Citizens of God’s kingdom are disciples of Jesus who also make disciples. We are made in the image of a relational God. And we seek healthy relationships of care and trust. But not all relationships lead to discipleship. How can we be intentional when we discern by the Spirit to go deeper?
A discipleship pathway is a framework that guides the intentional discipleship. To learn more, read the full Church Hack here.
In 2026, we continue focusing on Kingdom Living. Kingdom Living includes prioritizing relationships. To build trust, relationships need patience and faithful presence — for as long as it takes. And it is our hope and prayer that our relationships will flow naturally into discipleship.
Read the story below to learn how Pastor Chan Thleng is doing the slow, good work of building relationships in Myanmar.
What began as a simple follow-up visit became a powerful reminder that discipleship grows best through relationships, patience, and shared life in Christ.
Earlier in the year, Pastor Chan Thleng had introduced GCI’s Healthy Church vision to ministry leaders in southern Shan State of Myanmar. Two leaders, Timothy and Bo Bo Sein, responded with genuine interest. Rather than rushing outcomes, Chan sensed the importance of returning, listening, and building trust. Four months later, my wife and I were invited to join him, and together we set out to see what God was already doing.
Along the way, we were reminded that discipleship often takes place in very ordinary settings. In Yangon, we worshipped with a small house church, mostly women whose husbands were away working. In that simple gathering, we reflected on the gospel as the good news of a relational, triune God who invites us into life with him through Jesus. After worship, practical care was shared through the distribution of rice — a quiet but powerful expression of love and partnership in Christ.
In Hmawbi, we joined a young and lively congregation meeting in a new church building that also served as a family home. Worship, fellowship, and conversations with young men preparing for ministry revealed a deep hunger to serve faithfully. Discipleship here looked like life shared across generations, rooted in relationship rather than programs.
In southern Shan State, meetings with church planters highlighted a longing for healthy theology and sustainable ministry. Many were encouraged by the reminder that ministry is not about striving for God but participating with Christ in what he is already doing. This perspective brought fresh hope and renewed joy to leaders carrying heavy responsibilities.
Another group of leaders travelled long hours simply to spend time together, to talk, and to discern next steps. Their desire was not for quick affiliation, but for shared values, sound teaching, and relationships built on trust. It was a clear reminder that healthy discipleship takes time.
As we returned home, we were encouraged — not by quick results, but by seeds planted through faithful presence, shared stories, and relationships formed in Christ.
Wong Mein Kong, Retired Pastor
Malaysia
Once, we too were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—
When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life. Titus 3:3–7 NLT
People sometimes wonder why Christians show mercy. What is the reason? Why do we forgive when others hurt us? Are we weak? Are we people pleasers? Are we insecure? No!
We choose to turn resentment into forgiveness, hatred into love, fighting into peace. We have been there, done that and saw that the way of hate does not pay. Moreover, we too are foolish and disobedient.
But we are forgiven because of God’s mercy. How dare we withhold that mercy from others? By the power of the Holy Spirit, the same kindness and love God showed to us when we were the offenders is what we can show to those who wrong us.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, please help us to be a conduit of your love and mercy. Help us to extend what we have received from you to others. Lord, let it be a witness to the world and a sweet-smelling sacrifice to you. Please receive our thanksgiving in Jesus’ name, amen.
By Margaret Musekwa, Webmaster
Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Grace Communion International continues to follow Jesus on his mission to share the good news we have been given and make disciples. By his grace and with the resources he provides, we do so around the globe. It is encouraging to see articles in our publications that highlight the growth and vitality that many are experiencing on this journey.
An essential aspect of Jesus’s ministry within our cultural context is to function within the legal guidelines required by governmental agencies. Accordingly, GCI is organized and established according to a set of Bylaws and is “Board Governed.” That is, GCI’s theological foundation, overall mission, financial procedures and administrative policies are overseen by a Board of Directors. This includes insuring publications accurately reflect our mission and GCI doctrines, reviewing and approving the annual budget and financial audit, approving and financing the Ministry Training Centers and overseeing the work of the GCI President as he develops plans and strategies for living out GCI’s vision and mission.
