Great Service to the Community These Wonderful Christian people from Abundant Life Christian Center came to Los Altos Sub-Acute & Rehabilitation Center to support the Patients. They played Music and Sang Gospel Hymns . Encouraged me . The Leaders were kind and gentle. They Prayed for my Healing . Jesus People read more

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ALCF will hold its final service at the Leghorn facility on Sunday, May 5th, 2022 at 5:00 PM. This closes out the long-term, seemingly endless pastoral-Board-of Directors turmoil, which began with the ALCF's founding pastor's "moral failure," surprise resignation, and was subsequently followed by five former ALCF pastors. The final, current and sixth ALCF pastor, Gary Anderson was mysteriously absent from service on Sunday, April 24th, 2022. The facility was sold to the Palo Alto, California based Vive Church, in September, 2021. Vive subsequently evicted ALCF, for allegedly violating a long term lease, originally set to expire in 2023. Vive, a multi-racial, multicultural, multiple site, mega church will soon occupy the site as its headquarters. Vive is committed to keep using the Leghorn site for Christian works only. Vive's actions will prevent developers wrecking balls from bulldozing the facility. Hopefully and prayerfully, Vive and ALCF will continue God's work, grow and thrive. "God opens doors that no man can shut, and He shuts doors that no man can open.' God is your doorkeeper. Other people can't keep you out of your purpose; obstacles can't keep you from what God has ordained for you." -Joel Osteen. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. '" -- Jeremiah 29:11. May God bless the ALCF family and the Vive congregants. Read more: https://padailypost.com/2021/12/12/churches-fighting-in-court-over- building/ https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5eb1edd795cde451fabc22c8/t/61008033d566032d03a7646e/1627422775907/VIVE+Permanent+Building_.pdf read more

We were here attending a Disability Conference. The place was very easy to locate and had a large parking lot. The was plenty of space for many vendors to set up their information tables and items for sale. read more

ALCF is now on version 5.0 or something like that. So if you haven't been here in a while, it's different, and it's worth checking out. My history with ALCF - started coming in the late 90s when it was in Menlo Park. Moved away for work in early 2000s but would pop by when visiting family in town. Happened to be here when Pastor Paul had his resignation letter read (I think it was during a Christmas Eve service). Only heard Pastor Hamilton preach once, so I can't really say a whole lot about that. Was in town for the holidays, so I attended the last two services of 2017 and have been streaming Sunday sermons since. Thoughts on ALCF now (from observing Sunday services only): PREACHING/LEADERSHIP Pastor Bryan Loritts is a good leader for leading ALCF forward. He has a great understanding of social/racial/economic issues, and the examples from his sermons draw upon books, movies, modern culture, history, etc. He is also constantly emphasizing the church's need to equip its members to reach the people of the Bay Area - which is much more helpful than just telling people to go out and talk to their non-Christian friends. In some ways, he reminds me of a slightly-more intellectually-focused version of Pastor Paul. Both have preaching styles that are engaging and accessible, but while Pastor Paul's messages are more of the encouraging type, Pastor Bryan's have more of a prophetic element, which is, in my opinion, sorely needed in churches today. To his credit, he makes it less of an admonishment than an exhortation. WORSHIP To be honest, I think it's the best it's ever been. While there has always been lots of talent onstage over the years, this current setup articulates a catchy exuberance. It's hard to not want to get up and be excited about God. Good mix of songs, thanks to the cultural diversity - unlike a lot of white churches that pretty much only sing Hillsong, Bethel, Elevation, etc. CONGREGATION Services are usually half to 2/3 full, so there are still plenty of empty seats. I wonder if it's still a symptom of all the churn that has been going on over the years. Very ethnically diverse. CONCLUSION Check it out if you haven't done so already. Don't know how easy it is to get plugged in. But it seems friendly and genuine enough. Would attend if I lived in the area. read more

all the reviews were many years ago. i came to jcc last week and attended the service. let this be a recent review and the sermon, the worship and the hospitality are all excellent. people struggle and serve the lord faithfully. i am blessed. let all these terrible things pass. lam3:22-24 brothers and sisters, arise! for your light has come. read more

