It’s hard to believe we are coming to the end of Ordinary Time, which began in June. We began Ordinary Time after rehearsing that God is saving and reconciling us through Jesus’ birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension and by giving us His Spirit. We did this through Advent and Christmas, Easter Prep and Easter, and Pentecost. After so many celebrations, we can arrive at this time in the worship calendar and wonder, what now?
That’s why we decided, through this Ordinary Time series, to talk about “what now.” Our aim was to reflect on participating with Jesus in His mission to build His church. We hoped to reckon with the challenges of loving our neighbors and to wrestle with the questions that don’t have easy solutions.
We hope you’ll enjoy a look back at some of the questions from our Ordinary Time devotionals.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and we want to take time to share our appreciation for our pastors. Thank you for all you do that we see, and thank you for all you do that we don’t see. God gave you to us to be a GCI pastor and for that we are so grateful.
Pastors, you embody a unique reflection of Jesus Christ, the chief shepherd, and the source of all pastoral care.
In Jesus’ earthly ministry he dignified his disciples, sending them out as his under-shepherds to continue the work of caring for his flock. Similarly, every pastor, whether serving in the formal office of ordained ministry, or gifted with a pastoral calling without the office, is granted dignity by Jesus himself.
Jesus honors our pastors’ faithfulness, standing with them in sermons preached, equipping provided, prayers offered, and moments of comfort offered for healing. Jesus also knows pastor’s struggles and joys, their burdens and blessings, and he walks alongside them in every part of their journey. As under-shepherds, they reflect the Chief Shepherd’s heart, leading not with pride or power, but with humility, care, and love. They remind us that pastoral ministry is not about control but about service, modelled after the example of Christ.
When Jesus ascended, he intended to leave behind a community with a structure and form of good leadership, a community with a ministry shaped on the pattern of his own. While all are called to be disciples and to engage in a ministry of witness to him, some were given special responsibilities and a special commission of pastoral care over his flock.
Just as when the Father sent the Son, the Father himself was at work in his Son’s ministry and so was the Holy Spirit — all were present and active in Christ’s ministry. Christ didn’t act separately. In the same way, the church’s ministry isn’t separate from Christ. Thus, pastoral ministry is Christ’s own personal ministry within the place of the church.
Thank you again, pastors, for your sacred and humble presence and service in the lives of our congregations much like Jesus. Thank you very much for your willing submission to join Jesus in serving the body of Christ. May you find joy and fulfilment as the under-shepherds God has called you to be.
By Audie Santibanez, Pastor and National Director, Philippines
In September, GCI Australia held a four-day leadership conference and family weekend in Caloundra. More than 50 pastors and leaders participated in Healthy Church presentations and discussions. Topics included: transformational change, reviewing Healthy Church indicators by congregation for missional identity, and reviewing indicators based on the Faith, Hope and Love Avenues.
Sessions helped unpack the multi-faceted life of a disciples who make disciples and provided some practical steps for our congregations to be further equipped as disciple-making churches participating with Jesus. The 5 P’s were explained as one helpful model.
Proximity — meeting people where they are.
Presence — walking beside someone, spending time to build and sow into the relationship.
Patience — taking the time to journey with them.
Partnership — introducing them to others in our friendship circles or small groups.
Proclamation — introducing them to Jesus as the Spirit leads, encouraging their integration into the life and ministry of the church.
Discipleship may take years and is based on walking beside a friend, sharing the love of God, and allowing God to work in our relationships. Small Groups are an ideal place for including new people and a way of introducing them into the life of the church.
To connect with the community and friends, a family activity was organized on Saturday at a nearby park. Many neighborhood children came and enjoyed face painting, games, and ice-cream. The event also provided an opportunity to reconnect with friends who had been previously affiliated with GCI, particularly through S.E.P. At the end of the day, an enjoyable S.E.P.-style dance was held. We hope the doors have been opened for these connections to continue to grow and flourish. We have such a grace-filled message of love, hope and faith to share.
