Dear Radicals

Dear Radicals,

When referring to the current condition of the small town Church and the resulting small town Christian it is impossible to avoid words like; lifeless, impotent, ineffective, useless, unproductive, and vain. Our problem is not that our fortifications have been torn down or that we are surrounded and out numbered by the enemy; because neither are true. Our demise is not due to battle worn and weary saints who are hard pressed on the right and yielding at the center of the battle line. Our failure is found in the fact that no one seems to be able to find the battle field any more.

In Stanly County, where I live, we have managed to deceive ourselves into believing that we have somehow created a truce with the forces of darkness and everyday we hope and pray that they keep their end of the bargain. We are distressed with anyone who may suggest that the battle is still on and that God is still looking for soldiers who are willing to lay down their lives for the cause of Christ. After all, talk like that might make waves and bring discomfort to our already laissez-faire lives.

The truth of the matter is that the enemy is not at the gate but he is already within our borders, populating our schools, sitting in seats of power, attending our churches and even sleeping in our own beds. The most degrading and demoralizing fact of all this is that those who claim to be Christians don’t seem to know or care. We would rather hang on to our tedious traditions than to turn over the tables. As a result hundreds needlessly die as church goes on as usual. In times like these, church attendance skyrockets while spirituality declines to a record-breaking low.

Every generation and every community has a demonic yoke that oppresses, captivates, and binds. However, where sin abounds graces does much more abound and for every yoke, there is anointing! There is an empowerment being provided by heaven without regard to gender, race, age, or education and it’s available to all who will. It’s time to give the radicals something radical to do!

If you’re ready to become a Radical Disciple sign up today and receive more information about how your spiritual life can be drastically changed and how you can be on the bloody edge of what God is doing in the earth today.

The World’s First Flying Church!

The Russian military have pioneered a new way to bring Church to the battlefield. They’ve designed a church structure that can be parachuted into any battlefield and produce instant worship services for their military personal and you don’t even have to add water!

It’s being called, “The World’s FirstFlyingChurch” which is pretty awesome considering that it comes complete with paratrooping priests! According to Russia Today (RT), these churches consist of an army tent, mini-theater, diesel power source, air conditioner and a refrigerator. The airborne church is reportedly needed because there are special sacraments in the Orthodox Church that demand a substantial number of utensils.

“I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18,19

Being a Pastor and a Church Planter I know what it means to have “Church In A Box” but this is taking it to a whole nutha level! We all know from Matthew 16 that the gates of Hell have no effective defense against the “Church” that has been established on the revelation of “Christ” and commissioned to bind and destroy.  Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could drop this hell razing institution right in the middle of an Al-Qaida’s Training Camp,Tehran’s Azadi Square, or better yet in the middle of your work week or your next family reunion?

Thankfully the triumphant Church has no need for utensils or sacraments! All this devil-stomping Church requires is, “two or three”.

“Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:18,19

I don’t know what you may be facing today but I do know that we can parachute the Church right into the middle of your situation with the power of agreement. Send me your prayer request today and let’s stand in agreement for your total victory in Christ Jesus.

CLICK HERE to Submit Your Prayer Request

Join Our Team at ECC

Our mission at ECC is to know Him and to make Him known by teaching families to walk in faith and we’d love to join forces with you and your family. We believe that God has a place for you in the body of Christ and that sound Biblical teaching will not only help you find your place of purpose but will also empower you to be effective in every area of your life.

Someone recently asked, “What’s your vision for ECC?” They were referring to the facilities, location, and attendance. Pastor Alan’s response was a little surprising when he said,

“My vision is that you and your family will have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, know how to pray and get results, and that you’ll be strong in your faith. If we can accomplish that, everything else will fall into place.”

Does that sound like a Church you’d like to be apart of? We thought so! We want you to be on the ground floor with us as we build a dynamic house of worship and a hospital of faith. Whether you’ve never been in church before, whether you’ve been hurt in the past, or are just looking for something new; we’d love to meet you.

