en http://www.aldersgatelive.org © Copyright 2000 - 2008Church Community Builder. All Rights Reserved. http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=47&article_id=817 Bible Reading: Matthew 16:24-26 Getting Started: We all grow up with a mental image of the ideal life we hope to have as an adult-life lived to its fullest, our "true life". What was your idea of "true life"? Did your perspective change as you grew older? Explain. Keeping It Personal: 1. When we hear Jesus' words "deny yourself", we often limit their meaning to things such as letting go of material possessions, turning away from a lifestyle of instant gratification, or making sure that we are not filled with self pride. What if denying ourselves meant we would let go of things like control or fear or hurts and resentment? Which of these keeps you from experiencing the true life Jesus wants to give? How so? 2. When Jesus told His followers to "shoulder their cross", they instantly understood what He meant since the cross was a very recognizable symbol in their day. Its meaning may not be as clear to us today, however. We might compare it to a soldier entering battle...he/she sets aside his personal interests and the interests of his family and friends to serve the larger interests of others, many he will never know. He follows his commander without hesitation. He risks personal safety, pain and injury, and even his life, in commitment to a higher mission.Does this image change the way you look at following Jesus? Explain.Do you consciously shoulder your cross each day? Is this a growing area in your life? What holds you back? 3. How do we free ourselves from the forces that hold us back, the personal brokenness and pain that clings to us like a dead leaf on a branch? One of the first steps is admitting that we are powerless to free ourselves on our own. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain. 4. Has God ever turned an old hurt in your life into a spiritual strength? How did He use this part of your life to touch others? Consider the hurts that still cling to you...could they become a powerful witness for Jesus? How so? Digging In: Throughout the week, let 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 be a comfort to you and a reminder to allow an old hurt in your life to become a powerful witness for God. All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort--we get a full measure of that, too. (The Message) Thu, 3 Jul 2008 11:29:21 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=287 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=287&article_id=223 More intimate than Living Rooms, a Kitchen Table is the place to share life at its deepest level with 2-10 close friends. Unlike traditional small groups where one leads or teaches others, Kitchen Tables are a partnership of peers. Here, people risk "getting real" and opening themselves to each other as they walk through the ups and downs of life together. Life around the Kitchen Table involves intimate, live-giving relationships that help us pay attention to what God wants to do in our lives and help us respond to him. Whether you already have a circle of friends to begin a Kitchen Table or you'd like us to connect you with a group to get started, we're committed to helping your Kitchen Table become a life-changing experience. To get started, click on of the links below. Help me find a Kitchen Table My Friends and I are ready to form a Kitchen Table Tue, 1 Jul 2008 13:51:07 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=849 Weekend By: Chance Dragich :: Romans 1:5 Do you want to see more of God's favor in your life? Receive His grace. Grace is God's undeserved favor, but it's also His supernatural empowerment. When you have God's grace and favor, it enables you to accomplish more and to be more effective both in your own life and in building the kingdom of God. This verse says that God's grace enables us to promote obedience to the faith and make disciples among all nations. Maybe you can't go to all nations today, but you can make a difference in the lives of the people around you. You can "promote Faith" by living a life of love. God wants to empower you with His Grace so that you can show love and encourage the people in your life-your coworkers, your family, your friends. I have the opportunity to have the nation's come to me through students from all over the world. When they see the pictures of Jesus in my office, they begin to ask question's and then have asked for a Bible to study. A lot of these students come from many different religions and some do not believe in Christianity. Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone! Receive His grace today by simply opening your heart and thanking Him for it. Thank Him for His grace that empowers you. Thank Him for a gift of faith in your life, which works by love. As you receive His Grace today, you will feel His empowerment and walk forward in the favor and blessing He has in store for you! Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your promise of grace in my life. Thank You for unmerited favor and empowering me through Your Word. I receive Your grace right now and invite Your love to flow through me today. In Your Son's name Jesus Christ. Amen. Challenge: 1. Will I receive God's Grace? 2. Will I promote Faith through my life? 3. Will I step out of my comfort zone? Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:11:24 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=34&article_id=785 Conversations. A Daily Devotional.Conversations is a monthly devotional that is written, edited and produced by Aldersgate Chuch Members and Staff. You can grab a monthly devotional book each week at the Welcome Center or read them daily online right here at http://www.aldersgatelive.org/. Feel free to contact the writing team for this montly publication by emailing conversations@aldersgatelive.org Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:54:28 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=813 Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul Rediscover your feminine heart! As a young girl, did you want to be a beautiful princess, rescued on a horse by a dashing Prince Charming, or step into the pages of a fascinating adventure? Captivating encourages women to connect with their deepest feminine desires and learn to see God as their ultimate lover and hero. Wednesday evenings - 6:45-8:00 p.m. - in room B106. For more information contact Beverley Nichols. Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:36:01 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=1&article_id=7 WELCOME. Join us Sunday Mornings at 9:00am or 11:30am. Aldersgate Church is not your traditional church family. Several years ago, God began to lead us on a new adventure with Him. He challenged our comfort zones and the way we were doing church. Our passion now is to BE the church, rather than a place where people go to church. Our passion at Aldersgate is to move every person's walk with Jesus deeper into Intimacy with God, Impact the World and Life with Each Other. Thu, 5 Jun 2008 14:25:40 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12&article_id=274 Kendon and Wendy Wheeler -- Direct the New Life Childrens Home in Guatemala. We have taken several mission trips to work with this ministry. more information Ray and Lidia Zirkel -- Appointed with the United Methodist Church in San Jose, Costa Rica working with street children, church planting, and teaching in a seminary and high school. Brian and Kathy Bliss -- House parents and administrators at a boarding school in Niger serving children of missionaries from all over Africa Norman Rideout -- Works with indigenous Karen tribes in northern Thailand planting churches and building disciples. more information Healing Waters International -- Installs water purification systems in developing countries. We sponsored their first in Mexico at La Hermosa church in Berriozabal. more information Omega Missions International -- Missions sending agency founded by our own Jerry Hale, with focus on enabling short term mission trip groups to make a difference. Ed and Debra Lloyd -- Serve under the auspices of Omega Missions in Tanzania Africa. Wed, 7 May 2008 07:47:55 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12&article_id=269 Fiesta Domingo -- Sunday evening hot meal and worship service involving many of our members in hands-on mission service. Loaves and Fishes -- Food pantry open every Sunday evening at 2005 Ave T, offering food to about 75 families every week. Wesley Foundations -- Ministry with college students at Texas Tech and South Plains College. Link Ministries -- Outreach ministry in downtown Lubbock includes youth outreach at One-9 skate park and ministry to homeless men. more information Pray Lubbock -- Organization bringing pastors and churches of all denominations together for worship, prayer, and renewal. more information Christian Women's Job Corp -- Provides training and mentoring for women in need. Living Abundantly Ministries -- Our own Cullen Manney's ministry with children in east Lubbock. HOPE Community of Shalom -- Umbrella organization providing space for Fiesta Domingo, Loaves and Fishes, Living Abundantly, and other ministries. more information We-Can -- One-Stop service agency to improve access to social services, founded by our own Dale Milhauser and Denise Jones. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:57:25 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=12&article_id=273 Clyde and Nancy Potts -- Former members of Aldersgate now work with EvangeCube evangelistic ministry sharing the gospel and planting churches through short term teams around the world. Sonscape Re-creation Ministries -- Ministers to the families of pastors and missionaries through spiritual retreats and supportive counsel. Rene Aguirre - Former member of Aldersgate on staff with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship working primarily in leadership development for Latino students. Andy and Sandy Pearce -- Work with international students in California. more information Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:56:25 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=306 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=306&article_id=272 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:29:27 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=305 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=305&article_id=271 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:29:05 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=218 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=218&article_id=125 Our Creative Arts include music, both vocal and instrumental, drama, painting in worship, dance and banners. Our Technical Arts include sound, multi-media and lighting. We are made in the image of God the Creator, so naturally there is a certain creativity in our expressions of worship to Him. It's not uncommon to find a painter in our worship services creating artwork as the Spirit leads them. We believe God dwells in the praise of His people, and we invite you to join us and experience His presence. Contact our Worship Pastor Tom Mulnix if you have any questions about the Worship Ministry here at Aldersgate. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:25:35 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=218 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=218&article_id=128 Worship is our response to what God has done in our lives. Glorifying God Through The Arts is our passion here. All forms of music, drama, art, banners, video are used as we express our hearts to God. It only gets better when you join us. We have two identical services at 9:00 and 11:30 every Sunday morning. Choose the one that fits your schedule best. Children have their own worship in their own special room at the same times. We dress casual -- Our Pastor doesn't even wear a tie. We're just real people looking for a real relationship with Jesus. We'd like to share that with you. Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:12:18 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=212 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=212&article_id=240 If you are interested in Joining our Team Contact us! Staci Donini - Children's Pastor - Staci@aldersgatelive.orgJerri Ann Booe - Asst. Children's Pastor - jerriann@aldersgatelive.orgSusan Frazier - Nursery Coordinator - susan@aldersgatelive.org Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:02:34 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=51&article_id=752 Currently, there are no short-term mini-Living Rooms available, but check back periodically to see if one has been added. Mon, 17 Mar 2008 10:02:20 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=39&article_id=705 Aldersgate2 Porchlight This Living Room is "built in" to the worship service at Aldersgate's newest location, a converted store front in central Lubbock. In the relaxed atmosphere of the PorchLight Coffee House, it's a no hold's barred discussion of the morning's sermon (viewed by video link) and how it relates to real life. Contact: J.R. Cochran or Steve Rogers Sundays 10:30 AM @ Aldersgate2 Porchlight (3105 34th Street) BodyLive To be sure, this is a Living Room as interesting as its name. Using everything from video to hula dances, BodyLive will explore God and what He has for our lives. Trust us, you will never know what's coming next with BodyLive! Contact: Kevin Booe Sundays @ 10:15 AM in B102 Chat-N-Chew Life can seem big and complicated, especially when you're trying to live it in the footsteps of Jesus. This Living Room uses in-your-hands guides and free-for-all discussion to explore how scripture helps us to take those steps. Now, go to lunch with your friends and live these lessons...that's Chat-N-Chew! Contact: Joe Lunardon Sundays @ 10:15 AM in B101 Rock of Ages A loving group with a traditional feel, Rock of Ages dives deep into scripture and utilizes media presentation to bring these lessons to life. Your experience will be welcoming and familiar in Rock of Ages. Contact: Don Cunningham Sundays @ 10:15 AM in E103 Quest Life is an adventure, a journey, a quest, and it's not always easy. It's nice to know that we have some support and this Living Room offers help through sound Biblical teacing and small group discussion. People like you join together in Quest. Contact: Ryan Smallwood Sundays @ 10:15 AM in Fellowship Hall/Kolossal Kingdom Other Opportunities From time to time, topic-focused, "mini" Living Rooms are also available. While not meant to be a permanent home, these short-term Living Rooms explore exciting and relevant topics and provide a natural bridge to one of the on-going Living Rooms. For information regarding mini Living Rooms, visit our online calendar. Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:59:55 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=172 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=172&article_id=207 LifeTogether is how we build community among the people of Aldersgate - the kind of community that changes us and makes us more like Jesus. Using familiar images of the home, LifeTogether offers two settings of growing and experiencing life with each other: the Living Room and the Kitchen Table. Each setting is essential and takes us progressively deeper into community. This is not just another class or program. We believe it should be the goal of each of us as part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Find out how to get connected by clicking the links below... What is a Living Room? What is a Kitchen Table? Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:47:43 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=297 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=297&article_id=251 Fiesta Domingo - Sunday evening meal and worship time for homeless and poor in downtown Lubbock. Teams are needed on this team to cook, deliver, serve food, and to pray with people. Contact Heather Doherty, heatherjdoherty@yahoo.com. Mission Trips - Teams within short term missions go to various locations to help with construction or evangelism projects. You can view their website http://www.omegamission.org/ for more information. You can also contact Jerry Hale at jhale@omegamission.org Welcome Wagon - Teams for this outreach provide hospitality by greeting new people and providing information on Sunday mornings. Contact Ryan Smallwood at ryan@aldersgatelive.org Kid's Beach Clubs - Teams for this outreach are being developed to "adopt" a local elementary school and provide weekly after school bible club for students. Contact Staci Donini at staci@aldersgatelive.org Habitat for Humanity - Outreach teams are needed to help build affordable housing for people in Lubbock. Contact Janie Bailey at jbailey@baileyboiler.com or call Sandy Anderson at 763.4663. There are volunteers needed all throughout the year! Do you have new ideas for Mission Outreach at Aldersgate? - if you feel called to do something not on this list, share it with us and let's see what we can do. Contact Steve Rogers at steve@aldersgatelive.org Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:36:55 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=40&article_id=706 You can email Debbie Haney at debbie@aldersgatelive.org to get plugged into a new kitchen table group! Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:42:09 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=301 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=301&article_id=224 The first place in a home where we begin to share life with other people is the living room. Its comfortable and cozy atmosphere encourages us to let down our defenses and begin the journey of getting to know each other and, as a result, to influence each other's lives. Aldersgate's Living Rooms function in the same way- they're comfortable places where new and seasoned believers alike take the first step toward building new friendships as they learn how to live out their faith in the real world. Even though Living Rooms meet on Sunday mornings, don't confuse them with the traditional Sunday school model of the last century. Living Rooms are not about doing a lesson; they're about living life. For a list of all Living Rooms Groups offered click here. Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:30:26 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=58&article_id=611 ________________________________ Visit our live.love.hope website for more information about our extension campus "The PorchLight" located at 3105 34th Street. A Coffee Shop atmosphere that sets up a "church" service a little differently. . . Check it out this Sunday at 10:30am. Come early for a little coffee and conversation. ________________________________ Fri, 8 Feb 2008 19:43:32 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=294 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=294&article_id=243 Critterland All preschoolers and kindergartners (ages 3-5) are invited to join Looney Bird on his adventures throughout Critterland. Each week, children will help Looney Bird solve a problem that he can't quite figure out. As they search together for answers, they will eventually be led to the "Big Idea"- a foundational biblical truth presented in the language of preschoolers. This takes place Sundays at 9:00 and 11:30am. All children need to know that God is on their side and that He loves them deeply. It is our goal in Critterland to help them better understand these concepts through hands-on activities, puppet shows, object lessons, interactive Bible stories, and FUN, FUN, FUN!!! The world often offers an image of God that views Him as distant and impersonal, therefore it is imperative that our little ones develop a foundational understanding of a personal God that longs, more than anything, to share in every part of their world! If you have any questions about Critterland or would like to help in Critterland, please contact... Jerri Ann Booe (Assistant Children's Pastor) at 806.745.0595 or by email.Power Hour A fun, interactive small group of time where preschoolers journey together through God's Word. An important foundation is laid in the lives of these young ones as they begin to truly embrace how much Jesus loves them! Power Hour classes are for 3 to 5 year olds every Sunday from 10:15-11:15am. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:44:01 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=293 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=293&article_id=242 Aldersgate's nursery is a warm, loving environment where children from newborn to 36 months are welcomed with open arms. We want every child to have a fun and positive experience while providing parents peace of mind in knowing that their child is in loving hands. Our first priority is to have a well prepared staff and volunteer base hired after a thorough background check. All of our Nursery Staff members are participating in ongoing training and are CPR and First Aid certified. To ensure the best possible care of your child, please label all personal items and inform our staff of any special needs. