The Natural and The Spiritual

During Day 25 of our 50 Days to Pentecost journey, Ian Wong shared on the principle of the natural and the spiritual, and it stirred a deeper reflection on how God establishes His order in our lives. The scripture reminds us clearly that the natural comes first, and then the spiritual. This is not accidental. It reveals something about how God builds, restores, and releases His authority.

From the very beginning, we see this pattern in creation. When God placed Adam and Eve in the garden, He did not simply create individuals. He created a union. Man and woman were brought together to walk in unity, to be of one heart and one mind, and to steward what God had entrusted to them. There was a divine order, and within that order, there was authority.

But when that order was broken, authority was lost.

When Adam and Eve chose to believe a lie and step outside of what God had commanded, something deeper than a single act of disobedience took place. The unity that God had established was fractured, and with it, the authority that had been given to humanity was compromised.

Often, when we read that account, we focus on the consequence of death and wonder why it did not appear immediate in the natural sense. God said that if they ate of the tree, they would surely die, and yet they continued to live. But what was lost in that moment was not simply physical life. It was the fullness of life as it was meant to be lived in the presence of God. Something spiritual was broken because something natural had first been disrupted.

This principle still applies today.

When God establishes something in the natural, it is often the foundation for what He desires to release in the spiritual. If there is disorder in the natural, it can hinder what God desires to do spiritually.

We see this clearly in the home.

If a husband and wife are not walking in unity, there will be a lack of authority in that home. Unity does not mean that there are never differing perspectives, but it does mean that there is a commitment to come into agreement, to pursue harmony, and to walk together with one heart. There is something powerful when a husband and wife choose to serve one another, to honour one another, and to seek the Lord together.

As Ian shared, this is not simply about helping one another. It is about establishing something deeper. It is about creating a place where the authority of the Lord can rest upon the family.

When that unity is present, there is strength. There is clarity. There is a sense of direction that allows a family to move forward in what God has called them to.

But when that unity is absent, it affects more than just the home.

Families make up the church. If homes are divided, it becomes difficult for the church to walk in unity. And where there is no unity, there is often little authority. The church may gather, but it will struggle to walk in the fullness of what God has intended.

This is why the natural and the spiritual are so closely connected.

God often begins by restoring what is in front of us. Our relationships. Our homes. The places where we live and interact each day. As we begin to align these areas with His heart, something begins to shift. What is established in the natural begins to open the door for what He desires to release in the spiritual.

This is not about striving for perfection. It is about posture. It is about a willingness to come into alignment with God’s design and to pursue unity where He has called us to walk together.

Perhaps today, this is an invitation to reflect.

Are there areas in your life where God is calling you back into alignment? Are there relationships where unity needs to be restored? Is there a place where the Lord is inviting you to lay something down so that something greater can be established?

As we continue through this journey toward Pentecost, may we be mindful that God is not only concerned with what He does through us, but also with what He establishes within us and around us.

When the natural is aligned, the spiritual can flow more freely.

A Prayer for You

Father, we thank You for Your wisdom and the order You have established in our lives. We ask that You would help us to see the areas where You are calling us into greater alignment.

Teach us to walk in unity, especially within our homes and relationships. Give us hearts that are willing to serve, to listen, and to pursue peace with one another.

Restore what has been broken and strengthen what You have already begun. Let Your authority be established in our lives, not for our own sake, but so that Your purposes may be fulfilled.

We thank You that You are a God of restoration, and we trust You with every part of our journey.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Waiting in Hope for the Lord

During our recent Day 11 of the 50 Days to Pentecost journey, Hany Emmanuel shared a timely and encouraging message on the importance of waiting on the Lord. As he spoke, I was reminded again that waiting is often one of the most misunderstood seasons in the life of a believer.

Many people view waiting as delay, silence, or lack of progress. Yet in the Kingdom of God, waiting is often a sacred place where the Lord is doing some of His deepest work within us. There are seasons when we pray, believe, and sense that something new is ahead, yet the door has not opened. We may know that God has spoken promises over our lives, but the fulfillment seems to take longer than we expected. In those moments, it can be easy to grow discouraged or to feel forgotten.

Scripture reminds us, “We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20. This kind of waiting is not passive, empty, or hopeless. It is waiting filled with trust. It is the posture of a heart that chooses to believe that God is still faithful, even when the timeline is unclear. It is the confidence that while we may not yet see movement with our natural eyes, the Lord is still working behind the scenes.

Often when we think God is delaying, He is actually preparing. He may be preparing circumstances, aligning relationships, or opening doors that cannot yet be seen. Many times, He is also preparing our hearts. The Lord is deeply concerned not only with where He is taking us, but with who we become along the journey.

There are things that can only be formed in us through waiting. Patience is strengthened, trust is deepened, character is refined, and dependence on the Lord becomes more real. Waiting has a way of revealing what we lean on, and it teaches us to return again and again to the presence of God rather than our own strength or understanding.

Throughout scripture we see many who walked through seasons of waiting. Abraham waited for the promise. Joseph waited through hardship before promotion came. David was anointed king long before he sat on the throne. The disciples waited in the upper room until the promise of the Holy Spirit was poured out. In every case, the waiting season was not wasted. What looked like delay became preparation.

Perhaps today you find yourself in such a season. You know God has placed something in your heart, yet the timing has not arrived. You have prayed, trusted, and wondered when the next step will come. Be encouraged. The Lord has not forgotten you. If He has called you to wait, then there is purpose in the waiting. He is your help and your shield. He is guarding what concerns you and shaping you for what is ahead.

At Christ For Your City, we have seen many times that God often works quietly before He works visibly. There are seasons where very little seems to be happening outwardly, yet beneath the surface the Lord is establishing something strong and lasting. Do not despise the hidden seasons, for sometimes the greatest preparation happens in places where no one else can see.

As we continue this journey toward Pentecost, may we learn again what it means to wait in hope. Not with frustration, but with expectancy. Not with fear, but with trust. The same God who asked you to wait is the God who knows exactly when the next door should open.

Click here to listen to Hany Emmanuel’s message from Day 11

A Prayer for You

Father, I pray for each person reading this today who finds themselves in a waiting season. Strengthen their heart and renew their hope. Where discouragement has tried to settle in, bring fresh faith.

Teach them to trust Your timing and to rest in Your faithfulness. Prepare their heart for all that You have ahead, and let this season become one of deep growth and intimacy with You.

Thank You that You are our help and our shield. We place our hope in You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Oil Before the Crown: A Reflection on Canada’s Identity and Calling

In recent months, we have been reflecting on a pattern that appears throughout Scripture—one that speaks not only to individuals, but to nations. As we pray for Canada, we are reminded that God is intentional in how He forms identity, establishes authority, and leads His people forward. When we look closely, both in Scripture and in history, we begin to see that formation often happens in hidden places before it is revealed publicly. David was anointed long before he was crowned, Moses encountered God in the wilderness before leading a nation, and Jesus was affirmed in quiet places before stepping into ministry. In each case, identity came before influence and formation came before function.