You’re invited to join us THIS Sunday at 6PM!

Our Church is located in Red Cross, NC on HWY 24\27 right across from West Stanly High School, beside Dollar General, in the white L shaped building.

Don’t miss out on what could be one of the funnest experiences of your life!

Standing In Faith With You,

Encounter Christ Church

12 Simple Steps to Spiritual Growth In 2012

At the dawn of each new year faithful believers around the country make resolutions to get closer to God and to commit themselves to more serious spiritual growth. Regrettably, much like our weight loss goals, these resolutions quickly evaporate as we get back in the swing of things and the pressure of our daily routine kicks in. I heard someone say, “May all your troubles last as long as your New Year resolutions.” It’s funny because it’s true! Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Proverbs tells us that the key to a successful spiritual life, is keeping the Word of God in front of us at all times. That’s because God’s Word is our ONLY means of spiritual Growth!

“My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22

There are some simple things each and every one of us can do to grow spiritually this year.

12 Keys to Spiritual Growth in 2012

  1. Place Bible verses on your refrigerator and your bathroom mirror. Don’t open your fridge or pass by that mirror without reading them out loud.
  2. Tie a string around your finger to remind you to pray that day (you’d be amazed at how effective this is and it’s a good conversation starter).
  3. Read at least one chapter in your Bible everyday.
  4. Call your Christian friends just to discuss Bible passages.
  5. Keep Bible verses in your wallet or your purse.
  6. Listen to preaching and teaching while you’re getting ready in the morning or driving in your car.
  7. Choose a friend to keep you accountable to the study of God’s Word.
  8. Memorize a Bible verse.
  9. Make it a goal to find a way to pray and speak God’s Word in every place you travel or visit (Pray in every room of your house).
  10. Commit to attending every service at your Church.
  11. Each week determine to become the answer to someone else’s prayer.
  12. Take time to Worship God for who He is, each and everyday.

Start the New Year off right with our devotional called, “The Pinhead’s Guide to Prayer“. Each day this week read one article in this series and within 7 days you’ll see a drastic turn around in your spiritual life!

Happy New Year!

Satan, The Lord of the Rings, and Plastic Cups

We live in a time where fear reigns while faith seems to be smothered under the maniacal power of what “could be”. Can you remember as a child when you were utterly paralyzed by the slightest sound outside your bedroom window or the echo of strange noises coming from a dark hallway.

As children we’re often frightened by a simple sound or noise we can’t identify. Upon further inspection we see that it was just the wind or the settling of the house yet we were so sure it was some evil monster hungry for little toes (better not let my arms or legs hang over the bed… just in case)!

Is it really that different now that we’re adults? We may not be frightened by things that go bump in the night but should a doctor mention the word, “Cancer” fear grips our hearts. We have many fears that plague our minds and steal our faith. I think that if we allowed a little further inspection, we’d find that there’s really no reason to fear.

Fear Is Just A Noise

Fear is just a noise that sparks the darker side of our imaginations and imprisons our minds in the shadows of hopelessness and doubt. It can seem so real but we must remember… it’s only a noise!

Where else can we see this best illustrated than in Hollywood? These masters of manipulation can take the most benign scene and turn it into something terrifying with a simple score. By just adding music or a sound effect they can artfully turn any knee slapper into a screamer.

Let’s take Lord of the Rings for example. Rarely will you find any creatures more hideous than the Balrog and the Ringwraiths. The bellowing sound of the Balrog’s roar and the Ringwraith’s scream are enough to make anyone’s blood curdle. See for yourself…

The Balrog

Did you hear that otherworldly roar?! When sitting in a darkened theater surrounded by the sound of this beast, your seat trembles just a little bit and so does your heart but what’s the real origin of the Balrog’s roar? Did someone manage to drill far enough into the earth to pick up the sounds of Hell itself? Upon further inspection you may be surprised at what you’re actually hearing. It’s not the demented yell of a diabolical demon, the sound is actually made by an ingenious sound effects crew dragging a cinderblock across the floor! The noise isn’t as intimidating when we see it for what it really is.

