We live in a world that champions the self-made individual. We are conditioned to look within for strength, and to build our own kingdoms on the foundation of personal achievement. The deeper we slide into this culture of self-reliance, the more exhausted and fractured we become.
But the message of the Christian gospel offers a radical, counter-cultural alternative. True peace and Kingdom Living require a complete reversal of this mindset — and Jesus has accomplished this reversal in our humanity. He has freed us from the burden of self-reliance.
By the Spirit, kingdom life means deliberately rejecting self-reliance and relying solely on Christ’s finished work on our behalf. Our reliance on Christ is not what secures our place in his kingdom; it is our response to the grace that has already secured us in him. The beloved hymn, “In Christ Alone,” beautifully reminds us:
In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.[1]
These lyrics ring loud in my heart and when we sing these words, we perform an act of surrender. We confess that our own strength is frail, our own righteousness is insufficient, and our own wisdom is blind. We are reminded of his grace, this Cornerstone, this solid ground.
Our lives are anchored in Jesus, who did not merely watch our suffering from a distance; he stepped into our human reality, taking on our flesh and bone. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live, completely empty of self-reliance, perfectly dependent on the Father through the power of the Spirit. In him alone, we stand.
I am reminded of Jesus’ monumental cry while hanging on the cross. He uttered the definitive declaration: “It is finished” (John 19:30). This was not a cry of defeat, but a shout of absolute victory. The debt of humanity was paid in full, and the broken cosmos was reconciled to the Creator. Because of his finished work on our behalf, our spiritual striving can finally end and we can rest in Christ alone.
Living out the kingdom life, therefore, looks like a daily surrender of ourselves as our response to Christ’s finished work. It means waking up each morning and acknowledging that our standing before God is not based on how well we can perform, but on how perfectly Christ performed for us.
Our identity is unshakeable because it is grounded in Christ alone. His faithfulness, not the strength of our faith, holds us securely. Through the Holy Spirit, we are continually drawn to trust the One who has already made us his own. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall, and self-reliance will always fail us when the storms of life hit. But the finished work of Jesus is an immovable rock. As the song declares: “No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand.”
Because of what Christ accomplished on the cross, we are enabled to rest in his finished work and empowered by the Spirit to live boldly, love selflessly, and mirror the beautiful reality of his kingdom. As a global GCI community, we will continue moving forward by relying entirely on Christ alone. We rest in his perfect peace and stand united as one Body to pursue a kingdom life that points directly to our living King, Jesus Christ. I invite you to pray continually with me for Grace Communion International as we move into the exciting new season God has in store for us.
In Christ alone,
Heber Ticas, Vice President
[1] “In Christ Alone” 2001. Melody composed by Keith Getty. Lyrics written by Stuart Townsend.
Consider Moses, an abandoned Israelite baby left adrift in a basket on the Nile River. It was his mother’s successful attempt to rescue him from slaughter due to the overpopulation of his people under Egyptian rule. After 40 years of being a prince in Pharoh’s court while simultaneously watching his people suffer under the whip of Egypt, he could no longer take it. Moses murdered an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating an Israelite and then fled from Egypt to the dessert.
Another 40 years go by, and God calls Moses from a burning bush to lead his people out of slavery. God speaks through Moses and his brother Aaron to bring 10 plagues on Egypt before they relent and let the Israelites go. During the final 40 years of Moses’s life, he is representing God to the wandering Israelites who resisted God and desired to go back to Egypt. Moses successfully mentored Joshua who was able to lead a new generation across the Jordan into the Promised Land.
How about David? A shepherd boy who was the youngest of an impressive group of older brothers anointed by Samuel to be king. Then he went 15 years before ascending to the throne and spent much of that time fleeing from King Saul. He went from favor with the king and comforts of the palace to dodging spears and hiding in caves. During his reign he brought the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem and experienced military success and yet his life was marred with family turmoil, and the scandalous adultery with Bathsheba was a stain. Yet he was counted as a man after God’s heart, and he staged the resources for his son Solomon to build the spectacular temple to God.
Then we turn to the Jewish Rabbi Saul, who studied at the feet of renowned teacher Gamaliel. Saul was zealous for Judaism and saw the rise of Christianity as a threat to be dealt with. He led the persecution of the early church until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Saul was dramatically converted and became Paul, the chief apostle called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He suffered much for his faith and always viewed himself as the least of the apostles.
What are some commonalities we see related to God’s calling on this short list of leaders?
