Ambassadors of Christ - Trailblazer

The Available Leader

2/17/2026

Different: God Doesn’t Call the Qualified; He Qualifies the Available.
We’ve all felt it. The unspoken pressure to have every answer, to lead with flawless precision, and to never show a crack in the armor. We think we have to be perfect before we can be powerful in ministry.
But the Kingdom doesn’t run on perfection. It runs on presence.
In the Christian Leadership & Education in Ministry (CLEM) program, we are stripping away the "academic performance" anxiety. We don't care about a 4.0 GPA; we care about your 100% "Yes" to God’s calling.
The Shift: From Performance to Service
Ministry isn't a test you pass; it’s a life you offer. CLEM is built for the leader who says,
"I may not be perfect, but I am here. I am willing. I am ready to be used for the service of others."
Why CLEM is Different:

No-Grade Mastery: We focus on your growth, not your "score."

Equipping the Willing: Our 16 essential areas of study aren't hurdles to jump—they are tools to put in your hands so your "availability" is backed by practical, Christ-centered competence.

Leadership for Others: We don’t train you to be the "boss." We train you to be the shepherd who is ready when the sheep are hurting.

Stop waiting until you’re "ready enough." Start being available now.

Building the Kingdom

11/15/2025

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-4Topic: Our Eternal Hope
Sermon Summary: The final sermon in the series shifts our focus from the present mission to our ultimate hope. We are not just building something temporary; we are participating in God's eternal plan to make all things new. The sermon will paint a picture of the new heavens and new earth, reminding us that our efforts "beyond the walls" are not in vain, but are part of a greater, glorious purpose.

This final message in the "Faith Beyond the Walls" series shifts our focus from our current mission to the eternal hope promised in Revelation 21:1-4. The sermon will highlight that our work here is not for something temporary, but is a vital part of God's magnificent plan to create a new heaven and a new earth. Our efforts "beyond the walls" are thus imbued with eternal significance and purpose. The liturgy underscores this hope, thanking God for the promise of eternity, looking forward to the great feast with Christ, and praying for the strength to continue His work until that glorious day.
The sermon culminates in the beautiful vision that God will wipe away every tear and make all things new. With this eternal hope before us, what part of God's new creation is He calling you to embrace today, and what commitment will you make to live in the light of that eternal promise?

The Promise of Restoration

11/14/2025

Scripture: Revelation 21:5

Reflection: Following the vision of the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4), a voice from the throne declares, “Behold, I am making all things new.” This is the central, audacious promise of our eternal hope. It is a promise of complete restoration—not a patch-up job, but a divine act of renewal that addresses all the brokenness and pain of our world. Our mission "beyond the walls" is an echo of this promise; every act of justice, mercy, and compassion is a preview of the "newness" God is bringing. As you prepare for the final sermon, reflect on this: what aspect of your life or community are you most looking forward to God making "new"?

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your powerful promise: "Behold, I am making all things new." As we anticipate the Sunday message on our eternal hope, tune our hearts to the magnitude of this restoration. Help us to see the work we do "beyond the walls" as a small, faithful participation in Your grand plan of renewal. Fill us with the certainty that You are not just mending, but recreating. Give us a glimpse of the new heavens and new earth, so that the hope of eternity may invigorate our mission today. In the name of the One who makes all things new, Jesus Christ. Amen

A City with a Builder

11/13/2025

Scripture: Hebrews 11:10

Reflection: The patriarchs lived as strangers in this world, "looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God." This mirrors the ultimate hope in Revelation 21—a new Jerusalem prepared by God himself. Our efforts to "build the kingdom" here are a response to God's ultimate plan. We are not building the eternal city, but we are participating in the values of its divine architect. How does knowing God is the ultimate "Builder" free you from worry about the success of your current mission?

Heavenly Builder, we look to the city with foundations, whose designer and architect is You. Thank you for the eternal hope given to us through faith, a hope that anchors us even as we live as strangers in this world. Grant us wisdom and strength to participate faithfully in the values of Your kingdom here, not striving to build what only You can, but responding to Your ultimate plan. Free us from the anxiety of earthly success, for we know the ultimate completion and perfection rests in Your hands. May our efforts reflect the beauty and justice of the New Jerusalem. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Foundation and Cornerstone. Amen.