I am giving ALCF two stars because there has been a lot of shaking up in the church in recent years and the last shakeup saw the head pastor, Pastor Hurmon Hamilton, booted out without so much as a chance to say goodbye to the congregation. The "elders" as they call themselves seem to like to govern exclusively and don't like too much input from their head pastors. The shakeup before this one (yes, there have been others) saw another pastor removed and seemed to split the elders up... Because now there are only three of them...Well, perhaps there are more now since I stopped going. Pastor Hurmon is phenomenal though. He truly lets God lead him and I was extremely upset to hear that he had gone. After some searching, I found out that he, half of the congregation and basically the entire praise and worship team left and began a new place to fellowship: New Beginnings Community Church in mountain view. All of my enthusiasm and joy at what ALCF once was is now how I feel about NBCC. Check it out because you won't be disappointed! read more

Do not attend or join this church! This church is ruled by four elders who shocked and angered congregation members when they announced today that Pastor Hurmon Hamilton, a true man of God who is loved and admired by congregation members, is leaving ALCF. Under Pastor Hurmon's leadership, ALCF rebounded from a terrible crisis; is thriving and growing; and ended 2013 on sound financial footing. This arbitrary and capricious decision by ALCF elders has shattered ALCF. I want to emphasize: there has NO allegation whatsoever of any kind of moral failure by Pastor Hurman. There are many better options on the peninsula where you can praise God in a loving and respectful environment. I have resigned my membership from ALCF. I do not recommend this church to anyone while it is in the iron grip of four elders who apparently feel they can operate without accountability to the congregation and God they serve. read more

I had also been a member of this church since Pastor Paul was there. In fact, I joined the church because of him, then remained after his departure because I was moved by more than just the preaching: the ministries, classes, and children's programs in particular. Then, after a time without a lead/teaching pastor, we got Pastor Hurmon. He brought new life to the congregation; I had family members who came back to Christ after attending the Easter program and even just regular Sunday services. What was done to him was wrong. And shocking, and apparently, un-christlike. I continued to follow him online after his departure and I am so excited that he and some of my other ALCF favorites are starting a new church! I can't wait to see what God does now:) http://www.nbccbayarea.com/ read more

My husband and I have worshipped at Abundant Life since 1995, through many seasons and more than a few pastors. Yet we are now marveling at the beautiful church the Lord has birthed here in recent months. We are rejoicing and thanking the Lord daily to be worshipping here. All personality cults and stagey distractions have been swept away. The current spiritual life at Abundant Life is strong and godly, and the Christ-centered sermons are a tremendously nourishing spiritual feast. (Sample: http://abundantliving.alcf.net/2014/04/29/recollection-road-to-emmaus-by-pastor-john-gorin) The worship service of prayer and singing, now participated in by all, is more heart-to-heart with the Lord than ever before. There is no bitterness or gloating here, just love, compassion, and forgiveness. It seems whole Body is completely and humbly focused on our Lord, resting in the assurance that He is strong when we are weak. I can now recommend Abundant Life to all true followers of Jesus without reservation. read more

I love this church! Yes, it's big, but the worship experience is amazing. I'm not just talking about the music - Pastor Paul is a really good speaker whose messages dig deep into your life. His content is Bible-based and applicable. This is probably only the second or third church out of the many I've been to where I've been able to hang on to every word without dozing off at ALL. If I have ADD or something, it's definitely not manifested when I attend this church. ;) I love the Real World Young Adult fellowship also. Never met so many friendly and awesome people at once before. I'm definitely coming back and getting plugged in after I get out of graduate school on the other side of the bay. read more

