Allison Park Church Updates

What's My Mission In Life?

This past weekend, we talked about how important it is to your life to understand our GOD-GIVEN ASSIGMMENT for life.  When we understand our mission in life, everything becomes clearer.   Even our daily struggles take on new meaning and purpose.

Living on mission makes living through struggles far less devastating.

This was the truth that we discussed in the message together based on the experiences that Paul had in the shipwreck experience in Acts 27.  During the next few days, we want to help you focus on your mission in life through the ACT NORMAL SERIES.  How?

1.  Small Group Discussion - one of the best ways to clarify how God is working in an through you - is to get positive feedback from those who know you.  This is one of the objectives of our small group gatherings this week.

2.  Weekend Message - this coming weekend, the message that Pastor Jeff will share is on the topic of HOW TO HEAR FROM GOD.  This teaching will also apply to gaining a perspective on your life.

3.  Discoverying My Ministry Course - This Sunday from 9am to 1pm, this course is offered again.  It is designed to help you understand how you are wired (personality, gifts, passion, experiences) and how God desires to use you.

These environments can be added to your process as you 1) pray about your life mission; 2) seek feedback from others; 3) identify your season and the implications of that; and 4) assess your gifts.

How Normal Are You?

I love that question, don't you?  When I ask it, however, I am not asking if you are somehow imbalanced, slightly weird, or odd.  What I am referring to is the concept behind the series that we are in which is called ACT NORMAL. 

Normal is defined by CONTEXT.

The context of the 'normal' Christian life is not defined by what we see around us today, nor by what we grew up understanding about church or God.  Normal Christianity is defined by how closely our life lines up with the life of Jesus and the lifestyle of those who were part of the first church in the book of Acts.

In reality, becoming normal by that definition is not as huge a leap as we think.  Everything starts with small steps of obedience in the right direction.

1.  One Random Act Of Kindness At A Time.

2.  One Conversation About Christ (sharing our faith) At A Time.

3.  One Moment In The Presence Of The Holy Spirit At A Time

What small step will you take today? 

Remember that a big key in making this process work is that we are not doing this alone.  We need PARTNERS to succeed in any new habit we are trying to build.  Don't miss your SMALL GROUPS this coming week.  Lots of good momentum is at stake in your life.

My Personal Blog Has Moved To A New Location

Over the past few months, I have been feeling that my blogging life needs to become more focused and streamlined.  Maybe you have noticed that I have been writing less than normal.  This is because I have been reformating my approach to the blogosphere.

I have decided to do two things:

#1 - BLOG MORE ON CHURCH PLANTING AND CHURCH LEADERSHIP

You can find my brand new blog site at ChurchPlantingStrategies.Com.  There you will find my thoughts on leadership, reflections on what God is doing in me and in my ministry, and updates on what is happening in the 100 Church Vision (to plant 100 churches in the next 10 years).

#2 - MAKE THIS BLOG SITE EXCLUSIVELY ABOUT ALLISON PARK CHURCH

If you visit this blog or subscribe, you will get updates on NEW MESSAGE SERIES, testimonies, events that are coming up, and other helpful information if you are part of the APC Family.

CHECK OUT THE MY NEW SITE TODAY.  You can also get there by clicking on 100churches.net or JeffLeakeOnline.Com.

Mundane Or On Mission?

This week the challenge in the ACT NORMAL series is to live your life on MISSION.  What's your assignment?  Simply seek to do ONE ACT OF KINDNESS every day for the next several days.  Keep your eyes open for someone who needs encouraged, a co-worker who needs prayer, a single mom who needs a hand, a friend who needs a card of encouragement, etc.

Remember - IT'S NORMAL FOR US TO DO WHAT JESUS DID.

Jesus told us that we would do not just the same things He did, but even GREATER THINGS because he was going to the Father (and was going to send us the Holy Spirit as a divine injection of His life in us).  John 14:12

The fact of the matter is - your life will feel MUNDANE unless you live it on MISSION.  Why not change up the ordinary and dreary patterns of life this week and give the Holy Spirit a chance to send you on an assignment from heaven?

Then bring your stories of what God is doing through you to your SMALL GROUP and we can celebrate together the opportunity to ACT NORMAL.

What's In Your 'God Pocket'?

Bruce Wilkinson, who wrote the YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS BOOK that we studied last year in our small groups, has written a follow up book called THE GOD POCKET.  Here's how he describes it:

Many years ago my wife and I felt that too often we were missing out on the thrill of personal, hands-on, God-directed giving.  We gave regularly and joyfully to our church and other worthy causes, and we were certainly blessed to help our family members and others when we could. 

But increasingly, our giving seemed impersonal, even automatice (and this was in the days before the auto-deduct options on bank accounts).  By and large, our giving reflected our decisions based on our understanding and our priorities.

What would happen, Darlene and I wondered, if in addition to our regular giving at church, we could be more purposeful about living in active, daily dependence on God to direct our personal giving?

That way, God could move our funds around where, and when, and to whom He wanted.  We could sere as his delivery agents.  He'd get all the glory, and we'd have front row seats to one divine provision after another.  We needed a practical, God-honoring way to do just that.

Finally a verse in 1 Timothy opened our eyes.  The more we prayed about it, the more we saw that this verse might be giving us the answer we'd been looking for.  Paul gives young pastor Timothy a picture of how Christians can invite God into their giving in a big way.  "Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share.'

The more Darlene and I thought about Paul's advice to be 'ready to give, willing to share,' The more we understood that our problem might not lie in what or where we gave but in how we gave.  What we needed was to find a way to respond without hesitation wherever and whenever God led. 

The 'God Pocket' became the perfect solution.

The 'God Pocket' is a tool that anyone can use to meet urgent needs as Heaven directs.  The idea is rooted in the PRINCIPLE OF ADVANCED TRANSFER - you transwer ownership to God of a specific sum, ahead of time, so that we He chooses, He can meet someone else's financial needs through you.

Your commitment ahead of time to act allows you to emotionally separate yourself from the money in  your 'God Poket'.  You are just the deliver agent, a messenger on a mission.  The funds you carry belong to God to do with as He pleases.

Now you can relex, because the next move is entirely up to Him.

We Should All ACT NORMAL For A Change!

This month we are launching into an ALL CHURCH CAMPAIGN at Allison Park Church that is entitled, ACT NORMAL.  What is normal as a follower of Jesus?  What does God really expect to do in our lives?  Are we 'normal christians'?  Based on what standard?

What if we used the BOOK OF ACTS as our measurement for what is normal?

What if God really intended for us to live a life that was filled with His activity?  Hearing from God; seeing loved ones come to faith in Christ; living a life of signficance and service; experiecing God's miracle working supernatural power.

I, for one, want to live my best life.  I don't want to settle for some 'Americanized' version of what Christianity should be.  I want to experience everything God has for me and in my church family.  Therefore, I am CHALLENGING EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE in this campaign, which involves:

1. WEEKEND MESSAGES - Seven weeks exploring what was normal in the book of Acts.
2. SMALL GROUPS - Each week we will discuss and seek to flesh out what we are learning together.
3. READINGS - There is a devotional book that you can purchase (optional) and/or you can simply choose to take this time to read a chapter a day in the Book Of Acts.
4. PROJECTS - you can really live the book of Acts without ACTION.  We will act together to see God at work through our steps of faith.