Hope's Present Power

11/12/2025

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5

Reflection: Hope is not just for the future; it's a driving force in the present. Paul outlines a spiritual process: suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. The work we do "beyond the walls" is rarely easy, but the struggles we face are actively building our Christian character and strengthening our hope. What difficulty are you facing right now that God is using to deepen your hope?

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the living hope we have in Jesus Christ. Your Word reminds us that even in our present struggles, You are at work. We pray for the grace to see our current difficulties not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for spiritual growth. Strengthen our endurance, Lord, that our character may be refined, and our hope may deepen. Help us to feel the tangible power of Your Holy Spirit's love poured into our hearts right now, assuring us that our labor is not in vain and that the hope we possess is a present, active force in our lives. Amen.

The Foundation of Hope

11/11/2025

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1

Reflection: "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." The vision in Revelation 21 is a promise of something we have not yet seen. Our hope is not wishful thinking; it is a certainty built on the character and promises of a faithful God. Before we can truly participate in "Building the Kingdom," we must trust the one who laid its foundation. Take a moment to name one specific promise of God that anchors your hope.

Heavenly Father, Giver of all good gifts and the Anchor of our souls,

We thank you for the foundational hope we have in Jesus Christ. Your Word in Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, not merely a wish. We hold onto the vision of a New Heaven and New Earth, a promise that anchors our hope in a world of uncertainties and things "not yet seen."

We pray for the conviction to trust Your character and the certainty of Your promises as we seek to participate in "Building the Kingdom" here on earth. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may be people who live not by sight, but by the conviction of Your faithfulness. Help us to daily name the specific promise that anchors our own hope, making Your truth real and active in our lives.

May our hope in the future You have prepared give us the courage to serve You now.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Beyond the Horizon

11/10/2025

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Reflection: The final sermon focuses on our eternal hope. It's easy to get caught up in the temporary struggles and frustrations "beyond the walls." Paul reminds us that our present troubles are "light and momentary" when compared to the "eternal glory" that awaits us. Our physical bodies are wasting away, but our inner spirit is being renewed day by day. What small, temporary struggle is overshadowing your view of God's eternal glory today? How does the promise of eternity change the way you approach your current mission?

Heavenly Father, Giver of eternal hope, we thank You for the promise of glory that far outweighs the troubles of this life. Forgive us for the times our focus is consumed by the "light and momentary" struggles, causing us to lose sight of the eternal weight of glory You are preparing for us. Renew our inner spirit day by day, even as our earthly tent is wasting away. Help us to fix our eyes not on what is seen and temporary, but on what is unseen and eternal. May the assurance of eternity transform our perspective, strengthen us in our current mission, and allow us to face every challenge "beyond the walls" with enduring faith and joy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

To the Ends of the Earth

11/8/2025

Scripture: Acts 1:8

Topic: From Jerusalem to the Ends of the Earth

Sermon Summary: This sermon revisits the missionary mandate in Acts, highlighting the progression from local ("Jerusalem") to regional ("Judea and Samaria") to global ("the ends of the earth"). It challenges the congregation to see their own city, region, and the wider world as their mission field. The sermon will encourage both local outreach and support for global missions.

Considering the progression of the mission field—from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria to the ends of the earth—where specifically in your Jerusalem (your city), your Judea and Samaria (your region), and "the ends of the earth" are you being called to personally invest your time, resources, or talent this week?

Lord, you have given us a great and glorious mission to be your witnesses. We pray that you would open our eyes to the needs of the world, starting in our own communities and extending to the ends of the earth. As we study your Word, ignite a passion within us for the lost and the hurting, and give us the courage to go. Amen. Heavenly Father, as we gather around this table, we remember that your love is for all people, in every nation, tribe, and tongue. Jesus, your body was broken, and your blood was shed for people we will never meet on this side of eternity. May this meal remind us of the global nature of your kingdom and inspire us to pray for and support missions near and far. Amen."

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Go forth, and be a witness for Christ, from your home to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Pastoral Philosophy of Dr. Richard J Lee, D.Min.

7/22/2025

This is the Pastoral Philosophy of Dr. Richard J Lee, D.Min. who serves Ambassadors of Christ General Convocation as your Presiding Bishop. This document is shared with you, but is the exclusive property of Dr. Richard J Lee, with all rights reserved.

