This article is from Michelle Fleming, who recently moved to Southern California from Florida to work as CAD’s communications and training coordinator. There is something about starting a new year that fills me with energy, excitement and hope. The flipping of the calendar from December 31 to January 1 is a built-in rhythm of renewal … Continue reading "Commitment to prayer" Read the article
What difference does GCI’s Incarnational, Trinitarian vision make in everyday ministry? Josh McDonald, associate pastor of GCI’s congregation in Indianapolis, Indiana, tells how it renewed his understanding of evangelism. In the mid ’90s, I did two years’ time at a fundamentalist Christian college. Among my studies (along with a parade of Christian rock concerts), was … Continue reading "A renewed understanding of evangelism" Read the article
This article is from Dr. Greg Williams, director of GCI-USA Church Administration and Development and a faculty member at Grace Communion Seminary. For a related article in GCI Weekly Update, click here. When it comes to the church and its ministry, GCI is firmly committed to having strategies, plans and actions that flow within the … Continue reading "GCI’s educational strategy for renewal" Read the article
In this article, Heber Ticas, CMM’s National Coordinator, discusses how the congregation he pastors uses the Christmas season as a prime opportunity to reach out to unchurched people in the area served by his church. The congregation I pastor in Southern California, Comunion De Gracia, is constantly looking for ways to live out a “missional … Continue reading "Use Christmas for outreach" Read the article
In the Western-Christian tradition, Advent and Christmas celebrate the coming (advent) of Jesus Christ into the world. Advent-themed worship services are held on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas (in 2017 the first Sunday of Advent is November 27). Advent celebrations often follow the progressive themes of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace (sometimes in … Continue reading "Advent-Christmas celebration resources" Read the article
As we participate with Christ in developing leaders in our congregations, it’s important that we give attention to their character, calling and competencies—all centered on Christ. In his article, A New Paradigm, Malcolm Webber points out how Jesus went about developing leaders in all three areas: He appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they … Continue reading "Building the leaders around you" Read the article
Heber Ticas, GCI’s national coordinator of Church Multiplication Ministries, offers advice on using ministry (job) descriptions in developing the ministry leaders within your congregation. As Greg mentions in his letter this month, a “best practice” in developing each ministry leader in your congregation is to utilize a “Ministry Description” (or call it a “Job Description”) … Continue reading "Using ministry descriptions in developing your ministry leaders" Read the article
Regional pastor Paul David (PD) Kurts tells the story of his experience in developing a new, young pastor. Some of the most important things in life begin with a question, like, “Are we there yet?” “Who shot J.R.?” “How many licks to the center of a tootsie pop?” Kidding aside, questions do have great power, and … Continue reading "Developing a new pastor: It began with a question" Read the article
Regional pastor Michael Rasmussen draws from his personal experience to share an effective approach for developing young leaders. I remember when I first started pastoring. I had a deep desire to help mentor the next generation of young leaders. Many people had invested in my life when I was young, and I wanted to do … Continue reading "Mentoring young leaders" Read the article
Lee Berger, pastor of GCI’s Longview, TX, congregation, shares what he has learned about facilitating fellowship group discussions. We can all learn much by sharing in the experiences and thoughts of other people. When a group of folks gets together, we hope for a profitable, open, positive discussion—but this result does not automatically happen. I’ll … Continue reading "Tips for facilitating discussions in fellowship groups" Read the article