When we look at Canada through this lens, something meaningful begins to emerge. Canada’s early development—particularly through Kingston, Montreal, and Ottawa—tells a story that mirrors this biblical pattern. Kingston, Canada’s first capital, can be seen not just as a historical location, but as a place of formation. There is something deeply symbolic in the fact that early government gatherings were held in a hospital. Before policy and structure, there was a setting of healing. Before the crown, there was oil. Kingston represents that place where identity is shaped, where something foundational is established long before it is publicly expressed.

As the capital moved to Montreal, the atmosphere shifted. Montreal carried intensity, influence, and visible tension. This reflects another biblical reality: what is formed in secret is eventually tested in public. Anointing is often followed by fire. Montreal’s history reveals a stage where what was established is exposed, refined, and strengthened. Testing is not a disruption of the process—it is part of it. It reveals what is true and prepares what is lasting.

Ottawa then emerges as the place of governance, positioned between cultures, languages, and regions. It was not chosen for dominance, but for balance. This is where leadership is exercised and responsibility is carried. Scripture reminds us that righteousness and justice are the foundation of a throne. Governance is not simply about authority—it is about stewardship. Yet even here, the pattern remains: the throne does not create authority, it carries what has already been established. Formation precedes governance. Identity sustains influence.

When we step back and look at this progression—formation, testing, and governance—we begin to see a deeper story. Canada’s development was not random; it reflects a rhythm. And if that is true, then we must ask what God is inviting us into now. Perhaps we are in a season where identity is being restored, where what has been tested is being refined, and where leadership is being realigned with righteousness and humility. We believe Canada has a calling—not one rooted in dominance, but in integrity; not in noise, but in wisdom; not in division, but in reconciliation. A nation that carries compassion, stewarding justice with humility, and living out a reality of healing.

The story of Canada is still unfolding. What was planted in the beginning matters, and what we do with it now matters just as much. We are being invited to steward this nation with faith, humility, and a deep awareness that God is not finished. “The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King.” (Isaiah 33:22). May we be a people who respond to that truth, who walk in step with what He is doing, and who carry forward what has been entrusted to us with wisdom, courage, and hope.

This article is adapted from a reflection by Christy Falkenberg of the Apostolic Prophetic Council. We encourage you to explore the original article, “Oil Before Crown: Canada’s Kingship Story,” available through the Apostolic Prophetic Council’s platforms.

The Power of Spiritual Fathers and Mothers

Over the years at Christ For Your City, Ann and I have often found ourselves reflecting on the importance of spiritual fathers and mothers in the life of the Church. Much of what the Lord has allowed us to be part of through this ministry has grown out of simple relationships. Walking with people, praying together, encouraging one another, and helping individuals discover the calling that God has placed on their lives. Through these experiences we have come to see again and again how powerful spiritual fathering and mothering can be in shaping a person’s journey of faith.

The apostle Paul speaks very clearly about this in his letter to the Corinthians. He says that while we may have many instructors in Christ, we do not have many fathers.

This is an important distinction.

An instructor teaches information. A spiritual father or mother imparts life.

Today we live in a time where teaching is widely available. Sermons, podcasts, conferences, books, and teachings can be accessed almost instantly. These resources can be a great blessingand they help strengthen our understanding of the Word of God.

But teaching alone does not replace the power of relationship.

God has always worked through spiritual family.

Throughout scripture we see this pattern repeated. Moses walked closely with Joshua before Joshua stepped into leadership. Elijah poured his life into Elisha. Paul travelled with Timothy, encouraging him and helping him grow in the calling God had placed on his life.

These were not casual relationships. They were relationships built on trust, prayer, and shared life.

Spiritual fathers and mothers carry a different kind of responsibility. Their desire is not to control someone’s life, but to help nurture what God has already placed within them. Often they see potential before the individual sees it themselves.

Over the years, Ann and I have had the privilege of walking alongside many leaders, pastors, and young people who were seeking direction in their faith. Some came with clear vision and confidence. Others came with questions and uncertainty.

In many of those moments, what people needed most was not another teaching. What they needed was someone to walk beside them.

Someone who would listen.
Someone who would pray with them.
Someone who would remind them of God’s faithfulness when discouragement tried to creep in.

This is one of the beautiful things about spiritual fathering and mothering. Much of it happens quietly, often away from public attention. It happens in conversations, in prayer, and in moments where someone simply needs encouragement to keep moving forward.

One of the great joys of ministry is watching someone begin to step into the gifts that God has placed within them. Seeing a young leader grow in faith and confidence is always a reminder that the Kingdom of God continues to move forward from one generation to the next.

At Christ For Your City, this relational approach has always been central to our ministry. Our heart has never simply been to run programs, but to walk with people as they discover God’s destiny for their lives.

When people are encouraged, mentored, and given space to grow, something powerful begins to happen. Faith deepens, vision becomes clearer, and individuals begin to step into the calling God has prepared for them.

If you have had a spiritual father or mother who invested in your life, take a moment to thank God for them. Their prayers and encouragement may have shaped more of your journey than you realize.

And if God has placed younger believers around you who are searching for direction, perhaps the Lord is inviting you to step into that role for someone else.

Often the most powerful ministry happens one life at a time.

A Prayer for You:

Father, we thank You for the way You build Your family through relationships. I pray for each person reading this today. If they are seeking guidance, I ask that You would place wise and loving spiritual fathers and mothers in their path who will encourage them and help them grow in their faith.

And Lord, for those You are calling to invest in the next generation, give them wisdom, patience, and a heart that reflects Your love. May they see the potential You have placed within others and have the courage to speak life, encouragement, and truth.

Continue to strengthen Your Church as we walk together, growing in faith and discovering the purposes You have prepared for each of us.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Why We Celebrate Victories

As we approach the 30th Anniversary of Christ For Your City, I have found myself reflecting not only on the years that have passed, but on the faithfulness of God woven through them.

Thirty years is more than a milestone. It represents seasons of obedience, moments of stretching, quiet sacrifices, unexpected breakthroughs, and countless prayers whispered in faith. It represents people, faces, names, and stories, each one carrying the imprint of the Father’s hand.

And it raises an important question. Why do we celebrate victories?

In the Kingdom of God, celebration is never about self-congratulation. It is about remembrance. Throughout Scripture, the Lord instructed His people to mark moments of deliverance and breakthrough. Altars were built. Feasts were established. Testimonies were shared from one generation to the next. Celebration was a way of saying, “The Lord has done this.”

When we celebrate victories, we are not exalting ourselves. We are exalting the faithfulness of God.

Over the years, there have been moments in this ministry where outcomes were uncertain. There were seasons when provision required deep trust. There were times when obedience felt costlyand the fruit was not immediately visible. Yet here we are, thirty years later, able to look back and see a thread of divine faithfulness running through it all.

Celebration allows us to pause and recognize that what we are part of is larger than any one person. Christ For Your City was never built on human strength alone. It has been sustained by the Lord’s grace, by the prayers of many, and by the obedience of those willing to say yes.

