Kenneth Olson.org

Stricken Series

I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching on the subject of redemption over the past five weeks. It's amazing to me the scope of what was paid for and provided through the selfless offering of our Lord's life. Without much thought, redemption seems pretty black and white, yet every time I study it I'm awed by the unending dimensions of God's love for us.

I'm sure it's like astronomers peering into the cosmos, each time using more powerful and sophisticated telescopes permitting them to see new galaxies and nebula. Yet they never fully able to comprehend the true magnitude of God's creation. 

I suppose that's the reason for eternity? No amount of finite time or human effort will ever enable us to grasp the breadth, width and height of our creator. He just goes on and on and on and on. 

Although disconcerting to my mind because I can't understand it, it's comforting to my spirit to know God is, and always will be greater than anything I'll ever face.

Sunday Reflection

Extremely proud of my wife and partner in ministry today. Sara definitely "brought it" this morning with a timely message challenging us to get out of our religious and even self-imposed boxes. Boxes that hinder us from obeying God and staying true to our convictions. 

She shared the Lord has been impressing upon her it's time for God's people to value and give whole-hearted attention to six things. They are, for God's people to.....

1. stop being miserable
2. be done with shallow, counterfeit Christianity
3. open our mouths and speak our faith 
4. reach out to God and receive His power to be immovable, unshakable and unstoppable
5. truly love and obey God (if you love Him you'll obey Him)
6. do the great commission

Monday's Reflection

Mondays tend to be a day of rest and recovery for me, usually spent catching up around home and enjoying time with my family. Today we went for a relaxing drive looking for possible new locations for Authentic Life Church. On Sunday, I shared a few major strategic steps we'll be taking as a church later this year, including transitioning to a new facility and location.

Even though there's much prayer and work ahead of us, we have a unique and outstanding opportunity to go to the next level of influence and effectiveness as a church. The direction God has been mapping out in our hearts will certainly prepare and position us to lead more people than ever into a purposeful, passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. 

I see a screaming opportunity flagging us down to create an inviting and relevant church that's an authentic expression of God's hope and love to this generation and our corner of the world. In fact, one community alone in the southwestern metro is forecasted to grow by over 20,000 households in the next 10 years. If there was ever a more whitened field ready for harvest, I've never heard of it.

It reminds me of what John 9:4 says, We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. 

What's your God assigned task to carry out? Are you doing it with a sense of urgency and passion?

Women's Conference Hosted by ALC

The past week has been packed with meetings and feverish preparation for a women's conference we'll be hosting tomorrow and Saturday. Even though it's a women's conference, thus I will not be attending, I'm super amped about what God is going to do during these meetings

My wife Sara and our long-time friend Margie McDaniel will be leading over 115 women into the presence of God during the next two days. The fact that so many women registered tells me they'll be bringing a hunger for God and an expectation he's going to move powerfully in their lives. No doubt their collective heart cry will bring an atmosphere of God's glory, transformation in their hearts and new beginnings to many lives.

I've been of so many people recently who have been identifying with an organic hunger for the things of God and are urgently desiring to get back to a pure, unencumbered and devoted walk with Him. I pray that will be the experience of everyone attending this conference!

Awakening 2009

I'm excited about Authentic Life uniting with churches nationwide for a season of prayer and fasting January 11 through January 31. No doubt, fasting in conjunction with prayer is a hugely overlooked spiritual discipline. It aligns our lives with the heart and purpose of God like nothing else can. 

For me personally, it has been a key to hearing God's voice, breaking free from stubborn patterns of behavior and experiencing spiritual breakthrough. New Testament fasting doesn't change God, but changes us!

What a way to set the tone for 2009 and generate spiritual momentum. It's an opportunity to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and become more effective conduits of divine purpose and change in our churches and nation.

Weekend Reflections

Wow, what a weekend!

It started by Sara and I enjoying a great dinner Friday night to celebrate our 11th wedding aanniversary. Yes, it's been 11 years, I can hardly comprehend how fast the years have gone by. 

On Saturday and Sunday we were excited to represent Authentic Life Church at James J. Hill Days in Wayzata. It was our first opportunity to introduce ourselves to the community. Many people stopped by the booth interested and supportive of what we're doing. It was great to represent Jesus and at least for a moment, cause people to think about Him. 

New Church Logo

I'm pumped about the new the new logo identity we designed for Authentic Life Church. Our desire was to create an image that reflects who we are, authentic followers of Jesus Christ. By the way, here's the definition of the word authentic:

• Made or done the same way as the original
• Being actually and exactly what is claimed
• Conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features
• Not false or imitation

 

New Church Name

I was excited to unveil our new church name at our morning service today - Authentic Life Church! Now it's 2:45 a.m. Monday (labor day) morning and I just finished editing/re-editing the copy for our first "official" brochure. So if anyone like me is still awake, the following is for your reading pleasure - It actually may put you to sleep :)

Authentic Life Church

Relational ● Relevant ● Real

 

Inspiring people to lead passionate, purposeful, genuine lives for Jesus Christ.

 

Who Are We?

Authentic Life Church is a thriving community of people engaged in an intimate and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We are determined to share God’s love by genuinely caring for each other and positively impacting our communities.

What Should I Expect?

When you visit Authentic Life Church, you will experience a warm and welcoming environment where people are encouraged to pursue a personal relationship with God, develop meaningful friendships and are empowered to discover their life’s purpose.

We gather each week to experience an inspiring time of worship and a relevant, no-nonsense message from the timeless teachings of the Bible. Our services last an hour and half and afterwards, we invite you to enjoy a cup of coffee on us.

 

We encourage you to come as you are, whether you prefer a t-shirt and jeans or your Sunday best. The important thing is to be yourself and genuinely connect with God.

 

Service Times

Sunday 10:30

Tuesday 7:00

 

What About My Children?

Our children’s ministry is designed uniquely for ages birth through sixth grade. Your child will experience engaging age-appropriate teaching, music and activities all created to point them toward a real relationship with Jesus Christ. Our classrooms are staffed by dedicated volunteers who will be there week after week to lovingly care for your child.

 

Little church (Birth-2)

Clubhouse Kids (3-5)

One Way Place (6-12)

 

Where Are We?

525 Leaf Street Orono, MN 55356

Phone number: 952-697-5581

Web address: authenticlifechurch.com

 

Snapshots from Picnic and Baptism

Here are a few pictures from this past Sunday's picnic and baptism. Without a doubt it was a fun and memorable day.

       

LWO Picnic and Baptism

Yesterday afternoon our church enjoyed a made-to-order Minnesota summer day for our first annual picnic and baptism. Everyone had a great time on the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Of course for me, it was special to baptize a number of people who went public with their faith in Jesus Christ.

I can't thank enough, everyone from LWO who contributed in some way to the success of this important event in the life of our church. It was a special and memorable day for many. I plan to post some pictures in the next couple days.