2018 – Page 4 – GCI Update

ACCM teachers accredited

Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM) offers a diploma program in Christian ministry that GCI President Greg Williams has endorsed as a core educational standard for GCI ministers around the world. To provide for wider participation in the program, ACCM director John McLean recently conducted training at GCI’s Home Office in Charlotte, NC, where several new ACCM teachers were accredited to teach certain ACCM courses. As John noted

To be a teacher of the written word of God is a high calling and privilege, as we work together to focus our students on Jesus, the Living Word of God. By doing so, we are participating in what Jesus is doing to build and grow his body, the church, thus advancing the mission of God to the world.

Those participating in the accreditation training came from Canada, Africa, Mexico, Latin America, USA and the Caribbean. According to John, “they all have excellent qualifications, a real heart for learning and teaching, and evident love for Jesus Christ and our fellowship.”

Held over two days, the training courses used an interactive format to encourage group learning. The courses were then augmented by an opportunity for the trainees to facilitate two ACCM Intensives: Jesus and the Gospels, and Christian Leadership.

Here are comments from several of the men and women who were being accredited:

I appreciate this opportunity. Educating and training leaders is the most pressing and urgent need we have in Africa. —Kalengule Kaoma, Africa

It is gratifying to continue learning and to be able to guide others to understand who Jesus is, what he does and to know his life. It is a joy to do so with humility, for the right reasons, feeling the privilege of participating in this work with Jesus Christ. Thank you very much for providing the opportunity to equip us to serve better. —Irma Selena Venegas de Soto, Mexico

Thank you again for the opportunity to participate in ACCM teacher accreditation. I was very blessed to be part of it. I love the ethos of ACCM. The courses are robust, yet accessible. That is something that is personally really important to me, so I am very thankful that an entity like ACCM exists in GCI. I’m looking forward to taking these classes to leaders all over the US with Anthony Mullins. —Cara Garrity, USA

The ACCM teacher certification training was an outstanding laboratory of learning. The ACCM team has created a first-rate Christian curriculum and it was a joy to participate in the courses taught by GCI instructors from around the world. I highly recommend the ACCM educational platform for personal discipleship and for being equipped for ministry. —Anthony Mullins, USA

John McLean (second from left in front row) with the newly accredited teachers

November Equipper

Here are links to the articles in the November 2018 issue of GCI Equipper:

From Greg: Equipping for GCI’s Next Chapter
GCI President, Greg Williams, looks ahead to the future, noting the role of GCI Equipper in preparing us for what lies ahead.

Healthy Church: Receiving the Offering
Here is an infographic that addresses receiving offerings in church.

Reflections on Stewardship
Santiago Lange addresses the important topic of stewardship.

GC Hickory Relaunch
A conversation addressing the relaunch of GCI’s church in Hickory, NC.

Whole-Life Discipleship: Evangelism in a Post-Christian World
Randy Bloom addresses evangelism—a key aspect of discipleship.

Prayer Guide: November 2018
Here are GCI-related topics to pray about each day during November.

RCL Sermons
Below are links to the sermons for December, which includes Advent Season and Christmas Day. Each sermon (except for Christmas Day) includes a Speaking of Life video and discussion questions keyed to RCL readings.
Dec. 2, 2018 (Advent 1)
Dec. 9, 2018 (Advent 2)
Dec. 16, 2018 (Advent 3)
Dec. 23, 2018 (Advent 4)
Dec. 24/25, 2018 (Christmas)
Dec. 30, 2018

In case you missed them last month, here are the sermons for November:
November 4, 2018
November 11, 2018
November 18, 2018
November 25, 2018

California wild fires

Updated 7:00 pm (Central time zone), November 18.

The recent Camp Fire in Northern California and Woolsey Fire in Southern California are the most destructive in years. As of November 18, the death toll from the Camp Fire approaches 80, with over 1,000 people unaccounted for. Thankfully, all GCI members in the affected areas of both wild fires have been accounted for and found safe. The story is different, however, regarding the homes of some members in Northern California.

