Dear GCI Family and Friends,

I am pleased to have Kalengule Kaoma (KK), GCI Superintendent for Africa, write the letter for this edition of Update. We have more GCI members in Africa than any other continent and the work of preparing, recognizing, and launching new leaders is important for the present work and future growth that we anticipate. KK has done intentional work alongside his four regional directors, who have also been integral in helping to establish national directors who have direct impact on our wide array of pastors. This multiplication and empowerment of leaders is the groundwork that’s needed to have the capacity to receive those whom the Lord calls. Our prayers go up for Jesus to bless this group of newly appointed leaders.

In GCI across Africa, we are faced with several opportunities to transition our leaders. These opportunities are available on congregational and regional levels. As a result, we have experienced several transitions in the last twelve months.

Dictionaries indicate that transition refers to a process of change. In this article, I limit transition to change of leaders in congregational and or regional offices.

The reason for transitioning leaders has mostly been age-related. Most of our leaders who have transitioned out of their offices are at least 70 years of age. Energy levels, mobility, health, length of service, availability, and travel demands also contributed to decisions leading to transitions.

Benefits of timely transitions

Our leaders who have served the Lord for a long time have accumulated vast experiences, knowledge, and maturity. These traits must be passed on to younger leaders. Transitions are like a relay race. The oncoming runner passes the baton to the next runner who takes off at greater speed. But the runner who brought the baton runs on for some distance. In effect, the two runners run together for a while. This effectively provides support to the runner who has picked up the baton.

In our leadership transitions, experienced leaders have the opportunity to come beside the new leaders. Experienced leaders give support, counsel, guidance, and answers to what may seem like new, perplexing, and challenging situations that arise while the new leaders are adjusting to their roles. In executing the process of transition, we have drawn from biblical narratives because we desired smooth transitions.

Examples from the Bible

Elijah prayed a double portion of the Spirit over Elisha. John the Baptist, who had paved the path for Jesus, made the profound statement, “I must decrease so that he may increase.” Jesus himself shows how to prepare others for leadership. He prayed all night before selecting the 12 disciples. He invited them to come and be with him traveling across Judea, ministering to people. The disciples observed Jesus for months. They joined him in ministering to the crowds that gathered to hear Jesus. Jesus spent time quizzing their understanding about who he was and giving them deeper insight beyond the parables Jesus told to the crowds. He proclaimed that they would be fishers for people, and he prepared them for this calling. In GCI, we endeavor to do likewise.

Transitions in Africa

Biblical examples of leadership transitions encouraged us to courageously effect transitions in Africa. Here are the highlights:

Two national directors passed the baton recently. In Nigeria, Essien George passed the baton of national director to Meshack Igbineweka. GCI Ghana welcomed Theophilus Nii Okai as the new national leader.

We have also commissioned two new regional directors. In December 2024, Central Africa Regional Director Gardner Kunje of Lilongwe, Malawi transitioned leadership to Marshall Dube of Harare, Zimbabwe. In January 2025, another encouraging transition took place in Accra, Ghana. West Africa Regional Director Theo Nii Okai received office authority from outgoing RD Emmanuel Okai. [See image at the top of story.] Together with members of the Christian Council of Ghana, national directors from GCI Nigeria and Togo attended the service with a number of members from around Ghana.

Lessons from leadership transitions

• • Long term. Bearing in mind that at one point of the leadership path or another, leaders will be required to step aside. For this reason, leaders need to prepare someone to step up and take the role of a current leader. As soon as a leader takes up a leadership role, one must start preparing other people as possible replacements.
  • Create a team of leaders. Jethro’s advice to Moses to create teams of captains of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands coupled with Jesus’s plan of working with a team of three, twelve, 120, 500, and more form a basis upon which to emulate team leadership concepts. While a congregation may not have lots of members to draw lots of people, it is prudent to have teams of leaders who can be prepared for future leadership roles.
  • Proactive/intentional knowledge of leaders in the team. Creating a leadership team is one thing. Knowing the leaders on the team is another. Knowing team members calls for close relationships. Without close personal relationships, it is difficult to know members of the team. This too makes it difficult to be certain about who is suitable to be the next leaders. This does not take away the role of the Holy Spirit in directing leaders about next leaders. God works through our relationships.

