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
Mr. Kelly Barfield, Elder Emeritus and long-time pastor for GCI, passed away on September 22, 2024. Mr. Barfield lived and served in the Big Sandy, Texas, congregation for many years. His wife of 63 years is Vinita Barfield.
Cards of condolence for the family may be mailed to:
Vinita Barfield 132 Lindsey Road Big Sandy, TX 75755
A healthy church shares in Jesus’ mission of love looking for ways to express God’s love in tangible ways.
By Linda Rex, Elder
As we move towards Healthy Church — our never-ending goal in Grace Communion International — we share in Jesus’ mission of love. Our Love Avenue champions work with their teams to provide opportunities for members to express God’s love in tangible ways.
Markers of a healthy Love Avenue
A healthy church understands deeply how each member shares in Jesus’ mission to show God’s love to the world. The Love Avenue team and the church members are, personally and as a group, involved in their neighborhood through community groups, events, social media, and service. They build relationships with their church neighbors. Members realize that Jesus is already present and active by his Spirit in each person. The church members and the Love Avenue team work together to provide community events in which neighbors feel safe and able to connect with one another. The church also provides ways in which neighbors are connected back to the church, so that they can share in the life of the church as God leads them. A healthy church actively loves the members of their community, just as God in Christ loves every human being.
Signs of unhealth
A church that is isolated and disconnected from their neighborhood is not healthy, nor is it loving. In such a church, no one takes the lead to assess the neighborhood, or to create a plan for missional activities or events. The church expects the pastor or a small group of people to build the necessary relationships in the community. Members may simply choose to “pray and pay” rather than to personally be involved or serve. Church members may be unwilling to help with local activities or join in local groups. Possibly the church is unaware of the nature of the neighborhood in which they do ministry. And the church that does reach out to the community may not know how they are equipped to serve, because members are unaware of their own spiritual gifts or callings. Or perhaps members have not chosen to offer their gifts, resources, or talents to share in Jesus’ mission in the world.
Centering our witness in Christ
The apostle John grounds his first epistle within the Son of God’s presence in human flesh. Jesus shared in the everyday life of the people in Judea. He did this even when he suffered, was rejected, humiliated, and crucified. Jesus, as the Word of God in human flesh, demonstrated eternal life to all those around him. He lived life in warm fellowship with our Father in the Spirit (1 John 1:1-3). Love, John says, means we walk as Jesus walked. Love means we walk in the light, live in warm fellowship with God and others, and offer forgiveness to all (1 John 1:5, 9-10). The Father’s love is so great that he has called us “children of God”. For this reason, we live as children of God would live. We live in other-centered, self-giving, sacrificial love (1 John. 3:1-2, 9-11). Just as Jesus Christ laid down his life for all, so we lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16).
Joining with Jesus on mission
This love of God expressed through Jesus in the Spirit is shown in tangible ways. The apostle John reminds us that when we see a need in someone’s life, we do not close our hearts to that need. We actually do what we can to provide help. Jesus, aware of our need, did what was necessary for all of us so that our need was met. This means that not only are we aware of the needs around us, but we are also aware of what we have that we can offer that will help. And we provide the help that is needed, as we can (1 John 3:17-18). The love we offer others in the things we both say and do has its source in the God who sent his Son so that we might live (1 John 4:7-9). In the same way God loves us, we are to love others — this shows God lives in us and his love is perfected in us (1 John 4:10-11). God has given us his Spirit and abides in us, as we abide in him. We express our love for God by loving others (1 John 4:20-21).
Questions for reflection:
How important is it to build relationships within our church neighborhood? How is this building of relationships related to our sharing in Jesus’ mission of love?
What is the difference between the “pay and pray” response to community needs, and one in which a person or a group responds directly in a “hands-on” way to community needs? Which way best reflects what Jesus Christ did for all of us?
What are some of the needs in the community around your church? Consider the spiritual gifts, talents, abilities, experience, and education that are present in the members of your church. How can the resources God has given your church be used to meet the needs of your community? How will you personally offer your own resources and actively share yourself in Jesus’ mission of love?
GCI Canada recently moved their national office from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Winnipeg, Manitoba. We are now leasing office space within the Grace Communion Winnipeg church building from the congregation.