Larry Van Landuyt, pastor of GCI congregations in Chico and Redding, CA, lives with his wife Judy in Paradise, CA, site of the Camp Fire. He and Judy had little more than hours to pack up family photos and important papers before being forced to drive down a road lined on both sides by flames on November 11. Fortunately, they were able to stay with their daughter in Marysville after evacuating, but it was only by November 13 that they found out that their home and two investment properties along with a vehicle had been totally destroyed in the fire. They had just renovated one of the investment homes to sell. It was scheduled to go on the market this week. Below are before-and-after pictures of the Van Landuyt’s three homes, with the one they lived in on the left. (Click the pictures to enlarge.)

The home of another GCI member in the area apparently survived the fire, but she will have to remain with family in Corning for the time being. Several former GCI members also lived in Paradise, and all have been accounted for. All our members in Southern California (where the Woolsey Fire raged near Thousand Oaks) are also okay. One member couple’s home was in a mandatory evacuation area. Like most everyone in their community, they decided to stay and soak down their home with water hoses. Thankfully, their home was not damaged. Another member couple in a voluntary evacuation area also chose to stay. Thankfully, they too were spared. A single female member was evacuated the first night of the fire and went to a friend’s home. She was there only a couple of hours and had to evacuate again. It appears that the homes in her neighborhood were spared.

Please pray for the Van Landuyts and the many others who will need a speedy response from FEMA and other insurance providers. Larry Van Landuyt believes he and Judy will rebuild. For them Paradise has not been lost. To send Larry and Judy a note of encouragement, email them at larry.vanlanduyt@gci.org or post a comment below.

Gary Moore retires

During recent meetings in Charlotte, NC, various GCI leaders who have recently retired, or are about to retire, were honored for their years of service as GCI employees. One of the honorees was Gary Moore, who retired at the end of August from serving as National Director of GCI-Canada.

Following graduation from Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA, Gary entered the employed ministry of Worldwide Church of God (later Grace Communion International). Over the next 24 years, Gary pastored WCG congregations in the Canadian provinces of Ontario (including a US church in New York State), New Brunswick, Alberta and Nova Scotia. Then in 1997, Gary left the pastorate to begin serving as GCI-Canada’s National Director.

At a celebration of his retirement, Gary mentioned that he feels “blessed and privileged to have experienced the life I have had.” He explained that his journey from a legalistic approach to Christianity to one firmly anchored in the grace of God in Christ has been “a wonderful experience.” In retirement, Gary hopes to continue serving God and his people as long as he has the energy and health to do so. Bill Hall has replaced Gary as National Director of GCI-Canada.

Thank you Gary and Wendy for the many years of service to GCI!

Passing of the Baton: videos

The two videos embedded below show segments of the Passing of the Baton worship service held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, October 14, 2018. For a third video that addresses the lead-up to this historic change in GCI’s presidency, click here.

Joseph Tkach’s Legacy

In this video, several GCI leaders recount key contributions made by Joseph Tkach during his tenure as GCI President:

To watch on YouTube, click here. To download a copy at GCI.org click here.

Presidency Hand Off

This video includes addresses from Joseph Tkach and Greg Williams, the baton-passing ceremony (at position 24:00) and the Communion service:

To watch on YouTube, click here. To download a copy at GCI.org, click here.

Hurricane Michael

We are thanking God that no GCI members were injured or experienced significant property damage due to hurricane Michael, which recently ravaged parts of Florida and Georgia. Please continue praying for all who experienced loss and continue to suffer.

Passing of the Baton: report

This week we break with our “from the President” format to report on the ceremony held on October 14, 2018 in Charlotte, NC, where Dr. Joseph Tkach passed the baton of GCI’s presidency to Dr. Greg Williams. The report below was written by GCI-USA Regional Pastor Rick Shallenberger. For additional information about this historic occasion, click on the links at right. —Ted Johnston, GCI Update editor

Never in my 58 years with WCG/GCI have I experienced a smoother, more meaningful transition in leadership. The honor given to Joseph and Tammy Tkach at the Passing of the Baton ceremony was equaled only by the support shown to Greg and Susan Williams.