I'm sorry, the church just isn't what it used to be! Spirit of God is what brought me in and has kept me at the church, but due to recent decisions made by only 4 elders (who do not know the people nor our needs) they have single handedly FIRED our pastor who loves us unconditionally and has been supporting us for the last 2 years after some disastrous times. They removed our healing pastor! I am waiting for the dust to settle and God to reveal what I'm supposed to do next. Some people have already made the decision to leave and this has me heartbroken! At this point I can honestly say I am NOT going to be able to sit under a dysfunctional leadership such as we have right now and trust them to my soul care do men and women that operate this way. I want to be directed and guided by God and those that truly hear his voice and are involved with his people. These elders who have made this decision are not being led by God and doing what has been done. I don't believe we're warring against flesh and blood, but against a lot of evil forces and darkness and spiritual warfare, I'm sad to say. I pray for God's will to be done on this church and his compassion and healing to once again come to his people. ALCF needs to become guided by God and His Spirit once again if the doors are to remain open! I want to say that pastor Hurmon Hamilton and his wife Rhonda Hamilton are two of the most godly people I have met, who have a true heart of compassion for there flock and anointing that makes me want to be shepherded by them where ever they go! ALCF has made a huge mistake! My heart goes out to the people that are divided because of this. We need God to rebuild his temple, and I'm waiting on him for just that. To God be the glory! read more

Been a member for over 10 years & endured the pruning seasons --now see the fruits. Previous pastors followed God's plan & have their own thriving churches spreading the Word. From original ALCF, it birthed 2 new churches in Fremont /RWC...perhaps even more as staff move on....All the body of Christ. Pastors Bryan Loritts & Gary Anderson preach w love, honesty & conviction. Welcoming equipping church - Diverse in age, race, culture, gender, politics, demographics - all God's people who put God's message first & not the messenger. Come visit Sundays 10 am service or check out online sermons. read more

A place near and dear to my heart. For my 200th review, I've chosen a place that has been my place of refuge and refreshment. You walk into the church are taken back by the diversity of the congregation. This is so significant that it has been mentioned on CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/04/segregated.sundays/index.html. Perhaps one of the reasons for the diversity of this church is the appeal of the Worship Services. Although it is heavily gospel influenced, there is a little something for everyone. Pastor Paul Sheppard is an amazing teacher of God's word. Whatever he speaks about seems to resonate with the congregation. I've taken an adult education class with him and he is truly an awesome teacher who knows his scriptures inside and out. But as with any church, its not only about the Pastor but the church it itself. Although it is a rather large church, getting involved with its ministries allows you to really meet the source of this church's heart beat, the people. These are some of the kindest, most genuine people you'll ever meet. And these are people from all walks of life. All races, all social economic standings, all ages. Overall, I great mix of people. If you're looking for a church, definitely give this one a whirl. Mind you, its not for everyone, but ALCF is a church worth checking out. read more

I started coming here when Paul Sheppard was a pastor here. Hes a real good speaker, puts a lil humor in things an really gets the message through an pumps things up. Theres a new pastor here now, hes really good. He gets real serious with it. I Love the music team here. They have alot of great singles events and recovery programs here. They have an upstairs an downstairs seating area. read more

I am rating this church after attending 2 times now. I wish I could say 3 1/2 stars. The first time was a new years eve service, 2009. It was nice, although Pastor Paul was not there..he had just been in a car accident. The second time that I went was this last Sunday. It is very big, and parking is kind of a pain, but once inside the people are very helpful and very kind. I was able to get my daughter registered for the Safari Kids (childcare) but I could not admit her because it was already full. (I arrived 15 min early but that was still not enough time). There was a separate room where I could take my daughter when she got a little fussy, and there were other families in that room. The service is playing on a huge projector like screen to watch. The praise and worship is a little on the reserved side. The singing is nice, and the songs are nice, but I am used to a little more gospel. From what I understand Pastor Paul is no longer there! He was the reason I wanted to try this church! I had heard his sermons on 1190 The Light and always that he was so amazing. Oh well. They have guest preachers in the meantime, so I am still on the church hunt. read more