I can't wait to hear the stories of what God will do in us all during this season.  Whatever we do together, with passion, will make an enormous impact on the world.  Let's start ACTING NORMAL for a change.

Wanna Buy My New Book?

I am so excited to announce that LEARNING TO FOLLOW JESUS is now officially in print.  Dr. Daniel McNaughton has offered to me the honor of collaborating together on a step by step guide on what it means to be a 'disciple'.

Daniel is the true genius behind this concept.  The book is designed as a workbook, discussion guide, devotional, and coaching manual - all wrapped up into one resource.

We have identified SEVEN ATTRIBUTES of what it means to follow Jesus.  Each chapter is a short daily reading with stories to illustration the concept, scripture verses to memorize, fill-in-the-blank questions, and some wonderful diagnostic tools to help you understand the unique way that God has designed you to follow Jesus.

You can order the book online here (and we will send it to you).

Or you can purchase it for only $10 at the Resource Center at Allison Park Church.

Happy 50th Anniversary Jim & Becky Leake!

 

Yesterday, my Mom and Dad celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary.  They were married on December 30th, 1961.  After two days of honeymoon in the Holiday Inn in Erie, PA - they located to Petersburg, West Virginia.  My Dad taught in a one-room school house for a year.

I am so proud of my folks for their amazing lives, relationship, and example.  For their anniversary, I wrote and presented them with this tribute poem. 

FIFTY

What words could describe what it means
For two souls to be truly joined at the seams
Eighteen thousand, two-hundred and fifty days
Have passed in a seeming timeless way.

Who could have imagined at the start
The experiences of which you have taken part
Your joys, your trials, and your dreams
You've shared in one continuous stream

It's true that love's ongoing decision
Has built in you a common passion
To live your lives in such a way
That lifted you beyond the fray

Of broken lives and shattered dreams
Instead produced a worthy frame
Which pictures what it truly means
To live in love and conquer shame

Your marriage leaves a legacy
For us to follow strategically
Two Thousand and six hundred weeks
Is heritage for us to seek

Our prayer is that in our small way
We can congratulate your day
By living out the lessons given
In your fifty years of love's decision

Happy Anniversary

Four Ways To Fail Spiritually In 2012

No one sets out to fail at anything.  And yet failure has some common denominators.  When we fall short, we can look back and trace the factors in why and where our mis-steps occurred.

#1 - STAY AWAY FROM STRONG CHRISTIANS

One of the most important factors in the direction of your life is your decisions in regard to primary relationships.  Passion is contagious.  If you get around people who are passionate about God, it will have an impact upon you.  If you choose lukewarm friends and/or hang with people who are running away from God you will ensure your downward spiral spiritually.

It's probably best to stay away from participating in weekly worship experiences with your church, because it is in that place that you might encounter the kind of passionate people will interfere with your path toward failure.  Small groups can be lethal to a backslidden condition.  Stay away from them at all costs.

#2 - TELL YOURSELF WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR

If you are going to fail, you must make sure to stay away from the truth.  Self-deception is a skill that you can practice and hone into an art form.  Live in denial.  Minimize the impact of compromise.  Develop excuses for why you do what you do and why you can't change. 

#3 - AVOID TIME IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

Quiet time can be dangerous.  Keep the TV on.  Distract yourself constantly.  Make sure that you place your Bible in a place that is hidden from your sight.  If not, the Holy Spirit might begin to convict you about your negligence.  Noise, entertainment, and distractions are keys to eliminating the room necessary for the Holy Spirit to work aggressively in your life.

#4 - LIVE ONLY FOR THE MOMENT & GIVE NO THOUGHT LIFE's MEANING

Reflection can also hinder your path to spiritual malaise.  If you start to think about eternity and what makes life count, you will begin to make decisions that will lead to spiritual success.  Be hedonistic.  Do what feels good and what provides you with the greatest pleasure right now.

Don't stop to evaluate how this is affecting your life or the lives of those around you.  Wisdom comes from such choices.  Foolishness and failure are linked.  It's key to stay thinking foolish and immediate thoughts if you are to continue to sink spiritually.

Obviously, my hope for you is not FAILURE but SUCCESS.  So do the opposite of what's listed above and you will have step into your best year yet.

Prayer & Fasting Challenge - 2012

 

Five Keys To Reading The Bible In 2012

Many people list as a new year's resolution:  'this year, I am going to read the Bible all the way through; or, 'this year I am going to have a consistent devotional life.'  The problem is not in the desire it is in the execution!

FIVE KEYS TO A CONSISTENT BIBLE READING PLAN:

#1 - SELECT A DAILY PLAN

There are so many great options available to you.  The site youversion.com has about thirty plans available to you.  You can choose a plan than fits your time goal.  You can select a Bible translation according to reading ease and personal preference.

The One Year Bible is also a classed tool available both online and in book form.  It divides up the readings into an OT passage, a NT passage, a Psalm, and a Proverb.  Read about 15 minutes a day, and you can make it through the Bible in a year.

#2 - SELECT A TIME

When are you going to do your reading.  Pick the easiest time for you to be consistent.  For me it is the first thing I do when I get out of bed.  A cup of coffee and some Bible reading for me.  Maybe its on your lunch break?  Maybe just before dinner or just before bed?

#3 - READ OR LISTEN 'OUT LOUD' WHEN TIRED

Sometimes it helps for me to read certain passages out loud to stay awake.  One of the wonderful online features, should you choose an online program - is that you can actually listen to their 'audio-Bible'.  Actually, if you have a 'smart phone' you can listen to your Bible passages on your way to work.  Just download the youversion.com app and you can play the Bible as you drive.

#4 - SEARCH FOR THE 'ONE THING' TO FOCUS ON EVERY DAY

Honestly, I often am reading through certain passages for speed.  When it hit passages in Leviticus or Ezekiel - I don't let me self get hung up on things I don't totally understand.  I don't quit when I feel tired or bored.

What I do is read quickly through until I hit the verse or passage that becomes my ONE VERSE FOR THE DAY.  Then I pause, I read and re-read that verse.  I think about that verse.  Sometimes, I will journal on that verse.  Often, I will pray the concepts in that verse.

#5 - CUT YOURSELF A BREAK IF YOU MISS

If you happen to miss a day, a few days, or even a week.  Don't throw in the towel.  Pick up where you left off.  The key factor is NOT TO READ EVERY WORD.  The goal in all of this is to DEVELOP A HABIT and consistently expose yourself to the life-transforming power that is available to us by reading and OBEYING the WORD OF GOD!

Biggest Christmas Weekend Ever @ APC

This past set of Christmas Services was the most highly attended Christmas Weekend in the history of Allison Park Church.  We offered five different service times.  Probably, we could have filled one or two more services had we offered one more on Thursday, and a second Friday night service.

The only way that schedule is possible is due to the hard work and devotion of a STAFF (pastoral, support, and volunteers) during a season of the year when everyone is longing just to take some time off and be with family.

So let me offer a HUGE THANK YOU to my amazingly talented and devoted team!

You guys are amazing.  I love you and love serving with you!

Merry Christmas From My Family To Yours!

Praying God's blessing on your life this year.  Thanks for participating with this blog.  Have a blessed Christmas holiday.