Seemingly, unlikely candidates
Humility (not feeling worthy or thinking too highly of themselves)
A heart for God (clinging to the personal relationship to God above all else)
Preparation through life experiences (usually unknowingly, but identified in hindsight)
Challenge and struggle were constant
You and I may not have the calling to be prophets, kings, or apostles, but we are called to relationship with Jesus and to see where we fit into his living Body, the Church. It is my prayer that all members of GCI see their calling to participate with Christ through the life of the Church. The apostle Paul leaves us with sound advice in his letter to Christians in Rome.
If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. Romans 12:6–8 The Message Bible
In whatever way God has shaped and gifted you, serve him with your whole heart!
Greg Williams
Was Jesus political in his message and actions? It’s an interesting question for the interesting times in which we live.
When challenged about paying tribute (taxes) to Rome, Jesus wisely stated, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21 NLT). I like that he included tithes and offerings for the work of God. But the kingdom he was declaring was more than rules and behavior.
It is informative that Jesus prioritized the announcement of a new, spiritual kingdom rather than to offer in-depth commentary about Ceasar and the Roman government, or the local client kings (Herod the Great and his dynasty). In contrast, Jesus frequently criticized corruption among the Jewish religious leaders. He cited hypocrisy, pride, and legalism as visible shortcomings (unacceptable behavior for leaders who represent the Triune God). The Old and New Testaments confirm that religious leaders are held to a higher standard. Jesus called this out.
Christ’s proclamation about the kingdom of God and its spiritual nature challenged the power of governmental structures and confronted the moral dilemmas of the religious order. The kingdom of God is about people not power. Jesus’s desire is to draw all people to himself and reconcile them to God. This is the heart of the kingdom message and salvific work of Jesus through the incarnation, the atoning death on the cross, the glorious resurrection on Easter and the ascension to the Father, where he awaits his return in glory.
Recently, the IRS stated that churches can endorse political candidates without risking the loss of their tax-exempt status. The practical result is that churches and other houses of worship appear to have a right in connection with religious services to speak freely to members of their congregations about political candidates without losing tax-exempt status, provided that such communications are related to religious faith. (For more information, see this legal update).
However, the denomination does not believe that local pastors or church leaders should be trying to influence local members or the community at large about whom they should support or what political view or position they should take. We do not believe that political endorsements of parties or candidates belong in the pulpit.
Jesus never sought a political office nor organized a political rally. Jesus was and is the promised Messiah, the only begotten Son of the Father, and the King of the eternal kingdom of heaven. He holds the only office where all knees will bow, and every tongue confesses that he is Lord. Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Praise God that while we live in a loud, politically motivated world, we know to whom we channel full allegiance.
Throughout the year, our central theme of Kingdom Living has resonated deeply within our community. Although the year has not yet concluded, our 2026 Denominational Celebration served as a magnificent culmination of this message. The fellowship we experienced was a definitive highlight.
From the moment we arrived, the city of Dallas served as the perfect backdrop for our gathering. A tangible sense of joy filled the atmosphere as brothers and sisters from all over the GCI world united under one roof. As I walked through the buzzing lobby area and crowded corridors, I felt cheated. I so much desired to join the fellowship but dealing with the pain of a pinch nerve hindered the experience for me. But that was not the case for the rest of the participants. The sounds of laughter, shared stories, and warm embraces served as a powerful reminder of what makes our GCI denominational family so unique. (Don’t miss these photos of the Celebration.)
Our worship experience was phenomenal! Pastor Tamar Gray (GC Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.) and the worship team she assembled led us in joining our great worship leader Jesus, in worshipping the Father by the Spirit. This vibrant fellowship and worship were amplified by the profound global connection that we enjoy as a global church. We were reminded that our local ministries do not operate in isolation; rather, we are small, vital parts of a larger, living tapestry that spans over 62 countries throughout this world.
After months of pursuing Kingdom Living principles in our local contexts, coming together felt less like a denominational gathering and more like a long-awaited family reunion. Old friendships were rekindled, new connections were forged over shared meals, and the act of presenting our worship offering before the Father became a sacred expression of union with Christ and our unity as the body of Christ.
Fueling this spirit of unity were the deeply inspiring messages delivered throughout the event. A particular highlight was the message brought by our keynote speaker, Dr. Walter Kim, which served as a powerful and inspiring reminder of the faithfulness of God. He reminded us that God is actively at work even when we find ourselves in the darkest, most confining “dungeons” of life — much like John the Baptist. This timely word, along with other powerful messages, did not merely comfort us; they stirred our hearts, refocused our vision, and called us to continue pursuing our common vision of becoming the healthiest expression of the Church of Jesus Christ that we could possibly be.