A great highlight was the baptism of two young people. It was wonderful to witness them publicly declare their faith of Jesus. Approximately 120 attended the Sunday service that culminated in a meaningful communion. The weekend was about connecting, equipping, and growing in how to be a disciple who disciples others, that we may truly be a blessing to those around us.
One Sunday in August, approximately 25 members of Grace Communion Big Sandy gathered after services for a “Ministry Review.” My wife, Helen, prepared a sandwich lunch to facilitate our time together. The foundation of this review was the reassuring truth that all our ministry is a participation in Jesus Christ’s ministry!
This gathering was an outgrowth of our leaders and several members reading Thom Rainer’s book, Anatomy of a Revived Church. I led the initial time of discussion from a 14-page “guidebook for conversation” that I prepared for the participants. The purpose of our gathering was just that — seeking to have a prayerful conversation about the ministry activities of our congregation, and to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as we follow Jesus as he ministers here.
We considered and discussed the following concepts of ministry with supporting scriptures.
Reason for Ministry: Love,
Form of Ministry: Sacrifice as Worship,
Model of Ministry: The Body, and
Growth of Ministry: Equipping.
We then reviewed our Vision, Mission, and Core Values, looking to see how they fit into our participation in Jesus’ ministry. Afterwards, each Avenue champion invited participants to breakout sessions for their Avenue to consider various starter ideas and suggestions provided in their guidebooks.
It was so rewarding to see each group interacting and talking at length about what is and what could be! These breakout sessions were intended to be the heart of the gathering. We were able to spend almost three hours in prayerful, purposeful conversation about what Jesus is leading us to do at GC Big Sandy. Next, the Avenue champions plan to provide their top two priorities for 2025 and to commit to having follow-up discussions with their Avenue teams. We hope to do this review every year, and our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will continue to speak to us and guide us as we intentionally spend this time together.
What next? I often feel overwhelmed when I hear that I need to go out and be missional. In my mind, I reason that we are but a small church, and we lack the right resources. We feel inadequate.
However, God doesn’t measure success by size or grand gestures. Jesus began with just twelve disciples, and his ministry, though small, changed the world.
In God’s kingdom, faithfulness matters more than size or prominence. Just like how our lungs, though unseen, are essential to life, the hidden or small parts of our lives can have the greatest impact.
God often uses what the world considers insignificant. Jesus didn’t need a large following to make a difference — he needed faithful, ordinary people. God’s power is still made perfect in our weakness today. The church’s greatest offering isn’t in its famous leaders or large buildings but in everyday believers committed to following Jesus.
From one ancestor [God] made all peoples to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live. Acts 17:26
God created each of us and placed us in specific times and places for his purposes. Nothing about your life is an accident. Your talents, no matter how small, are part of God’s plan to reach others. Dallas Willard wrote, “The well-kept secret of the ‘ordinary’ is that it is made to be a receptacle of the divine, a place where the life of God flows.”
If Jesus could feed thousands with a few loaves and fish, he can do great things with whatever you offer him. God loves our availability over our abilities. He doesn’t need the most talented — he’s looking for those willing to serve faithfully.
Prayer: Father, thank you for reminding me that my worth isn’t tied to how big my actions seem. Help me trust that you’ve placed me where I’m needed. Use my ordinary life for your extraordinary purposes. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
GC Sun Valley is grateful to our heavenly Father for allowing us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage once again. It was commemorated on September 15, with around 180 participants, including congregation members and visitors.
The event was adorned with vibrant decorations, with each booth representing the unique culture of a different country. Our volunteers prepared and served delicious food, which was enjoyed by everyone.
Celebrating unity and diversity among our fellow members and visitors is vital as we walk by faith. While we take pride in our roots, we recognize and teach that there are no borders between us. Our objective in celebrating is to represent unity, as we are all one in Christ. We are honored to pray for other countries, acknowledging the need for prayer where our brothers and sisters are facing difficult times.
Our children’s ministry taught the young ones about diversity and the truth that we are all one in Christ. Demonstrating unity to our children and embracing each other’s heritage is a powerful way to share our Father’s love.
