Elizabeth Mullins – Page 4

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

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

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

Hiring HR and Risk Coordinator

Grace Communion International is seeking a Human Resources and Risk Coordinator to serve in our Financial Services Department. This full-time, non-exempt position is based in Charlotte, NC, and reports to the Chief Financial Officer.

Applications are now being accepted. 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.

Hiring Digital Content Developer

Grace Communion International is seeking a Digital Content Developer to serve on our Media Team. This full-time, non-exempt position is based in Charlotte, NC, and reports to the Media Coordinator.

The Digital Content Developer helps tell the story of what God is doing through Grace Communion International by creating thoughtful, engaging digital content including video, podcasts, and graphics. This role collaborates closely with the Media Team to develop projects from concept through completion.

We are looking for someone who values creative excellence, collaboration, and lifelong learning, and who resonates with GCI’s commitment to sharing the gospel and participating in the love and life of the triune God.

Applicants should have relevant education or experience in digital media production and be aligned with GCI’s mission and theological commitments. 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.

Meet Joel Calmateo

“I recognize that the leader of the church is Jesus. He will provide for the local church so it may continue serving its people and the people around them.”

Joel Calmateo serves as a pastor of GC Pasig, in the Philippines, where his journey began in youth ministry. His leadership is Christ-centered and relational, shaped by years of growing and serving within the church.

Read Joel’s profile here.

Citizens’ Toolbox—ACCM Professional Development

Through education, citizens of God’s kingdom focus on equipping the members of Jesus’ Church for their contribution in the ministry of all believers. Check out the opportunities for education and equipping through ACCM.

Home | ACCM

Ambassador College of Christian Ministry is operated by Grace Communion International in Australia.

Kingdom Living—Cross Generational Education

Citizens of God’s kingdom value lifelong learning. And while they are learning at every stage of life, they agree that it’s even better to learn with others.

MTC ACCM Partnership in Cincinnati, Ohio, US

I was thrilled to be the instructor for Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM) for the inaugural Jesus and Gospels class. We had a wonderful cross-generational mix of men and women who came with a passion to learn more about Jesus. The four narrative Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are rich and unique as they paint four portraits of the same Jesus. The students eagerly dug into the class material and especially with the group assignments and group presentations.

Here’s a note from Pastor Julie Frantz:

This was an opportunity to come alongside young adults and growing leaders in the church. It provided an opportunity for deeper discipleship and intentional investment in walking with them through Scripture. In our desire to be a faithful Ministry Training Center (MTC), we continue to invite and invest in others as the Lord provides opportunity. This past Memorial Day weekend, we hosted our first ACCM intensive and humbly report that the Lord brought an eager and faithful group to grow and learn together. We are thankful for these initial steps towards being an active MTC.

In our three U.S. MTCs (Cincinnati, OH / Surrey Hills, OK / Sun Valley, CA) our goal is to offer two onsite ACCM classes per year. The students who represent the local church are formed into what we call a “Learning Community.” These people are already regular attenders of the church and are plugged into the life of the church. To invest in their development of Christ-centered, biblical knowledge is to better equip them for more impactful ministry. An added aspect is to create space for some of our current pastors who need to attend to their education, and these classes are a great way to assist them in professional development.

This new way of engaging students at the MTC sites marks a more formal partnership with ACCM and U.S. Church Administration and Development (CAD). It is a huge blessing to have the services of ACCM with the quality classes that are going to make a difference for the students in the Learning Communities.

Greg Williams, President
Charlotte, North Carolina, US

ACCM Kicks Off Retreat in Suva, Fiji

The retreat’s focus was Kingdom Living. The first evening began with a lecture as part of the Christian Leadership course offered by the Ambassador College of Christian Ministry (ACCM). The retreat included a full worship service on both days and an interactive examination of passages drawn from Acts of the Apostles and several of the epistles.

One of the features of this year’s retreat was the number of children in attendance. The children ran and played and ran some more, chasing each other all over the campgrounds. There was a 2-hour session each afternoon of games and children’s ministry activities themed around Kingdom Living.

The total number who participated in the interactive breakouts was nearly 40 adults and teens: six groups of 5 or 6 people on average. Each had a leader and one or two scribes to record the ideas the small group considered important. Then groups reported back to everyone. This was done essentially by the youth, with a little assistance from older members as needed. They did a remarkably good job, and a few of the shyer teens made great strides in their confidence, speaking before all of us.

We plan for the discussion conclusions, and especially those elements that might shape how things might be done in the church in the future, to be collected and woven into a summarising report for use by the GCI Fiji board and pastoral team.

By Dennis Richards, Pastor
Palmerston North, New Zealand

Devotional—Words of Life

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Tom was one of our tour guides on a trip to Vietnam. On our second day with him, he apologised for his imperfect English. Apparently, he had come under criticism from previous tours and was worried about his position with his company.

While it was obvious that the guide was still learning English, we could follow what he was saying. And he was skilled in leading us around the various sites on the tour. Tom broke down as he spoke, and he later explained that he had come from a poor fishing village. Tom had wanted to get a good education but sadly was told that he would never accomplish anything.

He went to university, obtained a degree, and has worked for two years with this tour company. He is married with a young child. He was open about this, because our fellow tour members had shown him kindness and consideration. Following his openness, everyone in our group encouraged him.

How important it is to encourage rather than to criticise! To build up rather than tear down. To give others the benefit of the doubt, realising we generally have no idea of their life story, and the burdens they are already carrying.

Prayer
Loving Father, help me to be an encourager and to love people for who they are. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. Let my words be kind and gentle, and full of grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen

By Bob Regazzoli, Pastor
Carina, Queensland, Australia

Thy Will Be Done

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Discerning God’s will can often feel like an elusive pursuit in our spiritual lives. While walking through life’s storms and difficult decisions, we are continually reminded of our need to surrender our hearts to God’s divine purposes. My personal journey is marked by defining moments where God used my circumstances to draw me closer to him, fostering both spiritual growth and a clearer understanding of his will.

Even in seasons that appear fully surrendered to him, the Lord’s Spirit continues to inspire our souls, compelling us onward and prompting us to pray “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” Jesus not only instructed his followers to pray “Thy will be done” when teaching the Lord’s Prayer, but he also modeled this total surrender when he prayed the exact same words before his arrest and crucifixion.

To experience Kingdom Living, we must allow the Holy Spirit to shape our daily choices to reflect God’s will. This calls for a profound, intentional surrender — giving up our lives to mirror the unconditional, self-emptying Christ modeled for us. The apostle Paul beautifully captures this through the early Christ hymn in his letter to the Philippians when he said:

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 NASB

Although Jesus never ceased to be God, he willingly laid aside his divine rights, veiling his glory to choose to live in full submission to the Father’s will as one of us. This self-emptying found its deepest expression in the ultimate surrender: a shameful and sacrificial death upon a Roman cross. More than just a theological fact, this is an invitation to respond to his grace.

Author: Elizabeth Mullins