Love, Hope, and Faith Avenues working together. By Linda Sitterley, Pastor Junction City, Oregon Our planning for Easter began before Christmas. In fact, it began the night of our annual Halloween Trunk R Treat, as you will soon see. As all events go, even during the current activity you are planning the next one and … Continue reading "Preparing the Congregation for Easter" Read the article
A testimony is a personal account or narrative shared by an individual to express the transformation they have experienced in Christ. Sharing a testimony is a sacred practice that magnifies Christ and celebrates the transformative power of faith. This month’s Church Hack outlines the purpose and impact of giving a testimony as well as best … Continue reading "Church Hack: Testimony Best Practice" Read the article
The who, what, where, and why of the DEI council. By Jeff Broadnax and Dishon Mills What is the Council’s mission? GCI’s National Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (or D.E.I. Council) is a fellowship of local ministry leaders who advise the Superintendent of North America on ways to live out the gospel through unity, … Continue reading "National Advisory Council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" Read the article
It’s not a check list, it’s discerning God’s plan. By Cara Garrity, Development Coordinator GCI’s vision continues to be Healthy Church. What does it mean to be healthy? How do we assess “health”? Is it even appropriate to measure the “health” of our local congregations? I want to take a moment to offer an image … Continue reading "Measuring Church Health" Read the article
Is this concept even possible? Glen A Weber, Central Regional Support Team Over recent decades there has been a great deal of discussion by Christians about the “major sins” of our society – abortion, LGBTQ+, questions of gender and so many more activities of which many Christians disapprove. As a community, the Christian church has … Continue reading "Hate the Sin and Love the Sinner?" Read the article
The season of Epiphany helps us focus on how Jesus helps us love others amid any hurt, anger, or offense. By Daphne Sidney, Superintendent Australasia Is there any worldly philosophy that would tell us to love our enemy? If asked for my coat, that I give the person an extra one? If I am slapped … Continue reading "Loving in the Light" Read the article
At GCI, we believe that a vibrant and healthy church goes beyond just Sunday services. It’s all about meaningful rhythms and deep relationships. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our brand-new Place-sharing connect group curriculum! Join us as we explore the beautiful concept of place-sharing, following the example of Jesus, the ultimate place-sharer. Through three … Continue reading "Church Hack: Place-sharing Connect Groups" Read the article
Healthy leaders lead to healthy church, which leads to healthy leaders. Engage: recognize & recruit Healthy pastors/leaders create an environment of recruiting and invitation. We model a pattern of recognizing and inviting others into life with Christ and participating in the ministries of the church. We keep in mind the diversity of giftings and skillsets … Continue reading "A Summary of the 4 Es in a Healthy Church" Read the article
Diana Mayhew A favorite European/Romanian tradition from when I was in my teens was fasting for 40 days before Christmas and usually abstaining from meat and sweets. Family & friends would do this together, and we would share the hardships and temptations we would experience every day. It was wonderfully bonding. And then on Christmas … Continue reading "Christmas Traditions" Read the article
GCI Superintendents share their thoughts about the Incarnation Heber Ticas, Latin America As a child, my parents never celebrated Christmas, therefore my understanding of Christmas was influenced by my surroundings. Christmas was about lights, gifts, parties, time off from school, but never about the Bethlehem miracle where the incarnate Son of God becomes one with … Continue reading "What the Incarnation Means to Me" Read the article