A God Who Really Understands

This past weekend, I did a talk about the depths at which God was willing to go to bring us back into right relationship with Him.

SCRIPTURE: We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He has been through weakness and testing, experienced it all - all but the sin. So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take mercy and accept the help. Hebrews 4:15-16 MSG

OBSERVATION: When Jesus came, he came in full human form. God came in the body of Jesus. Born into a poor family (too poor to offer the full sacrifice at Jesus' dedication moment - Luke 2:24). Birthed in a stable. Laid in a feeding trough (manger). Announced only to low-class shepherds. Raised in a blue collar worker's home (Joseph was a carpenter). Living in Nazareth, which was a place known for its lack of sophistication (hickville).

Jesus not only knew what it was like to live poverty. His parents were teenagers in the palestinian region under Roman rule. Jesus also knew what it was like to be a refugee. Herod ordered that all boys under 2 years old were to be killed. So Joseph and Mary took their boy and fled to Egypt for a season.

Jesus lived through a genocide of sorts.

APPLICATION: Because of this, we know that Jesus understands. He can totally relate to every pain we endure. He is not a God who is far off. He is the God who came near in the body of Jesus to reach us. He was willing to do whatever it takes.

PRAYER: Jesus, thank you that you understand me. You know what it is like to endure suffering, betrayal, need, longing, temptation, and pain. Because you understand, you care, and you have overcome - I will pray with all boldness today. I know you can make a difference in my life. Amen.

How's Your Listening Skills?

SCRIPTURE:  Anyone who has an ear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.  Revelation 3:13

OBSERVATION:  This statement is one that is made over and again throughout the book of Revelation.  It echos a statement that Jesus made in his ministry.  'He who has an ear, let him hear.'  What's implied by the statement?  There's a big difference between HEARING and LISTENING.  You can hear words, but do are you truly tuned into what is being said.  Sometimes, my teenage boys hear my voice, but they are not really listening very well because they fail to act on what I am asking.

Also included in this statement is some direction about who is speaking.  The Holy Spirit speaks.  When we hear, we must hear with our 'spirit' not with our natural ears.  This requires a special skill of learning to hear the inner nudges and promptings of the Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION:  God is a speaking God.  He is always sending out messages, by the Spirit to our spirits.  But we are often not listening.  Listening involves several things.

1. Hearing - the skill of knowning how and when the Holy Spirit is speaking.
2. Understanding - we have to properly discern and interpet what is being spoken.
3. Obeying - none of this is any good unless we apply it to our lives in obedience.

PRAYER:  God, give me ears to really hear your voice today and the courage to undersand and obey!

Praying Psalm 41

SCRIPTURE: The Lord protects them and keeps them alive. He gives them prosperity in the land and rescues them from their enemies. The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. Psalm 41:2-3

OBSERVATION: David is the writer of this Psalm. He describes himself as needing rescued from many things: enemies, sickness, temptation, betrayal. Then he paints a picture of God, the rescuer. He uses six verbs to describe what God does: protects, keeps, gives, rescues, nurses, and restores.

APPLICATION: Our family is praying these two verses on behalf of David Spencer (Melodie's dad). David recently had a liver transplant and is struggling in ICU with pneumonia and infection. What we are believing for is the work of an Almighty God to rescue and restore David Spencer completely.

PRAYER: So we pray based on these verbs:

Protect David's mind, his soul, and his future.
Keep him in your care. Keep him in peace.
Give him life. Give him the ability to overcome this infection.
Rescue him from this illness in the name of Jesus.
Nurse him, O Lord, back to health.
Restore him to his calling and purpose in life.

What Is The Engine Of Prayer?

This past weekend, I shared an illustration about what prayer feels like at times.  Sometimes we feel like our prayers are going nowhere.  It's like when I pretended to drive my dad's car as a nine year old boy.  I would sneak behind the wheel when the car was parked in the driveway.  Sit in the drivers seat.  Place my hands on the steering wheel.  Make the noises (vroom, vroom) as if the car was in motion.

But in reality - the car was turned off.  Motionless.  Going nowhere.

Prayer often feels like that.  We are in the right vehicle.  We want our prayers to take us somewhere good, where an answer to prayer is released.  But we feel as if we are somehow just pretending.  We wonder if our prayers are actually accomplishing anything at all?

What if someone handed you the key to the ignition?  What if you could do something that would turn the engine or prayer on and get the vehicle of prayer in motion?

The key that turns on the engine of prayer is a PROMISE FROM GOD.  When we are praying according to what God has already promised, we are agreeing with God's Word which is a revelation of God's Will for our lives.

And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.  1 John 5:14-15

So what do we do to get things in motion:

1. Listen for God's promise - expose yourself to God's written Word and let the Spirit highlight.
2. Agree with God's promise - choose to believe what He has said.
3. Confess it out loud and often - as we pray we confess the promises.
4. Celebrate the small beginnings - most prayers are answered a little bit at a time. 

Christmas Eve @ Allison Park Church

This year we are adding an additional service opportunity on December 23rd @ 6pm.  We are also going to host a one-hour 'family' service on Christmas Day at 11:15am.  I absolutely love this CANDLELIGHT Christmas Eve Tradition.

Hope to see you there on Christmas Eve!

Play Keep Away Today

Scripture: Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. (1 John 5:21 NLT)

Observation: There is great news! According to 1 John, those who have Jesus, who have received his saving work, have received indestructible overcoming life that cannot be stopped. This is the context of 1 John chapters 3,4, and 5.

Sin can't stop the life of Jesus in you.
The past can't stop the life of Jesus in you.
Your own offended conscience can't stop him.

Application: Therefore, since the life of Jesus, which operates within you is your hope - make sure that nothing interferes with his place in your life. As soon as something else takes his place, you will lose the power and ability to over come. As long as Jesus has his rightful place - sitting on the throne of your heart, you can be confident that you will overcome whatever comes against you.

Prayer: Lord, today I place you at the center of my life. May nothing enter my world that in anyway competes with you for that central and primary spot in my heart. I declare it to be so. Amen!

Is It Your Practice?

I have decided to get back into the consistency of blogging and I am going to use this format for a while to jot down some of my own 'devotional' thoughts through S.O.A.P. (Scritpure - Observation - Application - Prayer).  This outline is a really wonderful way to journal.

Scripture:  Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.  1 John 3:9

Observation:  This is fairly radical idea presented here by John.

• Children of God can't keep sinning because of the 'life' that is in them.
• This 'life' works so powerfully in them that they are continually pushed toward overcoming.
• It's not that God's children never sin.  It's that the practice or habit of sin begins to break.
• This is for those who are 'born again' into God's family.  Victory is a spiritual birthright.

Application:  We tend to hold the opposite view of the practice of sin.  We view our habitual tendency as a prison based on past experience and/or the lack of capacity we have to overcome in and of ourselves.  But God sees us differently.  We are now in relationship with Him.  We are marked as a part of his family which is an overcoming entity.  Life is in us.  The Holy Spirit is constantly working in us to bring us to the practice of living our best kind of life.

Prayer:  God, help me see and declare this truth.  Overcoming life is within me today.  My destiny is victory and not defeat.  I am accepted as a child of God through Jesus Christ.  Today is a new day in my life.

You Are Precious To God!