I love this church for it's Diversity. I miss Pastor Paul and wish him and his family nothing but the best wherever they are at this moment. Even though he is no longer the pastor for this church. Remember we are here for God and not for man. Blessings! read more

Abundant Life is one of the best Charismatic Christian Churches in the area. If you are not into worshipping in this way, it does take some getting used to - lots of open vocal worshipping. I came from an extremely, almost impossibly eclectic background: Zen, Religious Science, Conservative Baptist, a time of no faith, etc In order to enjoy this, you have to be ready for this. What I like is people at ALCF are wonderfully open and inviting. The pastor really knows his stuff Biblically. The church has a program for everyone, I can not think of anyone who has been left out - bearing in mind these folks are in fact Biblical Christians. I am not always into everything Biblical Christians are into, so I do not go often, but when I do this is one of the best ones. If you are a liberal christian, I would recommend several other churches, this is not your place. read more

LOVE THIS CHURCH AND ITS DIVERSITY!!! HOW AWESOME IS IT TO WORSHIP GOD WITH THE DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE... Pastor Paul is an amazing speaker...his messages are really memorable and it really challenges you to apply it in your own life... The church looks like the churches you see on tv because it is huge..you can feel the holy spirit moving in the church and outside the church... RECOMMENDATION: LOVE LOVE LOVE read more

This church had it right from the very beginning.....focus on Christ...and he will bless you ABUNDANTLY! I am so very honored and blessed to call this my home church...a lot of people try and choose a church based on other factors but Pastor Paul reminds us to focus on the essentials of the church and not to focus on "non-essentials" God is definitely moving in this church. God has truly blessed Pastor Paul as a speaker, mentor, and true teacher of the Word. His messages are hilarious, but more importantly are very straight to the point and hit home for a lot of people.... If you go to the website you can also listen to sermons from the Enduring Truth Ministry....but to get the whole experience, come visit on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning! They also started this new ministry called NOW - Night Of Worship, where every last Wednesday of the month, the main sanctuary is open for an hour and a half of awesome praise and prayer....yesterday was my first time attending and it was so awesome and REFRESHING!!!!....I definitely recommend checking this out at least once... Praise God for this church and hope to see you there sometime soon! read more

I visited Abundant for an Easter Play that the church puts together each year. Calling it a play is truly downplaying it. It's actually a musical, a "Broadway"-style musical as they like to describe it. Watching the congregation get together each night to perform is truly amazing. Seeing them sing, dance and act so passionately is beautiful. Another great thing about this play is that it is absolutely FREE. Yes, free. It's such a huge production, I couldn't believe that every single person in attendance was watching his play for free! It was truly a gift to watch this play and I thank my dear friends for inviting me. I'd suggest that if you ever get an opportunity to watch this play, do it. Do it for the experience and do it to support the people who put the work into performing it each night. Tips? Watch the play on the ground floor. When we got here, it was packed and the line was out the door. We thought that heading upstairs wouldn't be a problem, but it was hard to see any of the cool things that were happening down below. You can even see the live animals up close when you're down there. They sometimes, during the intermission walk around upstairs with the animals but I think the best experience would be downstairs. #368 read more

Great multicultural, multiracial church. I read in the Mountain View Voice yesterday that Pastor Paul Shepherd just resigned as pastor of the church. I don't know the full circumstances. Do not judge, lest you be judged. Abundant Life Christian Fellow has many wonderful support ministries. I completed a really good program on Grief Support after my husband died. Plenty of parking in the parking lot and along the street. Go dressed as you please from street wear to formal wear. Many volunteers to welcome you and support and answer questions. Beautiful praise and worship. Great relevant preaching and teachings. Great church if you are looking for a bible believing, bible teaching Christian church on the Mountain View/Palo Alto border. read more

