Category: Be Inspired

Citizens of God’s kingdom believe that where their treasure is, there their hearts will be also. They do not store up treasure for themselves on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). And through fundraising efforts, they invite others to live generously as well.

Fund-raising is precisely the opposite of begging. When we seek to raise funds we are not saying, “Please, could you help us out because lately it’s been hard.” Rather, we are declaring, “We have a vision that is amazing and exciting. We are inviting you to invest yourself through the resources that God has given you—your energy, your prayers, and your money—in this work to which God has called us.” A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nowen, page 3

We invite you to read below an excerpt from Greg’s 2016 article, Our Calling to be Fundraisers

When it comes to fundraising, there is a problem: most of us don’t like to talk about money! But are we aware that money is Jesus’ second most talked-about topic in the Gospels? (The first is the kingdom of God.) I’m sure you’re aware that the Bible calls the love of money “a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), but do you know it also calls money “the answer for everything” (Ecclesiastes 10:19)?

Like most of you reading this, I learned quickly that it takes money to do ministry. Knowing I was called to do ministry, I gradually learned to become comfortable talking about money. I encourage you to do the same.

Understand the importance of “WHY”

Every congregation and ministry need a clear understanding of the “why” of their calling. Every leader then needs to cast and recast a clear and compelling vision that addresses that “why.” The greater the clarity of that vision, the easier it will be to know where and how to expend ministry resources (treasure, time, and talent).

Knowing why we do what we do in ministry makes it much easier for us to ask others to participate through giving.

I have a question for you: If Jesus looked to you as one of his disciples, and said, “Go get a colt,” or “Go secure an upper room where we can share the Passover meal,” would you be able to make it happen? As a pastor or ministry leader in the 21st century, fundraising is a skill that is very much necessary in order to be active in the ministry that Jesus is doing. Fundraising involves securing the resources that are necessary to do what God has called you to do in your community. Surveying the congregation to know who your members know (their existing networks) is a good place to start. Couple that with crafting a clear vision, and you are well on your way to reaching out and giving others opportunity to participate with you in what God is doing in and through your church or ministry.

Would you like to learn more about fundraising? A good place to begin is to read The Spirituality of Fundraising in which author Henri Nouwen points out that fundraising is more about asking someone to participate than asking them to contribute.

By Greg Williams, President
Steele Creek, NC, US

Asking people for money is giving them the opportunity to put their resources at the disposal of the Kingdom. To raise funds is to offer people the chance to invest what they have in the work of God. Whether they have much or little is not as important as the possibility of making their money available to God. A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nowen, page 25

Fundraising is one way that congregations can invite their neighbors to invest in the kingdom. The fundraising examples of the following three congregations are fun and creative. May it spark ideas for your community!

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Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

The GCI Cape Town South congregation held a highly successful fundraising event. It was an evening of fun karaoke and line dancing. Everyone who participated seemed to be having a good time.

We are raising funds for a mid-year youth camp. Most of the youth who attend our congregation live in a financially challenged community. Our Youth Ministerial Leadership is determined to ensure that all the young people who attend services can attend the camp in October 2025.

The congregation, the Youth and Young Adults group, and the organizing team would like to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation and extend their sincere thanks to all who attended and donated. The event was well supported by congregation members, family, and friends. Many enthusiastically requested another event and pledged their support for the next one.

By Virginia Young Weber
Cape Town, Republic of South Africa

Cincinnati, Ohio, US

Once a month during warm months (May to October), the GC Cincinnati congregation hosts a community yard sale. They call it “Sell Your Stuff,” and everyone is welcome to buy or sell. If a seller doesn’t have their own tables, they may rent a table from the congregation for $5. They make this request of the sellers: When you’re done for the day, we ask that you donate 10% of what you sell to the church. [Sell nothing, you owe nothing!]

GC Cincinnati also hosts the Westside Women’s Paddle Auction once a month. The proceeds of this fundraiser are used to serve their neighborhood. They select a different worthy cause or need each month. For example, one month the fundraiser was to help a neighbor pay for cancer treatment.

The doors for the fundraiser open to the public on a Thursday evening. Participants can enter a raffle to win a basket or bid on items valued at $10 -$75. Items include new products from local marketers of cosmetics, jewelry, kitchen gadgets, food storage, scented candles and soaps, eco-friendly cleaning products, sauces and seasonings, and more. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase.