Introduction:

Pastoral ministry is a sacred trust, a divinely ordained stewardship through which God actively engages in the transformation of human lives. It is the faithful execution of the means by which the Almighty extends His gracious invitation, drawing individuals out of spiritual darkness and into the marvelous light of salvation. This profound work encompasses not only the initial call to redemption but also the ongoing spiritual formation and development of believers, nurturing them from spiritual infancy into mature children of God. Every facet of this arduous yet immensely rewarding endeavor is directed towards the magnanimous purpose of exalting and glorifying His most holy name.

Given the weighty significance of this calling, it is absolutely essential for anyone contemplating or undertaking this work to possess a profound and unwavering grasp of its essence and aim. Without a clear and biblically informed understanding of the intrinsic nature of pastoral ministry, one risks superficial engagement, misdirection, and an unfaithful discharge of duties.

Understanding the profound weight and eternal implications of pastoral ministry serves as an indispensable cornerstone for faithful service and exemplary leadership. It instills a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and unwavering devotion. This comprehension compels a minister to labor with diligence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the truth, always prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the flock and the honor of God. When the profound gravity of this divine commission is truly apprehended, it empowers ministers to navigate challenges, endure hardships, and lead with integrity, all for the singular and ultimate glory of God.

The Essence of Pastoral Ministry

Pastoral ministry, a cornerstone of Christian faith and community, is intricately defined and richly described within the sacred texts of the Bible. Key passages, such as 1 Peter 5:1-5 and Acts 20:28, serve as foundational pillars for understanding the multifaceted role of the spiritual leader within the church. These scriptures consistently identify the leader as an “elder” or “pastor,” titles that carry significant weight and convey a profound sense of responsibility and spiritual stewardship.

The central work of the pastor, as depicted in these biblical accounts, is beautifully and powerfully encapsulated in the metaphor of “shepherding God's flock.” This imagery evokes a sense of nurturing care, vigilant protection, and diligent guidance. Just as a shepherd tends to their sheep, leading them to green pastures, protecting them from predators, and caring for the wounded, so too is the pastor called to provide comprehensive oversight to the souls entrusted to their care. This “oversight” encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including spiritual nourishment through the teaching of God's Word, compassionate pastoral care for those in need, wise counsel in times of struggle, and firm yet loving discipline when necessary. The pastor's role is not merely administrative; it is deeply spiritual, relational, and transformative, aimed at fostering the spiritual growth, well-being, and unity of the congregation.

Pastors are those who have been called by God to preach the gospel to others by methods deemed foolish in the eyes of the world in order to bring them to salvation and lead them in their sanctification. Therefore, one can define pastoral ministry as such: the pastor is the man or woman who has responded willingly to God’s call and entered into pastoral ministry by the will of God to propagate the Gospel and oversee the souls of his or her apportioned flock with the purpose of leading them through their sanctification to bring them to their glorious eternal home.

Work Involved in Pastoral Ministry

Acts 6 offers a clear illustration of the foundational principles of pastoral ministry. The apostles, by delegating practical duties to deacons, emphasized the critical importance of the pastoral commitment to the ministry of the Word and prayer. These two activities are essential for effective oversight. A profound understanding of their significance, especially in connection with diligent study, is crucial from the very beginning. Grasping the value of studying the Word illuminates how these core pastoral functions are achieved through thorough preparation. This philosophy will be examined in the sequence it appears in the text.

1. Prayer

Prayer serves as the pastor's vital act of intercession for their congregation, an essential source of divine power for their work, and a means of seeking vision for the church's overall progress and mission. It is through disciplined prayer that a pastor uplifts those not yet fully grounded in salvation. The heart of pastoral ministry lies in fervent supplication for the church's health, unity, and its mission to spread the gospel to a dying, hostile world. Here, the pastor can personally uplift individuals within the body, praying for the well-being of their souls. Beyond these crucial aspects, prayer, when offered sincerely, is an act of profound praise to God. As Psalm 50:15 states, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." Even the most desperate, heartfelt cries of childlike faith in prayer are, in God's eyes, the highest form of praise. Prayer is the expression, in myriad words, of a single profound truth: "Apart from me [Christ] you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

This singular activity, when a pastor casts "all anxiety on [God]" (1 Pet. 5:7), humbly demonstrates their utter dependence on God to navigate difficult situations that would be insurmountable without divine intervention. It is a declaration of one's helplessness to produce spiritual fruit in oneself or in God's people apart from God's direct involvement. This is the essence of prayer within pastoral ministry.

