2026 the Year of Kingdom Alignment Part 1

Series passage verse

Matthew 6:25–34 NASB95

25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 “Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 “And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 “And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ 32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Prayer

Thanks re: Stan

I want to thank everyone for the prayer and support during this time of grieving.

Please continue to pray for Sharon, Shirley, Sandra and Shauna as we all mourn the passing of Pastor Stan

Yes He is celebrating in heaven, while we left behind mourn his passing

For those who have just joined us in the last few months, you may not have got the chance to get to know Pastor Stan,

so please allow me the luxury of telling you about the man who was instrumental in what this church is today.

Even this building we are in, is a result of Pastor Stans efforts.

I think its important to know where we’ve come from to help us know where God is leading us

this is most likely ne information for many of you

so that’s why I feel the need to share it, to honor what so many have sacrificed so much for

Our story begins in 1963, yes impact people this is your story too!

Founding Years (1963–1976): Highway Chapel

In 1963 Mrs. Hazel Opheim and her son Mervin felt led to start a new Pentecostal church in Edmonton on the south side of the river.

they purchased a small Catholic church at 10436 63 Avenue, in February, with $1000 from Edmonton Pentecostal Tabernacle and an additional $1000 from from the district.  Through other donations and investing their own funds they raised the  $10,000 to buy the property

Highway Chapel was officially dedicated soon after with attendance of just over a dozen people

Teen Challenge was active in Edmonton in the mid-1960s through a partnership with Highway Chapel, operating from the church basement.

This makes Highway Chapel one of the earliest Teen Challenge ministry host sites in Western Canada.

Even in its earliest days, the church developed a reputation as a warm, Spirit-filled community where “People Enjoy Christianity.”

Growth, Outreach, and Evangelism

In 1976, under the leadership of Rev. Stan Lagore, the church was renamed Highway Christian Centre. Pastor Stan would serve faithfully for 37 years as the lead pastor, and an addional 13 years as seniors pastor becoming one of the longest-serving pastors in the same church in PAOC history.

During the 1970s and early 80s, Highway Christian Centre became known as a place of revival, vibrant worship, and spontaneous encounters with the Holy Spirit. Services were so saturated with God’s presence that:

People would sing and worship for hours

Many hundreds were filled with the Holy Spirit, both young and old

People from other churches would come to Highway just to be filled with the Holy Spirit

Visitors described being “overwhelmed” by God’s presence upon entering the building

The church also opened coffeehouse outreaches, including a major evangelistic effort during Klondike Days, where many youth found Christ. Teams traveled across Alberta and America in evangelistic ministry.

A Move of God Among the Edmonton Eskimos (Early 1980s)

In the early 80s, Highway Christian Centre experienced a remarkable moment of influence when a significant number of players from the Edmonton Eskimos (now Edmonton Elks) came to Christ and were saved and baptized. This unique wave of salvations brought the church local recognition as a place where God was moving in power.

A Place of Healing for Hurting Pastors

Multiple pages of handwritten testimony describe how the church became a haven for hurting pastors, especially during the rebuilding period of 1980–1981. Leaders wounded in ministry found restoration, renewal, and a fresh calling in this house.

This ministry of restoration continues to be a defining part of the church’s legacy.

Building, Rebuilding, and Expansion

The church experienced enough growth that expansions were needed multiple times. After a prophetic word in 1979, the church began preparing for a major building project, raising funds miraculously

Pastor Stan told me the church was fiscally strapped, barely making their limited budget every month

But honoring the Prophetic word, God told Stan to set aside the 3rd Sunday offering each month and put it towards the building project.

that was a step of faith, but God honored it, and they were able to burn the mortgage and have the church debt free in only a few years.

considering interest rates were 22% at that time it was a wise decision

indently the Church has had no debt since the mortgage debt was paid in the mid 80s

meaning this church has been debt free for over 4 decades

Highway Christian Centre’s balcony and expanded sanctuary, completed in 1981,

often filled with worshipers hungry for God.

A Reputation for the Supernatural

Throughout its history, the church was known for:

Holy Spirit outpourings

Prophetic ministry

Spirit-filled worship

Signs, wonders, and miracles

The testimonies included describe:

People unable to stand under the power of God

Intense seasons of prophetic direction

Services filled with spontaneous worship

Many being healed and transformed

This reputation extended far beyond Edmonton.

Highway Christian Centre became known across Alberta as a revival centre.

