By Randy Bloom, US Regional Director Years ago, faced with the challenge of leading major change in the congregations I pastored, I took the opportunity to visit some non-GCI churches. Initially, I was simply accepting invitations from pastor friends I made in a local ministerial association. Right away it occurred to me that accepting their … Continue reading "With a Little Help from Our Friends" Read the article
Dr. Gary Deddo, Grace Communion Seminary President, addresses the topic: What is the best version of the Bible to use? That question is asked often, and it is a good one. First, we have available in English an astonishing range of options to choose from—and growing. Second, there are different ways of translating and … Continue reading "Is There a Best Version of the Bible?" Read the article
Easter is a joyous celebration of the new life we have in Christ! Easter Sunday is the most attended church service every year. It is also a great opportunity to invite those who don’t normally attend to visit your church. Download and customize this month’s Church Hack, and encourage your members to invite their friends … Continue reading "Easter Invite Church Hack" Read the article
By Pam Morgan, GCI Operations Coordinator There are many resources for children’s ministry, but few coincide with the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). I have been using Sermons4kids for our children’s ministry in Grace Communion Hickory. It has a lot of options and does follow the RCL. You can sign up on their website and they … Continue reading "RCL Resource for Children’s Church" Read the article
Sermon for April 26, 2020 Watch Listen Download/Subscribe Watch on YouTube Program Transcript + Discussion Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QppxWCY02Fw Program Transcript Acts 2:14a, 36-41 • Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 • I Peter 1:17-23 • Luke 24:13-35 The theme for this week is abundant life begins with changing the way we think. In Acts 2, Peter … Continue reading "Sermon for April 26, 2020" Read the article
Sermon for April 19, 2020 Watch Listen Download/Subscribe Watch on YouTube Program Transcript + Discussion Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4onFDtOkbR4 Program Transcript No longer must we suffer from an empty life where we feel cut off from God and from each other. Jesus created the connection which revealed God’s heart for all humanity. Psalm 16:1-9 … Continue reading "Sermon for April 19, 2020" Read the article
Sermon for April 12, 2020 Easter Watch Listen Download/Subscribe Watch on YouTube Program Transcript + Discussion Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2juQ2NXf0Ug Program Transcript Acts 10:34-43 • Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 • Colossians 3:1-4 • John 20:1-18 This week’s theme is Raised to New Life. In Jeremiah we see the everlasting love and faithfulness of God calling … Continue reading "Sermon for April 12, 2020 Easter" Read the article
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 • Psalm 22:1-21 • Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:7-9 • John 18:1-19:42 This week’s theme is The Passion. One suggestion is simply to read the passages from a modern translation with a bit of discussion and a prayer after each reading. Isaiah shares the prophecies about Jesus’ sacrifice. Psalm 22 is the Psalm Jesus quotes … Continue reading "Sermon for April 10, 2020 – Good Friday (This can also be used for Maundy Thursday)" Read the article
Sermon for April 5, 2020 Watch Listen Download/Subscribe Watch on YouTube Program Transcript + Discussion Watch video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-z0fGb1pzo4 Program Transcript Isaiah 50:4-9 • Psalm 31:9-16 • Philippians 2:5-11 • Matthew 26:14-27:66 The theme for this week is emptying ourselves as Jesus did. In Isaiah 50, we hear the song of the suffering servant … Continue reading "Sermon for April 5, 2020" Read the article
The Easter Preparation season is a time of preparing ourselves to receive from God a fresh and joyous grace. By Rick Shallenberger, Equipper Editor and US Regional Director Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness before beginning his ministry. Many in the orthodox Christian world keep 40 days of Lent and focus on penance. But … Continue reading "Easter Preparation Season" Read the article