2. Ministry of the Word

Paul concisely defines the ministry of the Word in 2 Timothy 4:2, exhorting his protégé Timothy to “preach the Word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, [and] exhort, with great patience and instruction.” This summary encapsulates the scope of this vital aspect of pastoral ministry. Without the consistent preaching and teaching of the Gospel, and the faithful admonition of the church, the body will not experience proper growth, if any at all. Furthermore, Paul's example in Acts 20 highlights the necessity of preaching the entirety of the Word, regardless of whether it challenges the pastor or the congregation. He also states that he taught the church “publicly and from house to house,” revealing two primary avenues for the ministry of the Word: public and private teaching and preaching. In contemporary terms, this translates to preaching in the church and engaging in small group ministry.

Through the church's pulpit ministry, the pastor systematically unveils the truth of the Gospel to the entire congregation, proclaiming the whole counsel of God to bring healing to brokenness and to awaken those who either do not know God or are living without authentic devotion to His glory. Preaching is a demanding task, yet it is a powerful means for the pastor to serve as an example to God's people. As Baxter wisely states, “For it is no small matter to stand up before a congregation and deliver a message of salvation or judgment as from the living God, doing so in the name of the Redeemer. It is no easy matter to speak so plainly that the ignorant may understand us. Or to preach so seriously that the deadest hearts may feel us. Or to reason so convincingly that those who are argumentative may be silenced” (Baxter, 77).
The second crucial aspect of proclaiming the Word is through small groups or discipleship groups. This ministry represents the “fine-tuning” of the essential elements of God's Word. Through private ministry, the pastor can speak into the lives of God's people in a more profoundly transformative way, guiding them through the triumphs and struggles of living a holy life. Baxter, once again, articulates this beautifully: “Make it your great and serious business to teach the fundamentals of the faith to all members of your congregation by these private tutorials. For I perceive that the life of work under God lies in the prudent, effectual ministry of searching men’s hearts, and setting there the saving truths of faith. I fear most those ministers who preach well, and who are unsuited to the private nurture of their members” (Baxter, 78).

This is the primary work of involved in ministry, and its importance cannot be understated. The reason for this is twofold, as can be found in both Paul and Peter’s writings. Paul says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). The “they” here is the church, and Paul says this because he knows that as man hears the Word and is confronted by it, he is naturally going to oppose what he hears and go elsewhere to hear something that will make him feel good about himself and his sin. Furthermore, suffering is going to be an inherent part of the Christian life.

One finds in 1 Peter 4:13 that believers are not only told they must persevere in suffering, but they must also rejoice in it “to the degree that [they] share the sufferings of Christ . . . so that also at the revelation of His glory [they] may rejoice with exultation.” If believers are going to be kept from following their natural sinful inclinations and be encouraged in their suffering, then they need pastors who will fulfill these priorities in the work of pastoral ministry.

This is why it is so crucial that a pastor understand the God-given call to shepherd the flock of God by providing oversight willingly according to God, by eagerly serving the church in their needs, and by using his God-given authority to give an example to people on how to live (1 Peter 5:2-3). Without this humble service, the flock will do exactly what Paul said it would do in 2 Timothy 4.

Qualifications of A Pastor

Charles Bridges cogently observes, concerning the profound and sacred work of pastoral ministry, that “We cannot suppose the Lord to send unqualified laborers, however willing, into his vineyard: and none, but he can qualify them" (Bridges, 99). This assertion underscores a fundamental truth: the arduous and weighty responsibilities inherent in pastoral service are not to be undertaken by just anyone, nor can one entertain the notion that the Almighty would haphazardly dispatch unprepared individuals to fulfill such a critical and far-reaching role. Instead, the divine pattern reveals that God Himself initiates a specific calling, drawing certain individuals into this sacred vocation, and, crucially, He supernaturally qualifies them for it. To qualify them means to imbue them with the precise abilities, spiritual gifts, and character traits indispensable for the successful accomplishment of this divine mandate.