To align with the completion of the move, the GCI Canada board met in Winnipeg over the weekend for their Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Strategic Planning Session. The board confirmed alignment with the Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues and the denomination’s vision of Healthy Church.
On Sunday morning, in addition to touring the church building and new office space, the board members also had the opportunity to attend Grace Communion Winnipeg church services before departing for home to various locations across Canada.
Bill Hall, National Director of Canada Battleford, SK, Canada
GCI Ghana commemorated its 50th anniversary with a week-long celebration in August. During the week, Ghana hosted the West Africa Leadership Conference. We joined together to celebrate fifty years of God’s grace, with the theme, “Thus far by grace” taken from 1 Samuel 7:12.
On Sunday August 18, the Accra area congregations gathered at the GCI Ghana Retreat Site at Kutunse to begin the celebration with a church service inspired by praise and thankful music led by the National Director, Pastor Ing. Theo Nii Okai.
After the arrival of our guests, President Dr. Greg Williams and Pastor Gabriel Ojih, a one-day gathering for Board Members, Regional Directors, and National Ministry Leaders was held on Wednesday at the newly refurbished National Office Conference Room at New Ashongman, Accra.
The day began with praise and worship and the session was led by Deaconess Mrs. Sarah Abban who is the Ghana’s Board Secretary. After initial welcome remarks by the Superintendent of Africa, Pastor Kalengule Kaoma, Dr. Williams provided a brief report on his travels to the various congregations around the world and followed by a devotion and sharing the elements of the Lord’s Supper.
Various presentations were given by leaders on topics such as ministry teams, ACCM, GCS, and MTCs. All the discussions included a healthy dose of questions, contributions and interactions.
On Thursday, we began the West Africa Leadership Conference at the church’s retreat site at Kutunse, near Accra. Participants traveled from Ghana, the host country, and many other countries such as Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, Liberia, and the U.S.
Day one of the West Africa Leadership Conference began with praise singing and prayers after which Pastor Kaoma, discussed our theme, “Thus Far by Grace,” taken from 1 Samuel 7:12. He indicated that God’s grace has been with us right from the beginning till now, and it is the same grace of God that will carry us forward. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Greg Williams. Next were various workshops, including ones on the Faith, Love, and Hope Avenues.
Day two of the Conference included more discussion on leadership development. After lunch, the ladies took over to organize the West Africa GCI Women Ministry Conference. A food fair followed that showcased various sumptuous, mouth-watering, indigenous Ghanaian cuisine, which were patronized by all present, especially our foreign guests, who came to sample these dishes and local beverages.
Friday evening was the Opening Night Worship service for guests just arriving for the weekend 2024 Jubilee Convention. The message was delivered by our special guest, Pastor Gabriel Ojih. Gabriel, born in Ghana, now pastors GC Richardson, Texas, in the U.S. He is a foundation member of the denomination in Ghana and one of its former lead pastors. His message encouraged us to go “Forward in His Grace and Truth.”
On Sunday, the concluding day of the celebration, attendance was the highest: 572 people, including 120 young people and children. Members resplendently dressed in the special 50th Anniversary designed wax-print shirts, “Kaba and Slit,” boubous, and other designs. [See image below.]
Various Awards were given by the Anniversary Committee to five pioneer church members, including 92-year-old Emeritus Deaconess Letitia Ojih (mother of Gabriel Ojih). Pastor Emmanuel and Margaret Okai received a citation for their many decades of exemplary service to the church in Ghana as well as the West Africa sub-region.
A visit to the historic Cape Coast Elmina “Slave” Castle was part of the scheduled events. Indeed, the visit to the Elmina Slave Castle was very emotional for all, especially our five African American friends from Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., who were visiting the Motherland for the first time.
All the visitors and guests have returned safely to their respective countries. Indeed, God’s bountiful grace has brought us all this far.
May his name be praised, Ing. Theo Nii Okai, Ghana National Director
This is a condensed version of Pastor Theo’s update. Read the full story here.
For three days in June, young people came together for a local camp in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (RSA). Regional Director of Southern Africa, Takalani Musekwa, said that they are encouraging their congregations to hold local youth camps during the year as an activity of the Love Avenue to engage with youth in the neighbourhood.