The experience of taking communion together reminded me of the beautiful, visual foretaste of a much greater reality: the eternal communion we await in our glorification in Christ. The Gospel of John alludes to this reality when he writes,
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3
We were reminded that eternal life is not just a future destination, but the intimate, ongoing knowledge of the only true God who has revealed himself in Christ as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We looked forward with hope to the day when this relational oneness will be fully realized. In that ultimate glorification, every veil will be removed, and our fellowship with the triune God and one another will be complete and everlasting. The 2026 Denominational Celebration proved that when God’s people gather in true unity, the reality of his kingdom presence becomes undeniable.
Tu Hermano en Cristo,
Heber Ticas, Vice President
P.S. The messages and sessions from our 2026 Denominational Celebration are now available to watch! Whether you joined us in Dallas and want to revisit a favorite session, or you were unable to attend this year, we hope these resources encourage and equip you as we continue exploring Kingdom Living together. Click here for the sermon and main session playlist.
I recall years ago preaching a sermon on spiritual adoption. After the service, I was approached by someone who shared with me that he struggled to connect with the theological concept of spiritual adoption. He was inadvertently projecting his own complicated experiences with human adoption, so it was hard for him to view his relationship with God through the same lens.
The doctrine of adoption lies at the very heart of the Christian gospel. We often take for granted the immense privilege that it is to be called into divine fellowship. While human adoption is a beautiful display of love, it cannot fully capture the depth of being adopted into the family of God. The Gospel of John provides the theological foundation for adoption.
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:11-12 NIV
Our spiritual union with Christ not only facilitates our adoption, but it also reveals the ultimate mystery of God’s grace. It is not merely a legal shift in status; it is rather an invitation into eternal divine fellowship in the love and life of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Christ and by the Spirit, we have been swept up into eternal union through the Son.
That is the amazing reality of our spiritual union to Christ and our heavenly adoption. Who could impart such a blessing of adoption? Only the one who comes from the Father, “full of truth and grace.” Sonship could only be offered by the begotten Son of God, who knows the Father intimately.
Michael Reeves articulates this beautifully in his book Gospel People when he states: “For if there is no eternal Son, God is not really a Father, and He could never give us the right to be his children.” Because the Father and the Son exist in an eternal, loving relationship, God’s very essence is to share that love. Therefore, we are invited to become his adopted children and participate in that same eternal bond.
Our right to sonship is mediated entirely through the Person and work of the incarnate Son, Jesus Christ. Even our faith responses are caught up in his perfect response to the Father. Christ stands at the center of God’s redemptive purposes. Through his finished work, he bridged the chasm that separated humanity from divine fellowship. Through God the Holy Spirit, this adoption is made an experiential, living reality. The Spirit regenerates our hearts so that we can receive Christ. The Holy Spirit seals our new identity and prompts us to cry out, “Abba Father.”
As adopted sons and daughters of our heavenly Father, we live as citizens of his kingdom right now, with the understanding that our adoption will be fully revealed in the consummation of his kingdom. We earnestly await to be clothed in our heavenly body, so we boldly proclaim, “Come, Lord Jesus come.” In the meantime, we live under the authority of the King with spiritual confidence, extending the radical generosity and forgiveness that we have received from him. This is kingdom living!
It is our pleasure to make available the updated Pastoral Liturgy Guide (previously called the Ceremonies Book). We presented it to the elders at the Denominational Celebration last month. And now, the Guide is available for everyone to download here.
As a means of introduction, it is important that we have a clear understanding of baptism as seen through the lens of Jesus. Below is an excerpt:
GCI’s liturgical practice includes two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. Both are vital to the worship life of the Church as embodiments of grace, enacted testimonies to the love of God in Jesus Christ. Both are visible signs of an invisible grace — holy ordinances instituted by Christ wherein by visible signs Christ and the benefits of the new covenant are represented, sealed, and applied to believers. Moreover, these sacraments enact the gospel by means of which the Spirit of God confirms to us the forgiving, renewing, and promising love of God in Jesus Christ, enlivening us in faith, hope, and love. (p. 5)
Sacraments are outward signs or ceremonies of inward grace. Baptism and Holy Communion were established by Jesus and mandated by him for all who would be his followers. GCI along with most Protestant groups accept Baptism and Holy Communion as the two sacraments instituted by Jesus.