The essential qualifications for those called to pastoral leadership are not left to human conjecture or arbitrary selection. Rather, these vital characteristics are clearly delineated within the inspired Scriptures, notably in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. In these Pauline epistles, the Apostle Paul, acting as a seasoned mentor, lays out for his two spiritual protégés, Timothy and Titus, what is not merely advisable but urgently and fundamentally required of those who would shepherd God's flock. He presents these qualifications through two distinct, yet complementary, lists designed to aid in the discerning selection of elders and overseers.

Across both lists, a singular trait emerges with striking prominence, appearing to be the most emphasized and foundational requirement: a minister must be "above reproach." This irreproachable character is demanded not only in the intimate sphere of the church but also in the broader public arena of the world. Paul's insistent repetition and emphasis on this quality suggest his earnest desire for both Timothy and Titus to grasp the absolute necessity of an elder's blameless reputation. If an elder is to effectively lead his congregation, serving as a moral compass and spiritual guide, and if he is to credibly and powerfully proclaim the Gospel to a skeptical world, his life must be free from legitimate accusation or scandal. This blamelessness forms the bedrock of his authority and the credibility of his message.

Beyond this paramount requirement, other significant traits are highlighted, such as humility and respectability. These virtues are intrinsically linked to the concept of being “above reproach.” A pastor who embodies genuine humility will resist the insidious pull of pride, which so often leads individuals to seek undue attention for themselves. Such self-aggrandizement invariably risks bringing reproach upon the pastor personally and, by extension, upon the church he serves and the Gospel he represents. Similarly, respectability speaks to a demeanor and lifestyle that commands honor and trust, preventing any behavior that could bring disrepute.

Fundamentally, the underlying theological point of these scriptural passages, concerning the multifaceted demands of pastoral ministry, is that the pastor who demonstrably possesses these divine qualifications and cultivated traits will be uniquely equipped for the critical task of standing firm against theological error and the pernicious inroads of heresy. This robust spiritual and moral fortitude is essential for the protection of his church, shielding the congregation from false teaching and safeguarding their spiritual well-being. Furthermore, the pastor's irreproachable character and spiritual maturity extend their protective influence to his own family, ensuring that his household remains a healthy example of Christian living and a bulwark against spiritual compromise. In essence, these qualifications serve as a comprehensive, catch-all statement that encapsulates the very heart and profound aspiration of what true pastoral work desires to achieve: the faithful shepherding, protection, and edification of God's people, all for His glory.

The Aim of Pastoral Ministry

The objective of pastoral ministry is best understood through Paul's words in Colossians 1:25-29. He states, "I became a minister of this church according to God's stewardship granted to me for your good, to fully proclaim the word of God. This is the mystery hidden for ages and generations, now revealed to His saints. God willed to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone complete in Christ. For this very purpose I labor, striving by His power which works mightily within me" (NRSV).

The ultimate aim of ministry is to diligently guide and instruct each individual under its stewardship, employing the complete wisdom of the Gospel. This endeavor seeks to present every person as whole in Christ. The supreme objective is to lead each individual, through the precepts of the Word, to the divine throne, so that they may stand flawless and perfected before Him on the Day of Judgment, as a result of their faithfulness to the Gospel.

This may appear to be an ambitious objective, but the profound truth of Colossians 1:29 offers pastors a comforting reminder: they do not undertake this work in isolation. Paul states, "For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." The pastor's ability to preach, reprove, correct, admonish, and encourage originates solely from Christ. It is Christ who enables the pastor to address individuals' most fundamental needs, leading the flock toward perfection and completeness. This realization should be a significant source of encouragement for the pastor. This passage underscores that even if one is a humble, sinful individual, Christ can utilize that minister to achieve remarkable accomplishments that would be impossible through human effort alone.

Conclusion

This is my basic philosophy of pastoral ministry. I believe that the means by which God calls a people to salvation and develops them into a nation for the praise and glory of his name is through the faithful fulfillment of this work. By providing oversight through prayer and the ministry of the Word with a humble attitude. A pastor can accomplish the goal of presenting every individual to God as perfect and complete in the Gospel. These are the guidelines by which pastoral ministry should be conducted. The manner of accomplishing this work may vary depending on the context of the pastor or ministry. In the end, I pray that pastors in this day may be reminded of the true definition of ministry that they may lead by it instead of tempting worldly methods.