Market Harborough, UK
In the United Kingdom, the GC Market Harborough congregation has been sponsoring Adventure Camp for several years. Most recently, it was held over the 2024 August Bank Holiday. (The August Bank Holiday, also known as the Summer Bank Holiday, is a public holiday in the United Kingdom.) It is part of the youth outreach programme of GCI-UK.
Adventure Camp is a fun-filled, action-packed, Christ-centred kids camp for children aged 6-13. This year it was held in a spacious and beautiful outdoor activity centre. Superintendent of Europe, Gavin Henderson, said that the camp location is very close to Market Harborough and now has quite a number of local campers.
GC Sun Valley is grateful to our heavenly Father for allowing us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage once again. It was commemorated on September 15, with around 180 participants, including congregation members and visitors.
The event was adorned with vibrant decorations, with each booth representing the unique culture of a different country. Our volunteers prepared and served delicious food, which was enjoyed by everyone.
Celebrating unity and diversity among our fellow members and visitors is vital as we walk by faith. While we take pride in our roots, we recognize and teach that there are no borders between us. Our objective in celebrating is to represent unity, as we are all one in Christ. We are honored to pray for other countries, acknowledging the need for prayer where our brothers and sisters are facing difficult times.
Our children’s ministry taught the young ones about diversity and the truth that we are all one in Christ. Demonstrating unity to our children and embracing each other’s heritage is a powerful way to share our Father’s love.
Above all, we received his word, reminding us of the importance of being a strong light to illuminate the darker corners of the world. Through it all, it remains essential to model Christ by showing kindness and love while sharing his word.
We extend our heartfelt thanks for the support and contributions from all the volunteers whose efforts made this celebration possible. Their participation is essential in bringing these special events to life, and their love for God is evident in their work. We deeply appreciate their dedication and service.
Dina Rash, Children’s Ministry — Hope Avenue Team Sun Valley, CA, US
Spanish Translation:
Estamos agradecidos con nuestro Padre Celestial por permitirnos celebrar una vez más la Herencia Hispana, conmemorada el 15 de septiembre de 2024, con alrededor de 180 participantes, entre miembros de la congregación y visitantes.
El evento estuvo adornado con decoraciones vibrantes, y cada puesto de comida representaba la cultura única de un país diferente. Nuestros voluntarios también prepararon y sirvieron comida deliciosa, que todos disfrutaron.
Celebrar la unidad y la diversidad entre nuestros miembros y visitantes es vital cuando caminamos por fe. Nuestro objetivo al celebrar es representar la unidad, ya que todos somos uno en Cristo. Aunque nos sentimos orgullosos de nuestras raíces, reconocemos y enseñamos que no existen fronteras entre nosotros. Nos sentimos honrados de orar por otros países, reconociendo la necesidad de oración cuando nuestros hermanos y hermanas atraviesan tiempos difíciles.
Nuestro ministerio de niños enseñó a los pequeños sobre la diversidad y la verdad de que todos somos uno en Cristo. Demostrar unidad a nuestros niños y abrazar la herencia de cada uno, es una manera poderosa de compartir el amor de nuestro Padre.
Sobre todo, recibimos Su palabra, que nos recuerda la importancia de ser una luz fuerte que ilumine los rincones más oscuros del mundo. Es muy esencial modelar a Cristo, mostrando bondad y amor al compartir Su palabra.
Extendemos nuestro más sincero agradecimiento por el apoyo y las contribuciones de todos los voluntarios, cuyos esfuerzos hicieron posible esta celebración. Su participación es esencial para dar vida a estos eventos especiales, y su amor por Dios es evidente en su trabajo. Apreciamos profundamente su dedicación y servicio.
Our children attended Ocean Breeze Elementary School, and I was a school aide and a crossing guard for six years. This is a school that is near and dear to my heart. When our congregation was choosing a way we could engage and serve the community, I thought immediately of this school. I know teachers there spend their own money for student school supplies.
I first approached Jennifer, the School Resource Officer, to find out the needs of the school. Now Officer Jennifer sends us a list, and we shop for the items. This is such fun and a joy to see the look on Officer Jennifer’s face when we show up with all the goodies. In this way, GC Melbourne has been partnering with the school for approximately four years. The teachers truly appreciate our congregation’s help.