If you want a church to feel "comfortable" and safe and non-threatening this is not your church. Yes, it's super friendly but that's not what I mean. I mean Pastor Paul does not tip-toe around the Word. He preaches directly to the heart and soul and sometimes it's convicting. If you want to hear polictical correctness, this is not your place. His messages are like arrows, shot from the mouth and heart of a true man of God. You will be amazed when the message seems tailored to your needs and issues. I have been a Christian for over 30 years, attended many churches and have had the blessing of many great pastors in my life. I don't like to compare and say he is the best I've ever heard...but he is. The music is straight from heaven. Even if you plan not to change where you attend, don't miss visiting at least once. read more

I used to go to Abundant Life...and I loved it for a while. I started coming here with my bestest friend in the whole wide world who has been going here forever with her husband, in laws and 3 small children. (They have an amazing staff in the Kids Safari Day Care) last April, actually on Easter to be specifc. I have been going to church with her off and on since highschool when we wen to Menlo Park Pres... Anyhow, Pastor Paul is awesome, so funny. Really knows how to relate to everyone, no matter your age, or status in life. And last Sunday's sermon about "haters" he called them...was right on. I mean telling you about how to deal with people who treat you wrong, want to see you get hurt and humiliate you Anyhow, bottom line, if you're searching for a fun, full of energy, full of diversity of race and ages, go to Abundant Life you'll love it! However, and this is an update, it is REALLY loud in there, bring ear plugs, also if you are not a hand raising-crying during singing-"praise Jesus yeller" then you might feel out of place like I did. I have my relationship with God and I don't have to be quite so vocal about it, so I found a new church with a little less lively crowd. read more

It's funny I sit and read some of these and I'm shocked . Who is anyone to judge another's life besides our Father? Where does it say Pastors are perfect? I grew up in church and I always got so tired snd couldn't wait to pray so I could close my eyes. I went to Abundant Life years back and let me tell you every time it was like God was speaking directly to me. I couldn't wait to go to church every Sunday . I cried when Pastor Paul left but I understood it . I'm so proud of him he's amazing and as I too we all go through so much in this life and he still shines so bright with his beautiful wife . read more

My husband and I have worshipped at Abundant Life since 1995, through many seasons and more than a few pastors. Yet we are now marveling at the beautiful church the Lord has birthed here in the past year. The current spiritual life at Abundant Life is strong and godly, and the sermons are Christ-centered, tremendously nourishing spiritual feast. We are rejoicing and thanking the Lord daily to be worshipping here. All personality cults and stagey distractions have been swept away. The worship of prayer and singing, now participated in by all, is more heart-to-heart with the Lord than ever before. There is no bitterness here, just love, compassion, and forgiveness. It seems whole Body is completely and humbly focused on God, resting in the assurance that He is strong when we are weak. I can now recommend Abundant Life to all true followers of Jesus without reservation. Blessings, Carolyn Pierce read more

Best church I've ever been to. Felt comfortable as soon as i walked into the place. Would definitely recommend to people trying to discover themselves and where they want to be. read more

TIMES: This church conveniently has 4 services. Two on Saturday evening and two on Sunday morning. SPEAKER: Went to the Sat 7pm service last week. Wasn't the usual speaker. The message was alright. Kind of just one of those repetitive ones that go over a passage. MUSIC: Pretty good. If I remember correctly, there was a variety of instruments. SEATING: Plushy comfortable seats. View is alright. There's these two poles on both sides that obstruct view though. VISUAL: They use overhead projectors, clips of videos to promote their announcements. PEOPLE: Diverse in age and ethnicity. Um... Sometimes when the members pray or preach, the fashion is that of an oldschool preacher kind of way, full of gusto, but questionable sincerity. (I know, I'm being overly critical) BUT everyone seemed very nice good people. ATMOSPHERE: Sorta basic. read more

the Pastor is an excellent speaker, not just preacher but the most motivating motivational speaker I've ever heard. this is what I called "healla good preaching" in a " hella big black church" I loved it! read more

I wish Sandeep Poonen and Zak Poonen would preach more often. The church is full of diverse members. There's a kids section as well. read more