I believe celebrating victories is an act of stewardship. When we acknowledge what God has done, we guard our hearts from forgetfulness. It is easy to move quickly from one assignment to the next without stopping to give thanks. But gratitude strengthens faith. It reminds us that the same God who carried us through past seasons will continue to lead us forward.

Celebration also builds faith for the next generation. When testimonies are shared, hope is imparted. When we recount what the Lord has done, we create a foundation for those coming behind us to stand on. Our 30th Anniversary is not only about honouring the past. It is about releasing vision for the future.

There is something powerful that happens when the Body gathers to celebrate. Unity is strengthened. Perspective is renewed. Hearts are reminded that we are part of a greater story. In celebrating together, we acknowledge that the victories belong to the Lord, and that we are privileged to steward what He has begun.

This anniversary is not simply about marking time. It is about marking faithfulness. It is about honouring the journey, the obedience, the prayers, and the countless unseen acts of service that have shaped these three decades.

As we gather to celebrate 30 years, my prayer is that we would not only look back with gratitude, but look forward with expectation. The victories of the past are testimonies of what God has done. They are also reminders that He is not finished.

Celebration in the Kingdom is not the end of the story. It is a declaration that the Lord has been faithful and that He will continue to be faithful in the years ahead.

We celebrate not because everything was easy, but because God was present. Not because the path was always clear, but because His hand was steady. And as we honour thirty years of Christ For Your City, we do so with grateful hearts, recognizing that every victory belongs to Him.

May our celebration be filled with thanksgiving. May our remembrance strengthen our faith. And may the next season be marked by the same obedience and trust that have carried us thus far.

Stewardship in Uncertain Times

Over the years, I have learned that seasons of uncertainty have a way of bringing important ssues or challenges to the surface. When things feel predictable and steady, it is easy to move forward without asking too many questions. But when uncertainty arrives—when resources feel tighter, when decisions carry more weight, when the future feels less clear—we are invited by the Lord to pause and pay attention. Uncertainty often becomes a   classroom of the Lord, where teaches us what stewardship truly means.

Stewardship, in the Kingdom of God, is never just about finances. It is about trust. It is about recognizing that everything we hold—our time, our resources, our influence, our calling—has first been entrusted to us by the Lord. We are not owners. We are stewards.

In uncertain times, that truth becomes very real. Perhaps, even unescapable!

When margins feel wide, stewardship may feel theoretical. But when margins narrow, stewardship becomes deeply personal. The questions change. We begin to ask, “Lord, what are You asking of us right now?” rather than, “What do we want to preserve or protect?”

I have noticed that uncertainty has a way of revealing where we look for security. It gently, and sometimes not so gently, exposes what we rely on when things feel unstable. Scripture reminds us again and again that our security is not found in what we accumulate, but in who we trust.

Jesus spoke often about faithfulness in small things. Not because small things are insignificant, but because they reveal the posture of our hearts. Faithful stewardship is not measured by abundance, but by obedience. Especially when outcomes are unclear.

There have been seasons where Ann and I have had to steward circumstances with very open hands. Seasons where the Lord asked us to give, to release, or to step forward without knowing how everything would work out. Those moments were not easy, but they were formative. They taught us that stewardship is less about certainty and more about His alignment.

In times of uncertainty, wisdom becomes essential. Wisdom slows us down. It invites us to listen before we act. It reminds us that reacting out of fear can quickly pull us off course. True wisdom does not deny reality, but it refuses to let fear become the driving force behind our decisions.

Prayer plays a central role here. Prayer keeps stewardship relational rather than transactional. It keeps our hearts soft and our ears attentive. When we pray, we are reminded that provision comes from the Lord, not from our own ability to manage outcomes. Prayer becomes an interactive dialogue versus a demanding monologue.

Stewardship also extends beyond what we give. It includes how we steward our time, our energy, and our relationships. In uncertain seasons, we must ask ourselves where we are investing our lives. Are we stewarding what produces lasting fruit, or are we pouring ourselves into what simply offers temporary comfort?

One of the beautiful things about the Body of Christ is that we are not called to steward alone. We discern together. We pray and listen together. And, we carry one another in seasons where faith feels stretched. In doing so, we reflect the heart of a God who designed His Church as a family, not as individuals trying to survive on their own.

As a ministry, we believe stewardship is an act of worship. It is a declaration that says, “Lord, all that we have belongs to You, and we desire to honour You with it.” In uncertain times, this declaration becomes even more powerful.

Uncertainty has a way of inviting us back to simplicity. Back to listening. Back to trust. Back to dependence. Stewardship in these seasons is not about having every answer, but about remaining faithful, available, and responsive as the Lord continues to lead.

My prayer for us and for you is that in times of uncertainty, we would not retreat into fear or self-preservation but lean into trust. That we would steward wisely what has been placed in our hands. And that through faithful stewardship, even in uncertain times, the life of the Father would continue to be formed in His people and released to the nations.

Prayer in the Tension

There are seasons in life where tension does not resolve quickly. It lingers. It stretches us. It sits in the space between promise and fulfillment, between what we know God has spoken and what we are currently living. Tension is rarely comfortable, yet it is often deeply formative.

I have come to recognize that much of our spiritual growth happens not in moments of clarity, but in moments of tension. It is there that our foundations are tested. Tension reveals where we look for stability and what we truly trust to hold us.

Prayer becomes essential in these spaces. Not because it removes tension immediately, but because it teaches us how to remain within it without losing our footing. Prayer does not always change our circumstances, but it consistently changes our posture.

Scripture invites us again and again to bring our whole selves before the Lord. When life feels unsettled, prayer becomes the place where we are re-centered. It is where anxious thoughts are quieted, where perspective is restored, and where our hearts are reminded of who God is.

Often, our instinct in tension is to seek resolution as quickly as possible. We want answers, direction, and relief. While God is gracious to provide those things, there are times when He is more interested in our formation than our comfort. Prayer keeps us present in those moments, preventing us from rushing past what God is shaping within us.

In prayer, we are reminded that tension does not mean absence. God is not distant simply because things feel unresolved. In fact, He is often closest in these spaces, inviting us to lean more fully on Him rather than on certainty or control.

Prayer also helps us to hold competing realities at the same time. We can acknowledge what is difficult without surrendering hope. We can name our fears while still choosing trust. Prayer gives us language for both honesty and faith, allowing them to coexist without contradiction.

There is a quiet strength that develops when we consistently return to prayer in the midst oftension. Over time, we find that our reactions soften, our listening deepens, and our reliance on God becomes more instinctive. We begin to recognize that peace is not the absence of tension, but the presence of God within it.

Prayer trains us to wait well. Waiting is not passive; it is an active posture of trust. As we bring our questions, frustrations, and longings before the Lord, we are reminded that His timing is purposeful, even when it is not immediately clear. Prayer anchors us while we wait.

In tension, prayer also guards our hearts. It keeps bitterness from taking root and prevents discouragement from shaping our outlook. By returning to prayer, we continually place our hearts back in God’s care, allowing Him to tend to what feels fragile or strained.

