Category: Be Inspired

Citizens of God’s kingdom strive to minister faithfully to all age groups. To do so, we often separate members into groups based on age (older adults, middle adults, young adults, teens, children). While this approach is sometimes helpful, we must keep in mind the importance of providing ministry that is intergenerational. By “intergenerational,” we mean two or more age groups growing and living in faith together.

See the Church Hack below for helpful ideas to engage across generations. And for further reading, see this article by Ted Johnson.

Intergenerational ministry is imperative in our world where age groups are routinely separated in many settings. Sadly, one such setting tends to be the church. Enjoy the examples below of congregations who are intentionally including diverse generations.

---

Waikanae, Wellington, New Zealand

The annual New Zealand GCI autumn retreat brought members together at the El Rancho Centre in Waikanae for a weekend of worship, fellowship, and practical spiritual growth. Built around the theme “Kingdom Living in Action,” the event focused on how faith can be lived out intentionally in everyday life and community mission.

Interactive discussion was a central part of the weekend. Participants met in small groups to explore Scripture and reflect on how it applies to personal discipleship, our shared kingdom life, and spiritual discernment. Rather than simply listening, attendees were invited into thoughtful conversation and practical reflection. Later they shared key insights with the wider group.

Although reconnecting with old friends and meeting new people was an important part of the gathering, the weekend offered something deeper as well. Many participants came away spiritually renewed and better equipped to return to their communities with fresh vision and purpose.

The event encouraged attendees to find practical ways to embody Kingdom Living by joining Jesus’ mission in their everyday lives — at home, in their neighborhoods, within their churches, and through their relationships. Overall, it was a memorable blend of worship, community, encouragement, and practical spiritual formation.

Anthony Dady, Pastor
Auckland, New Zealand

Pasadena, California, US

We praise and thank the Lord for our recent retreat, which was a meaningful and enriching time together.

Each day we began with a devotional from a different leader. We also spent dedicated time in prayer and Bible reading. We had thoughtful discussions about how to strengthen our worship service and deepen our connection with one another and the wider community. It was also a blessing to enjoy fellowship over meals.

One highlight of the retreat was a movie night featuring “The Forge.” Afterward, everyone — including the children — shared how the film impacted them and discussed ways to apply its lessons within our community.

Angie Tabin, Pastor
Pasadena, California, US

Hyderabad, Telangana, India

The GCI Hyderabad congregation enjoyed a memorable day of fellowship, faith, and recreation during a picnic. The event was thoughtfully organized to strengthen relationships, promote unity, and enhance cooperation.

Worship services were held lakeside. Fun group activities encouraged participation and strengthened bonds.

By Praveen Chintha, Pastor
Hyderabad, Telangana, India

 

Grove City, Ohio, US

GC Grove City held a women’s self-defense class.

Glendora, California, US

GC Glendora enjoyed a fun picnic in the park.

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

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

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

 

 

 

[Jesus] led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God. Luke 24:50–51 NASB

Apart from the Ascension, our human flesh would not have been brought home with the resurrected Jesus into face-to-face union with his Father in the Spirit. Consider even more deeply what it means that human flesh in Jesus Christ is reigning over all. The ramifications of this are mind-blowing.

But isn’t that the way God always meant it to be? From the beginning, God intended human beings to participate with him in reigning over all he had made. He gave humans the responsibility to tend the earth, to be stewards of all he had made.

May we discover ourselves swept up into what Jesus is doing in this world by the Spirit. May we find ourselves held in the midst of the life and love of our Father and his Son in the Spirit. And we can rejoice, for that is where we were always meant to be.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for all those you have brought to yourself, and those you have created for your glory. May your precious Spirit enlighten each and every person. May you draw each one closer to you and bring them to a deeper faith in your Son, Jesus. May your perfect love enable us to see and experience the resurrection power of Jesus at work in us and in the lives of those near us and dear to us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Linda Rex, Elder
Big Sandy, Texas, US

Adapted with permission. Read the full post at Linda’s blog, Our Life in the Trinity.

Easter Sunday is the most attended church service every year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to invite your neighbors to visit your church. It’s not too early to begin planning for 2027.

During the weeks leading up to Easter, consider hosting an event or two for your neighborhood. During the event(s), provide an invitation for your Easter Sunday service.

Here are some ideas for activities and design templates to provide support for your Easter service.