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:43:17 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=294 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=294&article_id=239 Embrace... Encouraging our children to completely embrace the love of Jesus. ______________ Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:15:01 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=295 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=295&article_id=244 Adventure Bay Join us each Sunday at Adventure Bay, home to an assortment of odd people and creatures, all learning what it means to live by faith in the Word of God. The Faith Boat sets sail Sundays at 9:00 and 11:30am for sailors in kindergarten thru 5th Grace. You must have a passport and ID to get onboard! See our Adventure Bay Travel Agents for more information.Power Hour Hands on Bible study for Elementary kidds to learn what it means to follow Jesus and build relationships with others. Power Hour classes are for Kindergarten thru 5th grade every Sunday from 10:15 - 11:15am.KT4K Kitchen Table for Kids is a small group setting where kids 1st-5th grade share life together and help each other grow to be more like Jesus. Wednesday Nights 6:45 - 8:15pm Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:12:29 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=295 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=295&article_id=241 Follow... Growing our children to life long followers of Jesus ______________________ Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:12:18 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=293 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=293&article_id=237 Meet... Creating a safe nurturing environment for our children to meet Jesus _______________________ Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:08:05 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=212 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=212&article_id=236 At Aldersgate we want children to Meet Jesus, to Embrace His love, to Follow in His footsteps, and to Experience the power of Jesus through serving others. __________________________________ Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:58:25 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=296 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=296&article_id=235 Your time... Feeding and clothing the needy. Organizing Missions Teams to go to Mexico and build homes, donating clothing to homeless and needy families, canned good for the Food Pantry, picking up familes and bringing them to church, ... The list goes on and on! Your Sweat... Your efforts, your passion and your love for people that need help and need Jesus. Your Prayers... For Mission Teams on the field now, and mission teams that will depart! Prayers that the people they come in contact with will relate to them and that the Spirit will bridge any gaps between them! Prayer that the Lord will speak to their hearts and show Himself to them in real and powerful ways. Prayers that the Lord would reveal to you in what capacity you should serve people in your communites or accross the world. Your Creativity... You have gifts and talents that all contribute to the body and the work of the Lord in peoples lives! What talents can you want to share in Missions? Your Time and Travel... That may be taking off work for a week or two... that may mean volunteering at the soup kitchen or food pantry in Lubbock Texas, or traveling to other cities, states or countries... Your Finances... In addition to the regular budget of the church designated gifts to missions enable these projects. There are opportunites and projects that need your help financially. Get Involved... Email Steve Rogers at steve@aldersgatelive.org for more information on how to plug into Missions and Outreach at Aldersgate Church... It will change your life... Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:03:28 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=296 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=group&id=296&article_id=234 To connect with people who don't know Jesus. To serve people at the point of their need. To deepend our faith as we serve others. To join with God to spread His kingdom in the world. Our passion at Aldersgate is moving every person's walk with Jesus deep into Intimacy with God, Impacting the World and Life Together. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:51:35 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=3&article_id=609 FAQs There's nothing quite like a healthy curiosity! We welcome your questions... even the tough ones. Below are some frequently-asked questions about God, Christianity, and the Aldersgate church family. If you would like to talk with someone personally, feel free to contact someone on our staff. Why is God relevant to me? Because God made you and cares about you. You are not just an accidental conglomeration of atoms. You are a unique human being, a precious gift. Even if you don't believe in God right now, He believes in you. And He wants to show Himself to you, walk beside you, and surround you with love. He wants to be relevant to every detail of your life. He will be if you let Him. Give Him a try! How can I learn more about this God thing? There are lots of ways, including some of the resource links and articles on this website. But the best way to learn about God is not just to read stuff. God is a person, and He wants to have a relationship with you. Start talking to Him. Hang out with people who know Him and ask them to help you know Him too. Give God a chance to make a difference in your life. He might just surprise you. What does "being saved" mean anyway? There are several ways to