The updated Pastoral Liturgy Guide goes on to say:
The sacrament of baptism proclaims we are saved by Christ alone and not through our own repentance and faith. Our baptisms are effective only because they bear witness to and by faith share in Christ’s baptism for us. His baptism as one of us was for the forgiveness of our sins and the provision of the promised Holy Spirit to indwell us. In our baptisms we affirm that the Holy Spirit Jesus received at his baptism was for us to be received by faith in him. In every act of baptism each member is invited to recall and reaffirm their own baptism into Christ’s baptism for us. (p. 5)
Entering the baptism waters and becoming a new creation in Christ is an action of receiving what he has already vicariously done for us. It truly is an embodiment of grace.
Here’s more from the updated Pastoral Liturgy Guide:
Baptism is a joyous act of public witness to the reality of Christ’s union with us and of our belonging to him from the beginning to the end of life. It is not the beginning of God’s work in someone’s life but a visible celebration of what is already accomplished for us by Jesus Christ. In Christ, our sins are forgiven, we are made new, and we belong to God’s family. In baptism, we rejoice together in the love of the Father, the saving work of the Son, and the renewing power of the Holy Spirit.
Grace Communion International is a believing church that baptizes in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, affirming the one baptism shared by all believers. Baptism is not primarily about what we do. It is a participation in the baptism of Jesus, who was baptized for all. We respond in faith to what Christ has already done for us.
The believing church offers this ceremony to people of all ages and of whatever abilities or disabilities. By it we affirm the universal scope of Christ’s work and the invitation to all to share in his life by the Holy Spirit he has for us.
This understanding and practice align with Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4:5, One Lord, one faith, one baptism (NRSVA). Being united in Jesus through his faith and his baptism is a foundational belief of GCI, and we joyfully participate in the sacraments as we follow the leadership of Jesus.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit,
Greg Williams
What does ministry look like from an Incarnational Trinitarian foundation?
We begin with the “Who?” question. Whose ministry is it? It is the ministry of Jesus, the second member of the Godhead who emptied himself and became incarnate for the salvation of mankind. Through his earthly ministry, Jesus revealed Father God, and he prepared the way for the Holy Spirit to come. (Much more can be said about the incarnation of Jesus and the makeup of the triune Godhead, but for the sake of staying on point with the topic of ministry ethos, we move forward.)
The scriptures inform us that Jesus is Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Head of the Church, Lord of Lords and King of the eternal kingdom.
We then are his created children, new creations in him, believers who are growing in his grace and knowledge, members of his body, junior ministry partners participating in his ministry, worshippers. Our lives, identities, and purposes are found in him. Therefore, we abide in him, rest in him, submit our hearts, minds, and souls to him. We rely on the one who first came to us.
Christian ministry at its core is the vicarious salvific work of Jesus to fallen humanity. It is only by union with him and empowerment from the Holy Spirit that we can join and participate. Ministry is not something we do “for” Jesus, rather true ministry is only something we can do “with and through” Jesus.
We often talk about Jesus being the center. Superintendent Mike Rasmussen wrote the following in February 2026 Equipper, and it is worthy of another look:
We do not make Christ central; we awaken to the reality that our lives are already held together in him.
Our lives are not random, nor are our days empty of meaning. We confess that Jesus is the center of the center. So, we joyfully proclaim that all things find their origin, purpose, and destiny in him. From the first breath of creation to the final word of redemption, Christ stands at the center. He calls us into lives shaped by his purpose and motivated by his love.
Jesus does not simply offer ideas to believe, but a way to live. He says, “Follow me,” and invites us into a life where every moment matters. God gathers all our work, rest, joy, sorrow, faithfulness, and struggle into his redemptive story.
He meets us in the ordinary rhythms of daily life and leads us toward the fullness God intends. In Christ, our lives are no longer fragmented or aimless. Our work becomes an offering of service. Our relationships become places of grace. Our suffering is not wasted but held within the promise of resurrection.
The ethos of Incarnational Trinitarian ministry is founded and grounded in the belief that the triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) invites humanity into their shared life and love. Through the incarnation of Jesus, the personal, intimate love of God was demonstrated. (For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.)
Incarnational Trinitarian ministry is the ministry of Jesus. GCI’s mission statement of “Living and Sharing the Gospel” fits so well. It highlights demonstrating the gospel through humble, loving, personal engagement. It prioritizes kindness and service over distant proclamation or harsh judgment. Gospel demonstration and proclamation is how we witness to a fallen world, but proclamation is best received when demonstration happens through loving relationships.
Joining Jesus in his ministry means that we are living testimonies and proclaimers to the vicarious work of Jesus done on behalf of humanity. Jesus is our center; he is the representative for all humanity. Ultimately, Jesus is our ethos for ministry. All the values that are good, his perfect character, and all the guidance that is needed for participation are found in him.
May we lay down our pride, ambition, and self-centeredness to the One who is the true center. When we do, we shall find his yoke to be light.