Marianne holding thank-you card from school
Marianne Legg Melbourne, FL, US
Kenockee, MI, US
In September, GC Kenockee celebrated the beginning of the school year and a new Children’s Church year. Pastor Jim Meade prayed a back-to-school blessing over the children. And Pastor David Borum commissioned and prayed for the new Children’s Church teachers and helpers.
During this special Sunday service, Kathy Forsyth was honored. She is retiring from the role of Children’s Church Coordinator after serving for many years. Kathy passed the baton to the new Coordinator, Angie Ashbrook. Pastor Grant Forsyth commissioned and prayed for Angie.
Thank you, Kathy, for your dedication and service!
Queens, NY, US
On September 7-8, GC Queens hosted a unique community event, departing from the traditional broad public outreaches. Instead, we took a more personal approach, limiting the invitation to families who participated in our previous back-to-school events. This event attracted hundreds in the past, but it was difficult to make a personal impact.
By narrowing the invitation list to those with whom we had already established relationships, the event had a more personalized and “community reunion” feel. This allowed for deeper conversations and more meaningful connections, which we believe left a lasting impact. Many family members who attended already knew us, and we also met new guests. Instead of just handing out backpacks, we used the time to pray with our guests, offering conversation and literature in Spanish. This impressed our Spanish-speaking families (a large part of our target community), making them feel equally valued and included.
In addition to meeting immediate needs with school supplies, we took the opportunity to discuss our various ministries, including our plans for a 2025 neighborhood camp. Parents learned about our Sunday School program for children, and many adults were able to connect with leaders from our Men’s and Women’s Ministries. These conversations helped strengthen existing relationships within the community, and they opened doors for further spiritual support.
We were blessed to hear and pray through individual stories from the neighborhood. We heard from fathers looking for a strong men’s ministry and their children’s career dreams. We prayed with families seeking reassurance in uncertainty, sharing their hopes for healing and community. We listened to and prayed with new immigrants looking for relief and a spiritual home.
The impact of our community outreach event was further demonstrated the next day as many guests joined our Sunday service, doubling our average attendance. Vicky Newsom gave a bilingual sermon, “Who is God’s Favorite?” from James 2. She explained that God’s favorite is all of us in Christ, so all are welcome at GC Queens! This increase in attendance and the whole service validated the event’s effectiveness and showed the community’s growing interest in our church and its activities. It was a hopeful sign for our future endeavors.
Our church’s commitment to spiritual and practical support was evident in the smaller but much more spiritually fruitful event. I would also like to recognize the work of our Avenue champions: Eleanor Toussaint, Hope Avenue champion; Ruth Phillips, Faith Avenue champion; and Vicky Newsom Love Avenue co-champion, along with elders, James Hills and Jonathan Browne. We are grateful for the reunions and the new contacts made, and we look forward to continuing to walk alongside these families, sharing the love of Christ in both spiritual and practical ways.
Considering God’s missional nature can be tough if it conjures ideas about missionaries who lived this out in radical ways. We respect these examples, but they feel unattainable. Is this what it means to live for a missional God? While it is true that God is missional, the primary calling God has for us is to be God’s children, submitting our entire selves so that we might live into this new identity. Then, as Christ grows us up into that identity, we will naturally reflect the missional identity of God.
Ruth is a good example; she surrenders her previous ideas about herself.
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
We may think that Ruth participated with God because of her upstanding character, but it was God’s invitation and movement toward her first that allowed her to submit and surrender who she thought she was — her old self. Then Ruth clung to her newfound identity as a child of God.
As we step into the identity that God has for us, we need to trust that it is God who is missional. God does not need us, yet he allows us to share in his work of love. From this understanding, we can be more effective at reaching out, because our identity and worth is never dependent on the results of our effort.
Reflect on what God’s missional nature means for you.
Prayer Dear Lord, as I consider how capable you are to bring your mission of redemption to completion, please reveal how I might release my identity to you, that I may live more fully into the identity you have for me. Amen.
By Alexander Brandt, Pastor Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
By Linda Rex, Elder
