In a few days, we celebrate Christ the King Sunday. It ushers us to the final Sunday of Ordinary Time with an extraordinary proclamation: Christ Reigns! What will Christ’s reign be like? We get a clue from Jesus’ words, “Go learn what it means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Matthew 9:13). Our Father is merciful, and the kingdom of Jesus is nonviolent.
Peace is His way of being human, which is the hope for the world. Can we let go of interpretations that tell of divine violence? Can we instead think of God as accompanying violent humanity until they finally give up the sword and the gun? Jesus is the Servant and the Lamb risen from the dead who gives us the faith to follow His way, to not retaliate or scapegoat. He has brought us into His reality of nonviolence.
The authorities at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, Pilate and Caiaphas, capitulated to the pressure of the violent mob demanding the death of Jesus. Jesus willingly died the atoning death for all humanity. The extreme cruelty of the crucifixion, though, was because of fallen humanity’s bent toward violence.
[Jesus] stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets. Colossians 2:15 The Message
In true trinitarian extraordinariness, Jesus’ kingdom reign has been and always will be without harm or violence.
Prayer: Jesus, we are grateful that you reign now, that your kingdom is here. Spirit, help us recognize and repent when we are participating in violent systems and scapegoating. We believe the Cross of Christ broke the power of sin and death, and we long for the fullness of your kingdom and no more violence and no more death. Amen.
By Reuben Rios, Pastor Bellflower, CA, US
Read here about the retreat on nonviolence that Pastor Reuben hosted.
On Saturday, October 19, 2024, we had nine baptisms at GCI Bogotá, Colombia, and the families of those baptized brought about 40 people to the celebration. We gathered with them to celebrate this covenant with God through the Lord Jesus.
Our aim is that all of those who were baptized begin discipleship with the “We Believe” material. We relish this unique occasion and hope that the Holy Spirit continues to fill people’s hearts in each family that is part of our community. We honor God for the wonder of this sacrament in the lives of our fellow followers of Christ.
Juan Carlos Barrero, Love Avenue Champion Bogotá, Columbia
Baptism is a sacrament. A sacrament “is a special act of Christian worship, instituted by Christ, which uses a visible sign to proclaim and receive the promise of the gospel for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. A sacrament is received in faith, trusting in God to minister to us by the Holy Spirit through it. We baptize because Jesus Christ was baptized for us and commanded us to baptize. We share in His baptism by being baptized in His name. Our baptism bears witness to Jesus’ baptism for us and expresses our faith in His baptism for us. Through the sacrament, we bear witness not so much to our faith, but to who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us through His baptism …” From the “We Believe” curriculum.
Here are some other GCI baptisms we celebrated in September and October:
The 51st Annual GCI India Convention gathered forty committed members from across the country for three enriching days of fellowship, worship, and inspiration. Held from October 11-13, 2024, at the scenic Vijaya Vihar Resort on the western banks of the Krishna River, the event offered attendees not only spiritual rejuvenation but also a chance to enjoy the serene backwaters of Nagarjuna Sagar, renowned for its peaceful landscapes and fresh fish delicacies.
Guided by the theme “Vessels of Honor,” each session inspired members to embrace their sense of calling and purpose. Pastor Daniel Zachariah, Superintendent of Asia, welcomed attendees with an opening address that set a warm and purposeful tone for the weekend. Pastor Praveen Chinta followed with insights into what it means to be a vessel of honor, highlighting that true honor is found in service to God. On the second day, Superintendent Dan emphasized how vessels of honor exemplify unity and help to avoid quarrels. Finally, I brought a message on the importance of daily missional living, as an active vessel of honor, challenging each to recommit to showing Jesus through their lives, actively embodying their faith.
Adding depth to the theme, Dr. Joshila Philips and Ms. Shanti Nirale led interactive sessions following each day’s themes. These hands-on exercises provided practical insights for implementing the lessons and messages heard, allowing attendees to take a closer look at their personal faith journey and its communal impact.
The convention also catered to the younger members of the congregation. The GCI India Sunday School coordinator Miss Selina Sravanthi, alongside Dr. Elizabeth Manoah, led special sessions for children that were both engaging and educational. The teenage members attended a session on introduction to baptism and enjoyed individual counseling opportunities. The church is committed to continuing these valuable youth initiatives in the coming weeks, and follow-up sessions are being chalked out.
On the evening of October 11, annual board meetings, general body meetings, and leadership sessions were conducted to clarify any queries regarding theology, church administration, and ministry, ensuring a transparent and connected community. These meetings provided a space for members to openly discuss their thoughts and receive guidance, reinforcing the sense of unity that GCI India fosters.
As the convention came to a close, participants expressed gratitude for the spiritual upliftment, valuable learning experiences, and the sense of family they felt within the church. The event strengthened relationships and refreshed spirits, leaving everyone looking forward to next year’s gathering. The GCI India Convention continues to be a cherished annual tradition, bringing a profound sense of purpose, fellowship, and rejuvenation to all who attend.
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
By Reuben Rios, Pastor
By Audie Santibanez, Pastor and National Director, Philippines