Surrey Hills, Oklahoma, US

On one occasion, GC Surrey Hills partnered with a local Italian ice shop to fundraise. Some retailers offer to donate a portion of sales on a specific day or during a set period for a worthy cause or nonprofit. An in-store fundraiser can benefit both the congregation and business.

A congregation could raise a significant amount of funds while also enjoying a social event managed primarily by the retailer. For businesses, in-store fundraisers are a low-cost way to demonstrate that they care about the community. It’s a chance for the business to increase their sales and visibility and to gain new customers. It’s a win-win!

See the flyer below for details about GC Surrey Hills’ Clothing Swap fundraiser. Clothing swaps are another low-stake event that serves the neighborhood and raises funds.

I am the Lord’s servant; may it happen to me as you have said. Luke 1:38

This was Mary’s response to the angel when she was told she would bear the Son of God. We have recently come through the Easter season, and Jesus’ birth and death have been on my mind. I have thought a lot about Mary’s willingness to follow God into the unknown. What she knew about her culture and how she’d probably be treated would have been enough to cause most people to take a hard pass. Yet, Mary said “yes.”

Almost 23 years ago, I was given the opportunity to be part of a pastoral team. I said “yes.” The challenges I have faced over the years cannot be compared to what Mary endured. Still as a woman, the road has not always been easy. But the hurt pales in comparison to the joy, the excitement, the sense of purpose and meaning my life has had. Having a front row seat to how God has worked, not only in my life but in the lives of others, has expanded my understanding of his nature and grown my faith in ways I didn’t think possible.

If Mary had a do over, I have no doubt she would still have said “yes.” And I would too. Living in the culture of the kingdom of God begins with a “yes.” Then it’s followed by the willingness to go wherever and however God leads. The road will not always be easy, sometimes the unknown is a little scary, but the result will be a life worth living.

Prayer
Lord, help us all have the attitude of Mary, recognizing that we are first your servant. Then give us the willingness to lay down our lives and say “yes” to whatever you ask. Amen.

By Debby Bailey, Pastor
Pikeville, Kentucky, U.S.

Citizens of the kingdom believe the biblical evidence that the Holy Spirit is God in the same way that the Father is God and the Son is God. Scripture indicates that the Holy Spirit has divine attributes and works and is spoken of in the same way that the Father and Son are. The Holy Spirit is intelligent and speaks and acts like a divine Person. This is part of the scriptural evidence that led early Christians to formulate the doctrine of the Trinity.

We invite you to read an excerpt from “The Deity of the Holy Spirit” Read the full article here.

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Christianity has traditionally taught that the Holy Spirit is the third Person or Hypostasis of the Godhead. Some, however, have taught that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force used by God. Is the Holy Spirit God, or simply a power of God? Let’s examine the biblical teachings.

The deity of the Holy Spirit

Summary: Scripture speaks repeatedly of the Holy Spirit, known also as the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Scripture indicates that the Holy Spirit is of the same essence as the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is ascribed with the attributes of God, is equated with God and does work that only God does.

Attributes of God

1. 1. 1. Holiness: In more than 90 places, the Bible calls the Spirit of God “the Holy Spirit.” Holiness is a basic characteristic of the Spirit. The Spirit is so holy that blasphemy against the Spirit cannot be forgiven, although blasphemy against Jesus could be (Matthew 12:32). Insulting the Spirit is just as sinful as trampling the Son of God under foot (Hebrews 10:29). This indicates that the Spirit is inherently holy, holy in essence, rather than having an assigned or secondary holiness such as the temple had. The Spirit also has the infinite attributes of God: unlimited in time, space, power and knowledge.
      2. Eternality: The Holy Spirit, the Counselor, will be with us “forever” (John 14:16). The Spirit is “eternal” (Hebrews 9:14).
      3. Omnipresence: David, praising God’s greatness, asked, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there” (Psalm 139:7-8). God’s Spirit, which David uses as a synonym for the presence of God, is in heaven and in sheol (verse 8), in the east and in the west (verse 9). God’s Spirit can be said to be poured out on someone, to fill a person, or to descend — yet without implying that the Spirit has moved away from or vacated some other place. Thomas Oden observes that “such statements are grounded in the premises of omnipresence and eternality — attributes ascribed properly only to God” (Life in the Spirit, page 18).
      4. Omnipotence: The works that God does, such as creation, are also ascribed to the Holy Spirit (Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30). Miracles of Jesus Christ were done “by the Spirit” (Matthew 12:28). In Paul’s ministry, the work that “Christ has accomplished” was done “through the power of the Spirit” (Romans 15:18-19).
      5. Omniscience: “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:10). The Spirit of God “knows the thoughts of God” (verse 11). The Spirit therefore knows all things and is able to teach all things (John 14:26).

