Church Multiplication Ministry

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

This issue I have asked Vice President Heber Ticas to be a guest writer. Heber is also the Church Multiplications Ministry (CMM) Coordinator. He explains how CMM is working to support new church plants and church relaunches to help GCI-USA move forward as we join Jesus as he expands his eternal kingdom. The dawning of new churches and revitalized existing churches are markers of healthy church and move us forward in our vision to be the healthiest expression of church we can possibly be.

From the inception of the church, God chose to expand his kingdom through her witness, calling people out of brokenness and into a wholesome relationship with the triune God. King Jesus’ earthly ministry began with the proclamation of the arrival of the kingdom:

Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15 ESV

Jesus’ kingdom proclamation was such that it called for hearts and minds to respond to the divine king, who has descended into our human experience as one of us, and is drawing humanity out of the depths of isolation and into a living relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In the book of Revelation, the apostle John paints a glorious image of the fulfillment of this reality when he says.

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God.” Revelation 5:9-10 ESV

God’s redemptive mission from all of eternity was to reconcile humanity to himself. It is in and through king Jesus and by the power of the Spirit, that people from every tribe, language, and nation respond to the proclamation of the gospel. And as people come to know him, this beautiful mosaic of the kingdom of God begins to take shape.

His kingdom continues to expand as he continues to draw people to himself. The church becomes the means through which this expansion takes place. The church does not build the kingdom, but she bears witness to the coming kingdom. Her participation in bearing witness to the coming kingdom takes place through the planting of gospel-centered churches who multiply disciples, leaders, ministries, and new churches. Church multiplication is rooted in the Great Commission where Jesus calls us to make disciples of all nations. He emphasizes the sending nature of the church and commissions her to go and join him in this continual enterprise of kingdom expansion.

In GCI, we desire to be part of this heavenly enterprise of expanding the kingdom through the multiplication of new expressions of the church. Our unified vision is to become the healthiest global expression of the church that we could possibly be. Church Multiplication Ministries (CMM) exist with this ultimate purpose in mind. Alongside the U.S. National Ministry Team, CMM provides vision, strategic leadership, consulting, and equipping. We yearn to continuously witness existing congregations be renewed in such a way that missional living, disciple making with Jesus, and leadership development become the deep-rooted culture of the church. We are continually providing consulting and training to congregations who are currently being replanted or relaunched. We are coming alongside those congregations that are developing teams to eventually plant/launch a new expression of the church and assisting those who are currently starting new ones.

This year CMM has been actively supporting Pastor Julie Franz, providing consulting and strategic direction as she navigates the merger of two congregations in Cincinnati, Ohio. With the merger, the congregation has greater potential for missional movement. We have also been providing support to Pastor Anthony Mullins who is in the process of planting a congregation in Durham, North Carolina. Last October, CMM sponsored a “Dream Huddle” at our MTC in Surrey Hills, Oklahoma. The “Dream Huddle” was a gathering of some missionally-minded pastors and leaders who came alongside a group of leaders from the Surrey Hills congregation for equipping on best practices for missional living and the process of starting new expressions of the church.

Kingdom expansion through church multiplication encompasses missional living, discipleship, leadership development, and intentionally seeking the lead of the Spirit to provide strategic direction in joining Jesus’ mission in our world. It is a prodding of the Spirit to move beyond addition and into multiplication at every level, including multiplying churches. In GCI, we aspire to become a church multiplication movement, and CMM is at the center of this vision.

We pray that our Lord continues to grant us the joy of participating with him in drawing people of all tribes, nations, and languages through multiplying churches that multiply and point others to the coming kingdom. We will sing the “new song” along with those who God will draw to himself through the church multiplication efforts of GCI.

Joyfully participating with Jesus,
Heber Ticas, Vice President

Devotional—God, Are You There?

I must admit that there have been times when I felt God had abandoned me. You’ve probably felt the same. Sometimes, in the severity of our trials, we may think that God has forgotten about us. I’ve cried out, “God, are you there?”

The psalmist expresses a similar sentiment but comes to a comforting realization.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,’ even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:7-12 NIV

Even in our darkest moments, God is there. Even when we fall into problems, dilemmas, or circumstances where it seems impossibly dark … he sees us.

No matter how dark or difficult life may seem, God is always there. We are never lost to him. In our moments of doubt or despair, let’s remember that God’s light shines brightly, even in our darkest hours. His presence is constant, and his love for us never wavers.

Prayer
Father, thank you for never abandoning me, even when I feel lost or alone. Help me to trust that you are with me, even in the darkest times. Remind me that I am precious to you and that your presence is a light that never fades. Give me strength and comfort, knowing that you see me, care for me, and are always near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US

Note: This was adapted with permission, from God, in Every Step, a 52-week devotional that invites readers to recognize God’s presence in the everyday moments of life.

Kingdom Living—Launching Missional Congregations

“[God’s] kingdom continues to expand as he continues to draw people to himself. The church becomes the means through which this expansion takes place. The church does not build the kingdom, but she bears witness to the coming kingdom. Her participation in bearing witness to the coming kingdom takes place through the planting of gospel-centered churches who multiply disciples, leaders, ministries, and new churches.” — Heber Ticas

Read below how two congregations have launched new expressions of healthy church.

Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

On September 7, 2025, Grace Communion Steele Creek (GC Steele Creek) had our official launch. It was a day of great celebration, with many of those present commenting that they felt the presence of God. Since our beginning as a merger between a church plant and an existing congregation in October 2023, the members of GC Steele Creek have followed the leading of the Spirit in rebuilding our faith community from the ground up. We especially gave (and continue to give) our attention to developing meaningful relationships with our neighbors (Love Avenue) and intentionally living out our core values of belonging, celebration, restorative justice, truth, and unity. The result was a launch day overflowing with joy in the Lord and gratitude for his faithfulness.

The group that gathered on launch day, in a small way, reflected images of heaven we see in Scripture. People from different ages, stages of life, ethnicities, and experience following Christ worshiped the Lord together. I was especially grateful for the children God brought into our fellowship. They bring a vibrancy that is contagious.

We believe God has laid a strong foundation for GC Steele Creek and revealed our presence in our community in a beautiful way. We are excited to see where he leads us next.

By Dishon Mills. Pastor
Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

Lemon Grove, California, US

The idea that we’ve been “blessed to be a blessing” is woven through both the Old and New Testaments. This has always been our desire at GC Lemon Grove. Ever since my husband and I began pastoring here more than 24 years ago, we’ve striven to serve the residents in this 3.5 square mile city that lies just seven miles East of San Diego

Five years ago, when COVID gave us time to reflect, pray, ask questions, and dream, God revealed a fresh and specific vision for reaching Lemon Grove with the good news. This dream involved finding a commercial space in the heart of our city’s downtown corridor that would serve as a church and an event space where neighbors could connect with neighbors — and ultimately, be encouraged to connect with God.

After 5 years of denominational high support / high challenge, and very consistent and intentional relationship building with our neighbors, it was beyond thrilling to host the Grand Opening of our new space on August 22. The weekend included a ribbon cutting, community concert, open house, game night and worship gathering. God has truly blessed us, and we are thrilled to pay this blessing forward to Lemon Grove.

Watch our September video update here.

By Anne Stapleton, Pastor
Lemon Grove, California, US

Kingdom Citizens’ Toolbox—Launch, Renew, Relaunch

Citizens of God’s kingdom believe that Jesus is working through his Bride, the Church. We believe that members of his Body together are being conformed to the image of Christ. GCI’s CMM is devoted to transformational church values and resources. Learn more below.

Church Multiplication Ministries | Grace Communion International Resources

WeAreGCI—Dan Zachariah

Thailand Team Building

More than 50 members and guests met for an annual gathering of faith and fellowship with the theme “We Press on for Such a Time as This.” Several teambuilding activities helped strengthen faith, foster community and inspire personal growth. Along with worship, we also had one baptism. We were also blessed with the presence of guest pastors and missionaries who shared stories of their faith journey. The three days were experiences in unity, transformation and surrender to God’s will.

Congratulations Graduates

We are proud to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of two of our own from GCI India, who have recently completed significant academic milestones. Join us in congratulating them.

Jessica Philips has successfully earned a master’s degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of Illinois, Springfield.

In the field of medicine, we also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Leeann Zachariah, who has achieved the MRCEM (Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, London). She is the daughter of Mary Zachariah, and Dan Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia.

Note from the President

My friend Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, posted the following statement concerning the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk:

There is universal grief at the loss of a life, but there is also grief for the moment that we’re in and polarization that has led to a very dangerous pattern of political violence … Are we (going to be) contributors to the social chaos or are we those who will solve this issue with our words rather than physical violence?

We are shocked by crimes of hate, and for me, hearing the comments about people who celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk is even more shocking. All violence (and has been far too much as of late) breaks the heart of Jesus, and it always takes me back to his compassionate display of weeping and lamenting over Jerusalem. Our spirit joins with Jesus over this fallen and broken world.

As kingdom citizens, let’s reflect Jesus by being people who lean into civil discourse, kindness, and compassion — especially when we disagree.

Prayer Guide—October 2025

“God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.” — Oswald Chambers

Along with other members of the Body, may we join the Spirit, interceding on behalf of our fellowship. This month, we thank God for the ways he is building up leaders, blessing communities, and drawing us deeper into his love and purpose.

Download the full prayer guide here.

Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.

2026 Denominational Celebration

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

Kingdom Living is participatory, relational, and missional.

Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” As citizens of the kingdom and co-laborers with Christ, we are sent into the world to reflect his light. Kingdom Living requires awareness of our calling and our context, seeing our neighborhoods, vocations, and even our sufferings as places where Jesus reigns and sends us.

Kingdom Living is not passive. It is a bold proclamation and a tangible demonstration. We not only speak of the reign of God, but we also show it. Our words align with our works. As image bearers, our relationships become a visible witness to the reality of the kingdom being ushered in.

During this gathering, we’ll explore what it means to live as kingdom people, active participants in God’s mission, deeply rooted in community, and shaped by the presence and authority of Jesus.

Registration opens December 1. Look for more information and the registration link in our December 3 Update issue.

Home Office Jobs Available

GCI is hiring!

The Grace Communion International (GCI) is seeking qualified applicants for positions in the Home Office in Charlotte, NC, U.S.

The Operations Coordinator position is currently available, and applications are being accepted for this full-time role. See the job description here.

The Member and Donor Service Representative/Data Entry Clerk position is currently available, and applications are being accepted for this part-time role. See the job description here.

If you would like further details on the 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 this position at the Home Office.