What happened after Pentecost gives us direction for mission and development. By Cara Garrity, Development Coordinator Last month we celebrated Pentecost, the account of which can be found in Acts 2:1-47. On the day of Pentecost, we see a work of the Holy Spirit that demonstrates the inclusive expansion of Jesus’ kingdom. Luke tells us … Continue reading "Pentecost and What Happened Next" 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 the option to create a page to introduce your church staff. This page provides visitors and guests with the opportunity to begin to make connections with your staff and get to … Continue reading "Microsite Staff Page" Read the article
Providing both in-person and digital church services—hybrid services—has become the new norm. Healthy Church happens not just on Sunday, but throughout the week as well. Consequently, to have a thriving church community we need to create spaces in-person and digitally. This month’s GCI Church Hack outlines digital engagement practices for each of the Avenues. To … Continue reading "Church Hack: Hybrid Avenues" Read the article
Here are some things to think about and some questions to discuss as you reach out to your church neighborhood and/or church community. By Aron and Joyce Tolentino, Pastors in Metro Manila The call to participate The ministry of Jesus Christ is to draw people back to himself. We trust that through the Spirit, he … Continue reading "Practical Ways to Build Neighborhood/Community Presence" Read the article
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