Perhaps one of the greatest gifts of prayer in tension is that it keeps us connected. Connected to God. Connected to truth. Connected to hope. Even when clarity feels distant, connection remains available.

Tension is not something to escape at all costs. It is often the place where faith is refined, where dependence deepens, and where trust becomes less theoretical and more lived. Prayer does not rush us through these moments. It walks with us through them.

My prayer is that we would not interpret tension as failure or delay, but as invitation. An invitation to remain. To listen. To trust. And to allow prayer to become the steady place where we learn to stand, even when the ground feels uncertain.

A Highway of Unity: Witnessing Isaiah 19 in Egypt

I have recently returned from Egypt, and I carry a deep sense of gratitude for what the Lord allowed us to witness and be part of during these days. For over 30 years, Ann and I have walked in a calling to strengthen the Body of Christ across Canada and the nations. This most recent journey felt especially significant—not simply as another trip, but as a moment within God’s unfolding purposes for the global Church.

As the Body of Christ gathered from across the Middle East and from nations around the world, something profound took place. There was a visible brilliance in the Bride of Christ as believers came together beyond borders, cultures, and long-standing divisions. What stood out to me was the clarity that emerged. Being together in this way expands our vision beyond a Western perspective and draws us into the very nature and heart of the Lord.

What unfolded in Egypt was more than cooperation—it was restoration, often beyond what we expected. I witnessed a redemptive picture of Ishmael and Isaac walking together. Both carrying promise. Both holding inheritance. Both entrusted with a purpose from the Father for an end-time harvest that reaches far beyond any one nation or people group. Arabs and Jews, Egyptians and Persians, Messianic Jews and Gentile believers stood side by side, discovering again what it means to belong to one Body with one calling.

These days reflected the prophetic vision found in Isaiah 19:23–25, where the Lord speaks of a highway between Egypt, Assyria, and Israel—a place of reconciliation, worship, and shared blessing. Scripture describes a time when historically divided peoples will serve the Lord together, each named “my people,” “the work of my hands,” and “my inheritance.” What has often felt distant or symbolic was, in many ways, unfolding before our eyes.

As we gathered, I saw hearts expand as believers looked beyond the needs of their own geographical spaces. There was a shared awareness of the Lord’s longing for a unified Bride—one made up of every tongue and tribe. This unity did not ignore the real challenges present in the Middle East. Rather, those challenges were brought into clarity and focus, allowing us to see more clearly the desires of the Lord for His Church.

This was not a picture of one culture leading while others follow. Instead, it reflected a Kingdom reality where each people group is stepping into their God-given calling, anointing, and mantle for such a time as this. Every nation carries something essential for the global Church, and when those gifts are honoured and released, we begin to see the purposes of God unfold in greater depth and authority.

What I witnessed in Egypt, was the Bride Christ is preparing—one without spot or wrinkle. A Bride refined through love, one heart and obedience. These times together were more than meetings; they were moments of alignment, restoration, and strengthening. Hearts were knit together, relationships deepened, and a renewed sense of one shared mission was released, echoing the prayer of Jesus in John 17.

I am deeply thankful to all who prayed and stood with us throughout this journey. As we move forward, I believe the fruit of these days will continue to ripple outward strengthening the Church, shaping nations, and drawing many into the hope, healing, and life found in Jesus Christ.

The Call to Multiply: Living From the Tree of Life

As I’ve been sitting with the Lord lately, my heart has been drawn back to the very beginning — to the garden, to the two trees God placed before humanity. The Tree of Life… and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

These were not just ancient symbols. They represent the choices we face every single day. And I sense the Father inviting us again to choose the Tree of Life — to live from His presence, His voice, and His ways.

Many of us carry things in our lives that are good, not-so-good, and at times deeply painful. And often we ask ourselves:
How do I build a strong foundation when my past contains both blessing and brokenness?
How do I walk free from situations that still follow me?
How do I tell the difference between what is good and what only looks good on the surface?

I’ve learned over the years that both good and bad can come to test us — not to harm us, but to reveal what tree we are drawing from. The Lord is always leading us toward life, toward healing, toward His heart.

The Tree of Life always leads to freedom, honour, and no shame. It leads us into the journey Scripture calls “from glory to glory”, and each step on that journey involves more surrender, more refinement, and in time, more victory.

When God created us, He made us in His image — with the ability to multiply what He gives us. Genesis tells us this clearly. The authority to multiply isn’t just something we do with our hands; it is woven into who we are. Our words, our thoughts, the posture of our hearts… all of these carry the power to multiply something. The question is: What are we multiplying?

When we say amen, we are saying, “So be it.” We are agreeing with something. And I believe God is inviting us to align our “amen” with His Word, not with our fears or frustrations.

Even rest itself reveals God’s heart. When He finished creating the world, He blessed the seventh day and declared it holy. That means rest is holy. It is part of His design for us — a reminder that we are called to live from Him, not just work for Him.

I often tell people: God wants our lives to multiply His life. The decisions we make don’t only affect us — they shape our families, our children, and the generations after us. We were created to rule and reign with Him, to steward life in such a way that His goodness moves through us into those who come behind us.

Many believers wait for someone else to give them a word. But the Father longs to speak to you Himself. His desire is that we walk with Him daily, listening for His voice, and trusting that He will reveal what we need to know. As Deuteronomy 29:29 says, “The secret things belong to the Lord, but what He reveals belongs to us and our children.” What God gives us is meant to be lived — and passed on.

My encouragement to you is this: choose the Tree of Life. Choose His presence. Choose His voice over your own reasoning. Choose rest over striving. Choose words that bring life rather than ones that tear down.

And as you do, you will begin to see His life multiply within you — not slowly, but exponentially — touching those around you and leaving a legacy for the generations to come.

Walking Together as Family

When I think about the phrase fathers and mothers walking with sons and daughters, my heart is stirred deeply. For Ann and I, this isn’t just a concept or a ministry model. It’s the heartbeat of family and the foundation for a healthy Church. If the generations are going to thrive together, then the relationships between them must be whole, honouring, and filled with grace.

During my recent time in Asia, I saw this reality unfolding before my eyes. The main leader of the ministry we partner with in Vietnam was unable to join us in Singapore for a gathering of the Christian family from all over Southeast Asia. After some thoughtful prayer and discernment, he felt it was important to send his daughter, a Generation Z woman named Mary, to represent both him and their nation.

When she arrived in Singapore and stepped into the atmosphere of worship and intercession, something remarkable happened. The fears she carried — of being alone, of wondering if the world had forgotten the people of Vietnam — began to break off. Over the course of a few hours, she was noticeably filled with grace, life, and hope. The Father reminded her that she was not forgotten and that her voice carried the sound of a nation. Watching her come alive in that setting was a powerful picture of what happens when the next generation is trusted, released and blessed by those who have gone before them.

In Singapore itself, I witnessed something even broader. The entire gathering — close to nine hundred people — was led by the millennial generation. Young men and women from across Southeast and Northeast Asia carried the meetings with humility and honour. They led worship, intercession, and prophetic moments with great strength, yet continually deferring to the wisdom of trusted fathers and mothers present.

