In my term as GCI President, I have worked with many of our longtime leaders helping to process them into retirement. It has been a privilege to come alongside these fine people. Whatever role you play in the life of the church, please realize you perform this service for a season. That’s an important lesson that I have learned. We are all interim servants. Yes, the ranges of time vary, but eventually, we will all be replaced.
Can we think about transitions with advanced planning and preparation? Succession may not be immediate, yet I suggest that it is urgent. It deserves our attention and care.
Whether you are a pastor, a ministry Avenue champion, or another position of leadership, what would advance planning and preparation look like? The critical question is, “Who are you bringing along beside you?” What traits are you looking for? Let’s consider what Paul wrote to his young protégé Timothy.
The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above reproach, married only once, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an apt teacher, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful in every way— for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil. 1 Tim 3:1-7 NRSVA
If a person is going to be an overseer of a congregation, fellowship group, or Avenue, there are markers that cannot be overlooked. I see these markers fitting into three categories.
Character
We are talking about the faithfulness of Jesus being evident in the life of a mature believer (not a novice). There are several examples in this passage that call to mind an often-overlooked gift of the Spirit — self-control. Self-control includes being moderate in food and drink and displaying an even temperament and emotional stability. These are fundamentals that must be present.
I challenge us to think about character from the standpoint of action and how we, as followers of Christ, engage others. Biola University President, Dr. Barry Corey, said that we Christian leaders need to live with a firm center and soft edges. I believe what he was saying is that we must be firmly centered in relationship with Jesus — loving him whole-heartedly, and then allowing his love and grace to extend to our neighbor through our actions and words. Jesus told us the new commandment was to love others as he loves us — he set the example of how to love. He also told us that dedication to and participation in the two great commands encompasses the entire message of the law and the prophets. You may not have thought of character in this fashion, and yet Jesus summarizes the message of the Bible in the call to love God and to serve others. Jesus, who was full of grace and truth, wants us to be likewise.
Credibility
Credibility can be described as reliability and trustworthiness demonstrated through relationships. An example might be a faithful, loving spouse, an attentive parent who manages the household well, or a good neighbor with a good reputation (not a brawler or heavy drinker at the local bar, etc.).
Corey wrote a book with the simple title, Love Kindness. As he interacts with faculty and staff, he finds that being kind has great rewards. On the day that the board meeting of the National Association of Evangelicals was hosted on the Biola campus, Corey was observed walking down the sidewalk with a box of doughnuts enroute to the custodial offices. He was demonstrating appreciation to staff members who are often overlooked. This was not a difficult task, but to acknowledge coworkers with something as simple as a doughnut is an act of kindness.
Calling
Paul, as a leader called by Jesus (remember the Damascus Road), possessed God-given discernment to know what to look for and see in others as emerging leaders. He recorded the sound advice above for Timothy.
I suggest that other veteran leaders in the church would also have this same kind of discernment to ask and answer, “What do we see in this individual?”
Then what about the individual? What do they see in themselves? Do they desire the role of a leader? Do they see how God has been preparing them along the way? Will he or she continue as an eager learner? Are they enthused and energized by the calling? As current leaders, it is crucial to have these kinds of conversations with protégés as they are developing.
It is important that we pay heed to Paul’s instructions that continue in verse 8. For any person taking on a service role in the life of the church, these instructions are relevant.
Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not greedy for money; they must hold fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them first be tested; then, if they prove themselves blameless, let them serve as deacons. 1 Tim 3:8-10 NRSVA
Servant leaders need to be above reproach and demonstrate the evidence of a Christlike life. Holding the “mystery of the faith” is non-negotiable. This means believing in the triune God revealed in Jesus, trusting in him for salvation, and finding depth of identity in a personal relationship with him. Others can follow this person because they are following Jesus.
Our shared GCI vision for Healthy Church includes the expectation of healthy leaders who are actively recruiting other women and men who can be prepared to step up. As GCI President, it is my desire to see leaders like you and me embrace the reality of our interim status while doing the advanced planning and preparation for the future of GCI.
