US Church Restructuring

Dear Church,

In Church Administration and Development (CAD) for the U.S., we have been working for more than a year to move from a regional structure of support and supervision to a national structure.

During our summer gatherings, I shared the “5D cycle” of transformational change process: disruption, discovery, death, design, and deploy. It’s an appreciative inquiry tool, adapted from the 5D Method of Change. The newly formed U.S. CAD team has journeyed around this circle and have learned many valuable lessons. One of the most important lessons is to get each team member in his or her best fit. I think they have accomplished this.

I am proud of their hard work; they have demonstrated a yielding to the Spirit in each stage. In January 2025, the new structure will be fully implemented. Mike will give us more background, so please keep reading.

Greg Williams

GCI in the United States has been undergoing major restructuring throughout 2023 and 2024. These changes have occurred for several reasons. The main reason is a shortage of pastors and key leaders to replace our ranks. For the past 12 years, our regional system has served us well. We started with six regions. With the retirement of Ted Johnston, it went to five regions. In January 2024, Anthony Mullins left the role of Southeast regional director (RD) to plant a GCI congregation in Durham, North Carolina. Then in January 2025, Rick Shallenberger, North Central RD, and Tim Sitterley, Western RD, will both be retiring. This means Dr. Jeff Broadnax, Pam Morgan, and I will be sharing the responsibilities of overseeing the United States. I also have the responsibility of overseeing the Canadian and the Caribbean regions. We hope you can understand that we clearly needed to make some changes to manage this vast area with fewer people.

One option was to move our more experienced pastors from their current congregations to the role of RD, but this would put these large, healthy congregations at risk. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is never a good strategy for growth nor sustainable health. So, the Holy Spirit has been leading us to think differently and guiding us to implement a new strategy. However, this new strategy has required incredibly challenging and painful decisions and even more difficult conversations with our pastors and facilitators.

We changed our chartering guidelines in 2023 and revised them in 2024. Groups who meet via Zoom but do not meet face-to-face weekly, no longer have a charter. We also are transitioning groups of less than ten in weekly face-to-face attendance to closed status, and they will no longer have a charter. Of course, most will continue to gather and fellowship as small groups as they are able, but it is not wise stewardship of limited resources for the denomination to continue to insure them nor support their charter. None of these decisions has been easy for the facilitators, members, RDs, or the home office staff. We all grieve and lament with those our decisions have affected. I have struggled with bouts of depression due to these transitions and closures. This is, however, necessary if we are to oversee and properly lead our groups who have a weekly attendance of more than ten people.

The members and leaders affected by the restructuring are our brothers and sisters, our fathers and mothers, and our grandmothers and grandfathers, and we love and appreciate them very much! And it is also true that we cannot continue to provide support for the number of groups we previously supported and still provide training and the necessary accountability to help turn the corner to be a growing and thriving denomination. We do not want to leave anyone behind, so we have created the Home Church US. Pam Morgan has written an article to help explain what this is and how it works. Read it here.

I want to remind us that the “church” is not buildings or specific meetings — it is the people. Along with all Christians around the world, it is you and I, together, who make up the church, the body of Christ, the bride of Jesus. No one can remove you from God’s church. It is a covenantal relationship we each have with our God, as Father, Son, and Spirit, because of what Jesus did on our behalf. We belong to him, and no one can snatch us out of his hand. (John 10:28-29) Remember, he will never leave us nor forsake us! (Deuteronomy 31:6)

I also want to remind us that everything living has a life cycle and that includes congregations and fellowship groups. The apostle Paul planted congregations, yet they no longer exist today. Did Paul fail? Did those congregations fail? No, we are all here, in part, because of the work the Holy Spirit did through Paul and those congregations. Jesus tells us that he will build his church and even the gates of hell and death will not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18) Jesus never said a congregation or group of people will always exist in their current form until he returns.

I thank each one of you and am grateful for your love for God, love for his children, and your years (and even decades) of support and prayers. I apologize to those hurt by these transitions. To cause hurt has never been our intent, nor what is in our hearts. Like me, I know you love this denomination and want to see it thrive. I covet your continued prayers for God’s provisions and direction, as we try our best to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Love you all!

Mike Rasmussen, Superintendent of North America & the Caribbean

Devotional—At the Well

One of my favorite names of God is “Yahweh Shammah.” (Ezekiel 48:35) It means “The Lord is there.” Throughout Scripture, God reveals himself — who he is and his character. But the Son is the supreme revelation of the Father. The Son became one of us and is with us. In fact, his name is Immanuel – “God with us.”

The Gospels describe Jesus, the expression of the God who is with us. He encounters people tangibly, eating, teaching, walking with them. We see Jesus being intentional to meet individuals where there are.