Above all, we received his word, reminding us of the importance of being a strong light to illuminate the darker corners of the world. Through it all, it remains essential to model Christ by showing kindness and love while sharing his word.
We extend our heartfelt thanks for the support and contributions from all the volunteers whose efforts made this celebration possible. Their participation is essential in bringing these special events to life, and their love for God is evident in their work. We deeply appreciate their dedication and service.
Dina Rash, Children’s Ministry — Hope Avenue Team Sun Valley, CA, US
Spanish Translation:
Estamos agradecidos con nuestro Padre Celestial por permitirnos celebrar una vez más la Herencia Hispana, conmemorada el 15 de septiembre de 2024, con alrededor de 180 participantes, entre miembros de la congregación y visitantes.
El evento estuvo adornado con decoraciones vibrantes, y cada puesto de comida representaba la cultura única de un país diferente. Nuestros voluntarios también prepararon y sirvieron comida deliciosa, que todos disfrutaron.
Celebrar la unidad y la diversidad entre nuestros miembros y visitantes es vital cuando caminamos por fe. Nuestro objetivo al celebrar es representar la unidad, ya que todos somos uno en Cristo. Aunque nos sentimos orgullosos de nuestras raíces, reconocemos y enseñamos que no existen fronteras entre nosotros. Nos sentimos honrados de orar por otros países, reconociendo la necesidad de oración cuando nuestros hermanos y hermanas atraviesan tiempos difíciles.
Nuestro ministerio de niños enseñó a los pequeños sobre la diversidad y la verdad de que todos somos uno en Cristo. Demostrar unidad a nuestros niños y abrazar la herencia de cada uno, es una manera poderosa de compartir el amor de nuestro Padre.
Sobre todo, recibimos Su palabra, que nos recuerda la importancia de ser una luz fuerte que ilumine los rincones más oscuros del mundo. Es muy esencial modelar a Cristo, mostrando bondad y amor al compartir Su palabra.
Extendemos nuestro más sincero agradecimiento por el apoyo y las contribuciones de todos los voluntarios, cuyos esfuerzos hicieron posible esta celebración. Su participación es esencial para dar vida a estos eventos especiales, y su amor por Dios es evidente en su trabajo. Apreciamos profundamente su dedicación y servicio.
Our children attended Ocean Breeze Elementary School, and I was a school aide and a crossing guard for six years. This is a school that is near and dear to my heart. When our congregation was choosing a way we could engage and serve the community, I thought immediately of this school. I know teachers there spend their own money for student school supplies.
I first approached Jennifer, the School Resource Officer, to find out the needs of the school. Now Officer Jennifer sends us a list, and we shop for the items. This is such fun and a joy to see the look on Officer Jennifer’s face when we show up with all the goodies. In this way, GC Melbourne has been partnering with the school for approximately four years. The teachers truly appreciate our congregation’s help.
Marianne holding thank-you card from school
Marianne Legg Melbourne, FL, US
Kenockee, MI, US
In September, GC Kenockee celebrated the beginning of the school year and a new Children’s Church year. Pastor Jim Meade prayed a back-to-school blessing over the children. And Pastor David Borum commissioned and prayed for the new Children’s Church teachers and helpers.
During this special Sunday service, Kathy Forsyth was honored. She is retiring from the role of Children’s Church Coordinator after serving for many years. Kathy passed the baton to the new Coordinator, Angie Ashbrook. Pastor Grant Forsyth commissioned and prayed for Angie.
Thank you, Kathy, for your dedication and service!
Queens, NY, US
On September 7-8, GC Queens hosted a unique community event, departing from the traditional broad public outreaches. Instead, we took a more personal approach, limiting the invitation to families who participated in our previous back-to-school events. This event attracted hundreds in the past, but it was difficult to make a personal impact.
By narrowing the invitation list to those with whom we had already established relationships, the event had a more personalized and “community reunion” feel. This allowed for deeper conversations and more meaningful connections, which we believe left a lasting impact. Many family members who attended already knew us, and we also met new guests. Instead of just handing out backpacks, we used the time to pray with our guests, offering conversation and literature in Spanish. This impressed our Spanish-speaking families (a large part of our target community), making them feel equally valued and included.