The ceremony included presentations recounting the journey of change GCI experienced under Joseph Tkach’s capable leadership. Russell Duke (Vice Chair of GCI’s Board of Directors) provided an overview of the Tkach presidency. Michael Morrison (GCS Dean of Faculty) then gave a brief history of how Grace Communion Seminary began. That was followed by a presentation in which Celestine Olive (GCI Board Member) recounted how GCI’s teaching regarding women in ministry changed. Ted Johnston (GCI Publications Editor) then reviewed the process by which the denomination’s name was changed to Grace Communion International and the significance of the new name. Gary Deddo (GCS President) then addressed GCI’s journey of embracing incarnational Trinitarian theology. These presenters were then followed by President Tkach (pictured below) who addressed the significance and process of passing the baton of GCI’s presidency to Greg Williams.

Following the passing of the baton (see above), Greg (below) addressed the audience, speaking about the way forward for GCI and his excitement concerning how the Father, Son and Spirit are leading our journey. The special worship service was concluded with Communion and a benediction as one era of GCI ended and a new one began.

It’s hard to capture in words the wonder of what was a very special day. Hopefully, the pictures provided with this report, and the videos linked at left will help. Note as well the comments below from GCI denominational leaders who were in attendance.

Traveling from afar, it was a real privilege to be part of the Passing of the Baton service. From the call to worship, to the benediction given by Greg Williams, it was a very inspiring service. The choir and the worship set a wonderful atmosphere where speakers outlined events and accomplishments during Dr. Tkach’s tenure. The Communion service, led by Joseph and Tammy Tkach together with Greg and Susan Williams, summed up the love, unity and peace of Christ that encompassed the whole event. —Daphne Sydney (Assistant National Director, GCI-Australia)

It was an honor to attend the presidential transition ceremony. It was a living example of how peaceful, pleasant and yet profound leadership change can be when directed by the Holy Spirit. It was an example for any organization, large or small, of how such things can and should be done. Kudos to those involved, particularly Joseph Tkach for his willingness to pass the baton of GCI leadership with such humility, grace… and humor! —Randy Bloom (Regional Pastor, GCI-USA)

The best way to describe the passing of leadership from Joseph to Greg is to picture the orange, yellow and red glow of the horizon as the sun sets. After you take a few seconds with your eyes closed, enjoying the scene, you open them only to magically see the first ray of sun piercing the morning sky followed by the canvas of light bringing in a new day. It was a majestic moment for GCI. —Jeffrey Broadnax (National Coordinator, GCI-USA Generations Ministries)

The Passing of the Baton service was very moving—a powerful testimony to the grace in Joseph Tkach’s empowering servant leadership. We are seeing the future with excitement and are inspired to participate in this chapter of the GCI journey, fully supporting Greg’s leadership. It is great to be GCI! —Eugene Guzon (Mission Developer, GCI-Philippines)

Often in the past, passing the baton ceremonies felt like a pause in the race, with a stumbling restart and often a change in direction. On October 14, I saw no misstep or break in stride. The direction of the race is clear and the momentum earned by the outgoing president clearly carries over to the incoming president. —Tim Sitterley (Regional Pastor, GCI-USA)

It was exciting to be present at the beginning of this new chapter in GCI. I’ve appreciated the leadership of Joseph Tkach in getting us to this place in our history. I’m sure that I speak for all the Canadian members of GCI when I say that we look forward to the future under the leadership of Greg Williams. —Bill Hall (National Director, GCI-Canada)

To the household of GCI around the world, you can be well pleased with the love, grace and dignity that permeated this moving occasion of historic significance in our fellowship. We cannot underestimate the value of the years of service and sacrifice of outgoing President Joseph Tkach and his wife, Tammy, who were honored and celebrated in thanksgiving. Then Greg and Susan Williams were launched into the new role with personal love and enthusiasm and a swell of uplifting support. To God be the glory! —Rod Matthews (retired Mission Developer, Southern Asia and South Pacific)

