Culture of Liberation

Joyful group of diverse young adults giving high five together outdoors

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

In 2019, A Giant Step Forward – Toward an Emerging Culture of Liberation was published. I co-wrote this book with Rick Shallenberger and Dr. Tom Nebel.

The book was a bridge connecting the past leadership of the church under Dr. Joseph Tkach to the new era under my term as GCI President. It explained where we had come from and where we are going. By the grace of Jesus Christ, we have been on track and moving toward a culture of liberation.

The “Support – Challenge Matrix” was foundational in giving us our bearings for moving forward.

This updated matrix expands the concepts in each of the four quadrants. The quadrants of domination, abdication, and protectionism speak for themselves. They are places and spaces we have experienced, and we do not want to go back.

Let’s dig into the quadrant of liberation and capture a broader picture of where we see the Holy Spirit taking us.

Culture of Empowerment and Opportunity

We never want to hold anyone back. Our goal in GCI is to help all individuals find their gifting and calling so they fit into the body as the Spirit is orchestrating.

For those who have been following our writings and tools on the 4 Es, you already know that empowerment follows the sequence of engagement and equipping. It assumes that a seasoned Christian leader has recognized the individual and invited them into ministry participation. It also assumes that the individual has been guided around the Apprentice Square providing them with training and preparation.

The liberation of empowerment and opportunity means that this prepared person can operate with freedom and authority in their place of service. It is parallel to the old U.S. Army slogan – “Be all that you can be.”

Interdependency

Before we become too individualistic, let’s understand the importance of interdependency. In organizational culture, interdependency refers to how team members rely on each other for the functioning of their teams. Although every team has different responsibilities and day-to-day functions, on a basic level, it is the interdependence of team members that makes a group of coworkers a team.

You will recall that “team based” is a core value and desired practice of GCI culture. We can do more together.

Healthy Relational Dynamics (Best Fits)

The concept of “best fit” is simply where your talents, skills, and passions match with the work that you have been employed to do. Giant Worldwide suggests that having a 70% to 30% ratio is a good target to shoot for. This equates to being in your sweet spot for 70% of your working hours.

In GCI we like to think about the marriage of competency and calling. Examining a person’s education and experiential background tells part of the story. Then through counsel from references and discernment through prayers and good interviewing practices, we collaboratively conclude that this is the right person for the given position. “Works well with others” is an important reference comment we always want to hear.

Partnership and Collaboration

For GCI, partnership means that two or more people serving alongside one another share in the same vision and mission and will work together to accomplish that end. GCI’s vision is to be the healthiest expression of the church of Jesus Christ that we can possibly be, and our mission is to live and share the gospel. So, whether it is the home office staff working to back up our field staff and pastors, our field staff making their rounds through their areas of oversight, or our field pastors working with their ministry champions, we are all for each other and we work in positive ways to accomplish our vision and mission.

Collaboration means that all team members are valuable, and their voices should be heard. Many of our churches have been exposed to the 5 Voices training. The voices are categorized as nurturer, connector, creative, guardian, and pioneer. Each voice has a position of strength that helps the team process in thinking, planning and execution. It is a true expression of being a priesthood of all believers.

Meaning and Purpose

The foundational meaning and purpose come from being Christ-centered. We don’t put Jesus in the center — he is the center. He is Creator, Savior, and King! All that we do is sourced by Jesus — it is his faith that we receive and share; he is our hope that makes us hopeful for ourselves and others. It is the fact that he first loved us that empowers us to love God with our hearts, minds, and souls, and to love others as we love ourselves.

Some have asked why we preach from the Revised Common Lectionary and why we follow a more traditional worship calendar. The simple answer is Jesus. We want to preach about how he impacted people throughout the Old and New Testaments, how he is revealed in all of Scripture. We follow the worship calendar because it points to Jesus – his coming in the flesh, his active earthly ministry, his mission to go to Jerusalem and die for the sins of humanity, his resurrection, his ascension, his sending of the Holy Spirit and establishing his church, and of his pending return to establish the eternal kingdom. Can you think of anything with more meaning and purpose?

Conclusion

I find it fascinating that in 2019 when A Giant Step Forward was made available, it received little fanfare and was only read by a small number of GCI folks. This was due, in part, to the cancellation of our Denominational Celebration, where the book would have been distributed. And that’s okay. The time was not right for many of our people. I am encouraged to see how the book has gained traction and has helped to illuminate this journey we are on toward Jesus and the liberation that can only be experienced in him.

It is a good time to be GCI!