Bibliography

Baxter, Richard. The Reformed Pastor, A Pattern for Personal Growth and Ministry. Ed. James M. Houston. Vancouver: Regent College, 1985. Print.
Bridges, Charles. The Christian Ministry, With an Inquiry into the Causes of Its Inefficiency. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 2001. Print.
Holy Bible New Revised Standard Version. Nashville: Abingdon, 1987. Print.

All scripture quotation unless noted otherwise are taken from the New Revised Standard Version if the Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the Nati

Piper, John. Brothers, We Are Not Professionals. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2003. Print.

44th Annual Bishop's Report

6/4/2025

Cultivating Generosity, Expanding Our Embassy, Fulfilling Our Commission

Date: May 25, 2025
From: Presiding Bishop Dr. Richard J. Lee D.Min.

Beloved Ambassadors of Christ – Our Valued Family in Faith,
Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. As we present this, our 44th Annual Bishop’s Report, my heart is profoundly grateful for the enduring faithfulness of our Lord and the unwavering commitment of each one of you who embodies the high calling of an Ambassador for Christ.
For over seven decades, the Ambassadors of Christ denomination has been a vital force in the Kingdom, training and commissioning disciples to carry the message of hope, reconciliation, and transformation to a world in need. Locally and globally, our churches have stood as outposts of God's love, sanctuaries for the broken, and training grounds for those called to service. To God be the glory for every life touched, every soul who has been transformed by discipleship, and every community impacted through our collective prayers, tireless service, and faithful stewardship.

A Season for Deeper Commissioning, A Call to Greater Generosity
As we prayerfully reflect on the past year, we rejoice in the mighty works God has accomplished through us. We celebrate the ordination of two elders in the United States region who serve as our associate pastor for the national Assembly online and another who serves as chaplain in our new Canadian district. We celebrate one year of service under the new direction of Dr. Rebecca Davis as our director of education. She is the first woman to hold this office. This year has been a year of recognizing that ambassadors of Christ are different, and God is rebuilding his church with people who are physically disabled. We celebrate this because it has been researched and proven that a person with disabilities recognized accommodated for and given the authority to carry out their Christian service are the most merciful, compassionate, faithful, and just leaders full of Mercy full of humility who will give everything they have to glorify God. It is these leaders who cling to the idea that God's Mercy is new every morning because if it wasn't we would be in great trouble. However, we celebrate our brothers and sisters of various abilities for their dedication and service in the mainstream of the Christian faith. These milestones are vivid testimonies to your dedication and God's abundant provision, confirming His hand upon our denomination.

Yet, as faithful Ambassadors, we are always compelled to press onward, to seek a deeper alignment with our Commander's will, and to cultivate every resource entrusted to us for the advancement of His Kingdom. It is with a spirit of prayerful introspection that I address a crucial area for our collective growth and effectiveness: our attitude towards giving.

Re-Envisioning Generosity: Fueling Our Embassy, Fulfilling Our Great Commission

My dear brothers and sisters, in the secular world, an embassy is a fully resourced, well-funded station from which a nation's ambassadors operate, serving its interests and citizens abroad. Similarly, for Ambassadors of Christ, our giving is not merely an obligation; it is the vital resource that fuels our spiritual embassy (the church) and empowers us to fulfill the Great Commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us prayerfully transform our understanding of giving from a mere transaction to a profound act of Kingdom partnership:

Giving is Our Strategic Investment: Every tithe and offering is a strategic investment in the spiritual infrastructure of our denomination – funding the training of new Ambassadors, equipping our churches, and sustaining the ministries that deliver the Gospel message.

Giving is Our Act of Worshipful Obedience: It is a tangible demonstration of our trust in God's sovereignty and our gratitude for His boundless provision. It acknowledges that all we possess originates from His gracious hand, and we joyfully return a portion as an act of devotion.

Giving is Our Global Reach: Just as an earthly ambassador needs resources to operate on foreign soil, our giving empowers our global missions. It sends our missionaries, translates the Word, plants new churches, and delivers humanitarian aid, extending the loving arm of Christ to the furthest corners of the earth.

Giving is Our Personal Transformation: The Scripture teaches that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). When we give from a heart of joy and faith, our own spirits are enriched, our trust in God deepens, and we experience the profound blessing of participation in His divine economy.

