Throughout 2019 we have focused on the Team Based – Pastor Led model for GCI churches. Pastors can set the pace through this overview by helping their congregations achieve health through what we refer to as the three venues of ministry: Faith venue (discipleship)—discipling people in the faith—small groups, discipleship classes,. Bible studies, missionary activities and events. … Continue reading "Faith, Hope, & Love Venue Videos" Read the article
Written by Danny Zachariah, Regional Director of the Indian Subcontinent One common reason that some are against celebrating Christmas is: “it’s not in the Bible!” If this reasoning is taken to its logical extreme, there are many things we could not do because “it’s not in the Bible!” Is it vital for believers in Jesus … Continue reading "The Significance of Christmas" Read the article
By Lance McKinnon, Grace Communion Seminary The birth of Jesus, accompanied by the visit of the Magi, is an epiphany for us. It opens our eyes to see that the Father sent his Son to draw all people to himself. No matter the distance and darkness that lie between us and the Father, Jesus is … Continue reading "A Light to Follow" Read the article
The PDF below contains the pericope calendar from the Revised Common Lectionary that GCI will follow in the RCL sermon summary series 2019-2020 RCL year. Click the image to download the pdf Read the article
Each week, as we gather in our GCI congregations around the world, most of our pastors are preaching from the Revised Common Lectionary. Using these same passages, and often the same sermon outlines published in Equipper is incredibly unifying. Reading and responding to the same truth about our Triune God is a wonderful way to create connection … Continue reading "GCI Worship Calendar" Read the article
Joy to the world! Christ is born! During Christmas we celebrate the incarnation, when God became flesh and blood and moved into our neighborhood. A gift immeasurable, a love incomprehensible. Reflect on the love of Christ this season and invite your neighbors to your Christmas service. Extending an invitation shows your investment in and care … Continue reading "Venue Resources: Christmas Invitations" Read the article
Advent encompasses God’s story from the garden of Eden in Genesis to the establishment of the New Jerusalem in Revelation. Bobby Gross, author of Living the Christian Year, says this: “The biblical scope of Advent stretches from the garden in Genesis to the New Jerusalem in Revelation… In one sense, the whole of the Old … Continue reading "Advent Themes and Symbols" Read the article
Written by Eugene Guzon, Superintendent of Asia Have you ever noticed how easy it is for life to go unnoticed due to the busyness, noise, and clutter of each day? If we are not careful, we miss many opportunities to enjoy God’s presence and the deeper revelations of his glory. A couple of weeks ago … Continue reading "The Christian Calendar: Ordering our Days" Read the article
By Rick Shallenberger, Equipper Editor For most of my life I wasn’t sure how to deal with Peter’s admonition, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” The sad reality is no one asked me for the reason of my hope … Continue reading "A Reason for the Hope You Have" Read the article
By Bill Hall, National Director, Canada The seminar on Small Group ministry was nearing a close. The attendees had heard about having an “empty chair” at a small group meeting, creating a safe place for sharing and about the “life cycle” of a group. When I opened the floor for questions and comments, one person … Continue reading "What About Evangelism" Read the article