What moved me most was the respect they showed for their spiritual fathers and mothers. Before making any decision, they would pause to seek counsel, to ask questions, and to ensure they were walking in unity with the older generation. Their leading was not about ambition or replacing those before them. They understood that they were standing in the fullness of time — reaping a harvest that many generations their parents and grandparents had laboured and sown into for years. The honour between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, was something holy to witness.

To complete my three-nation journey, I traveled to Malaysia, where I again saw the same spirit of family at work. A senior pastor and I drove eight hours round-trip to visit a young millennial pastor who had been facing false accusations — words spoken against him out of jealousy and misunderstanding. When we arrived, we simply spent time with him and his family, listening, praying, and encouraging them. By the end of the day, you could see the change in his countenance. The burden had lifted. The fathers had covered him with their love, and in that moment, the healing of family took place.

These snapshot moments across Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia reminded me that this is what the Father is doing in His Church. He is aligning the generations together — not in competition, but in partnership. Fathers and mothers are learning to walk with sons and daughters, and sons and daughters are learning to honour those who have gone before them.

As mutual honour and respect is released and lived out, the family of God becomes whole. The baton is not dropped between generations; instead, we carry it together in this race and run together in love. And as we continue to walk this way, the Kingdom will advance from strength to strength, from one generation to the next.

This remains our vision — to see spiritual mothers and fathers rise up, to nurture, equip, and walk with the next generation of believers. As we walk together as family, we carry the fullness of God’s heart to every home and nation

A Gathering of Family, Not Just Leaders

As I reflect on the recent gathering in Singapore, a meeting that brought together individuals from across Southeast and Northeast Asia, one word stands out to me: leaders. Yet as I sat in those meetings, worshipped alongside brothers and sisters from many nations, and watched what God was doing, I realized what was unfolding went far beyond leadership.

Yes, there were pastors, apostles, prophets, and intercessors—men and women who have walked faithfully in their callings. But what struck me most was not their experience or titles. The deeper dynamic that the Lord was shaping among us went beyond roles or recognition. This was not just a conference for leaders. It was a gathering of family.

In that atmosphere, it became clear that the true strength of the Church, not found in structure or position but in relationship. The gathering was multigenerational, multinational, and multicultural. On the screens, five to seven different languages were projected at once. In the room, you could feel the Spirit weaving hearts together. It was more than a network of ministries. It was a living expression of God’s Kingdom family.

One of the most beautiful moments came during worship, where small children danced freely with the trained dancers. There was no separation, no sense of who was more qualified or experienced. It was a picture of innocence, joy, and unity.

Even the worship team reflected this diversity. While there were assigned singers and musicians, others from the congregation were invited to join the musicians and sing in their mother tongue which allowed for a heavenly worship experience on earth. Different languages rose together in harmony, yet all were worshipping the same Father. It felt as though heaven itself was breaking into the room as many tribes and tongues lifted one voice before God.

What I sensed from the Father through all of this was simple, yet profound. He is calling His Church back to His original intent – living as family. The leaders in the room were not there to build another organization or movement. They were there to create space for family to grow. They were facilitating environments where love, honour, and generational blessing could flow freely.

This is the essence of the Kingdom—sons and daughters walking together, the young and old worshipping side by side, and nations united by the presence of God.

At times like this, we begin to see what Jesus prayed for in John 17: that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one. It reminds us that revival does not begin in the spotlight. It is found as the family of God rediscovers who they are together.

This remains the heartbeat we carry wherever we go. Our desire is to build and strengthen the family of God across generations and nations. Whether in Singapore, or anywhere the Lord sends us, we long to see His Church come alive in unity, where every voice matters and every heart finds its’ place in the Father’s house.

Testimony.... Lord, Do It Again

On my recent trip to Malaysia, one of the most powerful moments I experienced was returning to minister at a church filled with Pakistani refugees. These precious brothers and sisters have endured unimaginable trials. Many fled their homeland because of political and religious persecution, seeking only safety for their families and freedom to worship Jesus Christ.

But their journey has been anything but easy. Caught in bureaucratic red tape, some have waited 8, 10, even 12 years for an interview with a western nation where they might finally apply for refugee status. In the meantime, life is incredibly difficult. They are unable to send their children to school. They have no access to proper healthcare. Many work in hidden or unsafe conditions where employers take advantage of them because they are undocumented. Their daily existence is marked by uncertainty, hardship, and very real suffering.

When I visited this congregation a year ago, the weight of all these challenges was heavy on their faces. During that visit, I spent nearly two hours at the altar praying for families — for husbands and wives, for children, for those who felt they had no hope left. Some were battling deep depression. Others were overwhelmed with fear. Their cries for help were raw and desperate.

This year, as I walked back into that same church, I was immediately struck by a dramatic change. Instead of downcast faces, I was met with bright eyes and beaming smiles. Men, women, and children rushed to greet me with hugs, handshakes, and words of thanks for the ministry that had taken place the year before. Their gratitude was overwhelming.

What had changed? Their external circumstances were the same — they were still refugees, still waiting, still struggling. But their hearts had been transformed. Their posture had shifted from despair to thanksgiving. Those who had been weighed down by depression now testified that the Lord had miraculously intervened in their families. Couples who had once asked me through tears to pray for breakthrough were now declaring the goodness of God with joy.

In that moment, I was reminded again of the power of testimony. I shared with them Revelation 12:11 (NLT): “And they have defeated him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. And they were not afraid to die.”

In English, “testimony” often means a statement, or a personal account of an experience. But in Hebrew, the word aydooth carries a far deeper meaning. It means, “Do it again with the same power and authority.”

This congregation had taken hold of that truth. Every time they shared a testimony, they were not just remembering what God had done — they were declaring, “Lord, do it again with the same power and authority.” Their testimonies became prophetic. Their words became prayers. Their hope became contagious.

What moved me most was that their circumstances had not yet shifted. They were still unable to send their children to school. They still lacked healthcare. They were still vulnerable to exploitation. And yet, they chose thanksgiving. They chose to declare God’s goodness. They chose to believe that the same God who had carried them this far would “do it again.”

I left that gathering deeply humbled and encouraged. These dear brothers and sisters reminded me — and I hope remind you — that life and death are in the power of the tongue. When we share our testimony, we are not only recounting the past; we are calling upon the Lord to release that same power in the present.

This is the heart of Christ For Your City: to walk alongside leaders, families, and churches, reminding them that the Father is faithful and that His Kingdom is advancing even in the most difficult circumstances.

May we learn from the faith of these refugees. May their courage inspire us to open our mouths and share our own stories of God’s goodness. And may we, too, begin to pray with boldness: “Lord, do it again.”

Pressing Through... No Matter of the Cost!

In Episode 2 of The Father’s Life, I had the privilege of sitting down with my longtime friend, Seelian Chua, from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our conversation was rich with stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and what it means to live out the Kingdom of God — no matter the cost.

