Elizabeth Mullins – Page 20

Healthy Church—Equipping the Saints

The 51st Annual GCI India Convention gathered forty committed members from across the country for three enriching days of fellowship, worship, and inspiration. Held from October 11-13, 2024, at the scenic Vijaya Vihar Resort on the western banks of the Krishna River, the event offered attendees not only spiritual rejuvenation but also a chance to enjoy the serene backwaters of Nagarjuna Sagar, renowned for its peaceful landscapes and fresh fish delicacies.

Guided by the theme “Vessels of Honor,” each session inspired members to embrace their sense of calling and purpose. Pastor Daniel Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia, welcomed attendees with an opening address that set a warm and purposeful tone for the weekend. Pastor Praveen Chinta followed with insights into what it means to be a vessel of honor, highlighting that true honor is found in service to God. On the second day, Superintendent Dan emphasized how vessels of honor exemplify unity and help to avoid quarrels. Finally, I brought a message on the importance of daily missional living, as an active vessel of honor, challenging each to recommit to showing Jesus through their lives, actively embodying their faith.

Adding depth to the theme, Dr. Joshila Philips and Ms. Shanti Nirale led interactive sessions following each day’s themes. These hands-on exercises provided practical insights for implementing the lessons and messages heard, allowing attendees to take a closer look at their personal faith journey and its communal impact.

The convention also catered to the younger members of the congregation. The GCI India Sunday School coordinator Miss Selina Sravanthi, alongside Dr. Elizabeth Manoah, led special sessions for children that were both engaging and educational. The teenage members attended a session on introduction to baptism and enjoyed individual counseling opportunities. The church is committed to continuing these valuable youth initiatives in the coming weeks, and follow-up sessions are being chalked out.

Devotional—Reflecting on Ordinary Time

It’s hard to believe we are coming to the end of Ordinary Time, which began in June. We began Ordinary Time after rehearsing that God is saving and reconciling us through Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension and by giving us His Spirit. We did this through Advent and Christmas, Easter Prep and Easter, and Pentecost. After so many celebrations, we can arrive at this time in the worship calendar and wonder, what now?

That’s why we decided, through this Ordinary Time series, to talk about “what now.” Our aim was to reflect on participating with Jesus in His mission to build His church. We hoped to reckon with the challenges of loving our neighbors and to wrestle with the questions that don’t have easy solutions.

We hope you’ll enjoy a look back at some of the questions from our Ordinary Time devotionals.

How do I cultivate belonging when my neighbors don’t appear to want to connect?

What does an ordinary life that is being transformed by Jesus look like?

How can I lead and serve from a place of healing?

Am I in the right place and doing my part?

How can we live life together to exemplify the Trinity’s mission to all humanity, making the gospel relevant to our diverse communities?

How may I, like Paul “in the marketplace,” be intentional with where I spend my time?

How is Jesus encountering you “at the well,” in whatever problem, sorrow, need, painful past, sickness, or anxiety you are experiencing?

What does it mean to live for a missional God?

What’s next?

Inclusion and Union

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

It is important that we have theological clarity as to what we mean when we use the popular phrase, “All are included in the life and love of Jesus.” It is exciting and life-changing to grasp and participate in what God has accomplished for all humanity in and through His incarnate Son, Jesus. In our hearts, we want this for all people.

Dr. Gary Deddo addresses what we do and don’t mean by “included” in Christ and the meaning of “union with Christ.”

I note the difference between the personal union of the two natures in Christ (the hypostatic union) and our spiritual union by the Holy Spirit that incorporates us into the Body of Christ (what normally union with Christ has meant). It is by the ministry of the Holy Spirit that frees our response of repentance and faith so that we have a relationship of communion (koinonia) and personally receive the benefits Jesus Christ has for us. The two are not the same even though they are necessarily related. Our union by the Holy Spirit depends absolutely upon the whole Christ, the hypostatic union that makes Him one in being with God and one in nature with us.

In his 2017 article, “Clarifying Our Theological Vision,” Dr. Deddo writes:

This theological declaration is based on the biblical revelation that Christ died for all, and that God has loved and reconciled the world to Himself (Rom. 5:18; 2 Cor. 5:14; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:19, Heb. 2:9). Jesus is “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29), and He is the “ransom” for all (1 Tim 2:4, 6; 4:10; Matt. 20:28). Because this reconciliation is accomplished, and thus a present reality, God’s desire, which is fulfilled by the ongoing ministry of the Holy Spirit, is for all people everywhere to come to repentance and faith so they may personally experience (receive and live into) this reconciliation and so not perish (2 Pet. 3:9; Ezek. 18:23, 32). Thus, when we declare that all are included, we are affirming several important truths:

- - - - Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of all humanity.
      - He died to redeem all.
      - He has atoned for the sin of all.
      - Through what He did, God reconciled all people to Himself.
      - Jesus is the mediator between God and all humanity.
      - He has made all his own by virtue of his redeeming work.
      - He is for all and against none.
      - He is judge of all, so that none might experience condemnation.
      - His saving work is done on behalf of all, and that work includes His holy and righteous responses to the Father, in the Spirit — responses characterized by repentance, faith, hope, love, praise, prayer, worship, and obedience.
      - Jesus, in Himself, is everyone’s justification and sanctification.
      - He is everyone’s substitute and representative.
      - He is everyone’s hope.
      - He is everyone’s life, including life eternal.
      - He is everyone’s prophet, priest, and king.

(I encourage you to read the complete article by Dr. Deddo. There is a great introduction by our friend, Dr. Joseph Tkach, as well.)

When we say, Jesus has done it all, we really mean that. However, to experience union with Christ through the Spirit, we are talking about an interactive relationship that involves response, communication, giving, and receiving. Ultimately, a relationship with Jesus means participation. This is why the apostle John says, “But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.” (John 1:12 NRSVA) Becoming a new creation in Christ has depth and breadth of understanding, as well as active relationship that displays a level of truly receiving and participating with Christ. It signifies the image-bearer of the Creator now coming into union with Jesus through the power of the Spirit.

It is important that our understanding about inclusion follows what we see in biblical revelation, otherwise we can fall into a “lazy theology” that is governed by our personal feelings, desires, or social and cultural influences. It is equally important that we maintain a prayerful, hopeful posture that Paul expresses so well in the closing verses of Ephesians.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21 NRSVA)

This prayer of Paul is so beautiful in that it displays the inclusion of humanity in the Father, from whom all earthly families take their name. Then it takes it further to Jesus’ dwelling in the hearts of His children with a permanent faith and an experiential comprehension of His unfailing love. So, we pray to the triune God vigorously requesting that He draws all His children into a relationship of union with Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior of all!

Included and in union with Christ,
Greg Williams

P.S. On October 29, 2024, torrential rain brought over a year’s worth of precipitation and historic floods to several areas in southeastern Spain. Pedro Rufian, our ministry leader in Spain, has confirmed that none of our members or their families have been directly affected by the flooding. Please pray for Spain and all those suffering.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Author: Elizabeth Mullins