One of the most exciting times of ministry started in 1968 when God gave Alan the vision to start the San Dieguito Hotline. The idea was to put a second phone in the home where initially troubled teens could call any time day or night. Having permission from the local school administration and counseling staff, he was allowed to share the concept with the students in various classes and assemblies. With signs all over the community telling of the service, the phone rang day and night. Over the years, adults, married couples and families used the service. Numerous people in distress lived with the Lauer’s over the years. In 1972, 18 kids and young adults were living at the Lauer house. Over the years the Lauer house became a haven for hundreds of people in need.
In 1977, Alan was awarded Blade Tribune Citizen of the Year; an award, that he says, should have been given to his wife.
In 1992, Pastor Alan was called to lead Crossroads Calvary Chapel and he completed that ministry in December, 2011. During that time he was a volunteer chaplain at Scripps Hospital in Encinitas, a chaplain with Prison Fellowship Ministries, and a chaplain with the San Diego Red Cross.
A big part of Crossroads ministry was missions. He led trips twice to Uganda and Sudan where they established a hospital and hygiene facilities in refugee camps, and taught at pastors conferences. Other trips included Scotland, France, Brazil, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Russia, and two trips to Israel.
In 1999, Alan joined the board of Bread of Life. In 2003, he led the board to establish the Rescue Mission now located at 1919 Apple Street where he continues to serve on the board and leads as the senior pastor.
Alan and Danette have three children – Rob, Jamie, and Kelly. They have 13 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and two more on the way.
Alan and Danette now call CCO home and Alan serves as associate pastor on staff.