Seelian began by sharing the story of him and his wife attending The Longing: Canada Family Gathering 2025 in Vancouver. Though the journey seemed insurmountable, they felt strongly that they had to come. They wanted to thank the Canadian families who had poured into them over the years. With gratitude in their hearts — to the Lord and to their Canadian family — they pressed through, trusting that God would provide. And He did.

This story led us into an honest reflection: how do we walk out the Kingdom life today, where the natural cost often seems overwhelming, and yet we know God is asking us to press forward?

Seelian’s answer was simple: it is always about sacrifice. He pointed to the many who have paid a cost — those who have left comfort behind to travel across the nations, enter into new cultures, and live life together with others. This kind of sacrifice builds bridges that only God can sustain.

We talked about the beauty of relationships formed when we are willing to step into new cultures and live in connection. I asked Seelian how we might better embrace this in Canada. His response was deeply practical: open your homes. Spend intentional time with people. Create space to listen, relax, and engage deeply. This is how we discover what is truly in people’s hearts, and how the life of Christ is nurtured among us.

Seelian also shared about his own transition from two decades in the corporate world to becoming a lead pastor, and later stepping into a mentoring role. He reflected on what it meant to lead differently: not from a top-down vision, but by recognizing the church as a family. In his words, “every individual is unique in the body.” God’s call to leaders is to see, nurture, and build the gifts He has placed in each one.

This, too, is the heart of the five-fold ministry — not just carrying the work ourselves, but preparing, multiplying, and raising others up. As leaders, we are called to recognize both strengths and weaknesses, to lift one another, and to edify the whole Body of Christ.

As we closed, I asked Seelian how he has learned to discern the Word of the Lord. His response was both profound and simple: “If you love God, you listen to God. If you love people, you listen to people as well.” It is in walking alongside others, hearing their cries, and carrying their burdens that unity is formed and God’s people flourish.

This conversation was a reminder that the Kingdom of God does not advance by comfort, but by love expressed in sacrifice, hospitality, and presence. My prayer is that you will be encouraged to press through — no matter the cost — for more of God’s Kingdom in your life, your family, and your community.

Click here to watch Episode two of the Father’s Life!

Introducing The Father's life with Michael Pierce

Introducing The Father’s Life Podcast

At Christ For Your City, our desire has always been to create spaces where the family of God can gather, hear His voice, and walk together in His purposes. From the very beginning, this calling has been marked by three things: preparing leaders to be transformed by Jesus Christ, cultivating prayer, and walking in unity.

Over the years, this has taken many forms — discipleship, mission trips, times of teaching, and most recently, our 50 Days to Your Pentecost challenge. That season alone saw tens of thousands of prayer guides released, helping believers press into God’s presence in fresh ways. Yet through every initiative, the heart has remained the same: to draw closer to the Father and to one another.

Now, we are excited to announce the launch of a new chapter in this journey: The Father’s Life with Michael Pierce, beginning September 15.

This podcast is not just another program or teaching. As we share in the opening lines of the show:

“This is a weekly conversation where we press into the heart of the Father and explore what it truly means to live as sons and daughters of God. This isn’t just a podcast. Like everything we do at Christ For Your City, it's meant to be a gathering place — a relational space where we hear from the Lord and from one another. A shared table where the family of God comes together, united by the Spirit, to encourage, equip, and lift one another up.”

We believe this space will be both encouragement and challenge — reminding us of who we are and to whom we belong. Whether you are longing for deeper connection with the Father or simply need fresh strength for the journey, our prayer is that each conversation will anchor you more deeply in His presence.

Every episode will carry the same reminder expressed at the close of our conversations:

“The Father is always inviting you deeper. Not into performance, but into Presence. Not into striving, but into sonship and daughterhood. Our hope is that this time has stirred your spirit and reminded you that you are never alone on this journey. You belong to a greater story, a family shaped by grace and truth.” (John 1:17, ESV)

As we launch The Father’s Life, we invite you to walk with us. Share it with a friend, listen with your family, or gather with your church community. Most of all, we ask that you pray with us — that every word spoken would carry the heart of the Father, and that His Spirit would use these conversations to equip, encourage, and transform lives.

Join us beginning September 15, as we take our place at the table together, listening for His voice and walking in His love.

A New Chapter in Sharing the Gospel

We are continually reminded that God’s timing is perfect and His provision is always enough. Over the past few months, the Lord has brought three young people to join the Christ For Your City team — each carrying unique gifts that align with His purposes for this season. Their arrival is an answer to prayer and a signpost that God is expanding the way we carry His message to the nations.

The first came at a time when we were asking the Lord how to release written content that would strengthen and encourage the Body of Christ. He approached us seeking mentorship, and as we talked, he shared that he was a writer. Immediately, we knew the Lord had set this in place.

The second came during the 50 Days to Your Pentecost video project. She carried a burning passion for media and was instrumental in helping us navigate the technical process of livestreaming. As we wrapped up that season, we felt the Lord prompting us to begin a podcast to continue sharing the testimonies and lessons He had given us. Before we could even extend the invitation, she offered her help.

The third arrived soon after — a young person gifted in audio editing, something we had long needed but could not yet fulfill. Again, the Lord had provided exactly what was required.

For many years, Ann and I have carried the call to go — to cross borders and walk alongside leaders, churches, and communities in Canada and across the nations. This remains our joy and passion. Now, in addition to that call, God is opening the door for the message of the Gospel of the Kingdom to travel further still, through written word, audio, and video. These avenues allow the testimonies, teachings, and encouragements we carry to reach people in places we cannot physically be — yet always with the same heart of discipleship and relationship.

As a team, we are launching The Father’s Life with Michael Pierce, a new podcast that will extend the work begun in 50 Days to Your Pentecost. Through stories of faith, and words of encouragement, our desire is to strengthen believers and their relationship with our Father.  Alongside the podcast, we are releasing monthly blog posts, sharing not only updates from Christ For Your City but also stories of how God is transforming lives and communities.

Our heart in this is two-fold: to release the Gospel in every form of communication available, and to walk closely with these young interns as they grow in their relationship with the Lord and step into their God-given calling. We see in them the next generation of voices who will proclaim the truth of God’s Kingdom in every sphere of life.

The psalmist urges us in Psalm 96:3, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!” This is our heart in every blog post, every podcast episode, and every video — to proclaim the goodness of God and testify to His works. In this season, we see Him expanding the ways we can carry this declaration, ensuring that His glory is made known both near and far.

We invite you to pray with us — for these young leaders, for the work ahead, and for every word, every recording, and every video to carry His presence and His truth. May the Gospel go forth unhindered and may the Kingdom of God be revealed in every nation.

Reflections on 50 Days to Your Pentecost

As we reflect on this year’s 50 Days to Your Pentecost challenge, our hearts are full of gratitude for what the Lord has done. Throughout the daily video podcasts, we witnessed a beautiful expression of the Body of Christ coming together from across Canada and the world, seeking His presence with sincerity, hunger, and expectancy.

