Christian Nationalism, Progressivism, Patriotism, and Voting

Dear Family and Friends,

Unless you live in a cave, you know that 2024 is an election year. In fact, 2024 could be called “The Election Year,” at least 70 countries around the world will have an election, including Ghana, Bangladesh, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Sorting out the role as a Christian during this season is not an easy journey.

I’ve asked Rick Shallenberger to write an article speaking into how we as GCI walk through the elections as we are guided by the instruction of Scripture and the leading of the ever-present Holy Spirit. And we pray to the King of kings, please provide us with leaders who care for their people and countries.

Greg Williams

I have good Christ-following friends on both sides of the U.S. political aisle whom I love and respect. I may disagree with some of their political views, and I may believe they don’t see the bigger picture, but I suspect they feel the same about my political views. The important thing is that our relationships and our worldviews are not based on politics; they are based on Jesus.

Today we live with worldviews that are in contradiction to a Christian worldview and Jesus’ teachings. Both Christian Nationalism on the “right” and Progressivism on the “left” are problematic. Christian Nationalism is different than patriotism. The basic premise of Christian Nationalism is that America should be a theocracy, ruled by Christian power in government. This is not the same as cultures and governments being influenced by Christian principles, and it is different from patriotism.

Paul Miller, the author of Nationalism vs Patriotism: What is the Difference? in a podcast with Walter Kim, president of the NAE, said this about patriotism:

Patriotism is the love of our country and our home. I think patriotism is actually a positive virtue, and everybody should be patriotic no matter what country you’re in. I think patriotism is the virtue of gratitude. We should be grateful for where we come from and our homes.

Christian Nationalism pushes for the obliteration of the separation of church and state and for the primacy of Christian beliefs and principles in U.S. governance. This might sound good, but one must ask, who determines the Christian principles? Our nation was founded on Christian principles yet, slavery was allowed, minorities and women were marginalized and excluded from educational and leadership positions, along with Catholics, Jews, and others. Likewise, not every tenant of “progressivism” is in alignment with Jesus’ teaching.

It is beyond the scope of this article to cover all the issues. The scope is to remind us to stay focused where we should be focused — on Jesus and his kingdom. I suggest that many forms of nationalism and progressivism are contrary to our true identity as children of God and citizens of the kingdom. But, before we continue, let’s make it clear that we should not treat anyone who claims a particular viewpoint with anything but love.

Politics divide us into left and right — us and them. My beliefs, loyalty to my nation can easily become more important than the kingdom and unity in Christ. As Christians we need to avoid such divisions. This “us vs them” approach was one of the main points of the “Third Option” training many of our pastors and leaders went through recently.

Jesus didn’t tell us to raise up nations for him, he told us to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). He made it clear that he came for all of humanity, including atheists, Muslims, and other religious groups (John 3:16, 1 John 2:2, John 12:44-50). He did not set one nation up as an example. Neither did he tell us to push our beliefs or political views on others through government and law. He did say we are to love God and to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:37-40). He also said to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). Further, he said we are not of this world (John 17:16). So, Christians are to adopt a biblical, Christ-centered worldview and avoid adopting alternate worldviews that are based on political or social philosophies or agendas.

The challenge isn’t to make our nation a theocracy or to force others to believe and act as we do, it is to be disciples of Jesus. It is to follow Jesus and to believe his word:

- For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come (Hebrews 13:14 ESV).
- But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself (Philippians 3:20-21 ESV).
- He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son (Colossians 1:13 ESV).

Loyalty to a political party is not the answer, Jesus is. The Bible is our authority, not a political platform. Jesus is our Savior, not a political candidate. We are first and foremost citizens of the kingdom. Can we trust our King? It’s not anyone’s place to tell someone how to vote, or even whether to vote. We can give people the benefit of the doubt that they are following Jesus as best they can. And if we vote, let’s not vote for America to be the example of the world in how to follow Christ. Let’s not vote with the mistaken idea that any particular candidate is going to change our country the way it needs to change. That hasn’t happened yet. Let’s be informed, but let’s be informed primarily by Jesus and his gospel, trusting him to be with us no matter what our circumstances.