Holiness, eternality, omnipresence, omni­potence and omniscience are attributes of God’s essence, that is, characteristic of the nature of divine existence. The Holy Spirit has the basic attributes of God.

By Michael Morrison, GCS President
Glendora, CA, US

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Transcript

Hello! Or Bula! as we say in Fiji.

To share my story, I learned to live on my own when I was just 14. That was the year I left home to attend boarding school for high school. And with that, I stepped into independence at a young age.

I was actually brought up in the church. My grandfather was also a Methodist pastor. Faith was a part of my everyday life. Every school holiday, we would gather at our grandparents’ home, and without fail, all the grandchildren were asked to read scripture during family devotion time.

From an early age, I knew of Christ. I knew the stories and the teachings. But it wasn’t until I was 14, when I left the comfort of home, that I slowly began to understand who Jesus really was — not just as someone I was taught about, but someone who was really personal and present.

Read More

Pentecost is a celebration that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ.

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:19-22

The Greek word for “spirit” is pneuma, which means “breath.” When we speak about the Holy Spirit, we also speak about the breath of God, breathing in us. In this way, we can use the symbol of breath to bring our attention back to God.

The symbol of breath can remind us of the movement and power of the Holy Spirit. We may not see the Spirit, but we know he is working, and we can experience him.

The spiritual practice of breath prayer can be used to position ourselves to focus on the breath of the Holy Spirit in us. Here is a simple prayer guide that we can use:

• • Get comfortable and close your eyes.
  • As you are in the rhythm of breathing, integrate these phrases:

• • • • “Breathe on me, Holy Spirit” (inhale)
      • “Holy Spirit, Breathe on me” (exhale)

• • Continue for as long as it feels comfortable and meaningful.

May you have a Spirit-filled celebration of Pentecost.

Prayer:
Pentecost reminds us of your presence and power, Holy Spirit. You are the breath of life. Amen.

By Justine Paolo G. Parcasio, Pastor
Baguio, Luzon, Philippines

Adapted from the Equipper article, “Symbols of Pentecost.” Read the full article here.

Citizens of God’s kingdom embrace Scripture as “inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We invite you to revisit this Church Hack: Praying Scripture.

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Kingdom living looks like acknowledging the source of our new life, the risen Jesus Christ. Read on to see how these congregations celebrated Easter with baptisms and by proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with their neighbors.

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River Road, Oregon US

GC River Road celebrated Easter with a baptism. What a joyous occasion!

Big Sandy, Texas, US

During Holy Week, GC Big Sandy participated in several community activities, while hosting some of their own. The week began on Palm Sunday with worship and a service dedicated to rehearsing the Passion.

On Thursday evening, the congregation gathered for a special event dedicated to celebrating the Lord’s Supper. A reception was held in the fellowship hall. Many foods that may have been eaten in Jesus’ day, including lamb, humus, bread, and dates, were served on wooden dishes, along with pomegranate juice and wine in carafes. Afterwards, everyone gathered in the sanctuary for the service. Elder Jerome Ellard and Dave Ferguson wore costumes and did readings based on the story of the two disciples who encountered Jesus Christ on their way to Emmaus. Those who desired, participated in communion and foot washing, and the evening service ended as everyone sang a final hymn.

On Friday evening, Elder Jerome Ellard, who is currently president of the Ministerial Alliance, and I participated in a Ministerial Alliance gathering for Good Friday with our neighbors. The Ministerial Alliance brings together people from many different faiths in the area and works together to help those in need, specifically through the Agape House, which provides food and clothing for locals.

GC Big Sandy member and youth group leader Carrie Campbell organized an Easter egg hunt for the community on Saturday morning. GC Big Sandy members donated eggs we had stuffed earlier in the week. Neighborhood children enjoyed the egg hunt on the Civic Center’s lawn and took pictures with Miss Big Sandy and the Easter Bunny.