This morning I was reading in the book of Daniel and I came across a statement that Gabriel made to Daniel - that sounds very similar to the statement that Gabriel made to Mary (Jesus' mom).

SCRIPTURE:  The moment you began praying, a command was given. And now I am here to tell you what it was, for you are very precious to God.  Daniel 9:23

OBSERVATION:  The words are often tranlated into English as 'highly favored' or 'greatly esteemed'.  The NLT uses this expression 'precious to God'.  God was speaking this to Daniel who was praying and praying and had not yet received an answer.  Daniel was living in a very difficult place, in captivity in Babylon.  He was crying out to God for deliverance.  God sends the angel to remind Daniel, that the answer was on the way.  But even more than that - he reminded Daniel of what God thought of him...PRECIOUS.

APPLICATION:  So often we think that delay means dismissal.  No answer has come so God must not care about us.  We assume that difficulty that lingers means that God has decided that we have little value and that our prayers are somehow not quality enough to answer.

This is simply untrue.

The fact is:  YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO GOD!  He esteems you.  He values you.  He is hearing you.  O that we could understand just how God feels about us.  My delay does not mean God has dismissed me or my concerns.  My difficulty does not indicate that God has decided to ignore my life.  It may not always feel this way - but YOU ARE PRECIOUS TO GOD.

PRAYER:  God, I thank you for the reminder today that you look at me as a prize, a treasure, and with great esteem.  Help me really see that and believe that.  For you are precious to me. I place you as the primary affection of my heart.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Planting A Church In Boston

We are so excited to be partnering with the McNaughton family as they put things in motion to plant a church in Boston, MA.  David McNaughton, currently works with the CHURCH MULTIPLICATION NETWORK and resides in Dallas, TX.  He has tons of experience in helping to resource church planters.

Years ago, David planted a church in the Boston area, and now God has called him to return and help facilitate not only the planting of this church, but the establishment of a church planting Network in that region of the country.

His son Caleb (pictured far left) will be the Lead Pastor of the first church planted in Boston in this effort.  The name of this new church is THE LINK (check out their website here).  Caleb is an amazing young man, with excellent leadership abilities.  He has been a Student Ministries Pastor for the past few years.

READ THE REST OF THIS ARTCILE BY VISITING 100CHURCHES.NET

A Weekend To Celebrate!

This past weekend was one of those moments that make all of the effort in ministry worth it.  It is so gratifying to see people taking steps of faith in their walk with God.

• 104 people attended the Spiritual Breakthrough Weekend.
• 39 believers were bapitzed in water.
• Daniel McNaughton spoke for the first time in the weekend services at APC.  What a great addition he is to our pastoral team.
• I spoke at Bridgepoint Church in Tarentum and installed them as a 'soverign AG church' (meaning that they are now a fully functioning local church.  Congrats to Pastor Greg Krowitz and his team.  Bridgepoint was planted in 2007.
• In that service, I prayed over Stephen Michalowski as he received his ministry credentials.  Stephen is the Kids Pastor at Bridgepoint. He grew up at APC and was a graduate of the MCM Ministry School.

Praise God for all of the things He is doing among us.

Check Out Our New Website - 100Churches.Net

If you want to follow the journey and celebrate the progress of our goal to plant 100 churches in the next ten years, visit our new site:  100churches.net.

When we get ready to plant our next church, we will update this site with the details for which we can both pray and celebrate. Watch the video that provides the vision and background.  You can read about Church Plant #1 on there as well.

Transplant Scheduled For David Spencer

Many of you have been praying for my father-in-law, David Spencer, regarding his need for a liver transplant.  We received some very good news this morning.  A young man named, Donald, from the Hosana congregation in Nicaragua (where David was the pastor) has been willing to be a live donor for this.

The liver is an amazing organ in the body. 

You can take 1/2 of a live donor's liver.  It will grow back to full-size within approximately six weeks.  The other 1/2, which is transplanted into the patient in need, also grows to a full-size eventually as well. 

Over the past few weeks, they have been running tests on Donald's liver to see if he was a qualified match.  Today, they determined that he is.  Surgery is scheduled for November 22nd.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers so far.  Please pray that this transplant surgery will be smooth and effective.  Pray for both David and Donald's health during this process.  (David is pictured here with Ottoniel who is one of the pastors at the Hosana Church in Managua).

Five Ways God Is Working In Your Life

This morning I was reminded of a fantastic promise found in Philippians 2:13, which says, 'for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.'  I want to key in for a moment on this idea of [email protected]  There are several ways God is working...

FOR YOU - He is working for a good purpose for you.

IN YOU - He isn't just working on things around you.  He is doing an inside-out work.  In you first.

WITH YOU - You are not alone.  He is always wanting you to enjoy His presence.

AHEAD OF YOU - Ephesians 2:10 tells us that 'God has prepared good works for us to do.'

AROUND YOU - God is also working on people and situations all around you.

Just because you can't see it all yet - doesn't mean it isn't happening.  Thank God for His consistent, ongoing, sometimes invsible work in our world.

The Big Rocks Go In First

This past weekend, I shared a message by this title  - and borrowed this physical illustration that I picked up from Steven Covey.  This is both an excellent time management and spiritual life princple.

Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God and all these things (fit in) as well.  Matthew 6:33

What Is A Leader?

This morning Dick Foth shared at our SMALL GROUP LEADERS SUMMIT and he made a simple and yet very challenging statement about leadership.  What is a leader?

A leader is one who selects a worthy objective and sacrifices to such a degree in pursuit of that objective that it brings other people with them.

Based on this defintion, are you a leader?   Or do you simply hold a position?  Are you pursuing something that is worthy of sacrifice?  Are people following your pursuit? 

Good questions!  I will be pondering this definition for a while.  My prayer is this, 'make me this kind a leader who is passionately pursuing your Kingdom.'

David Santistevan's E-Book For Worship Leaders

David Santistevan published his first E-BOOK to help those who currently lead worship or who aspire to lead worship to think through their philosophy of ministry.  The book is called BEYOND SUNDAY, A Step By Step Guide For Creating And Sustaining A Vision For Your Worship Team.

You can find and download a copy of this new book by clicking this link!

Proud of you David!!!

What To Do When Life Gets Complicated?

Some situations in life have no easy answer!  it might be that the problems have existed for a long, long time? It might be that there are multiple people involved with multiple issues? It might be that there is no simple solutions available to what appears to be some very twisted challenges?

Or it might be that the circumstances you are in are simply beyond your control?  What do we do then?

#1 - Realize that God is not asking you to fix the situation,He simply wants you to do the NEXT RIGHT THING!

What is the next right thing to do?  Forgive? Establish a boundary?  Have a necessary but difficult conversation?  Obey God.  Please God.  Do the NEXT RIGHT THING and let him work on your behalf.

#2 - Re-discover Joy!

Don't put of joy until the situation changes or the problem is solved.  Find joy today.  Joy is the choice to step into the flow of the Holy Spirit and to allow Him to re-shape the atmosphere within your heart.  Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. 

God will enable you to enjoy the moment you are in and the little things for which we can always be thankful.

#3 - Aggressively Declare God's Promise!

If you don't live in faith you will give into fear and dispair.  We don't drive out fear incrementally.  Fear must be overcome with boldness.  Bold faith grows because it connects to GOD'S PROMISE.  You can't grow faith in a vaccuum.  You can't wish it into existence.

