Ministry Ethos of GCI

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

What does ministry look like from an Incarnational Trinitarian foundation?

We begin with the “Who?” question. Whose ministry is it? It is the ministry of Jesus, the second member of the Godhead who emptied himself and became incarnate for the salvation of mankind. Through his earthly ministry, Jesus revealed Father God, and he prepared the way for the Holy Spirit to come. (Much more can be said about the incarnation of Jesus and the makeup of the triune Godhead, but for the sake of staying on point with the topic of ministry ethos, we move forward.)

The scriptures inform us that Jesus is Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Head of the Church, Lord of Lords and King of the eternal kingdom.

We then are his created children, new creations in him, believers who are growing in his grace and knowledge, members of his body, junior ministry partners participating in his ministry, worshippers. Our lives, identities, and purposes are found in him. Therefore, we abide in him, rest in him, submit our hearts, minds, and souls to him. We rely on the one who first came to us.

Christian ministry at its core is the vicarious salvific work of Jesus to fallen humanity. It is only by union with him and empowerment from the Holy Spirit that we can join and participate. Ministry is not something we do “for” Jesus, rather true ministry is only something we can do “with and through” Jesus.

We often talk about Jesus being the center. Superintendent Mike Rasmussen wrote the following in February 2026 Equipper, and it is worthy of another look:

We do not make Christ central; we awaken to the reality that our lives are already held together in him.

Our lives are not random, nor are our days empty of meaning. We confess that Jesus is the center of the center. So, we joyfully proclaim that all things find their origin, purpose, and destiny in him. From the first breath of creation to the final word of redemption, Christ stands at the center. He calls us into lives shaped by his purpose and motivated by his love.

Jesus does not simply offer ideas to believe, but a way to live. He says, “Follow me,” and invites us into a life where every moment matters. God gathers all our work, rest, joy, sorrow, faithfulness, and struggle into his redemptive story.

He meets us in the ordinary rhythms of daily life and leads us toward the fullness God intends. In Christ, our lives are no longer fragmented or aimless. Our work becomes an offering of service. Our relationships become places of grace. Our suffering is not wasted but held within the promise of resurrection.

The ethos of Incarnational Trinitarian ministry is founded and grounded in the belief that the triune God (Father, Son, and Spirit) invites humanity into their shared life and love. Through the incarnation of Jesus, the personal, intimate love of God was demonstrated. (For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.)

Incarnational Trinitarian ministry is the ministry of Jesus. GCI’s mission statement of “Living and Sharing the Gospel” fits so well. It highlights demonstrating the gospel through humble, loving, personal engagement. It prioritizes kindness and service over distant proclamation or harsh judgment. Gospel demonstration and proclamation is how we witness to a fallen world, but proclamation is best received when demonstration happens through loving relationships.

Joining Jesus in his ministry means that we are living testimonies and proclaimers to the vicarious work of Jesus done on behalf of humanity. Jesus is our center; he is the representative for all humanity. Ultimately, Jesus is our ethos for ministry. All the values that are good, his perfect character, and all the guidance that is needed for participation are found in him.

May we lay down our pride, ambition, and self-centeredness to the One who is the true center. When we do, we shall find his yoke to be light.

With and through Jesus,
Greg Williams

Devotional—The God Who Hears

O you who hear prayer, to you shall all flesh come. Psalm 65:2 ESV

To hear from God is a great blessing. But it’s also a great blessing that God hears us. Consider the story of Hagar. When cast out into the wilderness, alone and desperate, she discovered that God is “the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13). Then in Genesis 21:17, we are told that “God heard the boy [Hagar’s infant son, Ishmael] crying.”

These statements reveal something essential about the very nature of God: He is the God who hears!

To say that God hears is to say that he is moved, that he responds, that he is personally involved. These are truths that reach their full expression in Jesus Christ. And we are told in Hebrews 4:15-16, that as our High Priest, Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses.

In Jesus, God not only hears human cries, but also enters into them. Think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where his prayers were raw, honest, and deeply human. And though the path of his suffering was not removed, God heard those prayers. The Father was present with Jesus in his suffering.

This reshapes how we understand being “heard.” It is not a guarantee of immediate relief but of divine presence and faithful response. So, when we pray — whether our words are articulate or faltering, hopeful or weary — we are not speaking into silence. We are being heard within the very life of the triune God who hears.

Prayer
Lord, you are the God who hears — not from a distance but from within the depths of our lives. Teach us to trust that no cry is lost, no whisper ignored. In Jesus, our High Priest, draw us into your listening love, that we may find rest in your faithful presence. Amen.