The GCI Board of Directors is a diverse group of elders who serve four-year terms. Each of the directors brings an impressive range of gifts and experiences to serve GCI on a voluntary basis. An aspect of chairing the board that has been particularly enjoyable for me is having the blessing of working alongside a group of people who fervently love Jesus and gladly exercise their gifts to benefit GCI. We are all friends as well as co-workers. While we review, deliberate and decide key issues related to oversight and governance of GCI, we do so with a full measure of mutual respect, grace, and humor (we like each other and have a good time.)
The board generally meets four times per year. Three meetings are by Zoom and the fourth, a face-to-face meeting, is held each October at the GCI Home office. However, our last meeting was an exception. We decided to meet in Surrey Hills at the location of the Ministry Training Center and the home of GCI Surrey Hills. This gave our directors an opportunity to experience firsthand the fruit of their decision to finance the MTC by meeting at the building and participating in the worship service.
During this board meeting something occurred that made the experience particularly inspiring. The board installed Mike Urmie as the newest board director. As a long-time GCI member and elder he has served in many ministry and pastoral roles. He brings a wealth of experience from the world of business and sales. We are honored to have him join the board of directors.
Also at this meeting we thanked Robert (Chip) Brockmeier and Heber Ticas for their outstanding service on the board as they concluded their terms. They have both served faithfully and graciously as co-stewards of the mission and resources Jesus has given GCI. We greatly appreciate their contributions to the board and pray they continue to experience every blessing Jesus has for them as they continue to serve him in other capacities.
As the board continues to follow Jesus, oversee the work of GCI and support President Greg Williams, please pray for us. We covet the wisdom of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we seek to faithfully steward GCI resources. We thank our many GCI members for their financial generosity and support.
May our loving Father continue to bless all of us as we journey together with Jesus.
Randy Bloom, GCI Board Chair
“I feel very much fulfilled each time I get the opportunity to execute my God-given mandate of feeding the flock of God.”
Meet Isaac Bright Buckman. He’s the pastor of the Cape Coast and Asebu congregations of GCI in the central region of Ghana, West Africa.
“Celebrating Advent means being able to wait… Whoever does not know the austere blessedness of waiting… will never experience the full blessing of fulfillment.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This December, we gather in prayer with hearts full of expectancy. We are celebrating Christ’s light breaking into our world, and giving thanks for the joy, compassion, and community reflected in our churches this season.
Join our fellowship in prayer this Advent. Download the full prayer guide here.
Would you like to receive this Prayer Guide straight to your email inbox before the first of the month? Sign up here.
In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
As we come to the close of the year, we want to thank you for your faithfulness and the many ways you have participated in the life of our fellowship and your neighborhoods. Your engagement with the resources we share goes a long way in supporting the mission across GCI. We are grateful for you.
This year, we spent time exploring Kingdom Culture and what it means to shape our common life around the character and compassion of Jesus. As we step into a new year, we look forward to continuing this journey together as we focus on Kingdom Living. We are excited to keep offering resources that support you and your congregations in taking simple, meaningful steps in following Christ in your daily rhythms and relationships.
Thank you for participating. We pray God’s blessings over you in this Advent season.
This devotional invited us to slow down and reflect on living from the values of God’s kingdom, not just completing church tasks.
Why revisit: To capture the heart of our theme this year and offers a grounded reminder as we prepare to lean into Kingdom Living.
Epeli Nakautoga shared how Jesus met him with faithfulness during overwhelming seasons of life.
Why revisit: To hear an encouraging reminder that Jesus walks with us in the real, everyday places where we need support and hope.
This issue explored the purpose of the church and the six core functions that shape how we participate in God’s mission.
Why revisit: To learn helpful language and reflection questions that support the conversations we want to continue having about being healthy churches.
This letter from the President encouraged us to join the Spirit’s work right where we are, through simple, everyday steps.
Why revisit: To read practical ways to keep growing into Kingdom Living as we enter a new year.