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the WORD OF GOD.  Romans 10:17

It might be complicated right now.  And you might not be able to see how it will all work out.  But you can take steps to actively trust God and work with Him to bring about a seeminly impossible solution. The only other alternative is to sink down in despair. 

So rise up.  Take these steps.  God will meet you as you trust in Him.

When You Get Your Priorities Straight?

This coming, we will start a NEW message series, entitled: PRIORITIES.  We tend to think of priorities from the perspective of time management or life maximization.  But when we get our priorities straight there is also something very powerful that happens spiritiually.

Alignment with God's values brings about a greater release of God's resources.

This is what is taught in the principle of Matthew 6:33.  If we SEEK FIRST (priorities) the KINGDOM OF GOD (his values)...ALL THESE THINGS will be added unto us (resources are released).  Getting aligned with what God is doing in the world may be one of the most important skills that you can ever learn in life.

Also this month, we will launch our GENERATIONS CAMPAIGN for 2012.  We will be promoting MISSIONS PROJECTS in which we can invest and MISSIONS TRIPS for the upcoming year as well.  Can't wait to see all that God will do in us.

What Limits Growth?

Churches often stagnate and stop growing.  There are many reasons why.  One of those reasons is that there is NOT ENOUGH ROOM for people.  If their is a perception that there is not enough space - it is difficult for someone new to find a place.

Most of the time, we think of this from a facilities point of view.  But MAKING ROOM is about so much more than just seating or parking capacity.  Sometimes it is FACILITY or PROPERTY space that is needed.  But often, the problems are more than physical:

#1 - RELATIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED - am I welcome?  am I wanted?

These are all the questions that people ask when the come to a new place.  Is there room around the table for me?  Do they want me in this church or in this small group? 

My father tells a story about a Board Member in the church that he pastored.  When the church was very small and there was plenty of facility room to grow, this Board Member became the barrier.  He would stand at the door as a 'greeter' to let new people know that they were not welcome.  He would scowl at them as they entered.

He did not feel that there was enough 'relational space' for others to enter.  He was more interested in maintaining his position or power than he was in reaching out to people.  When this man left the church - the church began to grow.   His attitude limited the relational space that was available.  His vacancy freed up space for people to be included.

#2 - MINISTRY SPACE IS NEEDED - am I needed?  Can I be used?

When we plant a church - we create space.  There is a need for people to serve in the newly created roles within this new church.  That's part of why church plants thrive with energy in their early days.  Everyone feels needed.  Everyone is a contributor.

As churches age and/or grow in size - there is a need to continue to MAKE ROOM for people to serve in their gift and passion.  If every seat on the bus is filled, no one new will want to ride.

#3 - FAITH SPACE IS NEEDED - do you believe in me?  Is there a future?

Do you believe that God has more to do?  Do you believe that God wants to do something in me?  So often we run out of space to believe.  We are trying to survive.  We are operating out of fear that we will fail or lose. 

There has to be room for people to believe, to dream, to work toward the vision for a better future. 

Is your life or minsitry lacking space?  Where do you need to MAKE ROOM for growth?

Senior High Pastor Needed

Allison Park Church is in the process of searching for a SENIOR HIGH PASTOR to work within the 220 Youth Ministry.  The position is a full-time role.  We are looking for someone who has a heart for students, is growing a good communicator/preacher, believes in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and is willing to listen, be taught, and learn.

If you know of someone who is interested - please let me know.

Conflict On The West Coast Over Church Name

My good friend Pastor Scott Hagan has had an interesting few weeks.  Scott pastors a great church in Sacramento, California called Mars Hill Community.  It just so happens that Scott's church shares the same name as two other famous churches.  Pastor Mark Driscoll pastors Mars Hill (Seattle).  Pastor Rob Bell pastors Mars Hill (Grand Rapids, Michigan).

Several months ago, Pastor Rob Bell wrote a book about the reality of hell (Love Wins).  His book stirred a tremendous controversy about what the Bible teaches regarding Hell, and many pastors have chosen to distsance themselves from Rob due to his views on this issue.

Pastor Mark Driscoll is known for his strong stance on Biblical truth.  Not only did he oppose Bell's views on 'hell' - Mark was forced to continually clarify that the church he pastors (Mars Hill) is not the same church in location or theology as the Mars Hill that Rob Bell pastors.

So the Mars Hill in Seattle - attempted to establish sole ownership of the name 'Mars Hill'.  They sent a 'cease and desist' letter to all churches with the same name, because they had gone through the process of legally copyright that name.

This is where Pastor Scott Hagan comes in to the picture.  He received the 'cease and desist' letter requiring him to change their church's name.  This set off a controversry of its own.

READ MORE ABOUT THE ENTIRE INTERACTION HERE.

CandyTown Is Coming To APC

Next weekend (OCTOBER 29-30) at Allison Park Church we are going to host the PITTSBURGH'S LARGEST CANDY GAME.  After each of the services, kids of all ages will be able to journey through a LIFE-SIZE GAME BOARD.  At each station they will encounter a LIVE character who will ask them a question or have the play a game.

At each station they will be able to accumlate candy and win prizes.

Part of the game board is being assembled in our CONCOURSE this week.  If you come to APC this weekend, you will be able to see some of it for yourself.  Start thinking now of friends and family members that you want to invite to the services next weekend.

Seven Keys To Break A Bad Habit

What does it take to break a bad pattern in your life?  This is a HUGE question that so many of us ask when we feel stuck in a rut we just can't get out of for whatever reason.  First, there are some things that will not help you change:

GUILT - no one ever changed because they guilted themselves to death.

GRIEF - change doesn't happen because you mourn over what a horrible person you feel you are.

ANGER - No amount of anger at yourself will provide the long-term fuel necessary for change.

RULES - adding a list of rules and commands won't make it happen for very long.

DETERMINATION ALONE - some degree of determination has to be involved.  But if all you have is will power, you won't have enough power to really change your life.

SO WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN LASTING HABITUAL CHANGE?

CONFESSION - first you have to admit it to yourself and confess it to God.

REPENTANCE - next, you have decide to change directions. (Romans 12:2)

TRUTH - before you can alter your behaviors you have to adjust your beliefs.  (John 8:32)

ACCOUNTABILITY - Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you might be healed.  (James 5:16)

WORSHIP - Your choice to worship invites the presence of the Holy Spirit who brings with him the power to say YES to the right things and NO to the things that will destroy you.

JOY - the joy of the Lord is our strength.  (Nehemiah 8:10)  A person with a heart of joy is rarely tempted to do self-destructive things.

VISION - Your choice to help others will keep your own life on the right track.

Where will you begin?   Pick any of the above and start your journey.  Maybe the most important of all of the above list would be the decision of ACCOUNTABILITY.  Tell someone else.  Confess to a mature brother or sister in Christ. 

May God bless you as you pursue these positive changes.

 

Small Group Leaders Summit - Invite Video

Leadership Summit Video from Allison Park Church Leaders on Vimeo.

What We Set In Motion (p5)

A few weeks ago, I was having lunch with John, the Director of WorldServe, which is the organization through which we partner to provide 'clean water' to villages in Tanzania.  We were discussing the strategy to plant churches on the sites where water wells are drilled.  (pictured here is a windmill driven water well and next to it is a church building).

