An Invitation

An Invitation from Pastor Kevin

I want to make a confession. Don’t worry, it’s neither scandalous nor particularly surprising. It’s typical for most pastors, at least the ones who don’t wear white suits.

I don’t like to talk about giving.

There, I said it. I feel better. But, whether I like it or not, I still need to do it. Why? Well, for one, God tells me too. I need to preach the whole counsel of God. God speaks about our finances and generosity in his Word– a lot. He commands us to honor him in all things, including our finances, and to live generously toward him and others. Ergo, I need to talk about it.

However, while those are compelling and pious reasons, there are more. Practically speaking, I need to talk about giving because a lot of great things happening in and through Willow Creek Church depend on it. Let me just give you a few examples.

First, we’re paying down our debt, and we’re committed to getting and staying debt free. We’re going to have some good news to share about refinancing soon, but we also already have great news that our debt is moving downward due to your faithfulness through the Greater Campaign. Can you even begin to imagine what God will do through a church freed from burdensome debt? It is awe-inspiring!

Second, God is already doing amazing things through the ministry of our church family. Our “head-heart-hand” ministries and ministry partnerships are helping express the gospel in word and deed. Through Willow Creek, the hungry eat, the unemployed find jobs, the isolated find fellowship, the confused find counsel, and more!

Finally, and as just one more of countless examples, I recently had a conversation with someone who recently said that they were coming to a deeper, truer understanding of the freedom of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the teaching and fellowship of Willow Creek. They were excited! Although they’ve been in Christ and his Church for years, the light of the gospel and its implications is still breaking through in powerful ways.

Well, thinking about all of that, maybe I’ll start to like talking about giving. Not yet. But maybe someday.

If you’re already giving financially to God’s work in and through Willow Creek Church, thank you – deeply and sincerely. Please “keep on keeping on!”

If you’re not yet doing so and want to join the fun, we’d love to have you. There are several ways to do so from traditional giving on Sunday mornings to online giving to one-time gifts to estate planning – and more!

My hope is that all of our members and friends – in obedience to God and passion for what he is doing here - will come to share in this work financially at some level. Whether big or small, the gifts of God’s people are adding up to do amazing things. Thank you for being a part of them!

Much love in Christ,

Pastor Kevin