Jesus’ ascension shows God’s commitment to us
By Randy Bloom, Vice Chair, GCI Board of Directors
There was a time I didn’t pay much attention to the ascension of Jesus. It was a few words I glossed over in my studies (Acts 1:9-11). It was not until several years after the grace-packed reformation of GCI that it began to be pressed to the forefront of my mind. I don’t recall how the process began, but I reached a point where I had to know more about Jesus’s ascent into the heavens with the Father. I had to know: “What’s the big deal?” As I began to study more into Scripture, church history and the “faith of our fathers,” my mind, as some say, was blown.
With a focus on what we are told about Jesus’s... Read the article
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In this issue we introduce new preaching resources and provide articles on stewardship, evangelism and the relaunch of a GCI congregation.
From Greg: Equipping for GCI's Next Chapter
GCI President, Greg Williams, looks ahead to the future, noting the role of GCI Equipper in preparing us for what lies ahead.
Healthy Church: Receiving the Offering
Here is an infographic that addresses receiving offerings in church.
Reflections on Stewardship
Santiago Lange addresses the important topic of stewardship.
GC Hickory Relaunch
A conversation addressing the relaunch of GCI's church in Hickory, NC.
Whole-Life Discipleship: Evangelism in a Post-Christian World
Randy Bloom addresses evangelism---a key aspect of discipleship.
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With Advent and the start of a new year of ministry (worship and witness) at hand, this issue helps us think about three key aspects of healthy church--- worship liturgy, church leadership and worldview conversion.
From Greg: Adjust Your Posture
Greg Williams urges church leaders to embrace a vital aspect of Healthy Church---having a posture that is open to receiving new, younger leaders.
Healthy Church: R.E.A.L. Teams (part 2)
This infographic continues our series looking at team-based ministry.
Worldview Conversion: Addressing Idolatry
Charles Fleming addresses a key aspect of a Christ-centered worldview.
Worldview Conversion: The Power of Liturgy
Ted Johnston explores the role of liturgy in whole-life discipleship.
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This issue addresses both Healthy Church and Worldview Conversion, with articles on mentoring, team-based ministry and whole-life discipleship.
From Greg: Let's Be Sponsor-Mentors
Greg Williams addresses a vital step in our journey toward Healthy Church---providing sponsor-mentors for new, younger leaders.
Healthy Church: R.E.A.L. Teams (part 1)
Here is an infographic that looks at team-based ministry---a key aspect of church health, and a key component of the faith, hope and love venues.
Healthy Church: Connection Card
Here is an infographic that looks at the use of a connection card to build relationships (the love venue) with the people who visit your church.
Worldview Conversion: The Role of the Church
Charles Fleming looks at... Read the article
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This issue of GCI Equipper begins two new series of articles exploring the important topics of Worldview Conversion and Healthy Church.
From Greg: Worldview Conversion
Greg Williams introduces a series of articles on worldview conversion, which is facilitated by whole-life discipleship.
Worldview Conversion: What and Why
Ted Johnston defines worldview and shows how it shapes our sense of personal identity and ethics.
Healthy Church: Faith, Hope & Love Venues
Greg Williams begins a series on healthy church, looking at the three venues where church health emerges.
Kid's Korner: Back-to-School Blessing
Georgia McKinnon looks at conducting a back-to-school blessing service.
Prayer Guide: August 2018
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This issue looks at challenges church leaders face at church and in their personal lives. Also included are the July Prayer Guide, articles on leadership and suffering, and RCL-synced sermons for August.
From Greg: Mind the Gap
GCI Vice President (and Incoming President) Greg Williams urges GCI leaders to take action now to close the gaps between what we say we value and what we actually do.
Prayer Guide: July 2018
Here are topics from our GCI family to pray about each day in July.
On Leadership: Power Test
Rick Shallenberger examines a primary source of a leader's influence.
God's Answer to Suffering
Gary Deddo addresses the question: Why does God allow us to suffer?
Kid's Korner: We Believe
Lance McKinnon reviews... Read the article
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This issue explores several aspects of our journey with Jesus in articles from Greg Williams, Santiago Lange and Georgia McKinnon. This issue also includes the June Prayer Guide and RCL-synced sermons for July.
From Greg: Pilgrimage of the Faithful
Greg Williams looks at the seasons of change and movement in our lives and compares them to the faith-filled journey of Abraham and Sarah.
June Prayer Guide
Here are topics from our GCI family to pray about each day in June.
Worship in Spirit and Truth
Santiago Lange looks at the controversial but important topic of worship.
Kid's Korner: Fun in the Son
Georgia McKinnon looks at the busy summer season in children's ministry.
RCL sermons for June 2018
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In this issue, Greg Williams explores the benefits of GCI's Home Office relocation. You'll also find articles on church growth and leadership development, along with the May prayer guide and sermons for June.
From Greg: Hitting the Refresh Button
Greg looks at the benefits of moving GCI's Home Office to Charlotte, NC.
Church Growth: Up, In and Out
Santiago Lange explores the example of the Acts 2 church.
On Leadership: Multiplying Mentors
Rick Shallenberger offers advice on how to multiply mentors.
Prayer Guide for May
Here are topics for prayer for each day in May.
Kid's Korner: GCI Resources Website
Ted Johnston shares information about the new GCI Resources website.
RCL sermons for June 2018
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GCI is committed to giving its leaders high support and high challenge. This issue of GCI Equipper extends multiple challenges and offers help in meeting them. Also included are RCL-synced sermons for May.
From Greg: Pursue healthy church
A challenge to pastors and facilitators to equip their members for ministry.
Relate to your community
A challenge to church leaders to become known within their communities.
Lead like the apostles
A challenge to leaders to emulate the leadership qualities of the apostles.
Kid's Korner: Give your kids a lift
A challenge to children's ministers to teach about Jesus' ascension.
RCL sermons for May 2018
Here are Revised Common Lectionary-synced sermons for May:
- Sermon for May 6,... Read the article
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This issue of Equipper examines the craft of preaching, concludes Cathy Deddo's essay, and provides RCL-synced sermons for April.
From Greg: Preach with passion
Greg Williams urges us to preach passionate, Christ-centered sermons.
Key concepts in preaching
Dan Rogers offers advice on ways to faithfully preach the Word of God.
Preaching with the lectionary
Ted Johnston lists advantages of aligning our sermons with the RCL.
Resources for preachers
Here are links to various resources that help preachers grow.
Video for starting the church service
Here is a video for congregations to use in starting the worship service.
Videos for Holy Week
Here are videos that could be used for call-to-worship in services on Palm... Read the article
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