How how about those evil Ringwraiths?

The Ringwraith

These Ringwraiths are shrill enough to give Hillary Clinton chills! However, if we look behind the scenes, we discover that what we’re actually hearing are plastic cups scraping together! Of course these sounds are enhanced in a sound studio but at their core it’s just a couple of plastic cups and a microphone.

What I want you to see is that whenever fear attempts to gain access into your heart, it’s just a noise! Whether fear comes through a bad diagnosis, rejection, or the tormenting doubts that Satan incessantly introduces into your mind, upon further inspection you may just discover that it’s not as bad as you think and that “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”

The Bible says in Isaiah 14 that one day Satan will be cast down to the abyss and…

People will stare and muse: “Can this be the one Who terrorized earth and its kingdoms, turned earth to a moonscape, Wasted its cities, shut up his prisoners to a living death?”

The Bible says that there will come a day when we will “muse” at the author of fear himself! Another translation says that we will look “narrowly” at him in disbelief saying, “Really? … REALLY?” On that day we’ll discover that Lucifer himself wasn’t all he was cracked up the be. He was just a noise; nothing more than the passing of a light breeze.

You don’t have to wait until that glorious day to have this revelation. As you study God’s holy Word, you wont be so intimidated because you’ll discover the truth behind the noise. You’ll also learn who God is on the inside of you and no cinderblock, plastic cup, or bad report will be able to rob you of your faith!

2011 In Review

Hello Friends,

I wanted to take a moment to share with all of you what you’ve helped make possible this past year. Through your prayers and support we’re taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the World!

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 5,400 times in 2011. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 5 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Mysterious Video of a ‘Woolly Mammoth’?

Mysterious video has surfaced of what appears to be an actual Woolly Mammoth, alive and well, crossing a river in Siberia despite the fact that this beast was thought to have gone extinct 4,000 years ago.

We all love a good mystery don’t we? Whether it’s the Unsolved Mysteries, The X-Files, or The Gilmore Girls, it seems that by nature we’re fascinated by what we don’t understand.

According to Michael Cohen at, The Sun;

“Rumours of a handful of mammoths still kicking around in the vast wilderness of Siberia have been circulating for decades and occasionally sightings by locals have occurred. Siberia is an enormous territory and much of it remains completely unexplored and untouched by humans… It is highly possible that a number of species, extinct elsewhere, survive in the area.”

Despite the fact that there are a number of things that make this video suspect, from the short duration of the video to the unnecessarily blurry shot itself, it is fun to speculate!

Some say that it may simply be a bear with a fish in its mouth while others think that it could be Gov. Chris Christi washing the political stink off of himself after a hard day campaigning.

See for yourself and let us know what you think in our poll just below the video!

Why Do I Care?

Life is full of little mysteries and it’s the search for truth that adds flavor and texture to life not the mystery itself. The Bible says that, “it’s the glory of God to conceal a thing but the honor of kings to search out the matter” (Proverbs 25:2).

God has honored us with the task of searching out the hidden mysteries of the universe and Mulder was right, “The Truth Is Out There”. We don’t have to settle for pious answers to life’s most difficult questions. Through Christ we can find the answers.

In your study time today, read these verses IF you can handle the truth!

  1. John 15:15
  2. Ephesians 1:17
  3. 1 Corinthians 2:7-12
  4. Deuteronomy 29:29

THE HOBBIT New Trailer

Most people like a good story but everyone loves to be raptured into a world of imagination as they’re escorted by a skillful author through a story of hope, redemption, and the inevitable triumph of good over evil. This is what we’ve come to expect from J. R. R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” saga and the newest installment called, “The Hobbit” won’t disappoint.

