Category: Be Inspired

Kingdom Living includes glorifying God and building up the Body of Christ through worship. Read below the stories of GCI congregations who are equipping young people in the practice of worship.

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Mindoro, Philippines

What happens when a match is struck and its flame lands on dry leaves, ready to burn? The fire ignites, fanned by a wind so strong that it spreads beyond containment. This fire can melt even the hardest hearts.

Such was the experience at the first three-day Worship Weekend on Mindoro Island. Forty-one young people from three churches across Mindoro (Bansud, Naujan, and Rosacara) gathered to encounter the Lord in deep, transformative worship.

The theme, “Alab,” is a Filipino term that primarily translates to “blaze” or “flame” in English, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe intense emotions or passion. The theme was more than just a concept. It became a movement, a revival that stirred hearts to worship God passionately — not just in song, but through talents, skills, and lives dedicated to his glory. Participants bonded, prayed, and learned together, discovering worship as more than an act but as a way of life — centered on Jesus.

One enriching session was the Workshop on Worship and Liturgy, led by Pastor Jep Parcasio. The insights he shared deepened the participants’ understanding of why worship matters — not just the songs we sing but the sacred practices like communion, offerings, and the worship calendar. Christ-centered worship influences the rhythms of our lives, shaping our priorities and our devotion to God. Worship is not just about rituals but a personal response to God’s glory.

The final day was a culmination of everything learned and experienced. Young people showcased their skills during a mini recital, applying their newly learned skills and knowledge in playing instruments and tambourine dance — offering their talents as an expression of worship.

Each of the skill teams had one student be part of the worship team who led the closing song – as part of their recital performance. The song they sang was “Mahal na Mahal Kita Panginoon,” which is “We Love You, Lord” in English. The team was composed of different instruments such as guitar, beatbox, bass, keyboard, vocals, and even tambourine-dancing. The worship ended in joyful singing and dancing as the participants were also happy to witness a moment of practice and learning as it came to fruition.

The group then went to Bansud Beach, where the celebration continued in a profound way — the baptism of 10 young people. Onlookers witnessed the powerful declaration of faith, as these young souls stepped into the water and publicly declared that they belong to Christ!

We pray that the embers lit at this gathering will not fade. They will continue to spark a greater flame in congregations and communities, drawing more hearts to worship the God who is worthy of all praise. Praise God, this is a good beginning. The fire has been kindled, and it will not be contained.

By Jessica Joy Pamor, GC Pili Youth Leader
Bicol, Philippines

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Ladson, South Carolina, US

We celebrated Youth Sunday on June 15, 2025, with a vibrant and spirit-filled worship service led entirely by our young people. From the moment the service began, the youth stepped confidently into leadership roles — serving as greeters, ushers, and leading in both the opening and intercessory prayers.

The Youth Praise Team led the congregation in dynamic worship. This was followed by a powerful musical selection from the Youth Choir that stirred hearts and glorified God. The youth also conducted the offertory, showing their growth not only in faith but also in service and responsibility.

Pastor Tommie Grant Jr. delivered the sermon, encouraging the youth and the congregation with a timely and uplifting message. Following the message, Pastor Grant invited all the youth to the front of the sanctuary. In a touching moment of unity and blessing, the entire congregation surrounded them in prayer, laying hands on them and speaking words of affirmation, hope, and purpose into their lives.

The celebration continued with a fellowship meal served after the service, offering an opportunity for deeper connection and joyful reflection on a meaningful day.

Youth Sunday was a beautiful reminder that our young people are not just the future of the church — they are a vital part of the church today.

By Clara Martin, Hope Avenue Champion
Ladson, South Carolina, US

 

Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. John 17: 1-3 ESV

On the eve of his crucifixion, we overhear Jesus reporting to the Father that those entrusted to him would receive eternal life. But eternal life according to Jesus is not just about a distant future. It’s a relationship that takes our lives in a new direction. To know the Father and Jesus Christ is to experience life in the kingdom now.

In verse three, the Greek word ginosko (to know) implies intimacy, not mere knowledge about God. Knowing God like this means we form an ever-deepening personal connection of love and trust through honest communication with God. Dallas Willard calls this a “conversational relationship,” like a parent and child might have. I can tell when my kids are happy or out of sorts, but it means everything that they would share it with me, because it deepens our bond and connection.

Similarly, God wants us to share everything with him. This interactive conversation fosters a deep knowing and a lived experience of being children of the Father. When we share our joys, our fears, and doubts with God it opens the door for him to act in our lives to bring transformation and draw us closer to him.

Prayer Practice
Take a moment now. Speak to God — out loud if possible. Tell him what’s on your heart. He’s listening. And as you continue to live in his kingdom, carry his love and joy into the lives of those around you.

By Carmen Fleming
Orlando, Florida, US

 

Citizens of God’s kingdom are being conformed into the image of Jesus and his incarnational love. Place-sharing is about being present with others in a way that reflects Jesus’ incarnational love. It is walking alongside people without trying to fix or change them, simply sharing life and showing up with care.