Greg Williams

P.S. My new book, What if Jesus Meets Us in the Good, the Bad and the Messy?, co-authored with Mark Mounts, just came out. The centrality of Christ for all seasons and circumstances is the common thread throughout. I pray this book will be a blessing to you and to our worldwide fellowship of churches.

Devotional—Grounded in God’s Love

Editor’s Note: For our Ordinary Time Devotional series, you will be hearing entirely from young authors. They will be sharing their perspectives on the theme, “God is in the streets.” Enjoy reading how the next generation of emerging GCI leaders experiences God outside the walls of the Sunday church gathering.

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. Matthew 6:25-29

I experience God in my everyday life by practicing the 5 senses grounding technique. This is done by taking a moment to stop and pinpoint what you can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste.

I see someone holding their child’s hand as they walk; this small example of tenderness is just like that which God has for me and which I am capable of having for others. I feel the texture of a leaf that is beside me; just as God intricately designed this leaf, even more so has he intricately created me. I smell the moisture in the air of a rain shower to come; the newness of rain is a reminder of the newness that God has offered us. I hear the birds chirping to each other; just as God has provided for them, he has done this even more so for us. Last, I taste a cool glass of iced coffee and am reminded of the times I’ve shared meaningful conversations while drinking coffee with my friends. Staying tuned to these little joys is so important because God’s love for his creation is ever present. We just need to take the time to see it.

Prayer:
Thank you, God, that we can be reminded of your goodness in our day-to-day lives. Thank you that your love grounds us. Guide us as we further our wonderment at who you are, what you’ve done, and what you are still doing. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

By Kelly Meade Rakestraw, GCI Coach
Tallahassee, FL, US

Neighborhood Camp UK

We started planning Adventure Camp in Market Harborough, UK, a year in advance. In fact, we had a meeting during camp this year for camp next year! We spent many hours in meetings, processing forms, risk assessments, schedules, staffing, accommodation planning, kitchen prep and food shopping, getting the right equipment, technology and more. And then it’s just gone in a flash.

In that flash though – in what was a moment in time – we really did fit in a lot. The days were filled with activities such as archery, conservation, Christian Living, Lego, Zumba, tie-dye, and prayer-craft. Each activity was just an hour in length but so full, rich and joyful. The evening activities were very messy games, which included the egg smash, the flour chain, word games with alphabet spaghetti, and the foam and cheese puff challenge! We also enjoyed movie night, disco, and a campfire sing-along. Memories were made in these evenings that will last forever.

The mornings started with a worship service – engaging and interactive – introducing Jesus, for the first time to some of our kids, and reminding others how much he loves them and wants to be a part of their lives. The kids lifted their voices in worship, and some participated throughout camp with prayers. These were just moments also, but our hopes and prayers are that these small interactions with Jesus will have a deep and lasting impact on these children that will stay with them every day of their lives, as it does with us.

The feedback from the kids was very positive. The biggest request was to have a longer camp. One suggested camp could be six weeks long! However fleeting Adventure Camp may have been, we know the experiences, the opportunities, the friendships, the interactions, and the introductions have left deep impressions. The memories they have won’t be fleeting but will last a lifetime.

By Alexis Luckhoo, Administrator of Europe Office
Market Harborough, UK

Neighborhood Game Night

GCI Glendora hosted our first Neighborhood Game Night at the church facility on Saturday, August 26, between 6-8 p.m. Our purpose was to have a smaller Love Avenue event that would give everyone involved a fun, casual space to connect with each other. Families were given the option to drop in at any time.

Twenty kids, 12 parents, and 19 church volunteers participated. We offered a variety of drinks, ice cream, and pizzas for refreshments. Church volunteers provided board games, lawn games, and card games for all ages.

We intentionally planned the game night to be held four weeks after our “Heroes” Neighborhood day camp, which was held on July 29. At the end of the Neighborhood Camp, we handed game night fliers to all the families who participated at the camp. We wanted to connect with these same families again within a month of camp, instead of waiting longer until the next big neighborhood event.

Our desire is to establish and form trusting relationships with the families in our neighborhood to show and share the love of Jesus. We believe that we are blessed to be a blessing in the world and our local contexts, and we look forward to continuing our neighborhood game nights on a regular rhythm in 2024!

By Jillian Morrison, Associate Pastor
Glendora, CA, US

Prayer Guide—October 2023

“Sometimes that’s what prayer is — simply inviting God to join us where we actually are, not because he isn’t already here but because inviting him reminds us it’s true.” – Emily P. Freeman

Let’s come together in the spirit of unity and lift our hearts in prayer. Click here or the image below to download this month’s prayer guide.

