Elizabeth Mullins – Page 4

Devotional—Kingdom Life in the Trinity

In the coming days, our calendar and worship experiences will focus on Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. As we focus on Kingdom Living, we will deepen our relationship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When speaking of the Holy Spirit, we often say, “when I received the Holy Spirit.” Jesus said that the glory the Father gave him — the Holy Spirit and all that he is — has now been given to us as well. So, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the Holy Spirit has received you and me through the life of Jesus Christ from the Father.

Since the Holy Spirit is one with Jesus and the Father, we are drawn into him with everyone else. This means our relationship with God is not something we experience alone.

Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. 1 Corinthians 10:17 NIV

Although our connection with God is personal, it’s not only an individual connection. We are all part of the loaf of Jesus Christ — the Bread of Life. Our connection with God and each other is within the Spirit.

As we live in the Spirit, we begin to see others differently — not as strangers or obstacles, but as people deeply loved by God. We also see our relationship with God and one another is already secure and united. It is eternally fixed in the Father, by the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ.

Prayer
Father, we thank you that you are love. And we’re grateful that out of that love you have sent Jesus, and he sent the Holy Spirit to bring us into a loving relationship with you and all of humanity. We pray we can experience and share your love. Amen.

By Glen Weber, Elder Emeritus
Aurora, CO, US

Kingdom Living Means Pointing to Jesus

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

In his book Calling Christian Leaders, John Stott speaks to a unique characteristic of the Church.

Fundamental to New Testament Christianity is the ambiguity of the church. We are living in between times, between the first and second comings of Christ, between what he did when he came and what he will do when he comes again, between kingdom come and kingdom coming, between the “now already” of kingdom inaugurated and the “not yet” of kingdom consummated.

Consider that your church community (insert you congregation’s name) is the Church of God. Like Israel of the Old Testament, you are God’s holy people. We, the “Big-C” Church, have been set apart (sanctified) and belong to God. The irony is that much unholiness remains in the people of God. (We see this documented in the New Testament letters sent to the various churches.) Behaviors such as gossiping, quarrelling, immorality, complacency, jealousy, pride, etc. exist among God’s people.

This forgiven, redeemed, and holy organization called the Church is a mixed-up community. Unfortunately, too often it is the shortcomings that the world sees and not the perfect God, Jesus Christ, the head of the Church.

Kingdom Living is about growing in relationship with Christ. At the end of his second letter, the apostle Peter says we are to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:18). This growth is about cultivating an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus. More than accumulating head knowledge about Jesus, we are experiencing Jesus and becoming more like him.

GCI Buzz—What Is Obedience

What is obedience? This month’s GCI Buzz invites us to see obedience as a response to God’s love. It’s lived out through trust and everyday faithfulness. As we follow Jesus, we reflect his love in the world.

Read the full GCI Buzz here.

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.

You’re Invited—Irish Celebration

We are delighted to announce that applications for the 2026 Irish Celebration are now open, and we welcome international visitors.

The Celebration runs from 4.00 pm Thursday 1 October to 3.00 pm Sunday 4 October, and will be held in a beautiful setting near Portarlington, County Laois, R32 WN59, Republic of Ireland. Information about the venue can be found at: Mount St. Anne’s Retreat & Conference Centre

The theme for the retreat will be “Exploring the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit.” The retreat will include uplifting worship, inspiring presentations, stimulating discussion, and communion. There will also be time for fellowship and Irish hospitality, in a relaxed atmosphere.

The price for the Celebration is £310 per person, which includes 3 nights’ accommodation in ensuite bedrooms. This also includes all meals from dinner on Thursday to lunch on Sunday.

To attend the Irish Celebration, you can sign up here.

A £100 per person deposit will be required on sign up with the balance payable by 1 September. Please note, no payments will be accepted at the venue.

The Irish Celebration is open to all, but places are limited, so please sign up as soon as possible to secure your place.

A warm Irish welcome awaits, and we look forward to seeing you there. If you require further information, please email the event coordinator, Barry Robinson at barry.robinson@gracecom.church

Church Plant Leaders Installed

The GC Durham church plant held a special ceremony during the worship service on Sunday, April 19, to recognize and affirm its leadership. Anthony Mullins was installed as pastor. The installation was officiated by Ken Hygh, pastor of GC Cary, NC, and Heber Ticas, vice president of GCI.

In addition, members of the core team were commissioned for their roles in ministry. Deborah Jones was commissioned as treasurer, Matt Royal as Faith Avenue champion, and Elizabeth Mullins as Love Avenue champion.

Prayer Guide—May 2026

“We pray, we listen, we worship, we carry out the duty of the present moment.” — Richard J. Foster

This May, we gather in prayer — giving thanks for the life we share in Christ. We grow in love for one another and we learn to participate more fully in what God is doing among us.

Continue in prayer with us. Click here to download the May Prayer Guide.

Citizens’ Toolbox—Integrating Newcomers

Integrating new people into our congregations is vital because welcoming and forming disciples is not an “extra” ministry — it’s integral to who we are as citizens of God’s kingdom. When newcomers are known, cared for, and given a clear pathway to increase their sense of belonging, they are more likely to grow in faith, use their gifts, and thrive in community.

Integrating new people into the congregation matters because it reflects the gospel we proclaim. Jesus welcomes outsiders and brings people into a new family. A congregation that receives newcomers warmly embodies that message.

New believers and new families bring fresh stories, perspectives, and gifts. When those gifts are discovered and deployed, the congregation becomes healthier and more equipped to live “sent.”

Belonging grows best in community. When new people quickly find a place in small groups, classes, and friendships, spiritual formation becomes sustainable.

Practically, an intentional process to integrate newcomers can be as simple as an invitation to a new member class. A class can clearly explain our beliefs, mission, values, and expectations so people can join with understanding — not assumptions.

See the resources below that work well to disciple new members.

On Being

We Believe

Kingdom Living—New Member Ceremonies

Citizens of God’s kingdom prioritize fellowship of the Body. Fellowship is tied to walking in God’s light: “If we walk in the light … we have fellowship with one another” (1 John 1:7). Biblically, “fellowship” comes from the Greek koinonia, meaning partnership and shared life. The earliest believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). They met daily, shared meals in homes with sincere joy, and God added new believers day by day (Acts 2:46–47).

When a new member is added to our fellowship, we rejoice. It’s an occasion that should be marked by a celebration.

Pikeville, Kentucky, US

It was a day of celebration. David and Roger took membership at GC Pikeville fellowship.

Debby Baily, Pastor
Pikeville, Kentucky, US

Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

[In March,] we were blessed to officially welcome 10 new members to GC Steele Creek. Through a ceremony called the Right Hand of Fellowship, we affirmed our unity in Christ. With every person the Lord adds, he reveals who he has ordained GC Steele Creek to be. We thank God for the beautiful image that is emerging.

By Dishon Mills, Pastor
Steele Creek, North Carolina, US

Author: Elizabeth Mullins