ALCF Bay Area - Churches Near Me - Palo Alto, California

I'm writing this review as a first time visitor. My husband and I are committed Christ followers. We're also of the millennial age group, to give youe more context of our point of view. I grew up as a pastor's kid so I'm familiar with church life, ministry and all that comes with it. First impressions: GREAT LOCATION--easy to invite silicon valley coworkers EASY PARKING LOVE the WORSHIP--skilled musicians + scripture based praise. They played new stuff and "old" stuff. I danced, I clapped, I cried, it was fabulous! They have an Israel Houghton style. FRIENDLY & LOVING PEOPLE -- we were greeted by many who told us their names with a "God bless you". I felt like I could go up to anyone to get some love and encouragement. MULTICULTURAL GROWTH -- they had all new members come up to be prayed over and there were a lot! You know that when a church is growing, something good is happening. SCRIPTURE BASED PREACHING - the pastor (Bryan Loritts) deflected from himself and always put the spotlight on Jesus and the scriptures. Solid message that wasn't fluffed up with "feel good" stuff. OUTREACH - from the announcements it seems like they are active in the community. PRAYER -- one of the members told me this is a prayer based church. There was Prayer throughout the service but didn't see any advertising for prayer/intercession group or meetings. I really hope there is!! I didn't see any red flags, so that's good!! We are "Spirit filled" Christians and hope to find a church likewise. I couldn't tell if they were or not.. so that's something I'll be looking in to. All in all, we had a GREAT first visit. We're definitely coming back and would recommend it anyone! read more

My wife and I are long time members of ALCF and have been through the ups and downs the church experienced following first, the departure of Pastor Paul Shepard and later Hermon Hamilton. While those were difficult times, I believe most of the negative reviews expressed during those periods were people's emotional responses to losing a pastor they liked. The Elders behaved as men of God and did not try to defend the decisions they made by attacking others. They had reasons to take the stands they did, even knowing that they would be unpopular and that ALCF would most likely lose membership in the process. That said, their steadfast adherence to the Godly principals of church leadership have been greatly rewarded by God bringing Pastor Bryan Loritts to ALCF to be our Lead Pastor. The preaching is rock solid and our worship service is amazing. Come visit the church and experience the diversity we all know to be representative of what Heaven will truly be like. read more

This used to be a 5 star church experience that brought me back to Christ. However, the events that have transpired over the past few months have been disheartening. I will not bash a house of the Lord, but I will sum up the basis of my review simply: 2 words, Misguided Elders. 2 more words, Rocky Bridges (most fitting name EVER). 2 final words, Goodbye ALCF. My family and I will be attending Pastor Hurmon's new church, and continue to let the word of the lord be funneled through him into our hearts and minds. read more

Attending ALCF has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I was church hunting for a year before I stumbled upon ALCF. The moment I walked into service, I knew that God was present in the building. You can usually tell, by the way people worship, whether or not they know God genuinely or not. And boy do the people of ALCF know Him. Hands raised, swaying side to side, or even just being more reserved and standing there with eyes closed...you can feel comfortable no matter stage you are in your walk of faith. The pastors are grounded in humility, vulnerability, and bold faith. The community is a vibrant, loving, Christ-centered one. ALCF in inviting to everyone, no matter their background, culture, race, and age. It is easy to get involved - to start serving. And you can tell people really want to get to know you...and I mean KNOW you, all of you. There is no judgment, only support. In the 3 months I have been going to ALCF (so far), I have truly found a home in the Bay Area! And more importantly, a family with ties stronger than blood, who you'll see in heaven and for the rest of eternity. They are mission-minded, an equipping church, teaching and discipling us to go out and make real positive change around the world. :) read more

