Category: Be Inspired

Citizens of the kingdom believe in one Lord, one faith, one baptism — Lord Jesus, his faith, his baptism. We are baptized into Jesus’ baptism and his faith.

And we take seriously our responsibility to disciple members for the sacrament of baptism. Here’s one GCI resource that is helpful for baptism classes: We Believe with teacher’s notes

The sacrament of baptism proclaims that we are saved by Christ alone and not through our own repentance and faith. It is a participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in which our old selves have been crucified and renounced in Christ, and we have been freed from the shackles of the past and given new being through his resurrection. Baptism proclaims the good news that Christ has made us his own, and that it is only in him that our new life of faith and obedience emerges. Grace Communion International baptizes by immersion. — GCI Statement of Beliefs

 

 

Glendora, California, US

Jacksonville, Florida, US

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

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.

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.

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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

 

 

 

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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

 

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

 

 

Citizens of the kingdom ask: How is Jesus already at work among our neighbors, and how can we participate faithfully? We understand it’s important to learn the religions, cultures, worldviews, and rhythms of our neighborhoods when discerning mission.

Mapping your neighborhood is an effective ministry tool to help you understand your community. See this Church Hack for more information.

How do we engage with our neighbors whose faith traditions are not Christianity? Below are some ideas:

1. Begin with curiosity, not assumptions. Learn your neighbor’s story. Ask questions before offering answers.

2. Build genuine friendships. Relationships create trust. Friendship is not a strategy; it is Christian love.

3. Listen for spiritual hunger. People often reveal hopes, fears, and questions naturally.

4. Share your experience of Jesus. Testimony is less threatening than debate.

5. Trust the Holy Spirit. We are witnesses; God converts.

In a world shaped by many religions, sharing God’s heart for all people remains essential. See how the following two GCI congregations are living and sharing the gospel in Nepal and India, countries where Hinduism is the majority religion.

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Tellok, Nepal

GCI in the Mountains.

At an elevation of about 2000 meters (about 6500 feet), in the Himalayan mountain range of eastern Nepal bordering India and China, GCI has a footprint in a village called Tellok. Along with its surrounding villages, it would have a population of about 5000 people. Access to it is only through dirt, mountain roads by a 4-wheel drive jeep.

Roshan Nepali facilitates a fellowship of about 50 people, with a potential for growth in and around the village. He and his family run a small school on their ancestral land. They supplement their income by rearing goats and chickens and growing some food on their land.

I had the privilege of visiting Roshan and speaking to their congregation in April (pictured above). With a population of 29 million (majority of them being Hindu), Christians make up less than 2%. Still, they continue to shine the light of Jesus!

By Dan Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia
Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Bachupally, India

GCI Hyderabad continues its monthly outreach through Bible study sessions in Bachupally, located about 30 kilometers from the Hyderabad congregation. Around 12 regular participants attend these gatherings, showing enthusiasm for both fellowship and learning.

The current study focuses on the Lord’s Prayer, encouraging deeper reflection and spiritual growth. These sessions provide meaningful opportunities for discussion, learning, and connection.

In addition to teaching, pastoral care and encouragement are offered, reflecting the church’s commitment to nurturing its members spiritually and personally. We hope it will lead to a church plant here. Please join our prayers.

By Praveen Chintha, Pastor
Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 NIV

Healing words. Not complicated sermons. Not grand gestures. Just gracious words.

Recently I learned this simple idea called the “Tell Them Theory.”

If a waiter was kind to you, tell them.
If your friend looked good today, tell them.
If someone’s work inspired you, tell them.

It’s such a small idea — yet how rarely do we practice it. We often notice good things in people, but the words stay locked inside our thoughts. Criticism travels quickly. Encouragement moves slowly.

I think of the cashier who has been standing all day. The tired waiter serving meals. The volunteer who wonders if anyone noticed. The friend who quietly struggles but still shows up with a smile. A few words of appreciation can become a light in someone’s ordinary day.

When I think about Jesus, I realize he lived this theory fully. He noticed people others ignored. He told the Roman centurion, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” He affirmed the woman who poured perfume on his feet. He looked at his disciples and said, “You are the light of the world.”

Jesus saw goodness, faith, and love in people, and he said it out loud.

Perhaps this is one small way we can reflect God’s heart each day. When we see kindness, speak it. When we notice effort, affirm it.

A few words may seem small to us. But to someone else, they may be exactly what their heart needed.

Prayer
Lord, open my eyes to the quiet kindness around me. Give me courage to speak words that heal and uplift. May my words reflect Your grace today. Amen.

By Bermie Dizon, Elder
Glendora, CA, US

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.