Love Your Neighbor: Taking Ground 2025
Reflecting on Our Journey and Looking Ahead to 2025
As we approach the end of the year, it's a time for reflection and anticipation. Our journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and as the Executive Pastor, I want to share some insights into our financial picture and the decisions that guide us.
Understanding Our Financial Stewardship
Being a nonprofit organization, our approach to finances is different from a business. Our primary question is always, "What is the owner's intent with the resources we've been given?" For us, the owner is King Jesus, and our mission is to advance His kingdom, disciple people in our city and the nations, and help those in need.
Navigating Through the Pandemic
In April 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself worried about our church's finances. Despite our healthy financial state, the uncertainty of the times led me to seek control. However, through prayer and reflection on Genesis 41, I was reminded that we had stored up well during the years of plenty, and we would be okay during the years of famine.
Genesis 41:25-27
“Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one and the same. God has revealed to Pharaoh what he is about to do.26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good heads of grain are seven years; it is one and the same dream. 27 The seven lean, ugly cows that came up afterward are seven years, and so are the seven worthless heads of grain scorched by the east wind: They are seven years of famine.”
Scripture Insight
In Genesis 41, Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream, explaining that there will be seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Joseph advises Pharaoh to store up resources during the years of plenty to ensure survival during the years of famine. This story served as a reminder that those who have stored up well during the years of plenty will be okay during the years of famine.
Our Commitment to Giving
Even during the toughest times, we remained committed to giving at least 10% of our income to impact our city and the nations. This commitment never wavered, and we continued to support those in need. Additionally, we were able to take care of our team without layoffs, thanks to the grace and provision we received.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we believe the years of famine are coming to an end. This new season brings hope and renewed purpose. We are excited to see how we can continue to use the resources entrusted to us to fulfill our mission and make a positive impact in our community and beyond.
Join Us in Prayer
I invite you to join us in prayer for our teams and leaders as they gather for worship, strategy, and encouragement. Let's pray for the presence of God to fall on them and for their hearts to be stirred and encouraged.