think about it. The word "saved" in the Bible is actually the same word that means "healed" or "made whole". Every human being has areas of brokenness and darkness, unhealthy parts that need to be made whole. These areas (sometimes called "sin") mean we are alienated from the God who made us. Being saved means that our relationship with God is restored, and He can begin to heal us -- in this life and for eternity. I don't think it matters what you believe, as long as you're sincere. What do you say to that? Sincerity is a good thing. But it's possible to be sincerely wrong -- suicide terrorists and cult members are very sincere! Better to be both sincere and in touch with reality. What people believe shapes who they are and what they do. So it matters very much what you believe. The easy path is to just believe and do whatever makes you feel good, pretending that truth doesn't matter. You know that wouldn't fly in your work life or your family relationships, and it isn't enough in the spiritual realm either. People who are sincere about wanting to know the truth will ask questions and refuse to be satisfied with self-deception. What makes you think that Jesus is the only way to be "saved" or go to heaven? Jesus was more than just a good teacher. We believe that Jesus was God Himself. He came into our world to live as one of us and show us the truth about ourselves and about God. People look for truth about God in many places, and they may find bits and pieces. But in Jesus we have the full picture. In Jesus we see a God who loves each one of us individually and invites us to walk beside Him, loving Him and loving others as we were meant to do. No other religion comes close to that. The trouble with "do-it-yourself" religion is that it involves too much self. We want a religion that fits our convenience and serves our interests. Following Jesus means giving up your own interests to live as God wants you to live. Admitting you need Him and can't do it on your own means swallowing your pride. All He asks is that you accept His love and receive His forgiveness as an unearned gift. When you get down to it, pride and self are what keep people out of heaven. Jesus has the power to help you get rid of those things. Jesus gave His life so that we could have life. He died for you! Did any other religious teacher do that? And if they did die for what they believed, they are still in the grave. Jesus isn't. He was raised to life again because He is the source of all life. Death has been defeated in Jesus -- and only in Jesus. That's why we say He is the only way to find life. He is Life. How can you believe that the Bible is 100% true and accurate? God didn't just create us and then leave us alone to figure things out for ourselves. He has revealed Himself to us in many ways. We see His fingerprints in the natural world. We experience His presence in our lives and families. And we can read the story of what He has revealed to others through history in the words of the Bible. We believe the Bible is true because God reveals Himself in it, and God is 100% true. It does not answer every question or reveal the details of quantum physics. But it does give us a true and accurate picture of who God is and what He wants us to know. For thousands of years Christians have found truth in the pages of this book. Even those who were once skeptical have discovered more truth than they expected in it when they honestly looked. If you honestly read it, and listen for God's voice, we think you will find truth in the Bible too. Why are Christians so mean? hypocritical? narrow-minded? Well, Christians are human beings too. We are not perfect, though we would like to be closer to that goal than we are. We are people under construction, in the process of becoming what God wants us to be. And God does not want us to be mean, hypocritical, or narrow-minded. If you have found Christians to be those things, we apologize. And we invite you to come alongside of us and walk with us toward becoming better human beings -- as we follow the One who created human beings in His own image. What does your name (Aldersgate) mean? It comes from the history of the United Methodist Church movement. About 250 years ago, a man named John Wesley went to a Bible study meeting at a church on Aldersgate street in London. At that meeting, he understood for the first time that God really did love him and he knew his sins were truly forgiven. Wesley recorded in his journal that he felt his "heart strangely warmed" that evening. We chose to name our church Aldersgate because we strive to be people with a warm heart, filled with love for God, each other, and the world. What do you believe? We are part of the United Methodist Church, a worldwide connection of Christians. United Methodist beliefs are very similar to most other mainstream Christians. We believe in God who created us, Jesus who died for us, and the Spirit who lives with us. We believe in the Bible, Heaven, loving people, and making a difference in the world around us. Aldersgate is distinctive in our desire to connect these basic beliefs with the real lives of people who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus. We try to avoid "churchy" language. We use a modern, easy to understand translation of the Bible. Our worship has a relaxed feel, and our messages are relevant and practical. We believe Jesus loves all