An essential part of a Healthy Church is the Faith Avenue. The Faith Avenue creates spaces outside of the Sunday gathering where discipleship can occur. Through the study of God’s word, along with communion with God and one another, God is conforming us to Jesus’ image through a life of faith and obedience. We are … Continue reading "Church Hack: We Believe Part 2" Read the article
Encouragement includes both call up and affirm. By Cara Garrity, Development Coordinator The fourth E of the 4 Es in our Process of Development is Encourage. Have you ever had an experience when someone tried to encourage you, but it was not encouraging at all? Maybe they provided impersonal words that felt like they weren’t … Continue reading "Process of Development: Encourage" Read the article
Participating with Jesus in shepherding his flock is one of my greatest blessings. By Marty Davey, Pastor, GCI Jacksonville I was recently reflecting on Jesus being our good shepherd and was reminded of our role as “under-shepherds” participating with Christ as ministry leaders and pastors. Paul refers to the call to pastor as grace that … Continue reading "The Shepherding Side of Pastoring" Read the article
Can first time visitors figure out our customs and liturgy? By Tim Sitterley, Regional Director US West I will never forget my first visit to a Catholic mass. Having grown up in WCG/GCI, I had no idea what to expect. What was up with people dipping their fingers in a water basin upon entering? The … Continue reading "Helping Visitors Feel Welcome" Read the article
Bringing challenge is less about confrontation and more about love and the 4 Es. I often hear pastors and leaders share their struggle to bring up tough topics with their leadership teams. “I struggle with confrontation.” “If I bring this up, I’m afraid she will leave.” “He already has enough on his plate; I hate … Continue reading "The Hardest Part of Leadership" Read the article
Psalm 124::1-8 • Exodus 1:8-2:10 • Romans 12:1-8 • Matthew 16:13-20 This week’s theme is individual and communal callings. The call to worship Psalm is a communal thanksgiving song in response to God’s deliverance. The Old Testament reading from Exodus recounts the oppression of the Israelites by the Egyptians, and the beginning of God’s deliverance … Continue reading "Sermon for August 27, 2023 – Proper 16" Read the article
Psalm 133 • Genesis 45:1-15 • Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 • Matthew 15:21-28 This week’s theme is God’s unifying work. In our call to worship Psalm, the psalmist speaks of the beauty of unity. In Genesis, we see Joseph being reconciled to his brothers through forgiveness. In Romans, Paul emphasizes God’s mercy to Jews and Gentiles … Continue reading "Sermon for August 20, 2023 – Proper 15" Read the article
Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b • Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 • Romans 10:5-15 • Matthew 14:22-33 This week’s theme is remembering the Lord’s saving works. The call to worship Psalm includes a reference of Joseph’s rise to prominence, along with encouraging God’s people to recall the Lord’s wonderful works through thanksgiving, praise, and rejoicing. The Old … Continue reading "Sermon for August 13, 2023 – Proper 14" Read the article
Psalm 17:1-7, 15 • Genesis 32:22-31 • Romans 9:1-5 • Matthew 14:13-21 The theme for this week is transformation through relationship. In this week’s scripture readings, we can understand that an encounter with divine love will transform us in ways we can’t anticipate. Psalm 17 contrasts our tendency to justify ourselves and our actions, whereas … Continue reading "Sermon for August 6, 2023 – Proper 13" Read the article
A healthy church is known and valued in their community. An essential step in making this happen, is finding a facility suited for your local needs. Check out the June Church Hack for some helpful steps in finding a facility for your congregation. #gcichurchhacks Read the article
