The Christian slogan of belong, believe, behave is often practiced as believe, behave and then belong. By Sam Butler, Pastor and Regional Support Team – North Central Region (USA) In an article in the February Equipper the “lost’’ were identified as belonging to the Father. “Who are the “lost” of humanity? When our love avenues … Continue reading "How Do We Relate With the Lost?" Read the article
As we serve our neighborhoods and communities, it is vital to remember there is only one Savior, and it is certainly (praise God) not us. By Danny Zachariah, Pastor and Regional Director India Sub Continent The savior complex, also referred to as the messiah complex or Christ complex, is when a person feels a sense … Continue reading "Avoiding the “Savior Complex”" Read the article
As we observe the fifty days of this Easter season, let’s recommit our allegiance and devotion to God. By Jillian Morrison, Associate Pastor, Glendora, California “Let go of everything that doesn’t serve you and embrace my joy.” This is what God inspired me to practice every day during the Easter Preparation season (Lent). Regardless of … Continue reading "Spiritual Practices for Easter Season" Read the article
There is a big difference between following the mission of the church and becoming a parachurch ministry or organization. By Bill Hall, National Director, Canada It was an interesting conversation that day in Toronto. I was there as the Saskatchewan representative of Food Banks Canada’s national advisory council. I had been involved for a few … Continue reading "Christ Centered Engagement" Read the article
The Love Avenue includes listening to the voices of your church neighborhood. By Sam Butler, Pastor, Ravenna, MI Have you ever been in a conversation with another person, where they are talking but you are already working on your response? This is more common than we would like to think. We often listen from the … Continue reading "Listening to the Spirit" Read the article
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, whether you are meeting online or in person. Here are some steps to make your Easter service last beyond the Hope Avenue experience on Sunday. #GCIchurchhacks Check out … Continue reading "Church Hack: Easter Prep" Read the article
What is the place for long-time elders and other church leaders within the new focus on the Love, Hope, and Faith Avenues of a healthy church? By Glen A Weber, Central Region Support Team, Coach Leadership in our denomination has been on a constant trajectory of growth over the past few decades. I began serving … Continue reading "I’m Feeling Left Out…" Read the article
Prepare now for the guests and visitors the Spirit will lead to your church. By Daphne Sidney, Superintendent Australasia Have you considered how it might feel to be a first-time visitor to your local worship service? While long-time members may be very comfortable surrounded by familiar faces and friends, it is easy to forget how that … Continue reading "Welcoming Guests and Visitors" Read the article
Jesus’ heartache for humanity informed his mission. Does it inform ours? By Heber Ticas, Superintendent, Latin America We often express a feeling of deep sorrow and anguish for others as a “heartache.” We use phrases like, “my heart aches for you,” “my heart is torn,” or “my heart is broken.” We are moved as we … Continue reading "A Heartache for Our Neighborhoods" Read the article
The GCI Microsite is a resource we provide to help you have a professional and easy to customize a website. This month, we added support for events to our GCI easy website template (aka “Microsites”). You could use this, for example, to promote your Easter service, or other special services during Holy Week on … Continue reading "New & Improved GCI Branded Microsite" Read the article