On Easter Sunday, church members gathered at the city park with the community for a sunrise service hosted by the Ministerial Alliance. GC Big Sandy provided snacks and hot drinks to our neighbors.

Following this service, we enjoyed a continental breakfast in their fellowship hall. Members contributed egg casseroles, biscuits and gravy, yogurt and fruit, and various donuts and pastries for the breakfast, which were served along with coffee, hot chocolate, juice, and milk. Following the breakfast and fellowship time, the congregation gathered for the Easter celebration.

The worship service was immediately followed by a baptism ceremony. Arturo Ramirez was confirmed and participated with Pastor George in baptizing his wife Kimberly and their children, Sophia, Arthur, Katherine, Sarah, and Brynleigh, along with another young relative, Ellie Roach, whom Kimberly had been discipling. The various church members who had participated in discipling this family were also included in the baptism ceremony. This joyful end to the Easter celebration was followed by an indoor Easter Egg Hunt for the youth.

By Linda Rex, Elder and Hope Avenue Champion
Big Sandy, TX, US

Richardson, Texas, US

The first time GC Richardson organized an Easter egg hunt at the city park across from our worship location, it was embarrassing. More than 200 people showed up, and we didn’t have enough eggs! We’d planned for only 50 people because less than 20 kids had shown up in the past when we held the hunt on our church property. The second year, we were better prepared and have continued to improve, creating space for building relationships that point to Jesus through this simple, traditional Easter Sunday egg hunt.

After worship, our members had a picnic and prepared for the egg hunt. Before we kicked off the hunt, I shared briefly why we organized the event — rejoicing with our neighbors on the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. I explained that early Christians used eggs as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection to teach kids. The hard shell representing the sealed tomb, the cracking of the shell representing the resurrection, and the gifts of God in Jesus to humanity. I also encouraged the kids to be kind to each other as they picked up their eggs.

Members engaged in conversations with neighbors, which is a primary reason for the event. I was struck, now in our third year, by the more relaxed, engaging and accommodating posture of our members as they interacted with the diverse group of children and families present. Many who attended expressed their gratitude and a willingness to be informed of future events.

This year, we distributed more than 4000 eggs and 650+ people participated. About 250 people filled out our electronic connection card to register for the event, some using the QR code to register onsite. We promoted the Easter egg hunt on our website, Facebook, Nextdoor, and invited previous attendees by email. Members donated eggs and volunteered to fill them with candy, notes, and trinkets. Members also hid the eggs over two fields (one field for ages 5 and under, and the other field for ages 6 and up). Members played games with the kids before the egg hunt began.

We thank Father, Son, and Spirit for the wonderful weather, the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and the opportunity to come together in kingdom-living neighboring!

By Gabriel Ojih, Pastor
Richardson, TX, US

 

Pictures by Naia Moya and Ronnie Boyce

Living through the devastation of the Eaton fire in Los Angeles was a harrowing experience. While the smoke and ash were suffocating, my wife, Megan, and I remained safe; however, we know dozens of people who had to evacuate and know many others who lost their homes.

The most comforting thing through all of this was seeing “community” — people coming together to check in on each other and take care of each other. I saw neighbors exchanging contact info “in case of anything,” then checking in on each other with a call or text. I witnessed people opening their homes to fire refugees, and people in evacuation zones using sprinklers and hoses to protect their and their neighbors’ homes.

The biggest display of community happened in the aftermath. The city and nonprofits showered us with resources. This demonstration of love for neighbor was never more evident than when donation and evacuation centers put out notices stating they were no longer accepting donations or volunteers because they were overflowing with both and had no space/work to take in more. What better way to live missionally? What better way to live God’s greatest commandment?

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40

I urge you, reader, when in doubt to choose love.

Prayer
Lord, we live in such a divided and individualistic society that it seems as though we’ve lost the art of community. Show us how to love our neighbors as ourselves without needing a natural disaster. Amen

By Jesús Molina
Glendora, CA, US

 

 

Discipleship is a journey — and we walk it together. This month’s GCI Buzz helps us reflect on what it means to belong, believe, and become as followers of Jesus.

Click here or the image below to view the entire Buzz. Check out the printer-friendly PDF.