In John 4, we read of an encounter of Jesus with a Samaritan woman at the well, as she was coming to draw water. As the disciples looked for food, Jesus chose to stay and to minister to this woman, even asking her for a drink (John 4:7). Little did this Samaritan woman know that she was about to draw water, not to quench the physical thirst, but through the living water who satisfies her spiritual thirst.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” John 4:13-15 NLT

Jesus met the Samaritan woman exactly where she was … at the well.

In this Ordinary Time, let us take a moment for the Lord is here. How is Jesus encountering you “at the well,” in whatever problem, sorrow, need, painful past, sickness, or anxiety you are experiencing? Jesus has given us the living water — himself.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, remind me of Jesus’ presence especially in areas when everything seems ordinary. Let the extraordinary truth about God, who is Yahweh Shammah, be my assurance today.

By Justine Paolo “Jep” Parcasio, Associate Pastor
Baguio, Philippines

Healthy Church—Leadership Retreat

Twenty-four GCI leaders from seven countries in Asia converged on the Kwanruen Resort in Korat province of south Thailand for a three-day retreat. (Korat is a four-hour drive from Bangkok, towards the border of Cambodia.) Amiyo Bacher from Bangladesh was the only one who could not join due to unrest in his country.

During an introductory session, several leaders brought updates of GCI activities in their regions. Following the Healthy Church theme, we discussed what it means to be healthy as a fellowship in four main sessions. Here are some interesting takeaways:

- - Jesus never criticizes the church for its size.
  - Most leaders are constantly negotiating between the Dominator and Protector model. (From the Support Challenge Matrix, a tool from GiANT Worldwide. For more information, see A Giant Step Forward.)
  - The priesthood of all believers is primarily inviting everyone to participate in ministry.
  - We are better together — this is the synergy of a denomination.

Facilitators included Rex Dela Peña, Aron Tolentino, Sachin Nirale, and Audie Santibanez. Retired leaders Wong Mein Kong and Eugene Guzon shared vital insights from their experience. In the wrap-up session, I proposed Eph 4:16 as one way to experience Healthy Church.

Activities included team-building activities for GCI Thailand, a fellowship night that enthralled the audience with worship, games, and embarrassment on the dance floor! Special moments included the ordination of Chan Thleng( a leader from Myanmar) and a farewell party for Eugene Guzon and Wong Mein Kong. Unforgettable moments included visiting three elegant coffee shops in three days! A memorable three days of “brethren dwelling together in unity.” (Psalm 133:1)

Danny Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia
Hyderabad, India

Healthy Church—MTC Launch

In the past, our Hawthorne, California congregation has been at the forefront of regional development for Southern California Spanish-speaking congregations. Pastor Manuel Ochoa has always been willing to create spaces for the development and sending of leaders. Over the last few years, I have brought a higher level of support to this congregation with the vision of establishing a Ministry Training Center (MTC).

An MTC congregation must display a good level of congregational health, and this congregation has been on a journey toward greater health. Disciple-making with Jesus is at the core of congregational health. Over the last three years the Hawthorne church has had 26 baptisms, including four during the West Regional Gathering. A healthy Hope, Faith, and Love Avenue are crucial for holistic health. Although this is a work in progress in Hawthorne, their Faith, Hope, and Love expressions are healthy enough to create spaces for leadership development.

On August 11, during the West Regional Gathering, we officially launched our second Spanish-speaking MTC. (We also have an MTC with the Bogota, Columbia congregation.) The proximity of our other Spanish-speaking churches in Southern California facilitates regional development at a better pace. During this gathering, we also commissioned José Luis Lopez as the MTC coordinator. José Luis will not only coordinate development at the Hawthorne congregation but regionally as well.

José Luis Lopez, Hawthorne MTC coordinator, with his wife, Maria

The Hawthorne MTC will join our Latin American program that offers a six-course diploma in Foundational Theological Studies, and a twelve-course diploma in Advanced Theological and Pastoral Studies. Participants in Hawthorne will also go through the program as a learning community in cohorts. The MTC coordinator will work closely with the local pastors to ensure that ministry practices lanes are opened for the participants. Coaching, consulting, and mentoring will be offered at all levels to ensure the MTC receives high support.

With the pool of participants coming from our Sun Valley, Santa Ana, and Hawthorne congregations, the MTC will have a hybrid component. The cohort will meet in person in Hawthorne, but their ministry development practices will take place in their local congregation. The MTC coordinator will have the challenge to ensure that all participants are provided with significant ministry participation within the framework of Team Based — Pastor Led and the three ministry Avenues. We expect 16 participants to participate in the initial learning cohort that is being launched September 21.

