Dear Pastors and Ministry Leaders: In 2014, nearly 60 million people were displaced from their homes and native countries by war. The spotlight in 2016 is on the crisis in Syria where almost half the population have become refugees, leading to the largest migration in human history. This global refugee crisis must not be ignored. … Continue reading "From Greg: The refugee crisis—how can we respond?" Read the article
This article is from Regional Pastor Rick Shallenberger. Rick works with pastors and congregations in the upper Midwest and also serves as a contributing editor for Equipper. GCI has two chartered churches in Cincinnati, Ohio. Christ Community Church (CCC) on the east side is pastored by George Hart, and Christ Fellowship Church (CFC) on the west … Continue reading "Here’s what renewal looks like" Read the article
This article is from Calvin Simon who pastors New Creation Community Church, GCI’s congregation in Norfolk, Virginia. As a pastor, I’m always on the lookout for resources to use in discipling people in the way of Jesus. Our congregation wanted a monthly discipleship class, so we started by studying the GCI booklet, The God Revealed … Continue reading "Recommended discipleship resource" Read the article
Here is the summary of a sermon for Easter Sunday written by pastor Lance McKinnon (Revised Common Lectionary, year B) 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (NRSV) Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you … Continue reading "Sermon summary: Forget being forgotten" Read the article
The March Equipper focuses on what the Spirit is doing to bring renewal to our churches. The five articles in his issue are linked below. Enjoy! -Ted Johnston, Equipper editor From Greg: Keys for renewal in our churches Ministry rhythms that lead to renewal by Heber Ticas Recommended discipleship resource by Calvin Simon Here’s what renewal looks like by Rick Shallenberger … Continue reading "Renewal In Our Churches" Read the article
This article is from Heber Ticas, senior pastor at Comunión De Gracia, GCI’s Sun Valley, California, congregation. Heber also is the national coordinator for GCI-USA Church Multiplication Ministries. As I write this, I’m enjoying 80 degree weather here in Southern California. We’ve been having summer weather in the middle of winter for two months—it seems entirely out … Continue reading "Ministry rhythms that lead to renewal" Read the article
Dear Pastors and Ministry Leaders: I hope you like the new format for Equipper. It’s formatted to be read on a wide array of digital devices including computers, tablets and smart phones. This format allows greater flexibility to link to outside articles, embed videos and in other ways more effectively equip you with disciplemaking ministry resources and … Continue reading "From Greg: Keys for renewal in our churches" Read the article
This article is from pastor Sam Butler. Several months ago I was challenged to consider using the lectionary to shape my preaching-teaching and worship planning. I say “challenged” because I was accustomed to “doing my own thing” in planning my sermons, and the idea of using someone else’s pre-determined structure did not sit well with … Continue reading "Preaching from the lectionary" Read the article
This article is from regional pastor Randy Bloom. In GCI we have a vision for all kinds of churches for all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Some of our smaller congregations have realized that they are most effectively positioned to contribute to the realization of this vision by utilizing a fellowship group … Continue reading "FaithTalk equipper: resources for fellowship groups" Read the article
Here is the summary of a sermon for Palm Sunday written by pastor Lance McKinnon (Revised Common Lectionary, year B) Mark 15:33-37 (NRSV) When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My … Continue reading "Sermon summary: Jesus in the Dark" Read the article