Each day offered a fresh perspective of God’s heart through the unique voice of each friend of Michael and Ann. The variety of gifts and testimonies revealed more than just who God is—it gave us a glimpse into what He desires to do among His people in this season.

One participant shared these thoughtful words:

“Michael, one of the things that I’ve realized about the 50 Days broadcasts is, YOU show us the Father’s Heart by the way you lead and by the guests you bring to each broadcast. Everyone having their own unique identity brings to the conversation a piece of the Father and His heart. We are all made in His image, and we get a glimpse of who the Father is—and what’s on His heart—with each conversation.”

Another individual, who has walked with us through multiple years of this journey, offered this reflection:

“I’ve been involved with the 50 Days to Your Pentecost Challenge for the last three years. I have loved hearing the God stories from people all over the world who have been faithfully loving Jesus and others. Over the years, this space has become family to me. I look forward to seeing who shows up to share and how God has written more to their story.”

For all of us at Christ For Your City, testimonies like these speak to the heart of what this challenge is all about. It has never simply been a series of livestreams. It has become a gathering place—a relational space where we hear from the Lord and from one another. It is a shared table where the family of God comes together, united by the Holy Spirit, to encourage, equip, and lift one another up.

We are excited to share with you that this faith journey will continue!

In response to the many who have expressed a desire to learn, and share these Kingdom-minded messages with others, we are currently preparing to launch a NEW WEEKLY podcast. Our hope is to make these conversations more easily accessible both as audio and video formatted podcasts, allowing people to participate by listening at their own pace and continue drawing from the rich well of Kingdom focused nurturing, mentoring and encouragement that emerges from each episode.

In addition, the Lord has opened a new door through a growing partnership with a Canadian Juno Award-winning Christian musician. This individual is helping us train young people in audio production and media communication. Through this partnership, we are not only improving the quality of our content but also investing in the next generation—equipping young creatives with the tools and discipleship they need to share the Gospel of the Kingdom through media.

This is a continuation of the original vision and mandate the Lord gave us in July 1995 to “prepare leaders and their cities to be transformed by Jesus Christ!” Our desire is to continue creating spaces where His voice can be heard, His people can be built up, and His purposes can be made known on earth.

Thank you to everyone who joined us during this year’s 50 Days to Your Pentecost Challenge. Your presence, prayers, and faithfulness mean more than we can say. Whether you watched a single broadcast or journeyed with us daily, you are part of this family, and we are grateful.

As we move forward, we invite you to stay connected. Continue to pray with us, tune in to our new weekly series, and share the message as we follow the Spirit into the next season. May the fire of Pentecost continue to stir our hearts, and may we remain ready for all that the Lord desires to do.

With gratitude, love & Kingdom blessings,
The Christ For Your City Team

Step Into a Life-Changing Journey: 50 Days to YOUR Pentecost Challenge

Have you ever found yourself wondering, how have I been so blessed to walk alongside Spirit-filled friends and global influencers?
At Christ For Your City, we've asked ourselves that very question — and now, we want to open the door for you to experience it too.

We are thrilled to invite you to join us for the 50 Days to YOUR Pentecost Challenge — a global livestream event running from April 20 to June 8, 2025!

For 50 days, you’ll hear powerful voices from across Canada and around the world: students, apostolic and prophetic leaders, grandparents, pastors, Kingdom entrepreneurs, former addicts, missionaries, and families walking together in faith. Spanning more than 40 years of friendships and ministry connections, each daily livestream will carry a unique sound of wisdom, breakthrough, and the Spirit’s leading.

This is not just another online event. It’s an invitation to draw closer to the heart of God and discover what He is saying in this pivotal hour.

YOUR EXPERIENCE WILL INCLUDE:

• Daily Livestreams —
  Each day, tune in to hear real stories, fresh perspectives, and timely messages from Spirit-led influencers. You’ll be encouraged, challenged, and equipped as you journey toward Pentecost.

• Global Voices, Local Impact —
  Our guests come from every walk of life, but they carry one heartbeat: to see God's Kingdom revealed in every part of the world, starting with your world.

• Interactive and Relational —
  Expect times of encouragement, prayer, and real connection as we lean into what God is saying together. We also encourage you to participate in the chat section!

THE UPPER ROOM:

Throughout the 50 days, we’re also hosting four special extended broadcasts. The Upper Room will hold up to 100 guests (approximately 2.5 hours each) and are set aside for deeper reflection and activation in key areas of Kingdom living.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming:

• May 10: Bringing Order to Your World
  with Cat Timmons
  Discover how to align your life with Kingdom order and walk in the peace and purpose God has for you.

• May 17: Your Kingdom Identity in Your World

With Ann Pierce

Step into a deeper understanding of who God says you are and unravel the layers of your life.

• May 24: Releasing Your Worship in Your World

With Johanna Ma Wang, Caleb Chiu, Rodney Burton, Uwe Meyer
Be inspired to live a life of worship that transforms your world from the inside out.

• May 31: Being a Wholehearted Disciple in Your World
  with Bishop Andrew Miller
  Learn how to live with deep-rooted devotion and become a powerful influence in every sphere you’re called to.

• June 7: Living a Kingdom Lifestyle for Your World
  with Bryan Elliott
  Step into a lifestyle that reflects Kingdom values—wherever life takes you.

Each of these special sessions will give us time to linger, listen, and respond to what the Holy Spirit is saying — together.

Why Pentecost? Why Now?

Pentecost is a celebration of God’s outpouring — the moment when His Spirit was released in fullness on the early Church. It’s a powerful reminder that we, too, are called to live Spirit-empowered lives today.

As we journey from Resurrection Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, we believe these 50 days will mark a fresh season of empowerment, vision, and destiny for everyone who joins.

How to Join

• When: April 20 – June 8, 2025

• Where: Livestream daily at 9:00 AM MT | 11:00 AM ET | 6:00 PM IT

• How: Simply register, then tune in! Stay connected through our social media platforms and website for updates and reminders. You can register through this link: 50 Days — Christ For Your City

Come Expectant. Leave Transformed.

The 50 Days to YOUR Pentecost Challenge is more than an event — it’s an encounter.
We believe God wants to meet you powerfully over these next 50 days, right where you are, and equip you for the next steps of your Kingdom journey!

Awakening to Kingdom Life

Awakening the Kingdom

On December 21st, 2024, Michael Pierce and Bryan Elliott hosted the Kingdom Business Roundtable. This was hosted at Christian Life Assembly in Calgary, Alberta. The heart behind this gathering was for believers in the marketplace to join together with a shared desire to discern how God is moving in their business spheres and to awaken His people to their divine calling. The conversations were rich with both practical wisdom and profound spiritual truths, a testament to how the Kingdom of God transcends the walls of the church and infiltrates every aspect of life. Below is a reflection on the insights gained from this transformative and intimate gathering.

Awakening of the Body of Christ

The Body of Christ, long likened to a "sleeping giant," is being stirred by the Spirit of God, called to arise and shine with the light of Christ (Ephesians 5:14). Gratitude emerged as a key theme throughout the roundtable discussions. It is not just a response but a spiritual discipline that opens hearts, shifts atmospheres, and ushers in the light of Christ into a world yearning for hope. As Kingdom-minded believers, there is a divine invitation to embrace the new beginnings God is orchestrating in this season, walking in step with His Spirit and trusting His purposes.