I trust that you will all join us in prayer for this endeavor, asking our heavenly Father to give us the joy of participating with Jesus in the development of leaders and potentially, pastors and church planters.

In Christ,

Heber Ticas, Superintendent of Latin America
Sun Valley, CA, US

Ordination of Zambian Elders

With joy and thanksgiving, we share the good news that four individuals were ordained to serve in congregations in Zambia.

- Associate Pastor Mary Bwale – Kitwe congregation
- Associate Pastor Vernon Zuze – Kabompo congregation
- Assistant Pastor Alex Kachimwa – Chongwe Lusaka congregation
- Associate Pastor Alex Musonda – Lusaka Central congregation

[Pictured above, left to right: Pastor Muphana Ngula (Chawama, Lusaka), Pastor Aaron Ng’ambi (Kitwe), National Director Inyambo Nyumbu (Lilanda, Lusaka), Pastor Alex Musonda and his wife (Lusaka Central), Miriam, Pastor Kennedy Musopelo (Chongwe), Pastor Phillip Bowa (Lusaka Central), and Superintendent Kalengule Koama (Lusaka)]

Pastor Alex Musonda (above fourth from the left) told us he loves how the body of Christ shares tasks according to the spiritual gifting, and he enjoys administration and teaching. He feels quite humbled and excited about his calling.

[Pictured above, left to right: Pastor Aaron Ng’ambi (Kitwe), National Director Inyambo Nyumbu (Lilanda, Lusaka), Pastor Alex Kachimwa (Chongwe, Lusaka), Pastor Phillip Bowa (Lusaka Central)]

When asked how he felt about his calling, Pastor Alex Kachimwa (above second from the right) quoted Psalm 138:8, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me, his love endures forever.”

Please join us in praying for them and their ministry in Jesus’ church.

Meet Pierre Duquay

“I hope and pray that God will inspire people from many nations to do this work and that he will bless this ministry allowing us to share the gospel with many persons worldwide.”

Get acquainted with Pierre Duguay, assistant pastor and Love Avenue champion in GC Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Learn more about his life and ministry in the full profile here.

We’re Hiring

GCI is hiring!

Two full-time positions are now open at the Grace Communion International (GCI) Home Office in Charlotte, NC, U.S.

The Media Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

The Assistant Operations Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted. See the job description here.

If you would like further details on either position or would like a GCI job application, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@gci.org or 980-495-3960.

Please share this announcement with qualified candidates who may be gifted for either position at the Home Office.

Meet the Home Church US

We started the Home Church US to help members from local congregations that were closing transition to a place where they could continue to be connected to GCI. We do this through weekly sermon messages given by pastors and home office leaders.

There are members who do not live near a GCI congregation. The Home Church US is a way to meet their needs as they search for a congregation in the neighborhood where they can participate in person.

The video format allows members to view the weekly sermon as a group or individually, and at various times based on their schedules. The message is sent via email each Friday to those who have signed up to receive it. Sign up here!

The message follows the Revised Common Lectionary, as well as the GCI Worship Calendar. Each presenter starts by welcoming everyone and reminding them that communion will be taken at the end of the message.

Most people who receive the weekly sermon message also receive the bi-monthly newsletter, Update, and the monthly prayer guide. Both are great ways to stay connected to what is happening in the denomination around the world and a way to be in prayer for our members everywhere.

Showing their appreciation for this service, some members send cards of encouragement to the Home Office. Many tell us they are praying for us individually and as a denomination. Below are a few comments from those who have benefited from the Home Church US.

- - Every week that we play a GCI recorded sermon we are reminded that we really are very much a part of GCI and very blessed to have GCI resources available to us.
  - It is really good to have communion as part of the sermon.
  - It is a great re-fresher on the daily life and the connection we have with the body of Christ.
  - I enjoy the sermons; some are more impactful than others. But overall, they’re good.
  - It is nice to have some connection with GCI

On September 2, Lucy Enerio was given the role of Home Church US Coordinator. If you attended the Regional Gatherings this summer, you may have met Lucy. She led the worship sessions and assisted me with coordinating the gatherings. Lucy will be a blessing to the Home Church US.

Our prayer is that the Home Church US provides a relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit for those who do not have a local congregation (GCI or other denomination) to connect with.

Pam Morgan, Operations Coordinator
Charlotte, NC, US

GCI Testify

Discover the transformative power of Christ’s love in our new series GCI Testify. Join us as members from our global fellowship share testimonies of their experiences with Jesus through GCI congregations and ministries. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness firsthand the impact of the Spirit in and through GCI.

Watch the entire series here.