I had always thought of this strategy as benefiting the church that is planted.  Wells are drilled in Muslim villages.  A church is planted on the same property.  People come to get drinking water and as they do they get to know the pastor and people of the church.  The people of the village begin to see the church as a source of tangible solutions in their lives.

This opens their hearts to be ready to hear and respond to the gospel.

I never realized that this strategy had equal benefit to the water well itself.  Wells that are drilled, without a church next to them, often fall into disrepair over time.  The valves stop working.  The equipment breaks down.  The thousands of dollars invested to provide this needed resource goes to waste because no one owns the upkeep of the well itself.

When a church is planted, however, the people of that church become the long-term guardian of the tool they have been given.  They take responsibility for the ongoing service that is being provided to their own community. 

Church planting provides sustainability for tangible ministry that communities need.

John explained that business leaders, who have no real connection to the church, love the concept of church planting because they realize that it is the key to long-term sustainability for these water wells in which they are investing.

When ever we plant a church - we plant the potential for sustainability of service and ministry to a community in need.  The church is the 'body of Christ' which represents Jesus in that community. 

When we plant a church, we set in motion sustainable services.

The Acts 2:42 Experience

One of the most beautiful passages in the Bible is the description of the atmosphere in the early church, just after the Holy Spirit was poured out.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper) and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.

Life in the early church was less about rituals and events and more about relationships and experiences.

Even Communion was celebrated in the context of friendships.  They gathered in homes and had fellowship (a party).  During this enjoyable evening together, they prayed for each other.  They studied together.  They even took communion together.

Communion was celebrated in the midst of face-to-face relationships.

I think this is where Communion best fits.  How can we recognize that we are part of the 'body of Christ' if we only celebrate it as a ritual or in the midst of a large group event?  Being with people to whom you are accountable, reinforces the meaning behind the Communion experience.

Next week, we are hosting THE ACTS 2:42 EXPERIENCE at all of our GROUP EVENTS.  What does that mean?

#1 - FOOD - all of the groups will be eating and enjoying fellowship as a part of the time together.  On Wednesday night, PIZZA WILL BE AVAILABLE AT 6:30PM - for the entire family.

#2 - COMMUNION - as a part of the night we will celebrate Communion in the context of our small groups.

#3 - PRAYER & STUDY - We will continue to discuss our DECISION POINTS series and dive on the topic of the choice between RESENTMENT and RELEASE.

All of the small groups will be ready to receive new friends on this special night.

THIS EVENING WILL NOT BE COMPLETE WITHOUT YOU HERE!

The 100Churches Vision Message

In August, I shared this message with Allison Park Church - I laid out a Kingdom FIRST vision plan for the next ten years.  The plan is based on the promise of Matthew 6:33.  It includes a desire to facilitate the planting of 100 churches in the next ten years.

 

Impact Weekend Message - Jeff Leake - August 13 - 2k11 from Allison Park Church on Vimeo.

Church Planters & Team Members Wanted!

Recently, I announced to my church and my network (MCMNetwork.org) our desire to participate in the planting of 100 churches within the next ten years.  Our focus for church planting is primarily within the North Eastern USA - but we are willing to work with church planters and parent churches whevever they are in the world.

Already this next year, we have designs and relationships forming with potential plants in Boston, Cleveland, several in Pittsburgh, and some others in Central PA and New York state. 

If you are interested in participating in this vision to plant churches - here's how you can become a part.

#1 - PRAY - we are looking for people to pray for this vision to be fulfilled based on the promise of Matthew 6:33.

#2 - PARENT - maybe you are church that has dreamed of planting a church out of your church, but lack resources, information, or expersise.  We would love to come along side of you and help you plant.

#3 - PLANT - maybe you are a pastor who is dreaming about planting a church.  We would love to talk with you about how we can help you get started.

#4 - PARTICIPATE - Every church plant needs a team.  Maybe you could join a church planting team as a children's ministry leader, worship leader, media or tech person, outreach coordinator, etc?

#5 - PROVIDE - We are believing God to help us raise 1 Million Dollars to help fund the planting of these churches.  If you want to contribute in some way, we would love to talk to you as well.

If you want more information about any of these opportunities, contact me ([email protected]) or leave a comment on this post with a way to get in touch with you. 

What We Set In Motion (p4)

 In this series of posts, I have been trying to unfold the value of church planting to a community and to the Kingdom of God.  Let me lay out some theology for a moment before I testify. 

The NT calls the 'church' the 'body of Christ'.  Jesus is the 'head' of the church. Each of us, as believers, 'is a member of the body'.  Each os us has a God-ordained design and role.Some are hands.  Some are feet.  Some are eyes.  Some are ears.  (Read 1 Corinthians 12 for fuller context)

All work together under the leadership of the head (Jesus) to bring everything under his kind, strong, restorative leadership.  The Kingdom of God comes as everything that is out of whack in this work, comes under the 'feet' of Jesus (under his leadership).

So when we plant a church, we are actually working to establish the leadership and activity of Jesus among the residents of that particular city or region.  People in that community who come to Christ, get enfolded into the 'body' and begin to act like, talk like, and live like Jesus. 

The presence of the 'body' of Christ in a community is a transformative thing. (or at least it should be - not all churches act like Jesus).

Consider the following example:

PITTSBURGH FLOOD OF 2004 - The after-effects of hurricane Ivan left many towns along the rivers completely under water.  The city of Sharpburg was one of those towns. 

Because we had planted a church in that city, the 'body of Christ' was present and available to make a difference where they lived.  Together, the people of Sharpsburg Family Worship Center, along with the leadership of the Network Of Hope - provided food, clothing, furniture - to over 600 families. 

Organizations donated wharehouses and furniture companies donated truckloads of goods to provide releif to the people who had lost everything.  They gave all of these resources through the local 'body of Christ' present in that community.

There is no way that we could have served the city of Sharpsburg they way we did without the combined efforts of a local church planted in that region and a non-profit (Network Of Hope). 

Who would ever think that when you plant a church - you are also planting a flood relief center? 

In all reality, that's what we did.   A local expression of the 'body of Christ' is available to participate in the meeting of whatever need is present in the community - because that is what the church is all about...loving and serving people.

Five Things Necessary To Be Used By God

Over the past few days, I have heard so many stories about people who were used by God by simple acts of encouragement and obedience.  What does it take?

#1 - TIME - you have to be willing to interupt your life to focus on someone else.

#2 - EMPATHY - feel what someone else is going through.  Share their struggle.

#3 - PRESENCE - just be there.  All you have to do is listen and be there.

#4 - ENCOURAGEMENT - say something positive.  Be encouraging.

#5 - FAITH - pray for someone.  Beleive God for them and with them.

You can do this.  God can use you today.  One way you can be used is to INVITE someone to join you in church this weekend.  At Allison Park Church, we are going to share a story about a woman whose life was totally changed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.

It's a story that everyone will be encouraged by.  Step out there today.  Let God use you!

What We Set In Motion (p3)

When you plant a church, you plant more than just a building or an institution.  When you plant a church, you establish a fountain-head of multi-faceted ministry within a community.  For instance, in 2010, Allison Park Church helped to plant Lifestone Church, which is located in the South Side of Pittsburgh.

