Giving Statement Letter

On Friday, January 30th, 2026, our giving statements were sent out via PushPay, our partner in generosity. Below is the included letter.

Wow! What a year we’ve had together. Multiple guest speakers joined us throughout the year, including those who have influenced our church over the years, those who have planted churches through Metro Life, and long-time friends with whom we continue to serve through gospel-centered partnerships. Having celebrated our 40th anniversary in 2025, we ended the year looking ahead to our 50th anniversary in 2035 and launched our ADVANCE Vision Initiatives.

I’ve seen encouraging momentum through ADVANCE, focused on strengthening the church, developing leaders, and expanding our gospel impact. I’ll share a more comprehensive ADVANCE update soon to walk through the vision, progress, and next steps together.

I’m amazed at how kind God has been and continues to be as an expression of His faithfulness. I’m glad to report that we have a healthy reserve of funds totaling 92 days of operating expenses (about three months).

In 2025, however, regular giving declined by approximately 4%. Our budget anticipated $17,000 per week, while actual giving averaged $16,300 per week. We’ve made adjustments as part of our 2026 planning and continue to carefully evaluate our financial practices.

Another challenge has been the irregularity of giving throughout the year.

For example:
● August 2025: $11,700 weekly average
● December 2025: $25,700 weekly average
(Please note that these figures do not include contributions to our ADVANCE Vision Initiatives.)

We’re grateful for generosity in every season, but wide swings like this affect how confidently we can plan and support ministry.

One practical example is staffing. In 2025, lower and less predictable regular giving contributed to our decision not to provide cost-of-living increases for our staff. At the same time, we remain committed to caring well for those who serve our church and to ensuring each role is aligned within its appropriate salary band (a fair pay range based on responsibilities).

I want to make it clear that this does not diminish the many ways generosity is already flourishing among us. Across Metro Life Church, we see cheerful, meaningful, faith-activating, and sacrificial giving throughout the year, and we thank God for the hearts behind it.

This is where consistent giving rhythms, whether through our online portal, your bank, or other planned methods, truly make a difference. Consistent generosity helps us plan responsibly, support our mission, care for our staff, and steward the resources God has entrusted to us with wisdom. I am encouraged to see that giving for January is up 5%.

As I reflect on 2025, I’m grateful because God has proven Himself faithful among us. The New Testament ties our generosity to God’s provision and His purpose in the life of the church (2 Corinthians 9:10–11). God does not merely call His people to practice generosity; He supplies what is needed, shapes hearts to give, and uses what we offer for His Glory.

I am thankful because God is at work in you, and your giving is one visible fruit of His grace among us (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3). Thank you for being the kind of church where generosity is not a pressure point, but a joyful response to the gospel.