Ted Johnston, Grace Communion Seminary Faculty
Foley, Alabama, US

Kingdom Living—One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism

Baptism is a cherished value in the life of the kingdom because it visibly proclaims the grace of God already given to us in Jesus Christ. It is not about earning God’s favor but about participating in what Christ has accomplished on our behalf. Baptism declares our union with him, our forgiveness, and our new life by the Spirit.

As an outward sign of an inward reality, baptism joyfully bears witness that we belong to God’s family and share in his redeeming love.

Join us in celebrating the following GCI baptism. Both the individual and the community celebrate the transforming work of grace already at work among us.

Dumaguete, Central Visayas, Philippines

Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

Glendora, California, US

Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, US

Jacksonville, Florida, US

Citizen’s Toolbox—Teaching Baptism

Citizens of the kingdom believe in one Lord, one faith, one baptism — Lord Jesus, his faith, his baptism. We are baptized into Jesus’ baptism and his faith.

And we take seriously our responsibility to disciple members for the sacrament of baptism. Here’s one GCI resource that is helpful for baptism classes: We Believe with teacher’s notes

The sacrament of baptism proclaims that we are saved by Christ alone and not through our own repentance and faith. It is a participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in which our old selves have been crucified and renounced in Christ, and we have been freed from the shackles of the past and given new being through his resurrection. Baptism proclaims the good news that Christ has made us his own, and that it is only in him that our new life of faith and obedience emerges. Grace Communion International baptizes by immersion. — GCI Statement of Beliefs

Prayer Guide—July 2026

“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” — Mother Teresa

This July, we gather in prayer — giving thanks for the ways God continues to shape us. In our churches, neighborhoods, and daily lives, he is forming us into people who reflect his grace and hope.

Click here to download the July Prayer Guide.

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

Building Connections Across Languages

The Rayong, Thailand congregation is comprised of Filipinos who do not speak Thai. One vision of the Pastoral Team is for our church to intentionally reach out to the local Thai community and share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.

To support this vision, the team has initiated a Thai language class for interested church members who desire to learn the fundamentals of the Thai language.

The goal is to equip members with the ability to communicate effectively with native residents, build meaningful relationships, and share the word of God in their own language. (We still remember the Thai Language Mission Trip undertaken by Ambassador College in years gone by).

Lito Olaguer, Pastor
Rayong, Thailand

Women’s Ministry Event

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NKJV

On April 17–19, GC Ladson hosted our local women’s conference, entitled “Radiant Women Reflecting His Light.” The event brought together women from diverse backgrounds to honor Jesus Christ, focusing on how his light can be reflected in everyone.

The program commenced on Friday with an opening reception, marking the beginning of a weekend featuring insightful testimonies, presentations, and activities. During each session, our sisters Edith Simmons and Deaconess Clara Martin guided us with praise and worship songs rooted in Scripture, ministering to the hearts of everyone present. These sessions emphasized that the light of Jesus uniquely illuminates even the darkest of our personal circumstances.

The event featured a range of impactful speakers and sessions that inspired and encouraged the attendees throughout the weekend.

Saturday Sessions

- Deaconess Clara Martin shared insights on how true radiance comes from within and emphasized the importance of continually allowing the light of Christ to shine through each day.
- Deaconess Janie Wright offered her personal experience with prayers answered differently than she hoped. She described how she relied on the Spirit of God to guide her in supporting others and through this, drawing closer to Him.
- Deaconess Mary Robinson provided a heartfelt account of her spiritual journey, explaining how she depended on God’s Spirit to lead her through exceptionally challenging times in her life.

Sunday Session

- Elder Michelle Hartman concluded the conference by encouraging everyone to reflect on their formation from darkness to becoming light in the Lord. She prompted attendees to examine how they respond to Christ’s light in their own lives.

Throughout the conference, participants took part in meaningful activities designed to deepen their faith. Sister Shannon Hoppe led an exercise focused on the importance of studying Scripture and communicating the message of Christ clearly. Additionally, I facilitated another activity to reinforce the centrality of Christ in every aspect of our lives.

Personal Reflections and Spiritual Journeys

Throughout the conference, each participant was given the opportunity to share her personal spiritual journey with Christ. These testimonies highlighted how Christ has shaped their lives, guiding them to become the individuals He desires them to be.

Participants expressed that, in whatever roles or responsibilities they undertook, the Spirit of His light shone through their actions. This illumination allowed others to see Christ reflected in them, reinforcing the central theme of the conference: Radiant Women Reflecting His Light.

In his love,

Robin Grant, Women’s Ministry Chair
Ladson, SC, US