Our members in Europe salute Joseph and Tammy Tkach for the wonderful job they have done in our fellowship, and celebrate the smooth transition to Greg and Susan Williams. Our gratitude goes to them for the inspiration they give our churches around the world—merci beaucoup, muchas gracias, muito obrigrado, dank u zeer, vielen Dank, mange tak, grazie mille, tusen takk, Благодаря ти много, tak så mycket, Ευχαριστώ πολύ, большое спасибо вам—thanks so much! —James Henderson (Mission Developer, Europe/UK)

It was a privilege to attend the worship service, including the transition ceremony in which Joseph Tkach passed the baton symbolic of the role of President of GCI to Greg Williams. Joseph has been used to provide stability and doctrinal direction for us through the most turbulent waters. For me, he has been an empowering and supportive leader and friend for whom I have the deepest respect. It was wonderful to witness the peaceful transition to Greg’s faithful, passionate leadership. —Gary Moore (retired Mission Developer, GCI-Canada)

I am humbled and honored to receive the baton as GCI’s fourth president. I have many memories from that day and felt overwhelming support from all who were present. One experience that was especially meaningful was the support from my family—all my children and grandchildren were in attendance. My younger brother Mark and his family came along to show support as well. Mark has not been an active member of GCI for the last 27 years, and he intentionally approached Joseph Tkach to congratulate him on the monumental changes that have occurred in GCI over the 23 years of his presidency. Those changes include the move to orthodoxy, the inclusion of women into ordained positions as church elders, the name change to Grace Communion International, the addition of Grace Communion Seminary and Ambassador College of Christian Ministry, immersion into incarnational Trinitarian theology, and the move from a corporate sole advisory board of directors to a governing board. What a strong foundation to build from going forward! —Greg Williams (GCI President)

Here is the bulletin from the Passing of the Baton service:

GCI President Greg Williams

Here is a biography with an overview of the life of newly-commissioned GCI President Dr. Greg Williams.

Greg entered pastoral ministry in 1986 with his wife Susan at his side. The couple served various congregations while raising three sons: Glenn, Garrett and Gatlin. Glenn then married Crystal and Garrett married Marlo, and today Greg and Susan are the proud grandparents of Emory, and twin brother and sister Braxton and Ellison. Here is a picture of Greg (in the gray suit) with Susan and other members of the family to Greg’s left:

Concerning family and ministry, Greg said this:

I’ve always taken seriously the scriptural teaching of Paul for an elder to manage well his home if he or she is going to manage one of the churches of God. My marriage is not perfect and neither are my children, but by the grace of God we have been deeply blessed and experience incredible love within our family circle. My most memorable moments were the privileged times when I baptized my three sons and experienced the pride and sense of release as I handed each of them over to the eternal care of their heavenly Father.

Greg notes that his preparation for GCI’s presidency has been a learning process involving various leadership roles. Within GCI, Greg has been a pastor, festival coordinator, GenMins national coordinator, Intern Program coordinator, regional pastor, director of Church Administration and Development, and GCI vice president. Greg also worked for ten years with Youth for Christ, an international para-church youth ministry organization where, according to Greg,

I was exposed to cross-denominational ministry, and actively engaged in youth evangelism. I remained connected to and active in GCI during those years, while gaining rich experience that helped shape me for the role I now fill as GCI’s fourth president.

Greg’s academic preparation included a earning a B.A. from Ambassador College, an M.A. from Liberty University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew University (where his thesis centered on cultivating interns for Christian ministry).

One of Greg’s strengths as a GCI pastor was in mentoring young leaders. Many current GCI elders, ministry leaders and lead pastors have been personally mentored by Greg. The formalizing GCI’s internship program and the development of Journey with the Master (a curriculum for helping young adults identify their gifts and discern their calling) are additional evidence of Greg’s passion for incarnational ministry. His commitment to raising up leaders ties in with what Greg enjoys most about ministry leadership:

I enjoy seeing people coming alive in Jesus and then seeing how they blossom in that growing relationship. There is nothing more enjoyable than being in community with people who know Jesus and are growing in his amazing grace and knowledge.