As you enjoy the latest trailer of The Hobbit, keep in mind that although it may not be overt, the gospel of Jesus Christ permeates every square inch of Middle-earth! (More on this to come:)

“Buzz Off!” Lessons from a Downtown Christmas

It was a great time for family and friends at our annual Downtown Christmas. In recent years our church has tried to do what we can to take advantage of this wonderful event. One year we sold baked goods, fudge, assorted chocolates and many other delectable dishes to satisfy your sweet tooth in an effort to raise money for poverty-stricken families in Appalachia. It was a great success and we were able to raise hundreds of much-needed dollars to help many families have a “happy” holiday. On another occasion we decided to simply share the gospel of love with as many people as possible.

The night was a great success with many warm smiling faces and no negative responses until the night came to a close. We were wrapping things up and I had a few more tracts left. I noticed two gentlemen standing on the sidewalk chatting and having a good time, so I decided to approach them. I introduced myself, as I always do, and shook their hands. Not wanting to take up much of their time I proceeded to give them a tract and said, “Merry Christmas! There is no better time to seek God.” My intention was to move on quickly. Immediately the older gentleman refused to take the tract. The young man, who was still in High School at South Stanly wanted to follow in the older gentleman’s footsteps. Thankfully he had not yet accumulated enough vinegar in his young age, but I’m sure he’s well on his way!

They were both volunteers and strong advocates for a certain political party here in Albemarle. The older gentleman began to preach to me about an issue he felt strongly about; recycling. Between each of their comments about recycling I managed to find out that they both considered themselves to be Christians. Glad to be speaking with fellow believers, I said, “You know what’s really important to me?” And I began to share my heart concerning evangelism; that it is essential for all of us do more in regards to sharing Jesus with people one on one.

What followed took me by surprise. They began to tell me that all Christians don’t have to share their faith and I was apparently intolerant and bigoted for implying otherwise. I was then promptly told to, “Buzz Off!” (Which is kind of outdated and lame but rude nonetheless). I was flabbergasted and extremely hurt. Not by them or their comments! Oh No! I’ve had my life threatened for the sake of the Gospel, and been insulted by professionals, so these amateurs werent about to make a dent. Jesus said, if they hated Him (referring to the religious people of his day) they would hate us also.

The New Testament talks so much about being persecuted for preaching the gospel that it seems persecution is a litmus test for good evangelism. In other words, if everyone likes you… you must not be doing it right! John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church said that if he went a week without being cursed, spat upon, or pelted with rotten eggs, he got on his face before God and repented because obviously, he had been preaching wrong.

As I was speaking to them I must have seemed distant because I began to imagine hundreds of so-called Christians in the “Bible Belt” making the same excuses and I was grieved for the thousands who will die and spend eternity separated from God because some churchgoer thought it was his or her right to be silent. We all agree that we must display moral character and let our light shine through good works on a daily basis but, is that enough?

The High School student asked me, “Do you believe that if I don’t testify about Jesus I will go to hell?” “Absolutely not” I said. Salvation can’t be earned by any good work. It only comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. However, if you have really given your life to Christ, you can’t help but tell everyone about it! If you’re willing to talk so passionately about sports, politics, the latest gossip, or recycling how much more should you be willing to talk about the One who delivered us from hell and gave us citizenship in Heaven? Now that is something that deserves to be heralded from every roof top… That is, if you really believe it. That’s what it all boils down to; during this Holiday season, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, do you really believe?

Paul said, “Examine yourselves to see whether or not you be in the faith”. I simply wish to encourage all Christians to re-examine themselves. What do you believe? Why do you believe it? Is it worth sharing?

Begin to study your Bible and discover all of the wonderful truths concerning your part in the work of redemption. Start with the verses listed below and get ready to experience a new level of peace, joy, and blessing as you embrace God’s vision to win the lost.

Isaiah 58; Ezekiel 33:7-9; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 24:44-47; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14-15; 2 Timothy 4:2-4

Merry Christmas!

Witches Are People Too!

