The four-fold process of focusing on local neighborhood mission. By Tim Sitterley, US West Regional Director A church I visit often for various pastoral association meetings has a sign immediately adjacent to their parking lot exit. “You are now entering your mission field.” I have to wonder how many of the members who pass that … Continue reading "Becoming a Missional Church" Read the article
A healthy church is filled with those who need healing. A man I highly respected made a statement that stuck with me. He said for years he looked for the perfect church in hopes he could join and be among those wonderful believers. But when he joined, he realized two things: one, his presence made … Continue reading "The Truth About Healthy Church" Read the article
Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 • Deuteronomy 34:1-12 • 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 • Matthew 22:34-46 The theme for this week is how to minister to others in spite of yourself. Psalm 90 teaches us that we need to have a foundation of humility before we begin ministering to others. The examples of the prophet Moses and Joshua … Continue reading "Sermon for October 29, 2023 – Proper 25" Read the article
Psalm 99:1-9 • Exodus 33:12-23 • 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 • Matthew 22:15-22 This week’s theme is the amazing effect of God’s address. The call to worship Psalm is an enthronement psalm that celebrates God’s rule over the earth and his response to those who cry out to him. The Old Testament reading from Exodus records … Continue reading "Sermon for October 22, 2023 – Proper 24" Read the article
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 • Exodus 32:1-14 • Philippians 4:1-9 • Matthew 22:1-14 This week’s theme is the Lord’s favor. In our call to worship Psalm, David considers the Lord’s favor that will be shown to his people. In Exodus, the Lord shows his favor to the Israelites despite their unfaithfulness to him. In the letter … Continue reading "Sermon for October 15, 2023 – Proper 23" Read the article
Psalm 19:1-14 • Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 • Philippians 3:4b-14 • Matthew 21:33-46 This week’s theme is the incomparable gift of knowing Christ. The call to worship Psalm declares the value of God’s perfect law as more desirable than fine gold. The Old Testament reading from Exodus follows properly with the giving of the Ten … Continue reading "Sermon for October 8, 2023 – Proper 22" Read the article
Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16 • Exodus 17:1-7 • Philippians 2:1-13 • Matthew 21:23-32 The theme for this week is the problem of expectations. Psalm 78 recounts the miracles of the exodus, and when we read of the miracles God performed there, we can wonder why we don’t see similar miracles today. Exodus 17 offers the example … Continue reading "Sermon for October 1, 2023 – Proper 21" Read the article
There is a place for everyone in the body of Christ. An essential aspect of our life in Christ is inviting others into following and participating in ministry with Jesus. In the GCI development process, we see “Engage” as the first step to creating an on-ramp for inviting others to following Christ. When we engage … Continue reading "Church Hack: Avenue On Ramps" Read the article
A resource for helping pastors nurture God’s beloved. DOWNLOAD the We Believe Workbooks By Alvaro Palacio, Pastor, Toronto Canada It’s not an uncommon condition for a pastor nowadays to feel overwhelmed by work. Reaching out for the lost sheep, nurturing the ninety-nine, and leading God’s flock at a steady spiritual pace, undoubtedly requires a great … Continue reading "We Believe" Read the article
Place-sharing with people is sharing with others what Jesus is sharing with them. By Ceeja Malmkar, MTC Coordinator, Surrey Hills, OK “Place-sharing” has become a common topic of conversation recently and I couldn’t be happier about it. I think that sometimes we get caught up in all the things we don’t have or the … Continue reading "The Gift of Place-Sharing" Read the article