When asked what he enjoys most about being part of GCI, Greg said:

I enjoy the national and international relationships of some of the most interesting, loving and diverse people across God’s green earth. As Joseph Tkach Sr. often said, “We are family!” And I love the GCI family.

According to Greg, commitments to relationship and community shape his leadership style:

I refuse to engage in the mission Jesus has given us apart from the company of others, and I am pleased with the amazing people that God has placed on our team.

In keeping with his team-based leadership style, Greg is committed to aligning GCI leaders around the globe with structures and systems that position GCI for becoming the best expression of the church of Jesus Christ it can be—a vision for GCI he sums up with the phrase Healthy Church.

Resting in Jesus

In late September, 34 GCI members (pictured above) from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, gathered in Tickfaw, LA, for Resting in Jesus—a spiritual formation retreat facilitated by Dr. Larry Hinkle and Gracie Johnson of Odyssey in Christ (OIC). It was the third OIC retreat held in that part of the GCI-USA Southeast Region. Here are comments from participants:

What greater desire could any of us have but to deepen and strengthen our relationship with God? For two days I left everything behind and came with an open heart to hear from God. He spoke and I listened as his grace, love and presence became real. (Michael Horchak)

My wife and I left the Resting in Jesus spiritually rejuvenated. The way Larry and Gracie conducted it was awesome. The Spirit of God was clearly present from the outset! We know the Spirit is always in and around us, but setting up the atmosphere and tone to contact and commune with our Lord is vital and so often neglected in our personal relationship with God. I was deeply touched and plan to participate again. (Rannie Childress)

Resting in Jesus was a new idea for me, but I was soon able to see the impact it has on those who practice what the retreat taught. It does take practice to know Jesus more fully. Prayer was emphasized—its importance and impact on our lives and on those we pray for. I’m now able to pray with more depth. I’m learning to listen to Jesus in prayer, and through listening, learning the importance of obeying. Obeying then opens the door to closer relationship with our Lord, which helps us listen even more attentively as we realize how much we are loved, wanted, accepted and included. (Walt Baudoin)

Back at my home church after the retreat, I asked those who attended to share their experiences. As a group we’ve attended many retreats: Women of Faith, Promise Keepers, Walk to Emmaus and Kairos, among others. But as one of the members who attended Resting in Jesus said, this one was truly “transformational.” “Rest in Jesus” focused on rekindling our spiritual flame and it was awesome! Thank you Larry and Gracie for sharing your gift with us! (Anthony Rice)

Resting in Jesus allowed me to move away from day-to-day concerns and distractions and become energized, establishing new spiritual disciplines that are proven and effective. The retreat topics were relevant to all who attended. I drew especially on The Spirituality of Aging and The Sacrament of the Present Moment. I also appreciated one called Wasting Time with Jesus—I have found it to be a great help. (Dave Huffman)

Taste, see and tell

This week’s “From the President” is by GCI Vice President, Greg Williams.

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I’m sure we all pray that our non-Christian loved ones—family, friends, neighbors and coworkers—will give God a chance. Each of them has a viewpoint concerning God, but is the God they envision the triune God revealed in Jesus? How can we help them come to know that God in a deeply personal way? How can we help them respond to King David’s invitation in Psalm 34:8 to “Taste and see that the Lord is good”? This is no marketing gimmick—David is referencing the profound truth that God makes himself known to anyone who searches for him. He is inviting us to a robust, life-changing encounter with God—one that engages every dimension of our human existence!

Taste that the Lord is good

Taste? Yes! Experiencing the complete goodness of God is like having delicious food or drink roll over your tongue. Think of rich dark chocolate melting slowly, or perfectly aged red wine puddling on your tongue. Or think of tasting a center cut of tender meat, seasoned with the perfect blend of salt and spice. A similar thing happens when we come to know the God revealed in Jesus. We want the delightful taste of his goodness to linger and last!

