Kingdom culture emerges as people respond to God's call and establish new, Jesus-centered patterns of relating, thinking and serving. Mission, vision, core values and philosophy of ministry statements are a way of communicating the Kingdom vision God has entrusted to an individual or organization. Visions becomes reality as individuals and groups live them out in their daily lives and thoughts. The following vignettes are windows into GDI culture.

Skydiving: The Kingdom of God is like skydiving. It requires courage and cooperation and results in new perspectives on life and the world.

The wilderness: In God's economy wilderness seasons are important in the formation of leaders that reflect Jesus. Part of GDI's mission is coming alongside leaders in wilderness seasons of life, providing space, perspective and a context for meeting God.

Three word exercise: Writing exercises foster creativity and the discipline of reflection.

Open space: An organic paradigm for relational and organizational growth calls for structured "open space." Jesus used plant imagery to talk about the Kingdom of God. Plants require some attention but mainly need space and time to grow. People, relationships, organizations and visions also need open space to thrive.

Finding meaning in the mundane: Clues to God's purpose and calling are hidden in every day life waiting for those willing to learn the discipline of uncovering them.

Finding meaning in the painful and seemingly meaningless: The scriptures are full of examples of God bringing life and growth out of painful and senseless situations. The process is not, however, automatic -- it requires a willingness to proactively engage God, quit blaming others (or oneself) and start changing.

Rethinking the early church: Stepping back from their current understandings of "church" and "ministry" allows believers to see the early church more clearly and find new ways to apply the truths and principles at work there.

The microchurch concept: Small, focused, and organized groups of believers are emerging as timely, viable expressions of the Body of Christ around the world.

The mobile church: Loren Cunningham, founder of Youth With A Mission, describes the "mobile church" as a diverse group, often including men and women from different races, social classes, ages and denominations gathered around a focused mission.

Making Connections: God graces specific individuals and organizations to serve as connectors between different parts of the Body of Christ.

Doing business with God first: In every situation the choice exists to do business with God rather than reacting to circumstances, blaming others, or becoming discouraged.