My ongoing prayers are for the good of my nation. I pray for our leaders to have strength and wisdom, and that all people in authority rule well so that we can live in peace and pursue a relationship with our triune God. My vote in November may count, but I know with certainty that my faithful prayers count for more.

No politician can save me or the nation I live in. There is only one Savior who loves all of humanity. Jesus is going to return, and he will establish his kingdom because he is, and always has been King of kings, Lord of lords, and our only Savior. And, thankfully, he is still in charge.

Let’s remain grateful and focused on Jesus,
Rick Shallenberger

Devotional—Ordinary Faithfulness

What next? I often feel overwhelmed when I hear that I need to go out and be missional. In my mind, I reason that we are but a small church, and we lack the right resources. We feel inadequate.

However, God doesn’t measure success by size or grand gestures. Jesus began with just twelve disciples, and his ministry, though small, changed the world.

In God’s kingdom, faithfulness matters more than size or prominence. Just like how our lungs, though unseen, are essential to life, the hidden or small parts of our lives can have the greatest impact.

God often uses what the world considers insignificant. Jesus didn’t need a large following to make a difference — he needed faithful, ordinary people. God’s power is still made perfect in our weakness today. The church’s greatest offering isn’t in its famous leaders or large buildings but in everyday believers committed to following Jesus.

From one ancestor [God] made all peoples to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live. Acts 17:26

God created each of us and placed us in specific times and places for his purposes. Nothing about your life is an accident. Your talents, no matter how small, are part of God’s plan to reach others. Dallas Willard wrote, “The well-kept secret of the ‘ordinary’ is that it is made to be a receptacle of the divine, a place where the life of God flows.”

If Jesus could feed thousands with a few loaves and fish, he can do great things with whatever you offer him. God loves our availability over our abilities. He doesn’t need the most talented — he’s looking for those willing to serve faithfully.

Prayer: Father, thank you for reminding me that my worth isn’t tied to how big my actions seem. Help me trust that you’ve placed me where I’m needed. Use my ordinary life for your extraordinary purposes. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

By Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US

Healthy Church—Leadership Equipping

Caloundra, Queensland, Australia

In September, GCI Australia held a four-day leadership conference and family weekend in Caloundra. More than 50 pastors and leaders participated in Healthy Church presentations and discussions. Topics included: transformational change, reviewing Healthy Church indicators by congregation for missional identity, and reviewing indicators based on the Faith, Hope and Love Avenues.

Sessions helped unpack the multi-faceted life of a disciples who make disciples and provided some practical steps for our congregations to be further equipped as disciple-making churches participating with Jesus. The 5 P’s were explained as one helpful model.

- - Proximity — meeting people where they are.
  - Presence — walking beside someone, spending time to build and sow into the relationship.
  - Patience — taking the time to journey with them.
  - Partnership — introducing them to others in our friendship circles or small groups.
  - Proclamation — introducing them to Jesus as the Spirit leads, encouraging their integration into the life and ministry of the church.

Discipleship may take years and is based on walking beside a friend, sharing the love of God, and allowing God to work in our relationships. Small Groups are an ideal place for including new people and a way of introducing them into the life of the church.

To connect with the community and friends, a family activity was organized on Saturday at a nearby park. Many neighborhood children came and enjoyed face painting, games, and ice-cream. The event also provided an opportunity to reconnect with friends who had been previously affiliated with GCI, particularly through S.E.P. At the end of the day, an enjoyable S.E.P.-style dance was held. We hope the doors have been opened for these connections to continue to grow and flourish. We have such a grace-filled message of love, hope and faith to share.

A great highlight was the baptism of two young people. It was wonderful to witness them publicly declare their faith of Jesus. Approximately 120 attended the Sunday service that culminated in a meaningful communion. The weekend was about connecting, equipping, and growing in how to be a disciple who disciples others, that we may truly be a blessing to those around us.

This is an excerpt from the Life Together newsletter.

Big Sandy, Texas, US

Check out these resources on Review and Vision, Mission, Core Values.