Meditating on the richness of the triune God’s nature and the complexities of his ways arouses hunger for the things of God. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matt. 5:6). When we come to know God personally, we long for righteousness—for good and right relationships—just like God does. Especially when things are bad, that desire is so intense that it hurts as if we were starving or dying of thirst. We see that intensity in Jesus’ ministry to those around him and in his anguish over those who reject God. We see it in his desire to reconcile relationships—especially our relationship with his heavenly Father. Jesus, God’s Son, came to give us that good and fulfilling right relationship with God—to share in God’s work of making all relationships right. Jesus himself is the bread of life who fills our deep hunger and hope for good and right relationships. Taste that the Lord is good!

See that the Lord is good

See? Yes! It is through our sense of sight that we behold beauty and perceive shape, distance, movement and color. Think of how frustrating it is when something we long for is blocked from sight. Think of an avid bird-watcher hearing the sound of a long-sought-for rare species, who is unable to see it. Or the frustration of trying to navigate through an unfamiliar darkened room at night. Then consider this: How can we experience the goodness of a God who is invisible and transcendent? That question reminds me of what Moses, perhaps a bit frustrated, said to God: “Show me your glory,” to which God replied: “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you” (Ex. 33:18-19).

The Hebrew word translated glory is kabod. Originally meaning weight, it came to be used to refer to the shining forth (for all to see and enjoy) of the totality of who God is—all his goodness, holiness and uncompromising faithfulness. As we behold the glory of God, all hiddenness is removed and we see that our triune God truly is good, and that his ways are always right. In the glory of his righteousness and justice, God is committed to making all things right. Our God of peace and life-giving love is opposed to all evil and has guaranteed that evil has no future. In his glory, the triune God shines forth, revealing his essence and presence—the fullness of his merciful and righteous grace. The light of God’s glory shines in our darkness and reveals the radiance of his beauty. See that the Lord is good.

An unfolding journey

*Transfiguration* by Bloch (public domain)

Coming to know the triune God is not like hurriedly consuming a fast-food meal or casually viewing a three-minute video clip. Coming to know the God revealed in Jesus Christ involves having the blinders stripped from our eyes, and the taste restored to our mouths. It involves being miraculously healed to see and taste God for who he truly is. Our unaided senses are far too weak and damaged to apprehend the fullness and glory of our transcendent, holy God. This healing is a life-long gift and task—a miraculous, unfolding journey of discovery. It’s like a lengthy meal that involves the explosion of tastes over multiple courses, with each surpassing the previous one. It’s like a compelling mini-series with myriad segments—you can binge-watch it without ever growing tired or bored.

Though an unfolding journey, coming to know the triune God in all his glory has a focal point—what we see and behold in the person of Jesus. As Immanuel (God with us), he is the Lord God become visible and touchable flesh. Jesus became one of us and took up residence with us. By paying attention to him as he is presented in Scripture, we discover the one who is “full of grace and truth” and we behold the “glory” of “the only Son from the Father” (John 1:14, ESV). Although “no one has ever seen God… the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in the closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1:18). To see God as he truly is, we need look no further than the Son!

Go and tell

Psalm 34 paints a picture of the God who is good, just, loving and personal—the God who wants his children to experience his presence and goodness, and who delivers them from evil. It tells of a God who is so real that our lives are forever transformed and our hearts, like Moses, yearn for him and his ways. This is the triune God to whom we introduce our loved ones. As followers of Jesus, we are called to share in our Lord’s ministry of evangelism—sharing the gospel (good news) that the Lord truly is a good God. For GCI resources to assist you in your ministries of evangelism, click here and here.

Tasting, seeing and telling that the Lord is good,
Greg Williams

PS: In the United States and some other countries, October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I want to extend my personal thanks to the fine men and women who give so generously of their time, talent and treasure in pastoring our congregations around the world. I also want to encourage all our congregations to show their appreciation to their pastor and to their pastor’s spouse.

PPS: The next issue of GCI Update will be published on October 24.

Year: 2018