Looking to the future,
Greg Williams
P.S. Susan and I enjoy visiting U.S. presidential libraries and then checking them off our bucket list. Recently, we were at the President Eisenhower Library in Abilene, K.S. I’ll leave you with a quote from “Ike” Eisenhower. It’s great advice for the young ones coming behind. “Learn as much as you can from those who know more than you, who do better than you, who see more clearly than you.”
Devotional—Ordinary Time
Just the fact that the word ordinary is a synonym for common is enough reason for me to love Ordinary Time. Because I feel common and often clumsy at kingdom living. Do you ever feel that way?
In truth, Ordinary Time gets its name from the word “ordinal,” which simply means counted time. In the English language, we use “ordinary” to mean typical, regular, habitual, which also feels appropriate for this season, doesn’t it? What habits or rhythms do you plan to begin in Ordinary Time?
During the other worship calendar seasons, we celebrate that the incarnate Son has come into the world. We rehearse that God is saving and reconciling us through Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension. We commemorate that Jesus gave us his Spirit, so we are never alone.
What now? What is a typical life, embodying this good news?
During Ordinary Time, let’s talk about “what now.” For the next 11 issues, our devotionals will reflect on participating with Jesus in his mission to build his church. Let’s reckon with the challenges of loving our neighbors and wrestle with the questions that don’t have easy solutions.
Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:33-35 NRSVUE
Prayer:
Beautiful Savior, we don’t always know how to live this life. But as the vicarious Man, you know. Teach us to love. We’re so grateful that we never do it alone. May we trust our union with you in deeper and deeper ways. Amen.
By Elizabeth Mullins, Update Editor
Healthy Church—Avenue Champions
Epeli Nakautoga, Eugene Panuve, and Jason Raki
The Suva congregation in Fiji reached a key milestone on their ongoing vision when the three Avenue champions were commissioned last fall. Epeli Nakautoga is serving as the Hope Avenue champion, Eugene Panuve as the Love Avenue champion, and Jason Raki as the Faith Avenue champion.
Together with Pastor Frank and Emily Boyd, I have observed Eugene, Jason, and Epeli and their ongoing maturing, clear leadership abilities, and willingness to serve. We felt their unique giftings and temperaments make them well suited for these roles. Happily, they readily agreed.
We commissioned them before the congregation, and I explained that they were selected because they had shown themselves faithful over time. Each had stepped up to serve whenever asked and had shown himself teachable and consistently enthusiastic about the congregation’s vision and plans. They have demonstrated both their leadership capacities and suitability for these new responsibilities. What a pleasure it was to commission them as Avenue champions, and what an encouragement to the church in this region.
Youth leader is another important role in the life and health of the Suva church. Tongli Panuve and Joana Wainibuli are youth leaders providing regular weekly studies for the youth. I am encouraged that the relationships amongst the group are strong, and I see their potential for greatly assisting our vision of Healthy Church in Suva.
I ask that you pray for all three Avenue champions. Pray for Frank and Emily Boyd, who will guide and encourage them. And please pray for me also that I provide appropriate training and resourcing in a timely fashion.
Dennis pictured with his wife, Sue
By Dennis Richards, Pastor and Regional Director, New Zealand
Palmerston North, New Zealand
Healthy Church—Blessing of Mothers
As part of our Love Avenue rhythms at Comunion De Gracia Sun Valley, we celebrate and honor mothers in several ways. On the Saturday prior to Mother’s Day, our men’s ministry put together a gala dinner for the mothers of our congregation, along with some guest mothers. Church members were encouraged to invite their friends and family who are mothers. The only prerequisite is registering for the event. Sixty-seven mothers participated in the event including 13 first-time visitors. The men and the youth waited the tables to the delight of the participants.
In addition to the exquisite dinner provided, the mothers enjoyed fellowship, music, and multiple goodies that were raffled. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the night was the professional photography. All the mothers were invited to partake in a free photo shoot that was donated by a church member.