In addition to meeting immediate needs with school supplies, we took the opportunity to discuss our various ministries, including our plans for a 2025 neighborhood camp. Parents learned about our Sunday School program for children, and many adults were able to connect with leaders from our Men’s and Women’s Ministries. These conversations helped strengthen existing relationships within the community, and they opened doors for further spiritual support.
We were blessed to hear and pray through individual stories from the neighborhood. We heard from fathers looking for a strong men’s ministry and their children’s career dreams. We prayed with families seeking reassurance in uncertainty, sharing their hopes for healing and community. We listened to and prayed with new immigrants looking for relief and a spiritual home.
The impact of our community outreach event was further demonstrated the next day as many guests joined our Sunday service, doubling our average attendance. Vicky Newsom gave a bilingual sermon, “Who is God’s Favorite?” from James 2. She explained that God’s favorite is all of us in Christ, so all are welcome at GC Queens! This increase in attendance and the whole service validated the event’s effectiveness and showed the community’s growing interest in our church and its activities. It was a hopeful sign for our future endeavors.
Our church’s commitment to spiritual and practical support was evident in the smaller but much more spiritually fruitful event. I would also like to recognize the work of our Avenue champions: Eleanor Toussaint, Hope Avenue champion; Ruth Phillips, Faith Avenue champion; and Vicky Newsom Love Avenue co-champion, along with elders, James Hills and Jonathan Browne. We are grateful for the reunions and the new contacts made, and we look forward to continuing to walk alongside these families, sharing the love of Christ in both spiritual and practical ways.
Considering God’s missional nature can be tough if it conjures ideas about missionaries who lived this out in radical ways. We respect these examples, but they feel unattainable. Is this what it means to live for a missional God? While it is true that God is missional, the primary calling God has for us is to be God’s children, submitting our entire selves so that we might live into this new identity. Then, as Christ grows us up into that identity, we will naturally reflect the missional identity of God.
Ruth is a good example; she surrenders her previous ideas about herself.
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16
We may think that Ruth participated with God because of her upstanding character, but it was God’s invitation and movement toward her first that allowed her to submit and surrender who she thought she was — her old self. Then Ruth clung to her newfound identity as a child of God.
As we step into the identity that God has for us, we need to trust that it is God who is missional. God does not need us, yet he allows us to share in his work of love. From this understanding, we can be more effective at reaching out, because our identity and worth is never dependent on the results of our effort.
Reflect on what God’s missional nature means for you.
Prayer Dear Lord, as I consider how capable you are to bring your mission of redemption to completion, please reveal how I might release my identity to you, that I may live more fully into the identity you have for me. Amen.
By Alexander Brandt, Pastor Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
In the past, our Hawthorne, California congregation has been at the forefront of regional development for Southern California Spanish-speaking congregations. Pastor Manuel Ochoa has always been willing to create spaces for the development and sending of leaders. Over the last few years, I have brought a higher level of support to this congregation with the vision of establishing a Ministry Training Center (MTC).
An MTC congregation must display a good level of congregational health, and this congregation has been on a journey toward greater health. Disciple-making with Jesus is at the core of congregational health. Over the last three years the Hawthorne church has had 26 baptisms, including four during the West Regional Gathering. A healthy Hope, Faith, and Love Avenue are crucial for holistic health. Although this is a work in progress in Hawthorne, their Faith, Hope, and Love expressions are healthy enough to create spaces for leadership development.
On August 11, during the West Regional Gathering, we officially launched our second Spanish-speaking MTC. (We also have an MTC with the Bogota, Columbia congregation.) The proximity of our other Spanish-speaking churches in Southern California facilitates regional development at a better pace. During this gathering, we also commissioned José Luis Lopez as the MTC coordinator. José Luis will not only coordinate development at the Hawthorne congregation but regionally as well.