The South Side is a community that is filled with contrasts.  New shopping areas and also Clubs.  New housing developments and a place where many homeless people gather.  Families that have lived in Pittsburgh for generations and young adults who are moving into this new artsy and trendy place to live.

When we planted Lifestone Church, we also established a ministry to the homeless.

Why?  Because the people of this new church had a passion to serve the poor in this region.  They started reaching out to the homeless on Friday nights.  APC never instructed them to serve the homeless.  We didn't make it a condition of planting them.  They just did it.  And they continue to serve that need in this community without any of our funding or support (although, I would love to do some things to join them specifically in the future).

Now, I am quite sure that if we had promised to start a homeless ministry in the South Side, that people would have been excited and offered financial and personal support for what we were dreaming.  Ministries that serve the poor draw great passion and resource.

When we promise to start a church - people often see that as nice but not as important a project as something more direct like providing meals for those who live on the streets.  In all reality, planting a church is far superior than establishing a ministry to the homeless.  Why?

#1 - SUSTAINABILITY - when we planted the church, we planted a ministry that would be self-sustaining.  With the planting of the church came the establishment of a homeless ministry.  But because we planted the church first, we are able to step away and know that the church will continue to serve this need in this area.

#2 - COMMUNITY - when we planted the church, we did so much more than just provide meals or blankets.  We provided a potential support system for people to step into.  The homeless now have a church family they can belong to.  We didn't just give them a hand out, we offered them an opportunity to belong to something.

#3 - VERSATILITY - since Lifestone Church lives in that community, the ministry they offer can adjust and morph over time as other needs arise.  The become the representation of Jesus in that city and are able to follow Jesus in whatever he is asking them to do next.

I would propose that planting a lifegiving, outwardly focused church is the best thing we can do to perpetually serve the poor in a needy community.   It's not that providing ministries and services is a bad thing to do.  It's just that when we plant a church, we mobilize an entire group of people to own the needs of an area, network with other organizations in that city, and represent Jesus in an every-day way to those who need Him.

I'm so proud of Pastor Jack Thomas and his team for what they are doing in Pittsburgh's South Side.

Five Qualities For Influence

Today, I want to recommend to you David Santistevan's blog.  David is the Worship Pastor/Young Adult Pastor at Allison Park Church.  He is a gifted songwriter and arranger.  He has a widely read blog within the 'worship leader community'.

But his thoughts apply far beyond just worship.  Here's a sample post.  But visit his site soon.

5 Qualities Of An Influential Worship Leader

What does an influential worship leader look like? I believe it involves 5 dynamics. And yes, they all begin with the letter ‘S’. Awesome? I tend to think so:

1. Your Story

Worship leader, your leadership doesn’t begin on a stage. It begins with your life – what you have experienced thus far in your journey.

It’s important for you to remember what God has done, where God has brought you, and what God is continuing to do. It’s about living a “today” faith – remembering the past but not running on the good things of yesterday.

Test yourself. Do you have current stories to tell of God’s faithfulness? Are you really experiencing God today or are you stuck in the past? Influential worship leaders stay close to Jesus and experience Him today.

2. Your Suffering

This may be an area you’d like to forget – a specific part of your story tinged with pain. But let me tell you, dear worship leader – you can’t worship apart from suffering.

The canvas of our lives are stained with the fall. It’s a messy existence and the best worship leaders don’t ignore their suffering – they press deeper into God because of it. And because they do, they’re able to lead a community of suffering saints deeper.

Your congregation is filled with people walking through pain – lost jobs, marital conflicts, death, and addiction. They stumble into church on Sunday wondering if they should keep believing. Lead them. Teach them to raise a song in the midst of their pain.

3. Your Sphere

Do you coddle your social network while ignoring your family? I don’t know how influential you are.

Do you make time for counseling appointments but forget to plan dates with your wife? I question your influence.

You see, the quality of your closest relationships tells a lot about you. Reaching out to friends and acquaintances is easy. You don’t have to live with them. But the relationships you have with your family is a true test of your influence.

Focus on your family. If you do anything in life, make sure they have your full attention.

4. Your Song

When I talk about your song, I’m not necessarily referring to an actual song. I’m talking about the song of God’s glory.

I believe early on in a worship leader’s life, one becomes gripped with a sense of God’s glory. I know I was. It was unmistakable in its power. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life singing this song, making it known, leading others to encounter the glory of God.

So what is the song you are singing? Is it a song of your gifting? A song of your talent? A song of your passion for music?

Or has the song of God’s majesty taken root in your heart and compelled you to lead others?

5. Your Strategy

Influential worship leaders have a plan. They don’t just improve their skills, they improve people. I’ve talked on this blog before about the importance of crafting a vision and discipling your team.

If you desire influence, you need to know where you’re going. Catch a vision from God and run with it. Orient your weeks, your days, your hours around it. Lead your team to accomplish it.

So what do you do to increase your influence? Live a today story of encountering God. Don’t hide your suffering. Invest in your closest sphere of influence – your family. Drown out your self-centeredness with the song of God’s glory. And develop a strategy – teach your team what it means to follow Jesus.

Support The Network Of Hope - Tuesday!

As you may already know I work closely with a Pittsburgh based non-profit organization called the Network of Hope.

Their mission goes beyond charity to create lasting change in the lives of individuals, families and communities. Network of Hope runs over 20 programs through a unique “intra-church” model. NOH partners with local congregations to ensure that the needs of the local community are met, operated and run effectively and efficiently.

On October 4, 2011, all charitable donations made through www.PittsburghGives.org will receive a portion of The Pittsburgh Foundation’s $500,000 matching pool.  Give to “Network of Hope, Inc.” at any time on that day and make your gift even greater.

Here are four easy steps to support the Network of Hope in this year’s Day of Giving.

 On October 4^th:

1.)   Go to http://www.pittsburghgives.org

2.)   Click on “Day of Giving”

3.)   Click on “Donate Now”

4.)   Enter your information in the appropriate boxes; select the Network of Hope, Inc. from the drop down box and enter your gift amount (minimum is $25).

Once you make your donation, you will receive confirmation of your gift.

To find out more about the Network of Hope, the people they serve and how they impact our city, please visit our website at www.networkofhope.org or see us at work in one of our locations’ events at http://www.wpxi.com/video/28947899/index.html

 

You Plan Party - We'll Buy Pizza

This weekend kicks off an INVITATION MONTH at Allison Park Church.  We design these opportunities, once a quarter, to provide weekend events specifically designed to equip APCers with a great tool to introduce friends to Jesus.

The series we are launching is called:  DECISION POINTS, where we will look at some 'make or break' decisions that every person will face in life. These decision points often come at the most inopportune moments, and being prepared for them is critical to making positive, life-changing choices in those moments.

This coming weekend is also our BLACK AND GOLD WEEKEND (or Jersey Day).  We encourage everyone to wear the jersey of their favorite team.  For most Pittsburghers that will be the Steelers.  After the service, we will have a fellowship in the concourse with black and gold cookies, etc.

Also as a part of this weekend service, we will have special guest Robin Cole with us.  Robin was a starting linebacker for the Steelers for almost an entire decade.  Most famously, he played as the outside linebacker in the Steeler's Super Bowl victory over the Los Angeles Rams, in 1979.  He played in the same linebacking crew with Lambert and Ham.  And for several years was a roomate of Tony Dungy.