people and wants everyone to know Him as a personal friend. We believe that would radically change the world. Do I have to believe all that on "blind faith" before I can be part of your church? No. We welcome people just as they are, doubts and all. We encourage honest questions and struggling with answers, not "blind faith." So we are not threatened by people with different ideas. We invite you to come share life with us and grow along with us. Our Sunday School classes and weekday small groups are great places to do that. We do expect our leaders and teachers to be Christians and to support our core beliefs. We do not compromise our beliefs just to avoid controversy or make people happy. We are people of strong convictions. But we do not force our convictions onto others before they are ready to accept them. We believe the truth will attract people once they are exposed to it. I keep seeing this statement: "The Real Thing. A Different Life." What does that mean? We want our Christianity to be real -- the real thing. Church is not meant to be a place to pretend. Our aim is to be honest before God and before each other. Our faith is not just a part of our lives that we keep segregated from the rest of reality. It has to be the real thing. And we want it to make a difference in our lives every day. Knowing Jesus makes us different people. We are not better than other people, but our lives are becoming better than they used to be. And better than they would be without our faith. That's our motto, and we try to live up to it. What makes your church any different than all the others I've been to? There are lots of different churches in our community. They have different styles of worship and meet the needs of different people. We think that's OK. We strive to have a good relationship with all the churches in our city, and work together with them in many projects. Our particular niche is to provide a place where people who have never been to church before can walk in and feel welcome. We are very informal. We don't expect you to fit a particular pattern. We are a diverse group in race, economic and educational level, and age (though we would like even more diversity in these areas). People tell us that Aldersgate is a place where they feel more comfortable than any other church they've tried. That's what we want. When is worship? What should I wear? Will anyone talk to me? We have several worship opportunities -- check the website for up to date details. All are very informal. You can wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Most folks choose not to dress formally -- the preacher doesn't even wear a tie. Our theory is that you shouldn't have to be uncomfortable to worship God. We make a real effort to welcome everyone who walks in. When you come in the front door, stop by the welcome center to your right. Someone will be there to give directions and answer any questions. And we have a gift for all of our first time attenders -- bottled water with our name on it and other things. Be sure to ask about that. What activities do you have for youth? children? singles? families? There is always a lot going on in all these areas, and the specifics change pretty often. Check out the ministries section of this website for all the latest. And if you have a specific question, feel free to e-mail the staff person who relates to that area. Mon, 3 Dec 2007 12:52:08 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=21&article_id=33 I have been attending Aldersgate since 1995 and have been working here since 1999. My passion for the nursery involves the children, the families, and the workers. I want a place were parents feel comfortable to leave their children, so they are free to go worship and learn about God. I want to provide a clean, safe, age appropriate place where children feel loved and cared for whenever they are there. I also have a passion for the nursery workers. I want them to experience Jesus in everyday situations as they work with our volunteers. My vision is to start a family ministry to equip our parents to be the spiritual leaders of their families. PERSONAL FACTS: I have been married to Chris since 1991 and have three children: Kelsey, Ashlee, and Austin. I enjoy Karate, kickboxing, and dark chocolate.Please email me HERE Fri, 3 Mar 2006 12:55:32 MST http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30 http://www.aldersgatelive.org/app/w_page.php?type=section&id=30&article_id=36 My family has been attending Aldersgate for about 2 1/2 years. I have just recently been appointed the Assistant Children's Pastor (primarily responsible for our preschool ministry). I've always had a passion for helping with children and I'm thrilled to be a part of what God is doing here at Aldersgate! It's exciting to see the number of preschoolers that are currently involved in our church body! These children may be young, but their worship is passionate and tender! What a tremendous opportunity we have to help lay a strong Christian foundation in these little ones lives...a foundation that will enable them to one day choose a personal walk with Christ. PERSONAL FACTS: I've been blessed with an amazing husband (his only flaw: graduating from A&M), and 3 beautiful children. I enjoy spending time with family and friends (major extrovert). I love Starbucks frappuccinos...mmm...Please email me HERE Mon, 13 Feb 2006 09:57:24 MST