Discerning God’s will can often feel like an elusive pursuit in our spiritual lives. While walking through life’s storms and difficult decisions, we are continually reminded of our need to surrender our hearts to God’s divine purposes. My personal journey is marked by defining moments where God used my circumstances to draw me closer to him, fostering both spiritual growth and a clearer understanding of his will.
Even in seasons that appear fully surrendered to him, the Lord’s Spirit continues to inspire our souls, compelling us onward and prompting us to pray “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” Jesus not only instructed his followers to pray “Thy will be done” when teaching the Lord’s Prayer, but he also modeled this total surrender when he prayed the exact same words before his arrest and crucifixion.
To experience Kingdom Living, we must allow the Holy Spirit to shape our daily choices to reflect God’s will. This calls for a profound, intentional surrender — giving up our lives to mirror the unconditional, self-emptying Christ modeled for us. The apostle Paul beautifully captures this through the early Christ hymn in his letter to the Philippians when he said:
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 NASB
Although Jesus never ceased to be God, he willingly laid aside his divine rights, veiling his glory to choose to live in full submission to the Father’s will as one of us. This self-emptying found its deepest expression in the ultimate surrender: a shameful and sacrificial death upon a Roman cross. More than just a theological fact, this is an invitation to respond to his grace.
We are summoned to surrender to the Spirit and let him align our lives with his divine purposes. Kingdom Living points us to life in the Spirit, a spiritual journey of self-emptying, letting go of our own will so the Spirit can fill us and join our hearts to the heart of God so that we can participate in his divine purposes. The invitation of Kingdom Living is a journey of releasing (emptying) what holds us back, being filled by God’s truth, and being empowered by Jesus’ Spirit to participate in his kingdom life.
While the process of surrendering so that by the Spirit God can empty our hearts may be painful, it acts as divine pruning — dismantling competing allegiances to establish his supreme authority in us. Only then can the Spirit fill us with the kingdom life that surrenders our will to God’s will so that the elusive “thy will be done” becomes a reality as we live out the kingdom life daily. It is through this process that God’s Spirit prepares us to faithfully point others to the coming consummation of his kingdom.
Our witness should always shift the focus from ourselves to the One working in and through us. Thus, Kingdom Living takes shape in our lives, families, and congregations as we surrender, grow in Christ, and boldly step out in faith to join his mission both as individuals and as a church body.
Psalm 133 reminds us, “How good and pleasant for brothers and sisters to dwell together in unity.” On July 23 – 26, the brothers and sisters of Grace Communion International will dwell together, worship together, and grow more deeply into a unified church family at the Denominational Celebration 2026 (DC26).
The event will begin with breakout sessions brought by a wide variety of GCI presenters on topics of discipleship, living between the times, and being sent by Jesus. All of these speak to what we mean by the overarching theme of Kingdom Living.
Our dedicated worship team, coordinated by Pastor Tamar Gray, has been preparing months ahead of time to bless us with stirring, Christ-centered worship. They will kick off the first worship service on Thursday afternoon, and we will hear a sermon message from our Vice President, Heber Ticas.
Friday will be filled with panel discussions. The topics of “Calling and Competencies,” along with “Equipping the Saints,” will feature stories from leaders across our global church family. Grace Communion Seminary will recognize and honor their most recent graduates in a graduation ceremony. It is always a highlight to see these men and women who have dedicated themselves to graduate level studies.
On Saturday we will be honored to hear from Walter and Toni Kim. Walter serves at the President of the National Association of Evangelicals, and he has continued to show an interest in GCI. We are excited that he has made himself available to join us in Dallas. In the afternoon, we will continue with more panel discussions under the topic of “Living in the Flow.” This will be the opportunity to hear from all six of our GCI Superintendents. And please do not forget to bring your dancing shoes. Saturday night we will kick up our heels and dance before our Lord with a GCI family dance.
The celebration will conclude on Sunday morning with a sermon from me. We will join our hearts and spirits as we remember Jesus at the communion table, and we will worship by receiving an offering at the final service.
Our tradition has been to offer this Denominational Celebration on a three-year rotation, and we certainly hope that as many of our people who are able will join us. We are aware that some of our international members are hesitant to visit the US based on news reports of violence and unrest. In good conscience, I can tell you that these are isolated events, as is true in any country. If you have registered and secured your travel visas already, I invite you to please come and join us.
I solicit your prayers for the final preparations and for the Lord’s traveling mercies on all who make the journey. Join us in also praying that the event itself will empower GCI to become more focused and fervent Kingdom Representatives.
