Spiritual formation parallels between the active waiting and anticipation of pregnancy and the season of Advent. By Afrika Afeni Mills, Faith Avenue Champion, GCI Charlotte My first pregnancy was not like Mary’s pregnancy with Jesus. There’s the obvious difference—while my husband and I experienced the pregnancy as a miracle, our child was not immaculately conceived. … Continue reading "Until Christ is Formed in You" Read the article
Advent is part of the scaffolding that enables us to climb up and around the beauty of the Gospel message. By Bill Winn. Pastor, Grace Communion Hanover Once in my early twenties, I was driving a large dump truck early in the morning on roads covered with a proper northwest frozen snowy slush! The ruts … Continue reading "ADVENTures in the Christian Calendar" Read the article
Through the symbols of bread and wine, the act of Communion offers us an opportunity to remember and rejoice in Jesus’ love, which he poured out for us. This unifying practice, also known as the Eucharist, displays the remarkable unity present in the body of Christ, regardless of diverse backgrounds, races, or social standings. As … Continue reading "Church Hack: Communion in Worship" Read the article
Scare theology might bring people in, but it doesn’t build relationship. By Danny Zachariah, Superintendent, Asia “If you died today, where would you go?” Certainly, this is an “in-your-face” question that gets one’s attention, but it’s also a question that might instill fear. Sadly, it’s a common starting point for many Christians who are eager … Continue reading "Place Sharing vs. Confrontational Evangelism" Read the article
By Michelle Fleming, Communications Director My team and I are wholeheartedly committed to serving you. We admire your commitment and faithfulness in serving in Jesus’ ministry through GCI. Our main goal is to provide resources that empower you and your team to continuously focus on living and sharing the gospel within a vibrant and Healthy … Continue reading "RCL Resources for 2024" Read the article
A nuts-and-bolts approach to developing your MAP By Cara Garrity, Development Coordinator It’s that time of year again – time for Ministry Action Plans (MAPs)! What are MAPs? A Ministry Action Plan is a “living document” that identifies specific ministry goal(s) and charts an intentional pathway to move from the current ministry conditions towards the … Continue reading "Ministry Action Plans" Read the article
The four-fold process of focusing on local neighborhood mission. By Tim Sitterley, US West Regional Director A church I visit often for various pastoral association meetings has a sign immediately adjacent to their parking lot exit. “You are now entering your mission field.” I have to wonder how many of the members who pass that … Continue reading "Becoming a Missional Church" Read the article
There is a place for everyone in the body of Christ. An essential aspect of our life in Christ is inviting others into following and participating in ministry with Jesus. In the GCI development process, we see “Engage” as the first step to creating an on-ramp for inviting others to following Christ. When we engage … Continue reading "Church Hack: Avenue On Ramps" Read the article
A resource for helping pastors nurture God’s beloved. DOWNLOAD the We Believe Workbooks By Alvaro Palacio, Pastor, Toronto Canada It’s not an uncommon condition for a pastor nowadays to feel overwhelmed by work. Reaching out for the lost sheep, nurturing the ninety-nine, and leading God’s flock at a steady spiritual pace, undoubtedly requires a great … Continue reading "We Believe" Read the article
Place-sharing with people is sharing with others what Jesus is sharing with them. By Ceeja Malmkar, MTC Coordinator, Surrey Hills, OK “Place-sharing” has become a common topic of conversation recently and I couldn’t be happier about it. I think that sometimes we get caught up in all the things we don’t have or the … Continue reading "The Gift of Place-Sharing" Read the article
