One of the identifiers of a healthy church is its focus on the Christian calendar, which follows the birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension and return of Jesus. Worship services, church events, and missional outreach revolve around this calendar. The Christian calendar reminds us of God’s redemptive acts toward humanity. Jesus is at the center of … Continue reading "2022-2023 (Year A) RCL Pericopes" Read the article
Our welcome and acceptance of a new person into our local expression of the Body is bearing witness to the reality of their membership and inclusion in God’s family. We are not the gatekeepers of Jesus’ kingdom. Inclusion doesn’t equal assimilation, total agreement, nor uniformity. Communicating inclusion is giving affirmation to that person: you are … Continue reading "Church Hack: Welcoming a New Person" Read the article
By Michael Morrison, President Grace Communion Seminary Paul, God loves everyone, so is there any real difference between people who believe and people who don’t? Yes, and no, depending on what respects you are talking about. He loves them all, yes, so they are the same in that respect. People are equally loved by God, … Continue reading "A Conversation with Paul About Unbelievers" Read the article
Here are some practical steps shared by pastors and Love Avenue champions for building the Love Avenue in your congregation or fellowship group. Role of the Pastor: Linda Sitterley – Pastor, Junction City, OR Recognize that all members of your congregation/group have gifts for ministry. God is faithful and has given each member a gift; … Continue reading "Building the Love Avenue" Read the article
Christmas is coming. The Advent season is coming. And like the diminutive workers at the North Pole, NOW is the time to begin preparing in earnest. By Tim Sitterley, Regional Director, US West I dropped by the small department store near where I live the other day to pick up some hornet spray. We had … Continue reading "Tis the Season…Really" Read the article
Watch these interviews with Place-sharing practitioners and hear their stories about how place-sharing has transformed them in their participation in Jesus’ ministry. Click the images below to watch the corresponding video. Click here to check out this GCI Church Hack about the Apprenticeship Square. Click here to check out this GCI Church Hack about Missional … Continue reading "Why is Place-sharing Valuable?" Read the article
Have you considered how it might feel to be a first-time guest in your local worship service? Or to attend a connect group or church event for the first time? While long-time members may be very comfortable surrounded by familiar faces and friends, it is easy to forget how that first encounter with church might … Continue reading "Church Hack: A Welcoming Church" Read the article
A candid conversation with the apostle Paul about sharing the gospel[1], part 2. By Michael Morrison, GCS President “Paul, last time we talked, you talked about how sin has impacted us. You used the analogy of pottery and said we are like pottery that is broken beyond repair. Then you said rather than start over … Continue reading "A Conversation with Paul…" Read the article
Some GCI definitions for you and your leadership team For the past several years we have focused on various aspects of healthy church, and we’ve done our best to stay true to our definitions, enabling you and your leadership teams to all speak the same language. Still, we’ve received several queries about how we define … Continue reading "Toward Healthy Church" Read the article
Save the date for the 2023 Denominational Celebration! The Denominational Celebration is the perfect time for your local congregation to be encouraged, inspired, challenged, and to reflect and discern the vision to which God has called your unique congregation. If you are able to spend time together over meals, in worship, and in prayer together, … Continue reading "2023 Denominational Celebration Watch Party" Read the article