One Sunday in August, approximately 25 members of Grace Communion Big Sandy gathered after services for a “Ministry Review.” My wife, Helen, prepared a sandwich lunch to facilitate our time together. The foundation of this review was the reassuring truth that all our ministry is a participation in Jesus Christ’s ministry!

This gathering was an outgrowth of our leaders and several members reading Thom Rainer’s book, Anatomy of a Revived Church. I led the initial time of discussion from a 14-page “guidebook for conversation” that I prepared for the participants. The purpose of our gathering was just that — seeking to have a prayerful conversation about the ministry activities of our congregation, and to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we follow Jesus as he ministers here.

We considered and discussed the following concepts of ministry with supporting scriptures.

- Reason for Ministry: Love,
- Form of Ministry: Sacrifice as Worship,
- Model of Ministry: The Body, and
- Growth of Ministry: Equipping.

We then reviewed our Vision, Mission, and Core Values, looking to see how they fit into our participation in Jesus’ ministry. Afterwards, each Avenue champion invited participants to breakout sessions for their Avenue to consider various starter ideas and suggestions provided in their guidebooks.

It was so rewarding to see each group interacting and talking at length about what is and what could be! These breakout sessions were intended to be the heart of the gathering. We were able to spend almost three hours in prayerful, purposeful conversation about what Jesus is leading us to do at GC Big Sandy. Next, the Avenue champions plan to provide their top two priorities for 2025 and to commit to having follow-up discussions with their Avenue teams. We hope to do this review every year, and our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will continue to speak to us and guide us as we intentionally spend this time together.

Jerome Ellard, Pastor
Big Sandy, TX, US

Thank You, Pastors

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and we want to take time to share our appreciation for our pastors. Thank you for all you do that we see, and thank you for all you do that we don’t see. God gave you to us to be a GCI pastor and for that we are so grateful.

Pastors, you embody a unique reflection of Jesus Christ, the chief shepherd, and the source of all pastoral care.

In Jesus’ earthly ministry he dignified his disciples, sending them out as his under-shepherds to continue the work of caring for his flock. Similarly, every pastor, whether serving in the formal office of ordained ministry, or gifted with a pastoral calling without the office, is granted dignity by Jesus himself.

Jesus honors our pastors’ faithfulness, standing with them in sermons preached, equipping provided, prayers offered, and moments of comfort offered for healing. Jesus also knows pastor’s struggles and joys, their burdens and blessings, and he walks alongside them in every part of their journey. As under-shepherds, they reflect the Chief Shepherd’s heart, leading not with pride or power, but with humility, care, and love. They remind us that pastoral ministry is not about control but about service, modelled after the example of Christ.

When Jesus ascended, he intended to leave behind a community with a structure and form of good leadership, a community with a ministry shaped on the pattern of his own. While all are called to be disciples and to engage in a ministry of witness to him, some were given special responsibilities and a special commission of pastoral care over his flock.

Just as when the Father sent the Son, the Father himself was at work in his Son’s ministry and so was the Holy Spirit — all were present and active in Christ’s ministry. Christ didn’t act separately. In the same way, the church’s ministry isn’t separate from Christ. Thus, pastoral ministry is Christ’s own personal ministry within the place of the church.

Thank you again, pastors, for your sacred and humble presence and service in the lives of our congregations much like Jesus. Thank you very much for your willing submission to join Jesus in serving the body of Christ. May you find joy and fulfilment as the under-shepherds God has called you to be.

By Audie Santibanez, Pastor and National Director, Philippines

Retirement of Phil Hopwood

Join us in honoring Phil Hopwood’s retirement. He served GCI for more than 40 years in Canada and Australia.

Congratulations, Phil! We are very grateful for your many years of faithful service.

We wanted you to hear from Phil in his own words.

Phil at a youth camp in Newcastle, NSW, Australia, 1997

I was brought up in a Methodist church in Launceston, Tasmania. At 14 I was given a Radio Church of God booklet. I listened to The World Tomorrow and read The Plain Truth and booklets and was baptized in a mountain creek in early 1972. The cold water exhausted my lungs, which struck me as symbolic of my baptism into Jesus’ death, and being raised to breathe new life.

