Interview with Pastor Brian Bolt

He had drugs and alcohol in his family. Became a drug dealer/runner. Entered the military and continued to run drugs. In a brawl, he was shot in the head. In the back of the ambulance, "you better know Jesus, 'cause you won't make it to the hospital." He gave his life to Jesus right then. After years of reconstructive surgery and being discharged from the navy, he went back to the drugs on the streets. Former gang members brought him off the streets and helped him through rehab.
He had a really rough background, and yet God has used him mightily. He went through master's commission, got married, and began looking to plant a church in Pittsburgh. With the blessing of certain pastors he did exactly what I would do; He prayerfully looked for the absolute worst spot in the area, Allison Park, and planned to plant his church there. The church takes in the worst people they can find, prostitutes, drug-dealers, gang members, etc. and take them into a home. The church becomes their family. The people who were the worst catch the vision of the church and they do something I am really impressed by, they make them leaders in the church. It has always been my belief that forgiveness involves empowering the person. You don't trust someone until you give them power which can be used to hurt you or help you. This ministry is based on that theory.
In order to graduate from one of the homes, an addict must be "saved", "baptised in water" (in the Assemblies of God, they believe that immersion is the only legitimate water baptism), "baptised in the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues" (in the Assemblies of God, they believe that unless a person speaks in tongues then they are not baptised in the Holy Spirit).
When asked about the role of his wife, "I like my wife to clean, cook, do laundry.... women's work." This is a prime example of his humor. Throughout the interview, he has maintained a great sense of humor.
"The home is the backbone of the church." The ministry to the drug addicts is not a side issue of the chruch. I really like how integral he has made the home and people from the home in his church.