
“This is the most exciting thing I have ever seen the Lord do.” That comment came from a member of our church in reference to the transition we are now undertaking. What makes the above comment especially telling is that it comes from a seasoned saint who has seen numerous miraculous healings. What transition am I referring to? The transition in leadership where I will take on a more outreach oriented role and the lead pastor role of the church will be taken up by Kirk Martin, who founded the Alliance Christian Center some 33 years ago.
Details of how this transition came about are described in a sermon I preached on Sunday Sept 11, 2011, entitled “How the Lord is Leading Us”. You can listen to the sermon here
Although this may have come as a surprise to us in leadership, it was no surprise to the Lord…and although the Lord may be leading us in this direction, it is still up to us to walk it out, and that can be scary. We read in the book of Acts how Barnabas and Paul were set apart by the Holy Spirit, but it was still up to them to get on a boat and go. There was a lot of uncertainty there. Paul may have alluded to his feelings when he described his plights to the Corinthian church: “I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers” (2 Corinthians 11:26 NIV). But ultimately Paul had to trust in the Lord that sent him, and so must we.
As I have said before, I am not going anywhere, and I am here to help, in this transition, particularly those who are struggling with it. So please contact me with your concerns. Also, be advised that I and the others on the leadership team are committed to pray for Gods guidance as we make this transition, and you can help with that as well. So let us know what God is speaking to you.
These are exciting times, but they can be somewhat scary as well. But as we enter into a new phase in the life of our church, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Amen?
Paul
On Sunday Sept 11, 2011 Paul Dykshoorn shared with our congregation the vision that has been growing within his heart over the past few months.
Through prayer and fasting, it has become evident to the elders of ACC that the LORD is moving us in a direction that will include a leadership transition. In January 2012 Kirk Martin will transition to become the head pastor at ACC, and Paul Dykshoorn will remain on staff at ACC with a greater focus on outreach and community oriented ministry.
You can listen to the sermon here.
We are preparing for the 2011-2012 Learning Center school year. Read the Christian Learning Center Overview 2011-2012, or preview the various course description syllabi below. If you have questions about the Learning Center, contact Ted Ohrn 330-823-9712, or call the church office at 330-823-1612._________________________________________________________________
POTENTIAL CLASSES – Please Contact Ted Ohrn ASAP if interested @ 330-823-9712
Download the “School of Foundations” Brochure
We will be launching the School of Foundations for Ministry this September. The two-year bible school is built around a curriculum of foundational doctrines that are necessary for growth to maturity.
Our vision is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry and to provide an environment where men who are called into the 5-fold ministry or that of elder or deacon can be identified, developed, ordained and released into ministry.
If you are interested in attending you can download and print the brochure for registration information or contact the church office at 330.823.1612.
Who Should Attend?
Any Believer – The school is open to any believer who desires a stronger foundation and who wants to be equipped to serve. There are many gifts and callings in the kingdom of God; and we want to inspire all believers to find their place to serve.
Men Called into the Ministry – There will be an emphasis on working with men who believe God has called them into one of the 5-fold ministries (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor or Teacher) or as elders or deacons. Our vision is to see these men identified, equipped, raised up, ordained and sent forth as church planters, missionaries, or to serve in the local church.
Calendar 2011 -2012
Mondays 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Beginning Sept 1 2, 201 1
Ending June 4, 201 2
No Classes During Holidays
Thanksgiving – Nov 28, 2011
Christmas – December 26, 2011
New Years – January 2, 2012
First Year Courses
The Foundational Doctrines
The Foundation of Church Structure
The Foundation of Spiritual Gifts
The Foundation of Theology
Various Guest Speakers & Topics
Thanks to everyone who participated in the roofing party (see photos)…to those who organized the supplies, provided equipment, cooked the food and contributed blood, sweat and tears.