In January we introduced a new resource to help you prepare for the time of giving and taking communion in your Hope Avenue. These are meaningful formational practices that we can plan with care and intentionality. How to Use This Resource An outline is provided for you to use as a guide, followed by a … Continue reading "Offering and Communion Starters" Read the article
Jesus didn’t just command disciple making — he showed us how. The following article was adapted from an archived youth resource. Jesus modeled and commanded a disciple-making ministry when he said, “Go … and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20 NIV). … Continue reading "Following Jesus’ Disciple Making Pattern" Read the article
Healthy churches grow from Spirit-led vision and shared participation. As you prepare MAPs and budgets for next year, use the Strategic Planning Curriculum Packet to turn prayerful discernment into actionable steps. Take this step with your team, engage the process, and move forward with clarity and hope. Get the Church Hack here. Read the article
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. By Davina Winn, Assistant Pastor, Hanover, Virginia, US Our neighbor has a giant countdown clock, heralding how many more days until Christmas in his yard. You would think with this daily reminder I would be a little more prepared for the holiday season, … Continue reading "Formation—Season of Epiphany" Read the article
In our final session, we shift from preparing for change to sustaining and embodying it. By Cara Garrity, Development Coordinator, Lynn, Massachusetts, U.S. In Case You Missed It You can catch up on previous sessions here: Book Club Introduction Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Looking for more insight into living out a renewed discipleship pathway? … Continue reading "Centering Discipleship Book Club, #4" Read the article
This parable challenges believers to emulate their Master by using all that God has given them for the sake of the kingdom. By Santiago Lange Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany (Editor’s note: Pastor Lange wrote this article for Equipper one month before his death in April 2025. He is missed.) Before we read the parable of the … Continue reading "Parable of Talents" Read the article
Small acts of love are the yeast that lifts whole communities toward God’s grace. Epeli Nakautoga, Hope Avenue Champion Suva, Fiji Across the vast blue expanse of the Pacific, generosity is more than a virtue — it’s a way of life. From Fiji’s friendly shores to the highlands of Papua New Guinea, from Tonga’s feasts … Continue reading "Generous Kingdom Living" Read the article
Kingdom Living — a daily choice to reflect the generous heart of God in how we live, love, and serve. By Daphne Sidney, Superintendent of Australasia Logan, Queensland, Australia Kingdom Living begins with a foundational question: Who is the King of the kingdom we are living in? As disciples of Christ, we declare that Jesus is our … Continue reading "Generosity Beyond Borders" Read the article
Discipleship of Talent w/ Bharat Naker Download/Subscribe Download Audio RSS Feed Apple Podcast Google Podcast Spotify Stitcher Program Transcript + Listen to audio: https://cloud.gci.org/dl/GCPod/GCPod84-Naker.mp3 In this episode, we continue exploring our 2025 theme of Kingdom Culture by discussing our investment of time, talent, and treasure in the kingdom. Our host, Cara Garrity, and GCI Pastor … Continue reading "Discipleship of Talent w/ Bharat Naker" Read the article
This week we’re sharing a Speaking of Life message from our archive as a supplemental resource. We encourage you to use this for reflection and preparation, or small group discussion. For your worship gathering, consider how a call to worship from a local voice or contextualized introduction to the theme might serve your congregation well. … Continue reading "Sermon for December 28, 2025 — First Sunday after Christmas" Read the article