The following day for our Sunday service, we prayed over and anointed all the mothers in attendance, including many first-time visitors and some of the mothers who attended the gala dinner the previous day. The whole weekend was dedicated to celebrating and blessing the mothers in our midst. Two weeks earlier we had celebrated our first of two Blessing of Children services for the year. It was so fitting that the mothers were now the ones who were being anointed, celebrated, and the recipients of much love.
These missionally minded events are a great way to express love to the mothers and create a space for the greater body to participate missionally and to join Jesus in his continued pursuit of all people.
Every Blessing,
By Heber Ticas, Pastor & Superintendent of Latin America
Healthy Church—Succession Planning
Kathy & Grant Forsyth, David Borum, Rick Shallenberger
On May 5th, I had the blessing of installing David Borum as the associate pastor of our GCI congregation in Kenockee, Michigan. I wish I had the space to tell you all the Holy spirit interventions we experienced during this transition.
During some downtime at the 2023 Denominational Celebration, I was chatting with Tim Sitterley, US West regional director, and David. David shared his excitement about the growth some congregations were experiencing, and his desire to serve even more. When Tim asked if he’d ever consider moving, David said that as much as he loved the members in Seattle, he had determined that he would follow wherever the Lord led him. Eventually, I interjected, “Would you consider moving to Michigan?” I hadn’t planned to bring up the topic and was a bit surprised the words came out of my mouth. Tim and David also looked surprised, but David repeated that he was willing to follow where the Lord led. The next morning, I introduced him to Grant and Kathy Forsyth.
From that introduction, the three of them spent much of the rest of the conference together and quickly realized how much they had in common in their approach to ministry. They continued getting to know one another virtually, and David visited the congregation and fell in love with it. Several other Holy Spirit interventions took place throughout the discernment process, which culminated in his installation on the congregation’s annual Dedication Sunday.
Prior to coming to Kenockee, David was serving as the pastor of GC Northshore (Seattle, Washington). Originally, David was a part of GC River Road (Eugene, Oregon), where he completed his pastoral residency. David said he is looking forward to serving the congregation and being fully integrated into the community in hopes of being a blessing to all he meets. Read More
Below Pastor Grant describes the transition.
Some time ago, Rick Shallenberger asked me where I saw myself in five years. I said “retired!” I was not eager to leave ministry, but it was clear there would need to be some succession planning if we were going to keep the momentum going in the congregation in Kenockee, Michigan. Kathy and I had been praying for God to supply the leader for the next chapter in our story, not knowing who we were praying for!
David Borum was our answer.
Kenockee is a big change for David! He comes from an urban, west coast community, and we are a middle America, rural farming community. But the congregation members have welcomed and accepted David. All of us are enjoying getting to know him. He fits right into “Kenockee life.”
It is obvious that the Holy Spirit has sent us David Borum as associate pastor to lead us in the continuation of Healthy Church here. I think it’s amazing how God uses each of us in his story, since there were several connections, consultants, and introductions that came together for David to come to us.
A huge thank you to all the participants that followed the lead of the Holy Spirit. We are excited to see where God is leading. Thank you, David, for uprooting your life and crossing the country to follow God’s lead.
Grant
By Rick Shallenberger, Regional Director U.S. North Central
GCI Testify
Discover the transformative power of Christ’s love in our new series, GCI Testify. Witness firsthand the impact of the Spirit in and through GCI, as members from our global fellowship share testimonies of Jesus. Click here to view previous testimonies; scroll to “Archive” at the bottom of the screen for the full list.
“The more we pray, the more we think to pray, and as we see the results of prayer—the responses of our Father to our requests—our confidence in God’s power spills over into other areas of our life.” — Dallas Willard
Join us as we unite in prayer and align our hearts with the purposes of God, trusting in his guidance and provision. Download our June prayer guide and participate with Father, Son, and Spirit in bringing our petitions and praises before the throne of grace.
Never miss a day by receiving this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month! Sign up here.
Click here or the image below to get the full prayerguide.
