GCI Board Update

Grace Communion International continues to follow Jesus on his mission to share the good news we have been given and make disciples. By his grace and with the resources he provides, we do so around the globe. It is encouraging to see articles in our publications that highlight the growth and vitality that many are experiencing on this journey.

An essential aspect of Jesus’s ministry within our cultural context is to function within the legal guidelines required by governmental agencies. Accordingly, GCI is organized and established according to a set of Bylaws and is “Board Governed.” That is, GCI’s theological foundation, overall mission, financial procedures and administrative policies are overseen by a Board of Directors. This includes insuring publications accurately reflect our mission and GCI doctrines, reviewing and approving the annual budget and financial audit, approving and financing the Ministry Training Centers and overseeing the work of the GCI President as he develops plans and strategies for living out GCI’s vision and mission.

The GCI Board of Directors is a diverse group of elders who serve four-year terms. Each of the directors brings an impressive range of gifts and experiences to serve GCI on a voluntary basis. An aspect of chairing the board that has been particularly enjoyable for me is having the blessing of working alongside a group of people who fervently love Jesus and gladly exercise their gifts to benefit GCI. We are all friends as well as co-workers. While we review, deliberate and decide key issues related to oversight and governance of GCI, we do so with a full measure of mutual respect, grace, and humor (we like each other and have a good time.)

The board generally meets four times per year. Three meetings are by Zoom and the fourth, a face-to-face meeting, is held each October at the GCI Home office. However, our last meeting was an exception. We decided to meet in Surrey Hills at the location of the Ministry Training Center and the home of GCI Surrey Hills. This gave our directors an opportunity to experience firsthand the fruit of their decision to finance the MTC by meeting at the building and participating in the worship service.

During this board meeting something occurred that made the experience particularly inspiring. The board installed Mike Urmie as the newest board director. As a long-time GCI member and elder he has served in many ministry and pastoral roles. He brings a wealth of experience from the world of business and sales. We are honored to have him join the board of directors.

Also at this meeting we thanked Robert (Chip) Brockmeier and Heber Ticas for their outstanding service on the board as they concluded their terms. They have both served faithfully and graciously as co-stewards of the mission and resources Jesus has given GCI. We greatly appreciate their contributions to the board and pray they continue to experience every blessing Jesus has for them as they continue to serve him in other capacities.

As the board continues to follow Jesus, oversee the work of GCI and support President Greg Williams, please pray for us. We covet the wisdom of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we seek to faithfully steward GCI resources. We thank our many GCI members for their financial generosity and support.

May our loving Father continue to bless all of us as we journey together with Jesus.

Randy Bloom, GCI Board Chair