Tis the season to be scary! By scary, I’m not talking about the undiscerning masses of mask-wearing wanna-bes who parade around in He-Man and Hogwarts costumes. What is scary though, are fear-filled and fear-led Believers who run for the hills with their pitchforks and torches in hand on October 31st! The only mask these folks wear is a sanctimonious one, held on with cheaply manufactured righteous indignation.

“Turn off the Porch Light and lock up the children, Ethel! It’s Halloween!” After all we don’t want to contribute to the devil’s high holiday by turning our front doors into altars and a Snickers into a satanic sacrifice do we? Something has to be done! We cannot allow our children to be impressed upon by the imagery of witchcraft portrayed on Halloween. That’s why for the past several years many Wiccans have called for a boycott of these Fall festivities.

“Don’t you mean Christians have called for a boycott!?” No, I mean Wiccans! Apparently they feel that a grave injustice has been done and that their religion as been entirely misrepresented. In fact, some say that it could be equal to a Hate Crime. Due to legal pressure by one Wiccan Coven a School Board adjusted it’s policy quickly to read;

“the Wiccan religion is a bona fide religion under the law, and its followers  are entitled to all the protections afforded to more mainstream religions. Building  administrators should not tolerate such inappropriate stereotyping (images such  as Witches on flying brooms, stirring cauldrons, casting spells, or with long  noses and pointed hats) and instead address them as you would hurtful  stereotypes of any other minority.”

Could this mean that Christians and Witches will unite to take on these dually recognized evils of Halloween? I wouldn’t hold your breath! It is interesting however that what many Christians believe to be harmful forms of witchcraft, actually have no bearing on real Wiccan practices at all. I’m concerned that our lack of discernment combined with our tendency to overreact will actually cause our children to be unable to trust us where it matters.

That being said, there are some things Christians should be mindful of. Witchcraft, Tarot Cards, Ouija Boards and the like are real gateways to and openings to evil spiritual influences. We should teach our children to stay away from such things but the Wicked Witch of the West or Harry Potter for that matter, are fictional characters that have no relation to actual witchcraft. If we insist on telling our children that these benign entertainment figures are evil incarnate, they will grow up and learn that their parents weren’t telling the truth after all, about that children’s movie and, “I wonder what else they were wrong about?” This allows the real enemy of their soul to bring into question every truth that they have been taught. Our loved ones don’t need blanket statements, mindless maxims, or broad brushes; they need the truth and the truth will not only set them free but it will keep them free as well.

Do You Celebrate Halloween?

As a Pastor, I get asked every year about whether or not I celebrate Halloween. My response is normally, “I celebrate everyday!” But, it is a sincere question. People who are new to the things of God want to honor God and they certainly don’t want to give any place to the devil. The Bible does teach us that we are in a war with the forces of darkness. At the height of World War II it would have seemed odd or even treasonous for Americans to run around with Hitler masks on and yet we see Christians running around each year wearing demonic faces, attempting to inspire fear, and to scare one another.

As Christians we don’t need to worry about Trick-or-Treaters or Jack-o-Lanterns! In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” We serve a Faith God and fear should be the one thing that we refuse to tolerate on any day  of the year. Ironically, in an effort to keep our children away from the devil, we teach them to be afraid of carved pumpkins. “Well Pastor, don’t you know the origins of Halloween?” Listen, motives are what really matter. What someone may have used a pumpkin for 300 years ago, isn’t nearly as important as what they’re using it for today. In my house I’m not near as concerned with Halloween symbolism as I am with fear getting into the hearts of my children.

Honestly, I don’t attend Halloween Parties with my family where scary images may be present but we do love our yearly Fall Festivals and Hallelujah Parties. Regardless of what your convictions may be, it’s vital that we never take anything away from our children, in the name of God that we don’t replace with something better! God’s children should always be having more fun than anyone else on the block. After all, we’re the ones with a real reason to celebrate!

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out our blog on, Harry Potter!