Reposted from Shalom! journal, this article was based on a sermon from David Flowers, senior pastor of Grantham Church, given on November 12, 2017. Listen to sermon audio. Scripture Reading: Matthew 22:15-22; John 17:20-23; Ephesians 4:2-3 There really is nothing more divisive in this country and in the church today than politics…

I woke up one morning not long ago to a Washington Post article about sexual abuse and misuse of power in a large Christian denomination (the denomination I grew up in). According to the article, a woman reported that while pursuing a degree at one of the denominational seminaries…

Pastor Jeff Wright and Madison Street Church, a BIC U.S. congregation in Riverside, California, have an empty lot behind their church and an audacious dream — end chronic homelessness in their city. Such a dream is possible because the government and churches are partnering together…

At General Assembly 2018, we celebrated meeting the first goal of the Honor the Past: Build the Future ministry campaign. Together, we eliminated the BIC U.S. pension deficit for the defined benefit plan (BIC Pension Fund), which was part of the retirement plan for Church leaders and missionaries…

This June 2018, BIC U.S. World Missions was privileged to welcome John Reitz as regional administrator for Europe and the Middle East, following John Hawbaker’s retirement earlier this year. In the regional administrator role for Europe and the Middle East…

In partnership with U.S. congregations and individuals, we celebrate that Allison Conrad deployed to Bogotá, Colombia, July 11, 2018, to teach at El Camino Academy this academic year. Thank you for walking alongside Allison through your prayers and financial support…

On July 16, 2018, Cathy Musser assumed leadership of General Conference Board from chair Wanda Heise, who had led since 2014 and served on the board 12 years. Formerly board secretary, Cathy has served on the board for eight years. Thankful for their visionary leadership…

On behalf of the BIC U.S. family, we want to express our deepest gratitude for Bishop Kenneth Hoke’s years of servant leadership in the denomination. Following six years as bishop of the Susquehanna Conference, Ken retired July 31…

In partnership with U.S. congregations and individuals, we celebrate that Tony and Veronica Beers, along with their daughters Lilliana and Natasha, deployed to Zambia, July 18, 2018, for a three-year term. Thank you for walking alongside the Beers through your prayers and financial support…

As the BIC U.S. family, we value making decisions together. Our 2018 General Assembly — the delegates representing our collective family of congregations — gathered to make the following decisions this week: 1. The 2018 General Assembly confirmed General Conference Board’s decision to approve the General Conference 2016 (now General Assembly) minutes…

Theologian Scot McKnight challenged us "To Follow Jesus," the culmination of our General Assembly theme: “To Know, Love, and Follow Jesus.” The internationally acclaimed Christian scholar exhorted us to heed Christ’s disruptive call: Philippians 2:1-11 says that Jesus rejected his rightful power in order to give himself in redemptive relationship with us…

Alan Robinson, BIC U.S. national director, called us to focus our attention on the second portion of the weekend's theme: "To Love Jesus." "Love at first sight is not our story," opened Alan in reference to his relationship with his wife…