In 1972 I went to the United Kingdom for two years, attending services and studies at Bricket Wood. On returning to Tasmania, I became increasingly involved in the local congregations, including Spokesmen’s Club, organizing activities, and speaking at services.

Phil at a Tasmania wilderness camp, 1977

In 1979 my pastor recommended I apply for Ambassador College. I studied in Pasadena from 1980-1983. They were three of the best years of my life and included a summer at the Jerusalem dig. Many current GCI leaders and pastors were fellow students. I was head usher at the Auditorium for a time and loved the concerts. It was a great feeling having the keys to that magnificent building in my pocket. I later worked in the personal correspondence department. This was useful during the changes when I was asked to answer hundreds of letters from Australia and Southeast Asia from members struggling with the new teachings.

I was privileged to be a summer ministerial trainee in Vancouver, Canada in 1982 and was hired there after graduating. I later ministered in Red Deer and Wetaskiwin, Alberta. Among the highlights were organising Y.O.U ski trips, bike trips, and houseboat trips in Alberta and British Columbia. I married in 1986, and when transferred back to Australia to pastor the Newcastle congregation in 1992, we were a family of five.

I had come to understand the basics of God’s grace and was overjoyed when the doctrinal changes came. Most local members listened, learned, and grew quickly in understanding, which was a blessing to witness. During that tumultuous time, I helped organise email forums for members around the world to help each other with the many questions the denominational transformation raised. Bret Miller set up the technical side, and Ted Johnson joined me in responding to myriad questions and concerns.

In 1997, we moved back to Tasmania to pastor three congregations. There were further challenges ahead, again helping congregations with the doctrinal changes. Launceston became the first Australian congregation to move to Sunday services, and we moved our annual festival celebration to a different time of year. Later, this turned into an annual retreat that has continued. The next one is planned for Advent this year.

In the past 20 plus years, I have pastored part-time, run a computer business, and taught adult education computer classes. I also created and taught ACCM classes around the world, including pastoral care and preaching classes, in the U.S., Namibia, Fiji, the Philippines, India, Malaysia, and Thailand.

After 41 years in pastoral ministry, I retired on June 30. It was challenging anticipating what this new life stage would be like, but I am loving it. I am converting an ex-ambulance into a campervan, joined a men’s shed and music group, and have time to do more things around the home (lots of overdue projects), as well as reading, learning piano and guitar, I am continuing to walk with and support local members.

The journey has been an amazing adventure. The greatest blessing has been making friends around the world and seeing so many members experience joy and encouragement from understanding more about who God really is as revealed in Jesus.

Death of Paul Kurtz

Paul Harold Kurtz, Jr., an elder in the Jacksonville, FL, U.S. congregation, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 4, 2024. He was born on March 29, 1952, at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station hospital. Paul was a brilliant man, talented musician, avid reader, devout Christian, loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and an inspiration to all who met him. Read the full obituary here.

Paul is survived by his wife, Bonnie. She and Paul were married in June. Paul is also survived by his children, Paul III (Sarah) and Mallory (Andy).

Bonnie said, “He will always live in our hearts and, through his example, inspire us to be our very best selves. I am missing him terribly. What a kind, loving, Christian man he was. My heart is broken, but I will forever cherish our short time together.”

Pastor Marty Davey shared, “Paul was out with our church group last night to see a movie, and seemed to feel fine, and had a good time. Paul had health concerns and had even overcome cancer, and he knew the Lord was always with him and his life and healing were in His hands — so Paul kept on doing the things he loved to do. He was determined to live every day, until he died — and that’s exactly what he did! We shall miss him deeply, and his amazing ministry and amazing impact on everyone he touched.”

Cards may be sent to:
Bonnie Kurtz
4650 Nottingham Road
Jacksonville, FL, 32210

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.

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.

Save the Date

The Denominational Celebration will be held
in Dallas, Texas, U.S.
on July 23-26, 2026.

Please mark your calendars. More information will be made available in mid-2025.