Producing Leaders and Missionaries (1960s–2000s)

One of the most significant legacies of the church is that it has produced over 200 pastors, ministers, and missionaries serving across North America and around the world.

This astonishing influence is consistent with the church being:

A place of spiritual formation

A launching ground for ministry

A discipleship-rich environment

A congregation deeply committed to Scripture and worship

This “sending culture” played a major role in shaping Pentecostal work across Canada and the US.

Rev. Shawn Lund Becomes Lead Pastor (2013)

After decades of faithful leadership, Rev. Stan Lagore transitioned from the lead role into the seniors pastor role.

In June 2013, I became the new Lead Pastor, bringing a renewed vision, fresh mission, and I pray strong biblical leadership.

Renamed to Kingdom Way Church (2014)

In 2014, the church entered a new season of identity and direction, adopting the name: Kingdom Way Church, reflecting a renewed focus on:

Living out the ways of the Kingdom

Discipleship and equipping

Community transformation

Spirit-led ministry

Continuing the Legacy

the church continued to carry the DNA of its founding years:

A passion for the Holy Spirit

A heart for discipleship

A home for restoration and healing

A commitment to sending workers into the harvest

A place where signs and wonders are welcome and expected

A deep love for worship and the presence of God

Under Pastor Shawn’s leadership, the church expanded into:

Kingdom Way Equippers Network

National and international ministry partnerships

Training and equipping leaders across the globe

Digital ministry and global discipleship initiatives

The presence of God remains central, as emphasized in the closing paragraph: “Highway Christian Centre, called Kingdom Way, is still full to overflowing with the precious Holy Spirit of God.”

December 7th 2025

Kingdom Way and Impact Church merge to form

Kingdom Impact Church

Taking the best from both to form somthing even better.

Why did I share this with you today.

well alot of this information is probably new for many of you. Even the former KWay people

I beleive it helps to know where we came from to assist us in knowing where we are going.

I hope next week Pastor Matthew will be able to share with us more of the history of Impact church as he did on Dec 7th

Although this is a fresh start for 2 congregations becoming 1 congregation.

We don’t forget the blessings of days gone by.

Instead we merge our blessing to see How God will propell us into the future.

One things is certain.

this church will Impact the Kingdom of God ......Can i get an “Amen”

GAR

So where do we begin?

Series Introduction

Pastor Matthew suggested the vision for 2026 would be

Series Introduction

The Year of Kingdom Alignment

So today were going to introduce to you where we are going as a church

and it will always be about His Kingdom

Foundational Statement:

“The Kingdom Way is to love God and love people — so they can love God and love people too.”

say it with me!

What is the Kingdom?

Theme Focus

What is the Kingdom of God?, and why it must be at the forefront of everything we do!

Key Verse

Matthew 6:33 NASB95

33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Jesus talk more about the Kingdom of God than any other subject, and yet most modern chritians are completely oblivious to what the Kingdom of God is.

It may be a concept for them, but God wants it to be our reality!

I. Opening Framing: Why This Series, Why Now

Every year people pursue alignment — financially, relationally, emotionally, spiritually.

Jesus does not begin with behavior modification, but with kingdom realignment.

The crisis of anxiety, striving, burnout, and division is not primarily circumstantial — it is misplaced priority.

It happens when you focus on the wrong things

Matthew 11:28–30 NASB95

28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

If your burden is too heavy,

your carrying the wrong load!

Lay your budren down,

but you can only do that when you put His kingdom first.

its the only way it will work!

This series is about realigning our lives to what Jesus calls first.

Transition Statement:

But before we talk about what the Kingdom does, we must understand what the Kingdom is.

II. What Is the Kingdom of God?

A. Not a Place, but a Reign

The Kingdom of God is not primarily a location, but the active rule and reign of God.

King dom = Domain of the King

Wherever God’s will is done, His Kingdom is present.

Jesus did not say, “I came to take you to heaven,” but “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”

Jesus brought the Kingdom to us

Now this is where is can get a little confusing

The Kingdom is here, but the Kingdom is also coming

The Kingdom Is Here, But the Kingdom Is Also Coming

B. The Kingdom Is Here — Present Reality

When Jesus began His ministry, His first proclamation was not about morality or church growth, but Kingdom arrival:

“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

To say the Kingdom is here means:

God’s reign has already broken into human history

The authority of heaven is accessible now

Lives can be transformed now

Healing, forgiveness, freedom, and new birth are available now

Jesus demonstrated this by:

Casting out demons

Healing the sick

Forgiving sins

Restoring dignity to the broken

He did not say, “The Kingdom will come someday.” He said, “The Kingdom of God is among you.”