Kaoma Wedding

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

I want to share the exciting news of Kalengule Kaoma’s wedding to Musaba Mapulanga, as written below by Regional Director of West Africa, Emanuel Okai of Accra, Ghana.

In most parts of modern Africa, marriage is an important rite of passage in the life of the community. Marriage involves the community in an intimately intricate manner, not easily understood by people of other cultures. Marriage is not just a legally sanctioned agreement between a consenting adult male and female; but a process of building enduring relationship between two families and / or ethnic groups. As a result, many negotiations, meetings, and ceremonies take place between the families of the bride and groom long before the glittering lights of a church wedding ceremony. Typically, there are three stages of marriage in modern African countries like Zambia and Ghana – the traditional, legal, and Christian rites.

The recent marriage between Pastor Kalengule Kaoma and Deaconess Musaba Mapulanga that was climaxed by a church wedding that I officiated was no exception. In the last few months, Kalengule (KK), together with some significant members of his family, had gone to the home of Musaba to ask for her hand in marriage. A few ceremonies were conducted before he was traditionally recognized as the husband of Musaba.

To document the marriage status with the government, the couple attended a short legal ceremony in the office of Marriage Registrar at the Lusaka City Council on Friday 1 September 2023. The lady who was the Marriage Officer schooled the couple about their marital rights, duties, and responsibilities under the Ordinance of Marriage. The signing of the marriage certificate was witnessed by a few dozen members of both families and some church members. Dressed in an immaculate blue suit, KK was united to his darling Musaba, who wore a golden orange dress with a black jacket. After the long journey, one could see the relief and joy in the faces of Kalengule and Musaba during the photo session that took place on the lawns of the City Council.

As a pastor and a deaconess, they did not consider their marriage complete without the partnership and blessings of God. The third and final stage of their union, dubbed ‘The Marriage Blessing’ took place at Elegancia Events Center in Chudleigh area of Lusaka, Zambia, in the afternoon of Sunday, 3 September 2023. Retired Colonel Alex and Mrs. Miriam Musonda, who had graciously hosted me over that weekend, drove with me along with a couple from Zimbabwe and other church members from different parts of Zambia to the venue well before the 2:00 pm starting time for the event. We have known KK for more than four decades, yet none of us could recognize him when we entered the wedding venue. “Who is that guy?” and “Where is KK?” we enquired. Of course, KK was not going to be late for his own wedding! He was standing right in front of me, yet I did not recognize him until he smiled and beckoned to me.

KK’s outfit was regal, representing an African monarch cum bishop. His all-white flowing three-piece gown with golden-yellow embroidery had a white cap to match. He looked huge, tall, and elegant and most appropriate for this much anticipated occasion. When Musaba arrived, she came in a lovely white dress, with a white pearl necklace and a fitting white hat to match.

The hall was full by the time Pastor Dr. Inyambo Nyumbu, the MC for the occasion, started the ceremony. As the officiating minister, I delivered a short sermon in which I admonished the couple, among other things, to find ways, with the help of God, to bring their two sets of children together in such a manner that, like my own personal experience, these children will grow up blending beautifully together and seeing themselves not as ‘step’ siblings but as true brothers and sisters. That subject was also part of my prayers for the couple.

During the vow exchange, each “I do” was greeted with loud applause and traditional adulations of affirmation from the nearly 200 witnesses, which included family members from both sides. In the wearing of rings ceremony, Kalengule and Musaba each expressed the hope that in giving the other a ring, each of them “will become their highest expression of God,” as they share their gifts with each other and the world. As a fitting climax to the ceremony, the couple and the officiating minister took the elements of bread and wine in a Communion service celebration.

Thereafter, the music, dancing and joyful celebrations began. After the cake-cutting ceremony, KK and Musaba stood at a corner of the hall where most of the well-wishers danced to congratulate them. The well-chosen rhythmic sounds of modern Zambian music moved everyone to jubilate in dance even as they presented gifts to the couple. Many pictures were taken, refreshments were served, and the music and dancing continued for a long time. It was a blessing to watch Mr. & Mrs. Kalengule and Musaba Kaoma relish their new status as husband and wife in the midst of joyful, excited friends and family.

It is our privilege to celebrate the sacred union between Kalengule and Musaba. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to them, and we pray for the continued blessings of the Lord upon their years to come.

