or prompting, one of these former pastors made a public apology to another.  They cried, embraced, and reconciled.  Wow!  Then we took communion as a church.  At that moment, it was as if the barriers to God's blessing on us as a church were removed.  We were now in position for God to move.
5. Five Months Of Seeking With No Sign Of Anything - As we entered the fall of 06, I continued to expect for something to happen.  But it just seemed 'dead'.  It wasn't that there was any major problem, there was just no sense of breakthrough.
6. Week Of Fasting And Prayer - On January 5th, 1997, I spoke to the church and encouraged them to fast and pray for the upcoming week.  Quote:  God is gathering a wave of His Spirit and we need to get ready to ride it out.  Like a body surfer waits for the next big wave, we wait.  The water seems calm, but that is just a sign of a gathering of momentum.  Very soon God is going to do amazing things among us.  About 200 of us fasted and prayed that week.  Friday night we broke the fast after a Prayer Meeting, and there was a tangible sense of expectation and excitement in the air.
7. God Set The Stage - Right after that Prayer Meeting, I received a call from Ron Heitman.  Ron was coming to be our speaker for Sunday and for the upcoming week of 'revival services' that we had planned.  He called to tell me, 'One of the members in my office has just been in an accident, I will not be able to be with you next week'.  To say that I was disappointed would be a severe understatement.

As I leader I felt totally exposed.  I had led people to fast and pray and believe for God to move.  People did it.  They sacrificed food for an entire week and they were going into this next week of services with huge expectations and faith.

Now I had no speaker and no plan.  On the morning of January 12th, I said to my wife before leaving the house to go to the church, "I would rather be any place else in the world, than have to go and face Allison Park Church this morning".  My plan was to go to church and preach a message telling people not to give up, just because our speaker canceled--we should not be discouraged.

But I was discouraged.  I had very low faith, and very low expectations on that Sunday morning. 

But that was the moment that God moved, when I least expected it, when all my plans had seemed to fail, when my faith was at its lowest point.  Tomorrow, I will write about how it happened.  But for now, I am encouraged that many of the things that I learned at that time.  I am also filled with expectation of what God will do in the near future.

10 Year Anniversary Of A 'Suddenly'

Tonight in the middle of the Worship Gathering, I was reminded of a very important anniversary for Allison Park Church.  It was 10 years ago, on January 12th, 1997--that APC had an explosive spiritual moment that was transformation both for the life of the church and for the lives of many individuals as well.

Friday (Jan 12, 2007) marks that 10 year anniversary to the day.  Therefore, I am going to do a series of blog entries on my remembrances of that amazing season in the life of our church fellowship.

As I write these remembrances, we are pursuing God for a new and unique 'suddenly' to explode into our midst.  What is a 'suddenly'?  I am using that term for a 'sudden visitation of the presence of God that is so real and so powerful that it changes everything'.  When a 'suddenly' occurs, souls are saved, bodies are healed, young people are called into ministry, the backslidden return to God, people are set free, and most of all--God gets even more up close and personal in our lives.

Tonight, as I was worshiping--I sensed the very real and tangible presence of God.  It felt very much like it felt in 1997 when God burst onto the scene.  Now, I believe that there is so much more than what we are experiencing right now.  But I look back on that moment with great fondness and respect and a moment that shifted the trajectory of our church's history. 

One way that I can see the shaping of that moment was through those who were leading the Worship Gathering tonight.  Kate Griffin was 14 or 15 years old at the time, just a young person being impacted by God's presence.  She wasn't even from APC, she just came to visit during that season of the move of God.  Now she is leading our Fine Arts Department.

David Santistevan who is leading our worship, was like 13 years old.  He was just beginning to play his guitar and piano.  I recall laying my hands on David (and his brother Mike--who is now the pastor at ACC) and praying over him during that season of outpouring.  There was such a strong anointing on the them, that I just wept and prophesied over them and how God wanted to use them.  Now, those words are being fulfilled as they are part of leading the next wave of what God is doing.

Pastor Chris Griffin was 17 years old at the time.  He could be found at the altar as a young person with his hands raised to God, declaring aloud his praise.  He attended North Allegheny H.S. and God touched him powerfully during that time, and called him to ministry.  He led many of his friends to Christ and became a student leader in 220 Youth Ministry.  Today, Chris leads our 24/7 Prayer Ministry and tonight he led the service.

Brian Lippert, who was our drummer tonight--was just 11 years old.  Brian now is our Media Tech and does our Web, our Videos, our APC Minute.  He was just a quiet little kid, sitting in his seat in the midst of all that God was doing at the time.   Now God is using him to help us communicate creatively to the next generation.

I am so grateful to God for what He has done in the past ten years, and so proud of these young men and women who were touched by God at APC.  As we pray for the 'suddenly' to be released once again among us, we are praying for more than just what will happen today or tomorrow.  We are praying prayers that will shape and release the lives of the next generation.  When God visits a church, He changes everything.