The Kingdom of God does not operate on scarcity; it operates on the divine principles of sowing and reaping, faith and abundant provision. Let us prayerfully consider our giving not as a burden to be borne, but as an immense privilege to participate in the unfolding story of redemption through the Ambassadors of Christ denomination. Let our giving be marked by joyful anticipation, intentional stewardship, and a recognition of its profound spiritual impact.

Casting the Vision for the Next Year: Our Shared Horizon, Our Expanding Commission
As we embrace this renewed spirit of faithful generosity, I am thrilled to cast before you the audacious, God-inspired vision for the Ambassadors of Christ denomination in the coming year. These are not merely financial targets; they are spiritual aspirations, each dependent on our collective commitment and God’s enabling grace to equip us for greater works.
Our Core Annual Goals for 2025-2026, Fueling Our Denominational Embassy:

Global Commissioning & Outreach: To train, prepare, and commission 50 new full-time Ambassadors of Christ to serve on the mission field in Southeast Asia (Pakistan and India), expanding our reach and establishing 10 new church plants in unreached communities. This bold expansion requires an estimated additional monthly investment of $10,000 for missionary training, logistical support, and initial planting resources.

Discipleship & Leadership Development]: To strengthen the core of our local churches by fully funding and expanding our “Ambassador of Christ Theological Seminary” program, equipping 300 new church leaders and ministry servants across our denomination with advanced theological training and practical ministry skills. This vital initiative will necessitate $7,000 per month for curriculum development, online learning distribution platform enhancements, and faculty support.

Community Transformation & Compassion: To demonstrate Christ's love through tangible acts of service by launching “Mission: Compassion,” a denominational initiative providing services that include, but are not limited to: food and clothing distribution, clean water access, educational resources and services, and vocational training to 1,000 vulnerable individuals and families in identified crisis zones both locally and internationally. This impactful ministry requires $4,000 monthly for project implementation, material resources, and on-the-ground support.

Denominational Infrastructure & Future Growth]: To ensure the long-term sustainability and technological advancement of Ambassadors of Christ as a denomination by upgrading our central administrative and communication systems, and establishing a dedicated Denominational Benevolence Fund to support churches and pastors in times of unforeseen need. This foundational investment is projected at $1,000 per pastor.

Our Denominational Annual Financial Goal to Fuel this Vision: Total Annual Goal $52,000
This aggregate figure represents our faithful step forward, a prayerful commitment to what God is calling us to do as His Ambassadors. It is ambitious, yes, but our God is abundant, and His vision for Ambassadors of Christ is always greater than our present means.

A Call to Action: Your Role in God's Unfolding Commission
My dear fellow Ambassadors, this vision will not come to pass without your courageous and prayerful participation. I invite every member of the Ambassadors of Christ family to:

Pray Fervently: Commit to daily prayer for these specific goals, for our leaders, and for the global impact of our denomination.

Examine Your Stewardship: Reflect on your personal giving. Is it truly a reflection of your gratitude, trust, and commitment to God's Kingdom and the mission of the Ambassadors of Christ?

Embrace Intentional Generosity: Consider prayerfully how you can increase your tithes and offerings. Perhaps it means committing to consistent tithing if you haven't, or stretching beyond to an offering that truly reflects a spirit of abundance, remembering the extraordinary Giver we serve.

Engage Actively: Beyond financial giving, dedicate your time, talents, and testimony to the ministries that resonate with your heart. Your hands and feet are essential to this commission.

The Promise of God's Abundant Provision
Let us stand firm on the promise of Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” As we give generously, faithfully, and joyfully, let us trust that He will meet our needs and equip us to accomplish His glorious purposes.

Together, as Ambassadors of Christ, let us embody the spirit of radical generosity, not out of obligation, but out of an overwhelming love for God and a fervent desire to see His Kingdom flourish through our denominational efforts. Our next year promises to be one of unprecedented growth, impact, and blessing, if we respond with faith and open hearts.

Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel, your unwavering support, and your beautiful commitment to Christ and to our Ambassadors of Christ family. May God bless you abundantly as you give cheerfully to His glorious work.

In His Abundant Grace,

Bishop Dr. Richard J Lee,
Presiding Bishop
Ambassadors of Christ