Transitions are inevitable and important. The Holy Spirit works through mortal human beings with limited life spans. Naturally, human leaders’ bodies will wane in their strength and health. This requires replacement. Sometimes, other factors will call for leadership transitions. Hence, denominational, regional, congregational, and ministry leaders should always be ready to effectively transition officers at various levels of church leaders. In Africa, leadership transition is an ongoing activity.

Under the leadership of Jesus,
Kalengule Kaoma, Superintendent of Africa
Lusaka, Zambia

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

The apostle Paul writes to the beloved believers in Thessalonica, reminding them to live vigilantly, with clear thinking, as they anticipate the pending coming of the Lord. Not only are believers, then and now, to be awake and sober, but we are to be armed and guarded.

In I Thessalonians 5:8, we see the preeminent graces of faith, hope, and love that mark the kingdom-minded people of God and keep them centered in the person and purpose of Jesus. Hope being rooted in Jesus is the assurance of his work in the world today and his pending coming. Faith is the motive within, the abiding relationship with Jesus that colors our thoughts, desires, and actions. Love has transformed you and me and is exhibited in outward ways as we worship the triune God and serve our neighbors. Paul has this thread of teaching in all his letters to the early church because he knows this is how they (and we) stay wrapped in Jesus and are empowered to act as kingdom citizens now.

Paul spells out more details as to how we more intentionally live kingdom life now and represent him well until his return.

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 NRSVUE

Paul begins this passage by appealing to us that we respect and tangibly honor the pastors and church officers who labor among us because their work is meant for our good. I would echo this about our church leaders around the world. I see that they are Christ-centered, dedicated people who sacrificially serve the church. I say a big Thank You to them!

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

In our Kingdom Culture series, I previously wrote about being a kingdom citizen and drew attention to the people of Hebrews 11. Today I am backing up in the book of Hebrews to chapter 4 to show why the heroes of the faith chapter were so relentless in their pursuit.

Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it. For indeed the good news came to us just as to them; but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

‘As in my anger I swore,
“They shall not enter my rest”’,

though his works were finished at the foundation of the world. For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all his works.’ And again in this place it says, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’ Since therefore it remains open for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, again he sets a certain day—‘today’—saying through David much later, in the words already quoted,

‘Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.’

⁸ For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not speak later about another day. ⁹ So then, a sabbath rest still remains for the people of God; ¹⁰ for those who enter God’s rest also cease from their labours as God did from his. ¹¹ Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall through such disobedience as theirs. Hebrews 4:1-11 NRSVA

Entering God’s rest is the ultimate pursuit. If this rest was achievable by observation of a weekly Sabbath day, then the rest from creation through to Joshua would have been enough. And if simply setting aside a day to cease from labor was adequate to enter God’s rest, then human works would have been enough, too.

Why does the author say “… his works were finished at the foundation of the world”? The picture from Genesis shows God creating the earth and all that it is in it and then resting on the seventh day. The creation story is awe-inspiring, and it points us to a God who spoke and the material world came into being. Amazing!

Revelation 13:8 adds an astounding piece to the creation story that helps us have a clearer understanding of the concept of God’s rest:

All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world. (NIV)

The Father sending Jesus was the plan from the beginning. In fact, the entire Old Testament history was the stage being set for the main character to appear. The mysterious rest the writer points to is the abiding, healing, empowering relationship with Jesus. Jesus is the only one who gives true rest to the weary and heavy laden.

Hebrews 4 may appear to be pitting obedience against faith. The reality is that we can only enter the rest by the faith of Jesus and faith in Jesus. It is through faith alone that we are saved, and it is by faith that we believe and obey. The surrendered life of reliance on Jesus is how the saints of old remained faithful and obedient to the many hardships that came their way.

So, today as you hear his voice speaking out to you, open your heart and enter the rest of Jesus.

Resting in Jesus,
Greg

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Susan and I enjoy visiting the various U.S. Presidential Libraries. Last March we were able to visit Harry Truman’s and Dwight Eisenhower’s on the same day. We learned that Truman and Eisenhower understood that the President of the United States should be the model American citizen. The U.S. President should personally set an example of what is right and good in our country. This notion struck me as simple, yet profound.

If we are citizens of the kingdom of God what are valid indicators of our citizenship? The most comprehensive list that speaks about kingdom citizenship is found in Hebrew 11. Let’s consider these examples from the Bible “Hall of Fame” and the attributes that distinguish them. (Please take the time to read the entire chapter and reflect on the details that cannot be contained in this short article.)

1. Faith

As good Bible students, we know that faith is the hallmark characteristic.