We are citizens of God’s kingdom, so our very lives announce that the kingdom has been established in Jesus. Each year, we commemorate God’s saving action through Jesus. We rehearse his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and Resurrection.

Our congregations celebrated through meaningful practices, worship, and playful activities that included their communities. Enjoy these pictures from around the globe.

---

Richardson, Texas, US

Resurrection Sunday for Grace Communion Richardson meant inspiring worship followed by a picnic in the park and our fourth annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt. The egg hunt was held at the city park across the road from where we meet. It included booths for games, egg painting, sharing of Love Your Neighbor engagers, and streaming the Light of the World movie. We reminded the crowd that the event is a sharing of our joy and hope in the Risen Lord who loves children.

More than 700 neighbors attended the event. Members engaged in meaningful conversations with many. Inviting neighbors to join us in the egg hunt creates spaces for relationship-building and pointing to Jesus as we share the love of God with our community.

Over 5000 eggs with inspirational words, trinkets, and candy were scooped up in moments by enthusiastic children. About 250 people filled out a connection card, representing 981 planned attendees. About one-third came from our local area, and the rest from elsewhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. One-third requested information about our upcoming Neighborhood Skills Camp.

Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the event and the opportunity for fun and memory-making with their families. Several jumped in to help with set-up and take down.

We are grateful to the triune God for the beautiful weather, the joyful atmosphere, the spirit of serving and sharing, and the opportunity to join the risen Lord in his life of neighboring!

Gabriel Ojih, Pastor
Richardson, Texas, US

---

Suva, Fiji

Jacksonville, Florida, US

River Road, Oregon, US

Baguio, Luzon, Philippines

Glendora, California, US

Big Sandy, Texas, US

Belton, Missouri, US

 

In the 1960s, the pop duo Simon and Garfunkel released the song, “The Sound of Silence.” One line in this song is: “Hello darkness, my old friend, I have come to talk to you again.” This is a vivid and apt description of what many people are experiencing and feeling today. They live in constant darkness, blind to the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

However, Jesus wants us to trust that he is the light in our lives. He came to earth and freed mankind from oppressive darkness.

God is light, and in him there is no darkness. 1 John 1:5

Everyone lives through dark times. Sometimes we do not even want to get up in the morning. We really do not want to deal with problems of this world and our own all the time. We want to be left alone by everyone.

First, we experience disappointment, then sorrow, doubt, and depression. Surely, we are all familiar with these feelings. However, when we walk in the light of God’s love, Jesus, the living Word, shines His light into our dark days, making them bright and bearable. Light can shine brightest on the darkest night.

Whatever adversity, sorrow, or joy is present in our lives right now, pales in comparison to the light of the Incarnation of Jesus. When we recognize this and believe what Jesus says and align our lives with this reality, then we are in close contact with the true center of power of the universe, the triune God.

Let us celebrate the light that has come into the world!

Prayer
Jesus, we are grateful that you are the Word who became human and dwelt among us. Thank you for representing God before us and us before God. In your name, Amen.

Santiago Lange, Pastor [1959–2025]
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

This devotional was adapted with permission. Read the full article here.

Citizens of God’s kingdom rehearse the death of the old self through the sacrament of baptism. We also celebrate being raised to new life in Christ when we come up out of the water. Hallelujah!

Learn more about baptism below. Read the full article here.

---

How does baptism picture the central truths of the gospel?

Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. (Romans 6:3-5)

Baptism pictures our union with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. These are the primary points of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Our salvation depends on his life, death, and resurrection. Our forgiveness — being cleansed of sin — depends on him; our Christian life and future depend on him.

Baptism symbolizes the death of the old self. The old person was crucified with Christ — died with Christ — buried with Christ in baptism (Romans 6:8; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; Colossians 2:12, 20). It pictures that we are identified with Jesus Christ—he united himself with humanity. We accept that he died “for us,” and “for our sins,” and that he was raised for us as well. We acknowledge that we have sinned, that we have a tendency to sin, that we are sinners who needed a Savior. We acknowledge our need to be cleansed, and that this cleansing came through Jesus Christ.

Baptism is one of the ways that we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are saved by what he did, not by the way we respond. Therefore, the emphasis in baptism should be on what Jesus did, not on our faith or acceptance. Baptism is not a memorial of our faith — it is a memorial of Jesus’ faithfulness toward us. The only reason that we can show our response of faith is because he has already made a commitment to us. Our faith may falter, but his faithfulness toward us will not.