C. The Kingdom Is Both Present and Expanding

Jesus taught the Kingdom as:

A seed that grows

Leaven that spreads

Treasure worth everything

The Kingdom advances through transformed hearts, not political power or religious performance.

Application:

If Jesus is Lord of your life, the Kingdom is meant to shape:

Your priorities

Your decisions

Your relationships

Your resources

Your responses to fear and uncertainty

Key Insight:

Where Jesus is welcomed as King, the Kingdom is present.

D. The Kingdom Is Not Yet Complete — Future Fulfillment

At the same time, Jesus taught His disciples to pray:

“Your Kingdom come…”

If the Kingdom were already fully complete, this prayer would be unnecessary.

To say the Kingdom is coming means:

Evil still exists, but it will not last

Suffering is real, but it is temporary

Death still operates, but it is defeated

Justice has begun, but it will be perfected

Scripture points toward a future moment when:

Christ returns visibly

All authority is fully manifested

Every knee bows

God’s reign is uncontested and complete

Key Insight:

The Kingdom has arrived in power, but not yet in fullness.

E. Living Between “Already” and “Not Yet”

This tension explains much of the Christian life.

We live in the space where:

Healing happens — but not always fully

Victory is promised — but battles remain

Hope is secure — but trials persist

Authority is given — but resistance exists

This is not failure. This is Kingdom timing.

Important Pastoral Truth:

Disappointment often comes when we expect future fullness to operate with present completeness.

F. Why This Matters for Daily Life

Understanding this prevents two dangerous errors:

Error 1: Denying present power

“Nothing changes until heaven”

Leads to passivity, resignation, and powerless faith

Error 2: Denying future hope

“Everything should be perfect now”

Leads to disillusionment, guilt, and burnout

Kingdom faith holds both:

Expectation without entitlement

Hope without denial of reality

G. Our Role in the Present Kingdom

Jesus entrusts His people with Kingdom responsibility:

We do not bring the Kingdom — God does

We do not create the Kingdom — Christ rules

We demonstrate the Kingdom through obedience, love, justice, mercy, and faith

This is why Jesus sends His disciples to:

Heal the sick

Matthew 10:7–8 NASB95

7 “And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.

Proclaim good new

Mark 16:15 NASB95

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Love sacrificially

John 13:34–35 NASB95

34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Serve humbly

Philippians 2:5–7 NASB95

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

We live as ambassadors of a coming Kingdom while embodying its values now.

Kingdom Alignment Summary Statement

The Kingdom is here in authority, the Kingdom is coming in fullness, and until that day, we live aligned — loving God and loving people, so they can love God and love people too.

Key Idea:

The Kingdom is heaven’s authority expressed on earth through surrendered lives.

III. Why the Kingdom Must Be First

A. Jesus Commands Priority, Not Balance

Matthew 6:33 is not advice — it is direction.

Jesus does not say seek the Kingdom among other things.

He says seek first — before provision, before security, before outcomes.

Priority determines perspective.

Key Truth:

What you seek first governs what you worry about most.

B. Anxiety Reveals Misalignment (Matthew 6:25–34)

From the key passage, Jesus addresses:

Worry about provision

Fear of tomorrow

Obsession with material needs

Jesus’ solution is not better planning — it is kingdom trust.

Core Insight: Anxiety decreases when Kingdom alignment increases.

IV. The Kingdom Way: Love God and Love People

A. The Kingdom Is Expressed Through Love

Jesus defines Kingdom living by love:

Love God fully

Love people sacrificially

Love is not optional fruit — it is the evidence of Kingdom life.

Statement to Emphasize:

The Kingdom Way is to love God and love people — so they can love God and love people too.

B. Multiplication, Not Isolation

Kingdom love is reproductive, not self-contained.

We do not love others to feel spiritual.

We love others so they encounter the King.

Kingdom Impact Principle: A Kingdom-aligned church does not exist for itself, but for those not yet reached.

V. Invitation: A Call to Realignment

Reflective Questions

What have I been seeking first?

Where has worry replaced trust?

Does my life reflect Kingdom priorities or personal survival?

Am I loving in a way that leads others toward God?

Series Launch Statement

“This year is not about doing more — it is about aligning deeper. When the Kingdom comes first, everything else finds its place.”

Let’s Pray