Kingdom Ambassadorship in Business

The role of a business leader is revealed to be far more than mere management or profit generation. In the Kingdom of God, leaders are called to be ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), carrying His presence into boardrooms, offices, and marketplaces. This ambassadorship is marked by principles that reflect the heart of God: unity, integrity, and sacrificial love.

Unity, as highlighted in the roundtable, stands as a cornerstone of Kingdom influence. The prayer of Jesus in John 17:21—to see His people united as one—resonated deeply. Examples like the Mayor of Toronto’s declaration of December as Christian Heritage Month remind us of the tangible ways Kingdom values can shape culture when believers step into their roles with boldness and grace.

Testimonies of Transformation

One of the most stirring moments came through the testimony of Bryan Elliott. Having walked away from faith at age 18, Bryan’s journey back to Jesus at 46 was marked by profound brokenness and even greater redemption. His story serves as a powerful reminder that the grace of God knows no bounds. It was in his surrender that Bryan discovered the joy and transformative power of worship, a lifestyle that now defines his business practices and reflects the reality of Heaven on earth. Bryan also shared practical strategies for integrating Kingdom principles into the workplace. From hiring intercessors to implementing prayer models, his approach is a movement that shows how spiritual intelligence can lead to innovation and unity.

Foundational Kingdom Principles

Identity and Sonship

Understanding one’s identity as a son or daughter of God transforms every aspect of life. Living as heirs of the Kingdom (Romans 8:14-17) allows us as believers to walk with joy, peace, and intimacy with Jesus, free from striving. This revelation calls His sons and daughters to move from performance-based mindsets to resting in the assurance of their divine inheritance.

Redemption and Stewardship

The discussions emphasized God's redemptive power, affirming that nothing lies beyond His restorative reach. When believers surrender their lives, work, and businesses to Him, they witness His purposes unfolding, even in the most challenging circumstances (Romans 8:28). Viewing stewardship as an act of worship aligns one's perspective with Heaven's truth, focusing on God's glory as the ultimate outcome.

Generosity, reflecting God's nature, extends beyond financial giving to encompass spiritual wealth, love, and resources (Luke 6:38). A Kingdom-oriented workplace, where employees are empowered to bless others, embodies the culture of Heaven, demonstrating God's heart in tangible ways.

After our heartfelt conversation, guests were invited to ask questions to both Bryan and Michael. The questions were focused on navigating Kingdom principles within their entrepreneurial journey.

Questions such as:

·      How do we navigate challenges in the marketplace as small business owners?

·     What should the approach be when business partners aren’t believers?

·      How do we overcome the feelings of loneliness in entrepreneurship?  

From these questions, a theme emerged: embodying the fruit of the spirit is the bridge to bringing Heaven on earth. Faithful stewardship in this realm becomes a powerful testimony, positioning believers to be entrusted with greater responsibilities (Luke 16:10), and by embodying the fruit of the Spirit, believers can be the light of God and allow their lives to speak of God’s transformative power. (Matthew 7:16)

A Call to Kingdom Action

The Kingdom Business Roundtable ended with a resounding call to action. God is inviting His people to surrender fully to His will, allowing Heaven to invade their lives and workplaces. As believers align their leadership and business practices with His Word, the resulting transformation will extend into their communities.

This season is one of expectation and faith. There is an invitation to embrace the unexpected, endure transformational suffering, and celebrate the restoration that only God can bring.

May His people rise as sons and daughters, faithfully reflecting His Kingdom in every sphere of influence, to the glory of His name.

Bringing the Kingdom of God to Earth

We are continually inspired by the ways God is working through the lives of people in local churches to transform communities. Recently, Bryan Elliott and Michael Pierce had the privilege of meeting with First Love Church and Life Connection Church in Calgary, Alberta engaging with their eldership teams. These gatherings were rich with revelation, hope, and a deep sense of purpose.

As Bryan and Michael spent time with these congregations, a clear theme emerged: true transformation in a city begins with the people of a local church. Elders and leaders are uniquely positioned to minister to their congregations, guiding them to become spiritually equipped and empowered. In intimate small-group settings, they witnessed firsthand how these leaders desired to understand their roles in shaping a vibrant, kingdom-focused community.

It was in this context that a question arose—one that would set the tone for the discussions to come:

Understanding the Kingdom of God

Our get togethers began with a powerful question: What does Jesus’ prayer, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” mean to you? Grounded in John 5:19, this discussion led to profound reflections on the church's role in the transition from the church age into the Kingdom age.

This transition does not mean the church fades away. Rather, it signifies the church stepping into its God-given authority within the kingdom realm. Undoubtedly identifying as the Lord’s ekklesia in these days will allow us to move beyond our present thoughts on what church is or is not.

The Greek word ekklesia is translated as "church" in the Bible. It is made up of the prefix ek or ex, which means "out of" or "from," and the root word kaleo, which means "to call". In the Bible, ekklesia refers to the community of Christians and their spiritual mission as God's people. In ancient Greece, Ekklesia was the assembly of citizens in a city-state during the Golden Age of ancient Greece. The Athenian Ecclesia was already functioning around 621 BC.

When we recognize the full intent of the Greek root word of ekklesia, the New Testament Church, we recognize the community of Christian believers is also the assembly of citizens (authoritative assembly or body) in a city-state set in place to reconcile God’s desire in Matthew 6:10; “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.

As we sat reflecting and considering on the biblical role of reconciling all things to God, a common longing emerged: to see the manifestation of God’s kingdom in action—not just through strong teaching but by engaging the entire body in ministry of God’s Kingdom.

The discussion quite naturally led to an even deeper challenge: how will the church live out this mandate and call of authority practically, not just within its walls but in every sphere of life? It is becoming clearer, veils are falling from our sight, this calling extends to every believer, pointing to the profound responsibility Paul describes in his message referring to reconciliation.

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

The Call to Be Ministers of Reconciliation

The Apostle Paul’s words resonate deeply in Father God’s mission. As he urges in Scripture, we are all called to be ministers of reconciliation. This ministry is not reserved for those on a platform but extends to every believer in every sphere of life.

Believers who gathered on those days expressed their desire to see their congregations embrace this calling, moving beyond passive participation to active engagement in the ministry of the saints. This shift requires each individual to view their life as a mission field, living out the principles of reconciliation and kingdom authority daily.

Looking Ahead

Remembering those collective times together, is a powerful reminder that the work of the kingdom requires all of us. As Christ For Your City partners with churches like First Love, Life Connection and Christian Life Assembly, we are reminded of the importance of raising the next generation of disciples to live out the Kingdom Reality.

We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside congregations and are greatly encouraged to watch how God continues to move through their communities.

Let us all carry the mantle of reconciliation and authority, transforming not only ourselves, but our churches and our cities and communities for His glory.