This video series invites us to build a rhythm of place-sharing in our neighborhood as a team, practicing consistent presence and mutuality. It’s a practical expression of our Kingdom Culture theme, which calls us to live as followers of Christ by fostering belonging, embodying love, and joining God where he’s already at work in our communities.

View the entire series here.

This GCI Buzz describes place-sharing and provides examples.

Incarnation living is joining people right where they are, place-sharing by the power of the Holy Spirit, and as imaged by the ultimate Place-sharer, Jesus. Read how these congregations are trusting that Jesus is already at work in their communities and discerning where best they can follow him and come alongside their neighbors.

Dhaka, Bangladesh

Cricket is the most popular sport in Bangladesh, deeply ingrained in the nation’s culture and identity. The congregation in Dhaka, Bangladesh is participating in a cricket league, organized by an association representing 30 denominations. This brings positive exposure of the Christian faith to the community and builds solidarity among churches. It’s taking advantage of young men’s love for the sport and joining them right where they are.

United Kingdom

Recently, two GCI congregations in the U.K. have intentionally moved location to be in their local neighbourhood and be the living expression of Jesus in their community. GC Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire and GC West Hampstead, London relocated to physically “share a place” with their neighbours.

Mexico City, Mexico

GCI Mexico has undertaken numerous activities to reach more people in the community and demonstrate the love of Jesus through tangible acts of compassion.

Substance Use Clinic

Substance use is a profoundly serious issue. It has infiltrated countless homes, undermining the unity and peace of families across our city and our nation.

Since August 2023, I been actively serving at a rehabilitation clinic.

From this rehabilitation center, our congregation has connected with one couple and six young people, offering support in their fight against addiction. As a church, we have also provided food to those in residence, demonstrating and embodying the love of Jesus to those in need of his light.

Recognizing the pervasive issue of addiction, the Holy Spirit has challenged us as a church to focus more intentionally to support children, youth, and couples within our community.

Marriage Dinner

On June 7, 2025, we hosted a dinner for married couples, titled “Have You Screwed Up Yet?” It was a heartfelt evening dedicated to highlighting the importance of teamwork within marriages to strengthen relationships. Sixteen couples attended, including members of our church and new couples from the community we met for the first time.

This event beautifully bridged the realms of faith and love, emphasizing their vital connection in building healthy marriages. The dinner was a memorable evening filled with romance, laughter, an inspiring lecture, and a delicious meal. The event was thoughtfully organized and led by Valery Oloño, Abigail Sánchez, and Luis Enrique Flores.

Our next step is to establish monthly discipleship sessions for married couples, and we are eager to connect with new couples to join us on this journey.

The couple we befriended from the rehabilitation center attended. Another couple who we did not previously know is now a part of our congregation.

Transitional Housing Services

Alongside our Lord Jesus, we have also had the privilege to visit with women living at a social assistance and integration center (CAIS) operated by the Mexico City government. The center houses nearly 600 women who have experienced abuse, abandonment, human trafficking, and psychiatric issues. The center invited us unexpectedly, and we gladly accepted.

What we witnessed was deeply heartbreaking because of the circumstances that brought these women there. We firmly believe that Jesus goes to places of hopelessness, where needs are beyond what we can imagine. During his earthly ministry, Jesus reached out to the marginalized and overlooked, and that is exactly what we sought to do.

We shared gelatin treats and provided socks, played guitars, and sang songs from their favorite artists. Then, we had the honor of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, praying, and singing praises. At the end of our visit, the women expressed their gratitude with smiles and told us, “Come more often, even if you don’t bring anything. Your time means so much to us.” And we do plan to visit regularly.

Out of respect for the residents’ privacy and security (since some are witnesses to drug trafficking and are protected by the government) we could not take photos inside. Nonetheless, the memories, the stories, and the joy of serving these women remain in our hearts. Though they may never attend our church, their lives are precious to Jesus. In the brief time we spent with them, they experienced the vast, long, high, and deep love of the triune God, even amid their challenging circumstances. We are committed to taking our church beyond the walls!

By Natanael Cruz, Pastor
Mexico City, Mexico

Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36

These verses are very important, especially today. It feels easier to condemn someone who believes or behaves differently from us than to do good to them. It feels easier to write people off when they do something wrong than trying to understand their actions or them as a human being.

However, doing what feels easy is not the way of the Lord. Acting like him means doing the hard thing, which is showing empathy and compassion for the ones that differ from us. It means caring for the ones most people would deem “other” or “bad” for who they are or what they have done. This is a challenge that we accepted the moment we devoted our lives to Christ. Living like Jesus means loving like he does.

Prayer
I pray that, in the moments when we struggle, we remember how God treated those who many had seen as evil or not worth saving. I pray that we do not meet people with judgments, but with attempts at understanding. I pray that you will read my words today and reflect on someone that you could pray for and hold space for that is different from you in some way, and that it blesses you.

By Serena Mills
Steele Creek, NC, US

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.

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