José Luis Lopez, Hawthorne MTC coordinator, with his wife, Maria
The Hawthorne MTC will join our Latin American program that offers a six-course diploma in Foundational Theological Studies, and a twelve-course diploma in Advanced Theological and Pastoral Studies. Participants in Hawthorne will also go through the program as a learning community in cohorts. The MTC coordinator will work closely with the local pastors to ensure that ministry practices lanes are opened for the participants. Coaching, consulting, and mentoring will be offered at all levels to ensure the MTC receives high support.
With the pool of participants coming from our Sun Valley, Santa Ana, and Hawthorne congregations, the MTC will have a hybrid component. The cohort will meet in person in Hawthorne, but their ministry development practices will take place in their local congregation. The MTC coordinator will have the challenge to ensure that all participants are provided with significant ministry participation within the framework of Team Based — Pastor Led and the three ministry Avenues. We expect 16 participants to participate in the initial learning cohort that is being launched September 21.
I trust that you will all join us in prayer for this endeavor, asking our heavenly Father to give us the joy of participating with Jesus in the development of leaders and potentially, pastors and church planters.
In Christ,
Heber Ticas, Superintendent of Latin America Sun Valley, CA, US
Twenty-four GCI leaders from seven countries in Asia converged on the Kwanruen Resort in Korat province of south Thailand for a three-day retreat. (Korat is a four-hour drive from Bangkok, towards the border of Cambodia.) Amiyo Bacher from Bangladesh was the only one who could not join due to unrest in his country.
During an introductory session, several leaders brought updates of GCI activities in their regions. Following the Healthy Church theme, we discussed what it means to be healthy as a fellowship in four main sessions. Here are some interesting takeaways:
Jesus never criticizes the church for its size.
Most leaders are constantly negotiating between the Dominator and Protector model. (From the Support Challenge Matrix, a tool from GiANT Worldwide. For more information, see A Giant Step Forward.)
The priesthood of all believers is primarily inviting everyone to participate in ministry.
We are better together — this is the synergy of a denomination.
Facilitators included Rex Dela Peña, Aron Tolentino, Sachin Nirale, and Audie Santibanez. Retired leaders Wong Mein Kong and Eugene Guzon shared vital insights from their experience. In the wrap-up session, I proposed Eph 4:16 as one way to experience Healthy Church.
Activities included team-building activities for GCI Thailand, a fellowship night that enthralled the audience with worship, games, and embarrassment on the dance floor! Special moments included the ordination of Chan Thleng( a leader from Myanmar) and a farewell party for Eugene Guzon and Wong Mein Kong. Unforgettable moments included visiting three elegant coffee shops in three days! A memorable three days of “brethren dwelling together in unity.” (Psalm 133:1)
Danny Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia Hyderabad, India
One of my favorite names of God is “Yahweh Shammah.” (Ezekiel 48:35) It means “The Lord is there.” Throughout Scripture, God reveals himself — who he is and his character. But the Son is the supreme revelation of the Father. The Son became one of us and is with us. In fact, his name is Immanuel – “God with us.”
The Gospels describe Jesus, the expression of the God who is with us. He encounters people tangibly, eating, teaching, walking with them. We see Jesus being intentional to meet individuals where there are.
In John 4, we read of an encounter of Jesus with a Samaritan woman at the well, as she was coming to draw water. As the disciples looked for food, Jesus chose to stay and to minister to this woman, even asking her for a drink (John 4:7). Little did this Samaritan woman know that she was about to draw water, not to quench the physical thirst, but through the living water who satisfies her spiritual thirst.
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” John 4:13-15 NLT
Jesus met the Samaritan woman exactly where she was … at the well.
In this Ordinary Time, let us take a moment for the Lord is here. How is Jesus encountering you “at the well,” in whatever problem, sorrow, need, painful past, sickness, or anxiety you are experiencing? Jesus has given us the living water — himself.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, remind me of Jesus’ presence especially in areas when everything seems ordinary. Let the extraordinary truth about God, who is Yahweh Shammah, be my assurance today.
By Justine Paolo “Jep” Parcasio, Associate Pastor Baguio, Philippines
By Audie Santibanez, Pastor and National Director, Philippines