I am deeply grateful to my friend Emmanel Okai for sharing the cultural stages and important steps taken toward the union of marriage. We in GCI understand and uphold the biblical view spoken from the lips of Jesus of what God has joined together, let not humans put asunder.

Recently, I have been reading through a biography of Eugene Peterson. Upon his 30^th wedding anniversary he shared these reflections.

Marriage is a way of holiness. Holiness develops in a context of love – a love defined by covenant and faithfulness, a love that matures in family and hospitality. As I look back over the three decades, I think I have not so much been fulfilled in marriage as deepened, chastened, honed and simplified. Marriage has kept my attention on the “long obedience.” There has certainly been plenty of sexual activity – but that erotic content is not what stands out as prominent: rather the returning to daily obedience, discovering obscure sanctities…I want holiness – but nothing tame or domesticated. Jan has nurtured and prayed that in us, in me. (A Burning in my Bones, p. 197).

Peterson went on to describe marriage as “Heaven’s Envoy.” Marriage is the condition where he would discover God, be transformed by God, and be ushered into holiness. Without question, Eugene espoused highest regard for what he experienced in the union he shared with Jan, united and blessed by God.

As Susan and I approach 40 years of marital union, I concur with Pastor Eugene Peterson. Our partnership in life’s adventures through rough and smooth times has been faithful as we experience the faithfulness of Jesus to us. The love we have shared and made is evidenced to us in the eyes and smiles of our children and grandchildren. The ease in which we may idly think similar thoughts or complete the others’ sentence is testimony to how the Spirit has made two into one.

If you are not married, please understand that God meets you where you are. There are unique ways you can join Jesus and serve in unincumbered ways that a married person cannot. However, please understand that a Christ-centered marriage offers unique and precious benefits of which this article is extolling.

Figuratively, we join the well-wishers who dance in front of Kalengule and Musaba. And we muse on the thought of the dancing and celebration that will happen at the wedding feast when we the church are joined to Jesus the bridegroom. What a banquet it shall be!

Greg

Meet Jerome Ellard

“Seeing people make relational connections excites me – connections with God, with each other, and with our neighbors here in Big Sandy, Texas. I am excited about the possibilities!”

Check out this month’s GCI Profile to get to know Pastor Jerome Ellard, of Grace Communion Big Sandy.

To read his full profile, click here or the image below.
#WeAreGCI

All Saints’ Day Remembrance

The U.S. Southeast Region will host an All Saints’ Day Remembrance on Wednesday, November 1, 8-9 p.m. EST via Zoom, and you are invited. Linda Rex, SE Region Support Team Member, is coordinating the remembrance; please see her note below. Feel free to invite members from your congregation or fellowship group to participate. You can read more about GCI’s Worship Calendar here: GCI Worship Calendar

Zoom link for All Saints’ Day Remembrance: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82532935278

Yours in Christ,
Anthony Mullins

All Saints’ Day is a celebration on the Christian calendar. All Saints’ Day is celebrated on November 1 and provides an opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the lives of those who have gone before. All Hallows Eve, often celebrated on October 31, is meant to affirm the ultimate destruction and defeat of the forces of evil that were cast down in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

On November 1, 2023, the SE Region will be hosting a Zoom remembrance at 8 p.m. EST to observe All Saints’ Day. We would like this to be a time where we can reflect on the reality that we were created for life, not for death, and pause to remember for a moment with gratitude those who have died in the faith. I would love to have you participate by sending me a photo and short remembrance (100 words or less) of someone you would like to be included in this observance. Here is an example.

If you would like to share a remembrance, please email it by October 10. lrexnhgn@att.net

All God’s best to you,
Linda Rex
GCI SE Regional Support Team Member

Pastor Appreciation Month

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

October is National Clergy Appreciation Month in the U.S. It’s a time set aside to recognize the contributions and service of pastors and all other clergy members. Within Clergy Appreciation Month is Pastor Appreciation Day on October 8. It is a special Sunday that congregations can dedicate to honoring their pastoral families for their sacrificial dedication.

It’s always a good day to show gratitude to our pastors or pastoral team members, but this date offers a specific space to let them know that we see their hard work and we appreciate their deep love toward the bride of Christ.

How will you say thank you this year?

GCI Swag Store Is Closing Soon

Get your GCI gear while it lasts!

GCI clothing and accessories will only be available for purchase through October 31.

Represent our fellowship and reflect your personal style. Shop now, by clicking on the image below.

We chose the vendor for our on-demand store based on their high-quality and ethically sourced items, as well as their ability to ship internationally. However, please note that the shipping costs are per item. You can get detailed shipping information here.