DAWNING OF A CONGREGATION CHURCH FOR THE NATIONS PASTOR KEEPS WORD 'REAL'.

Byline: Holly J. Andres Staff Writer

NORTH HOLLYWOOD - Pastor Alan Meenan loves the ``aha'' moment, when he realizes that those to whom he has opened the Scripture have been touched by God.

Getting the word out is the life's work for Meenan, who will be installed Sunday during the official founding of the Church for the Nations, a new Christian congregation.

``This church is for people who want to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ,'' Meenan said. ``It may not be for everybody. The question for us isn't so much about the worship itself, it's why are we here. So few churches ask that.

``We're here because God wants us to spread the word.''

A native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Meenan was a Presbyterian minister for 33 years, until he officially renounced the jurisdiction of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and asked to be removed from its membership.

Deciding to start another ministry, Meenan has been leading a Bible study group made up mostly of former members of First Presbyterian of Hollywood. The group began meeting for Sunday worship in late January as the Church for the Nations.

``Church for the Nations is an attempt to be the real church and talk about the stuff that really matters. Christians don't know the Bible like they should. I think that's the major issue,'' Meenan said. ``Our biggest challenge is to keep the church true to its DNA and keep it focused as a body gathered around the world.''

The emphasis at Church for the Nations will center on the word of God, joyful worship and members taking seriously the commission of Jesus locally and internationally.

The fact that the fledgling congregation is diverse in race, age and style is a plus for Teena Smith, who has been reveling in the in-depth Bible study with Meenan and the Sunday services that, she said, are like getting a ``big shot of vitamins.''

``I like the church because it's diverse in every way - culturally and by age. There's a little bit of everybody and we're all there together in fellowship,'' said Smith, who attends with her husband and son. ``There are a lot of good preachers out there but Pastor Alan's preaching is so good. It's virtually impossible to sit and listen to him without going home to read the Bible. He's Irish and his sense of humor is great.''

The congregation meets in the ballroom at Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn. Smith said she loves meeting there because it's not an intimidating atmosphere and it's flexible enough that you can move your chair around to where you want to sit.

``Pastor Meenan is very biblical, not very topical, in how he preaches. He has a sense of concern for the entire world and a sense of God's love for all people. The person he is in the pulpit is the person he is in person,'' said Jon Thomasson, who attends the church with his wife and two children. ``I think if you're looking for answers in your life that only a relationship with God can provide - a change from darkness to light - and a community who are trying to follow Jesus and who will be your friend, we're the church for you. We're a church for all.''

The Rev. Alan Meenan will lead the service at 10 a.m. Sunday when Church for the Nations meets at Beverly Garland's Holiday Inn, 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood. Call [phone] or see www.churchforthenations.org.

Holly Andres, [phone]

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

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(color) Pastor Alan Meenan, a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and former Presbyterian minister, will be installed Sunday as the first pastor of the Church for the Nations.

David Sprague/Staff Photographer