This is an update. Everything I wrote on 12/17/13 was true. As you can see from other reviews, everything has changed. I decided to write my review although I knew trouble was brewing. I had faith that things would be worked out and could not imagine that Pastor Hurmon would be gone and simply had to share my love of this church. Now, I consider the other recent reviews to be accurate. My two-star rating is meaningless since I cannot currently recommend the church to others because it has been badly broken. It is extremely painful to say that. My mind had not been completely closed when I went to Saturday's service to hear the bad news but it was tightly closed by the time I left. What I perceived as immediate combativeness, arrogance and condescension from the elders shocked me to the core. The orchestration of the whole affair, beginning with Pastor Zack Poonan's sermon the prior weekend, struck me as shabby and felt borderline deceitful. Through my eyes (only), I see four individual human beings making a monumental decision for a congregation of several thousand people who seem to have had no say whatsoever. I mean the elders no personal harm and include them in my prayers for they will bear the burden of their decision. I'm sure they were convinced their action was in the best interests of the church. However, I am afraid it has resulted in tragedy. My heart goes out to the pastors, staff and team leaders who are suffering, many whom I have come to know and love. I hope to stay connected with members of the congregation. They are the best and are the core of this church. Perhaps, some day, God will make clear what His purpose was. I trust he will. read more

Even though we were never members of this church, we attended quite regularly, splitting the time between Abundant Life and our own place of worship. I found it to be one of the most fantastic worship experiences in my life. The congregation was comprised of black, white, Hispanic, Asian and many other ethnicities. The joy of seeing and experiencing people of every hue praising the Lord cannot be overstated. I always imagined that this would be how Heaven will be. The Word was always being preached with power and conviction!!! We were there when the church lost the previous Pastor due to a moral misstep. As expected, this shocked and demoralized the congregation. As was stated by a previous reviewer, Pastor Hurmon came in as a healing presence. He and his wonderful "first lady" brought the church back from the brink and were moving as God instructs a "leader" of his flock to do. I found him to be humble, gracious, knowledgeable and anointed. His sermons always challenged us to be better Christians, not in a condemning way, but a loving way. My wife and I were in total shock to find out that this "Man of God" was removed without just cause and in spite of the feelings and desires of the majority of the congregation. I know that the Lord will elevate his Shepherd to even greater heights. May God bless Pastor Hurman and his wife and sustain them during this time. We also are praying for the elders, who have no accountability or restraints. read more

I first attended ALCF church about 2 years ago with a friend. I love the people and family atmosphere there. Shortly after I started attending the church a new pastor, Hurmon Hamilton, became the teaching pastor, and he was fantastic. His passion for God, his boundless energy, his amazing presentation skills, and his wonderful family made me want to get there early every Sunday to hear him. He really is a rock-star. Recently, I was stunned to learn that Pastor Hurmon had been let go by the 4 remaining elders of the church. No explanations were offered, and last Saturday those elders stood on the stage and asked the congregation to "trust them". First, this small group has far too much power. It is not right that 4 people can make a monumental decision like this and offer no explanation...zero. Not only that, but they were also arrogant in their presentation to the members who showed up to hear what they had to say. They gave no hint of a reasonable explanation, and they did not allow any questions from the audience. This is unacceptable. They also refused a chance to settle the dispute with Pastor Hurmon via mediation, which is perplexing. While it is possible that Pastor Hurmon did something deserving of termination, I doubt it. But if he did, then the Elders owe the congregation an full explanation. If they are afraid to speak because of a possible employment lawsuit (which is highly likely here), then should say so. Would Pastor Hurmon sue ALCF for wrongful termination or breach of contract? I don't know. Whatever is going on, the Elders owe the membership an explanation, and they should at least have the courage to stand up there and take questions. They are cowards. It is also unclear why the some of the other elders have recently resigned. It's not appropriate to have only 4 men responsible for an organization of thousands with no accountability. They have stopped publishing the budget, and they provide no reasoning behind the decisions they make. As a business person and a member of several company Boards, it is my opinion that there should be a minimum number of elders required at any given time for ALCF (probably at least 9 or 11) and at least 3 pastors should sit as elders to have a voice in the direction of the church, and at least two should come from the congregation. This is only common sense for such a large organization... I know that many of you love ALCF and have given your hearts to it, but sitting back and praying for God to intervene is only going to validate the unacceptable actions of the Elders and cement their power. You must demand change. These Elders must go and a new management structure must be implemented in which there is more oversight and more input from more people and the pastors. Unfortunately, the only way that is likely to happen is if the members walk away and take their donations with them. Money is the life blood of the church, and taking it away will bring the Elders to their knees quickly. Then and only then will you see change, and then it might be possible to get back the ALCF that we love...(and maybe Pastor Hurmon if he'd consider returning). The current group of Elders must experience pain before they will change their behavior, and the membership must administer it. The Elders want us to sit tight and trust them....? Sorry....I am not buying. I am gone until I hear that they are gone. read more