• • Faith as trusting in God beyond our circumstances and challenges.
  • Faith as demonstrated by believing in a God who can do immeasurably more than can be conceived or imagined.
  • Faith as assurance and conviction.
  • Faith as the rock-solid certainty that he who has begun a good work will complete it.

2. Living as pilgrims and strangers in this world

Setting our eyes on Jesus and his kingdom, “a better country,” is how we walk the same path as those who have gone before. This is in keeping with the words of Jesus when he told the original disciples to be in the world, but not of the world.

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:13-16 NRSVA

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

I recently shared that our GCI theme for 2025 is Kingdom Culture. I hope this captures your imagination and stirs your spirit.

Growing into a Kingdom Culture begins with Kingdom Living. Kingdom Living originates in the King himself, King Jesus. We are familiar with the slogan “Jesus is the center of the center.” Our annual worship calendar supports this with celebrations anchored in the Person and works of Jesus (vicarious works on behalf of all humanity). But who is this King and what do we know about Him?

In the letter to the Christ-followers in Colossae, Paul writes some of the most magnificent truths about the King.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:15-20 NRSVA

The glory of the triune God is perfectly on display in the Person of Jesus. In Him, all things are held together. It is in Him that we live and move and have our being.

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

As we approach the end of 2024, there’s much to give thanks for in our shared journey. In the U.S., we came together for face-to-face regional gatherings (the first live gathering of this nature since before the Covid pandemic). It was a time to hug necks and rejoin the deep relationships that we have enjoyed for many years. This year was also a time to face difficult realities about the state of our congregations, and we made needed changes related to what congregations can be chartered, and served accordingly, as we go forward into 2025.

Another significant change that is under way in the United States is moving from the regional structure to a U.S. National Ministry Team, whose purpose is to serve our pastors and congregations in meaningful ways that can put legs to the vision for Healthy Church. We are prayerfully hopeful.

I am encouraged by the remarkable ways the Spirit is at work in and through GCI, moving us forward in unity and purpose. The resiliency and supportive attitude of GCI pastors and members amazes me. Thank you!

The triune God is faithful in our midst. Jesus Christ, the head of the church has much in store for us. I caught a glimpse of this at the Dream Huddle event held at our Ministry Training Center in Surrey Hills, O.K. Church planters, pastors of church mergers, and leaders of church relaunches gathered to share what we have been learning. We discussed how we can be supportive of each other as the Lord reshapes and rebuilds GCI in the U.S. Once again, I am prayerfully hopeful.

I am very encouraged by my visits and interactions with our international leaders as well. This past year, I collaborated with our Australasian Superintendent Daphne Sidney who is leading more than thirty participants in the Christian Discipleship Program. Their journey of learning and growing together has great promise. I joined New Zealand Regional Director Dennis Richards and Pastors Frank and Emily Boyd from Fiji as they hosted their Avenue Champions for a two-day workshop. It was inspiring to see their focus and intentionality as they join Jesus in His ministry to their island nation. I rounded out my year joining Kalengule Kaoma, Superintendent of Africa, and his team of regional directors in Ghana. The church in Ghana celebrated its 50-year anniversary, but with the level of energy and enthusiasm expressed it’s like they are just getting started.

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

This Sunday we celebrate Christ the King Sunday. It is a feast day that ends the liturgical year and introduces the new cycle taking us into the Advent season. I believe that it is a wonderful tradition to celebrate Christ’s messianic kingship and sovereign rule over all creation. It tells the end of the story even as we prepare ourselves for a new liturgical year, ushering in the incarnate baby Jesus born to His mother, Mary, in Bethlehem.

Jesus was intentional and clear with His disciples about having a “kingdom mindset.” Preaching the good news of the coming eternal kingdom of God was central to the teaching of Jesus from the beginning of His public ministry throughout.

In His final evening with the disciples, He made some key comments. When He instituted the Lord’s Table service, He presented the elements of the bread and wine, symbolizing His broken body and spilled blood. He declared that He would not eat these again with them until they were regathered in the kingdom of heaven.

As He was preparing the disciples to manage with His absence, He gave them strong words of encouragement.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. John 14:1-4 NIV

Even after Jesus was resurrected, and just before He ascended back to the Father, the disciples had their minds fixed on when Jesus, the King, would restore the kingdom to Israel. Unfortunately, it seems they were thinking of the benefits of a physical kingdom with a keen desire to be delivered from Roman rule. They missed the fuller meaning.