And if all of that is enough to encourage you to bring a friend...

We are offering a $15 Gift Card to Vocelli's Pizza - to every person who brings a friend.  Why?  We want you to invite a friend to church and then take them out to eat afterward.  Maybe plan a party to watch the football game together?  Make it an entire 'friendship event'. 

We want to invest in your commitment to build relationships with people who need encouragement and who need to know the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

Congratulations - Rigdewood Church Celebrates 10 Years

Ten years ago, Allison Park Church helped to plant RIDGEWOOD ASSEMBLY in West View, PA. It was the fifth of our plants and completed for us a journey to plant five churches in five years. Congrats to Pastor Chris Hezlip and Pastor Mark Snavely on this wonderful celebration day!

Ridgewood 10 Years from Allison Park Church on Vimeo.

What We Set In Motion (p2)

There is something uniquely regenerating about planting another church.  Here's what I mean.  We can give money to missions.  Our money supports missionaries, organizations, provides relief for the poor and suffering, houses the homeless and the orphan.  It's powerful.

When we plant another church - we are actually planting a perpetual fountain of ongoing giving to missions.  The new church that is planted also begins to give of its resources to serve the poor and support the work of God around the world.

For instance:  This month, Allison Park Church planted its 10th church.  We began planting churches fifteen years ago.  So I did the math.  If every church plant gave just 10K toward missions every year, here's what happens. 

Church Plant #1 - 10K given to missions

Church Plant #2 - that amount doubles to 20K as each church gives to missions

Church Plant #3 - As this new church begins to give, the first two continue to give.

By the time the third church is planted - if each new church is giving 10K to missions each year -  there is a total of 30K being given annually by these three new churches.  It's a fairly simple concept.  But the implications are exponential.

As Church Plant #4 is planted and begins to give, Church Plant #1 is now growing larger.  The amount they can afford to give to serve the poor or support missionaries begins to increase.  The capacity for overall cumulative giving continues to increase. Every year, every new church is giving.  Every year, the overall giving capacity is on the increase.

I wish I had the actual figures of what our TEN CHURCH PLANTS have been able to give to missions during the past fifteen years, since we began our journey of church planting.  I won't bore you with the math, but I did some quick calculations.  I used the following assumptions

• First, I assumed the conservative projection that each church gave 10K per year, since the time they have been planted.  We encouraged all of our churches to tithe out of their general fund income for the year.  Almost all of the churches have an overall annual of income of more than 100K.  So a true tithe would be at least 10K.
• Second, I took into consideration the year that each church was planted.  For the first ten years of our church planting journey, we had only planted five churches.  So I used the average of 10K per year based on the time that each church came into existence.

Based on these assumptions, I can conservatively predict that these 10 churches have given $790,000 to missions projects during these last fifteen years of their existence.  I believe that the actual amount given is much more than that (well over 1 Million Dollars).

I can say that because many of these churches have given over and above their normal tithe to missions projects throughout the years.  In my last post, I documented how Sharpsburg Family Worship Center gave 15K to one project in one year, and that was on top of everything else they were giving toward in that calendar year.

It's exciting to think back and to celebrate what has been given so far by these great churches.  What's even more exhilarating to me is to think that this process will continue for decades to come.  How can we even begin to measure the millions of dollars that will be mobilized throughout the lifetime of these churches?

And that is just considering finances.  Consider the missions teams that have gone out and will continue to go out.  Think about the leaders that will be saved, discipled, trained, and sent out to serve the Kingdom through these churches.

When we plant a church, we plant a self-perpetuating agency.  It is true multiplication in action.  We are not just adding to our ability to give.  We are multiplying ourselves in others.

Church planting is one of the best investments you can ever make in the cause of missions, because it carries with it true multiplication of resources.  Your investment doesn't stop with your gift.  It produces a self-perpetuating stream of support that continues to flow into God's work.

What We Set In Motion? (p1)

This week, I am going to do a series of posts about the downline impact of church planting.  Since we have now planted 10 churches, I am able to share a unique perspective of some of the unintended consequences of choosing to be involved in the planting of another church.

PLANT A CHURCH = LAUNCH A CHAIN REACTION

PHASE ONE:  Back in 1999, Allison Park Church helped launch Sharpsburg Family Worship Center.  Pastor Russ and Jamie Horne was sent out from APC with a launch team to begin this new church in the community of Sharpsburg. 

PHASE TWO:  Sharpsburg Family Worship Center, within the first year of its existence, started its own missions giving program.  Every year for the past twelve years, SFWC has raised thousands of dollars to give to missions projects around the world.  APC continues to give to missions.  But when we planted SFWC our giving was translated into not just into a new church, but into another organization that is perpetually giving to missions. 

PHASE THREE:  SFWC helps plant a church in Bolivia.  Below is the report that Pastor Russ recently provided to me.

This church, in Bolivia, started in the pastor's house with a handful of people.  Steve P. (the missionary) was in a mentoring relationship with this pastor nd wanted to raise funds to help him build this church.

They were able to purchase a piece of property but need $15,000 to build a church.  Steve called me and told me the need and asked if I could help.  I said we would give $1,000 to the project. 

 

After I said that, I felt like the Holy Spirit was telling me to let the church know about the opportunity and take up an offering.  So that sunday I did.  the next day someone from my church came in and said the Holy Spirit spoke to  me about giving a matching gift offing for this church project up to $7,500.  I said wow! I don't know who can match that gift but lets wait to see what God will do.  About 2 hours later another person from church called and said the Holy Spirit spoke to me on Sunday and I want to give a matching gift of up to $7,500! 

 

I said sit down, you're not going to believe what justt happened two hours ago! 

 

I called Steve that afternoon and told him not to call any other churches to raise funds because we just had a miracle at SFWC and we raised the entire $15,000 for Julio!  We send the money in and within weeks they had buiding materials on the ground and the church was going up.

 

This area of Chochabamba is very poor and needy.  before the church started there was literally nothing there, just a few adobe homes.  No electric no water, nothing.  Since the church has been there, that area has exploded with growth (Cochabamba is growing 1000% per week for the last several years).  That area now has electric due to the church!  It also provides a dental clinic, and a feeding program for hundreds of kids each week. 

 

It is really amazing what God is doing!  Steve believes that church will be running 1000 pretty soon under Julio's leadership.

 

Julio said he always dreamed of meeting me.  And I told him that I dreamed of meeting him and being in his church to celebrate what God was doing.  So we both had dreams come true, because of my recent trip there.  It was awesome to preach there!  People so hungry for God...they really live the name of their church, they are a praying church. 

 

This photo is when Julio presented me with a picture of his church and the surrounding area!   when  I preach there, I told the miracle offering story!  the place exploded with praise!  they knew that they recieved funds to build their church, they just didn't know how God did it.

PHASE FOUR:  Julio's Church in Bolivia continues to make an impact on his region, winning souls, helping the poor, and launching additional Kingdom-works!

PHASE FIVE:  Who knows?  One life touches another.  When we get to heaven, we may eventually discover the impact.  But it all began when APC decided to plant another church.  What SFWC did in Boliva, we were not even aware of - and yet our decision to plant set it all in motion.