Here’s what I know.
I feel confident in my ability to craft a sermon and design a meaningful liturgy. I can dream up new things with the best of them. I love thinking about messaging, design, and technology and how they all connect to share the good news of Jesus.
But this? This is the part of my vocation that I don’t feel well equipped to do: Asking for your financial commitment.
Honestly, it makes me cringe. It feels super vulnerable. It feels icky because of how manipulative it can feel. And I also know how tight things are for so many of us.
But here’s what I know:
At The Local Church, we offer healing, hope, and home to people who’ve been burned by the church or have felt spiritually homeless.
We love people others have a hard time loving.
We create space for people to find real life-changing friendships in a world where that can feel so elusive.
We collect thousands of diapers, hundreds of pounds of food, winter clothing, and hygiene items — and sleigh-fulls of Christmas gifts for those in need in our community.
We have become known as a church that puts faith into action and stands in solidarity with those who are marginalized, oppressed, or vulnerable.
We do a lot with a little. We have one full-time staff member (me) and an amazing team of dedicated part-time leaders.
We give every kid and teenager the space to belong, teach them the love of Jesus, and help them live out their faith. They teach us so much, too.
We craft a meaningful liturgy each week that gives you space to breathe and empowers you to put more love in the world.
Here’s what I know: This community and this world are different because of The Local Church.
We need money to do what we do. It really is that simple.
In the next year, our expenses will increase — and it’s all good. It’s a sign of God’s good growth. We’re projecting increased staffing needs, and we want to ensure we keep up and sustain the church’s mission, ministry, and operations. We’re also paying United Methodist apportionments for the first time. These help fund shared ministries and missions across the denomination and the world and support the work of the wider church. Finally, we’re taking tangible steps toward a more permanent “home” for us. Like I said, it’s all good.
Here’s what I know: The world can feel so heavy. Hope can feel so elusive. But I also know there is good in the world, and by God’s grace, it’s you. If you can make a financial commitment and believe that we are making the world better, make a commitment. I believe it will change you, too. It will remind you that you can change the world. I’ve seen it happen. I’ve experienced it.
I’m not good at this part, but here’s the ask: Will you make a financial commitment to The Local Church in 2024?
I believe so much in this thing because it’s changing lives and because you’ve shown me it’s worth believing in.
God bless you, friends. Let’s keep building something beautiful.
