Dear Pastors and Ministry Leaders: Because we humans are “prone to wander,” those of us called by God to serve within the church as under-shepherds must join Jesus, the Great Shepherd, in protecting his flock from harm (Acts 20:28). This is a vital calling, given the many forces in our day that threaten our members, … Continue reading "From Greg: Worldview Conversion" Read the article
Here is the Prayer Guide for August (click on the image to download): Read the article
This issue of GCI Equipper begins two new series of articles exploring the important topics of Worldview Conversion and Healthy Church. From Greg: Worldview Conversion Greg Williams introduces a series of articles on worldview conversion, which is facilitated by whole-life discipleship. Worldview Conversion: What and Why Ted Johnston defines worldview and shows how it shapes our sense of personal identity and … Continue reading "Worldview Conversion | Healthy Church" Read the article
Scripture Readings: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22; Ps. 124; James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50 Sermon by Ted Johnston from James 5:13-20 Drawing from commentary by Warren Wiersbe (Bible Exposition Commentary), Peter H. Davids (New Bible Commentary) and Luke Timothy Johnson (James, Anchor Bible). Let Us Pray! Introduction In today’s reading in the Epistles, James, the half-brother of … Continue reading "Sermon for September 30, 2018" Read the article
Scripture Readings: Prov. 31:10-11; Ps. 54; James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a; Mark 9:30-37 Sermon by Martin Manuel from Mark 9: 30-37: Prov. 31:10; Prov. 9:10; James 3:13-16 Restoring Humility to our Humanity Introduction Though we all possess the corrupt, fallen human nature that resulted from Adam and Eve’s rejection of God, there is good news: The eternal … Continue reading "Sermon for September 23, 2018" Read the article
Scripture Readings: Prov. 1:20-23; Ps. 116:1-9; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38 Sermon by Lance McKinnon from James 3:1-12 A Word Fitly Spoken In his epistle, James, the half brother of Jesus, begins by seeking to strengthen the faith of Christians going through difficult trials. Then in the section of the letter covered in today’s reading, he … Continue reading "Sermon for September 16, 2018" Read the article
Scripture Readings: Isa. 35:4-7; Ps. 146; James 2:1-13, 14-17; Mark 7:24-37 Sermon by Linda Rex from Mark 7 and Isaiah 35 Hearing and Speaking the Word Introduction Stories about animals that talk and understand humans are fun and fascinating for children and adults alike. Perhaps that’s because God created us for relationship. We see our … Continue reading "Sermon for September 9, 2018" Read the article
Scripture Readings: Deut. 4:1-2, 6-9; Ps. 15; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Sermon by Sheila Graham from Deuteronomy 4, Mark 7 and James 1 (drawing from the Expositor's Bible Commentary) Embracing True Freedom Introduction According to popular legend, just over 500 years ago, on October 31, 1517, German priest and theologian Martin Luther defiantly nailed … Continue reading "Sermon for September 2, 2018" Read the article
Kid’s Korner this month is from Georgia McKinnon. It’s the time of year when churches may want to offer a “Back-to-School Blessing” event for the kids (children and teens) and teachers in their congregation and target community. If you’ve never held an event like this, you may wonder what one would look like. Or you … Continue reading "Kids Korner: Back-to-School Blessing" Read the article
In recent travels visiting GCI conferences and congregations around the world, I’ve been addressing our vision for Healthy Church. A key aspect of realizing that vision is having in place within each of our congregations what we call the “faith, hope & love avenues”—places where, by the Spirit, church health emerges. Below is our Team … Continue reading "Healthy Church: Faith, Hope & Love Avenues" Read the article