This Church Hack offered practical ideas for engaging across generations in meaningful ways.
Why revisit: To gain tools that go a long way in helping our congregations foster belonging for children, youth, and adults.
Camps reflect the heart of what many of us have experienced at youth camps — Christ’s love in a warm and welcoming environment.
Why revisit: To be reminded that our global family continues to create spaces where young people can encounter God’s love.
Heber Ticas stepped into his new role as Vice President this year, and our fellowship gathered around him with gratitude, prayer, and encouragement as he began this important season of service.
Why revisit: To watch a meaningful moment of unity and support across our fellowship.
Citizens of God’s kingdom embrace God as triune and relational and strive to spend our time in a way that prioritizes relationships and invests in people. We ask the Spirit to empower us to live relational lives, seeking proximity to others. We believe a fitting response to God’s love is to generously give our time to others as an offering. May we waste time on others in the prodigal sense — lavishing and expending extravagantly!
We invite you to read below a spiritual formation article from Publications Editor, Elizabeth Mullins. It was adapted from the Equipper article, Killing Time.
It’s always a good practice to reflect on Jesus’ mission and my participation in it. I believe fellowship is a spiritual discipline, but am I devoted to it? A good formation practice for me is to regularly contemplate whether the way I spend my time prioritizes relationships.
One way I am being conformed to Christ is through relationships. Hanging out with others is how I pursue belonging and connection and build meaningful community. Often the connection that the Spirit intercedes between or among people cannot be planned for and cannot be hurried. Have I made room for availability and spontaneity?
Here are some reflections about cultivating the spiritual discipline of fellowship. May they serve as prompts as you discern with the Spirit.
Kingdom Living looks like faithfully investing time in people.
Read below about three initiatives in GCI India for examples of this type of investment.
Bible Study Fellowship in Bachupally
The GCI India Hyderabad congregation continues to extend pastoral care and spiritual nourishment beyond the church premises. A group of four families residing in Bachupally, a distant part of the city, have been receiving monthly Bible study and fellowship visits from Pastor Praveen Chinta.
These gatherings include 12 adults and children. They are held in rotation at each family’s home. The meetings are filled with joyful participation, heartfelt worship, and deep reflection on God’s Word. The families have expressed how much they miss regular fellowship with the larger congregation but are thankful for this opportunity to grow together in faith and unity.
Through these monthly visits, GCI India continues to nurture spiritual growth and strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship, ensuring that distance never separates God’s people from his love or his word. The church is prayerfully hopeful that this small fellowship in Bachupally will continue to grow and, in time, become a thriving GCI congregation serving that part of the city.
Equipping for the Lord’s Harvest
Grace Communion Church Hyderabad, in partnership with RHEMA Glob-al, joyfully completed its 53-day Pastoral Training School held from June 2 to July 25.
The participants graduated, equipped with foundational theological education, pastoral care, and missional training to serve the Lord and his people.
Pastor Praveen, who coordinated the training, expressed heartfelt thanks to GCI India for their generous support and encouragement throughout the program. The Lord said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Matthew 9:37. Let us continue to pray for these new laborers as they go forth to serve in the vineyard of the Lord!
Ecumenical Equipping in Vijayawada
Pastor Praveen has begun volunteering his time equipping co-laborers in Vijayawada. Though many of them have not received formal pastoral training, they are faithfully ministering in their local churches (non-GCI). They show a deep hunger to learn more about Scripture, theology, missional living, and pastoral care.
On October 10, 25 participants attended the first class. Pastor Praveen taught on Bible Study Methods and Rules of Interpretation through the Lord’s Prayer, while Pastor Moorthy from Guntur helped translate into Telugu. The students participated with great enthusiasm and a genuine thirst for the word of God, deeply encouraging the teaching team.
Your prayers are requested for the continued success of this training, that it may strengthen churches in the region and raise up more faithful leaders for the kingdom.
As GCI India continues to live out its motto “Be Blessed and Become a Blessing,” this initiative stands as a testimony to God’s ongoing work in equipping his people and spreading the light of the gospel in local communities.