Eh. Things won't be the same now that Pastor Paul won't be the Pastor anymore.

MY church!!! I love this place. I moved to the valley two years ago and got hooked since my first visit. What I love about them is that they are genuinely interested in every aspect of your life(hence the name Abundant Life) and have 70 ministries that are designed to benefit you and help you experience REAL GROWTH in the different areas of your life. To really benefit, you must take advantage of the immense opportunities for moving closely with leaders, mentors available in the church and apply Christ-centered principles to your life. The elders and leaders are awesome, extremely sacrificial people who go miles out of the way to see you are tendered to as a member of the flock. Love this church always! Everytime I drive by Leghorn Street, I pause for a moment to reflect in awe and thankfulness, then move along. read more

This church needs to remember who is really in charge of this church. God! This used to be a most incredible church with Pastor Paul as Pastor. Yes he was human, at times arrogant, his ego bigger than his message... other times... right on time... I thought the church was bible based... based on the teaching of Jesus... "forgiveness???" The elders and the Pastors are a mess, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. Nor do they care. There is no communication.In the past if there was a problem, depending on what, you called in and the pastor on call would actually answer your call an if needed transfer you to the correct pastor. Now hmmmm if you called and were suicidal you would have killed yourself before someone took the time to call back.. true statement! Next time the Elders go on a retreat they might take a bible and Jesus with them. Pass on this church, find another...Sadly God doesn't live here anymore. read more

Let begin by saying if I could review Pastor Paul only, there would not be enough stars to rate how awesome he is!!! Even if you're not willing to switch churches, take the time to hear him just once. You deserve it. Pros: Pastor Paul's sermons are witty, hilarious, and life applicable. He finds a way to bring the word to life in a very real way. I find myself looking at my life differently, and find the gospel showing itself in small moments throughout my week. The church is very modern, and the facilities accommodate people of all ages and levels of mobility. With the huge congregation, there is a place for everybody, no matter your interests or level of commitment. That also means people of all races, economic classes, and age brackets attend. There is also no pressure or judgment at collections time, nor is there wasted time passing a plate. God spoke to Pastor Paul, telling him that he would lead a church that did not pass a collections plate. There are donation boxes all over, and so you can give more when you have it, and not on the weeks that you need to save money. This has worked so well for the church, that they well exceed their needed amounts to keep operations running. Everyone comes to Abundant Life by choice. When it is time to meet your neighbors, everyone is excited to shake your hand and genuinely happy to see you sitting in services. Cons: Pastor Paul often travels because he is so popular and well-respected. That means you get stuck with his associate pastors or guests speaking at you for 2 hours. This is sometimes refreshing, and other times the conservative rhetoric disappoints me. I once had to leave because I couldn't sit through a pastor actually condemning Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Christian Scientists, and homosexuals. If the speaker is this conservative, that is totally fine, but when they are leading thousands of viewers (radio, dvds, 3 live services), I find this incredibly irresponsible. Especially since one thing I most admire about Abundant Life's mission is its acceptance and welcome of everyone policy. The services are pretty long. On the days that I didn't eat beforehand, I kick myself about an hour and a half in for my lack of foresight. read more