The Pulse – February 7

The ALL IN initiative… is a journey of transformational generosity. The process was conceived more than two years ago to encourage all of us to give God access to our lives like never before so He could make us more like Him. We are never more attractive to the world as believers in Christ when generosity and love are realities in our heart. Jesus said people would know we belong to Him because of our love and generosity (John 13:35). He also made the paradoxical claim, “It is more blessed (to us) to give than it is to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

That is an ongoing life journey of discovery, and ALL IN is only a beginning.

During the Transformational Generosity sermon series last fall, we discovered why from a classic passage of scripture in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.

The ONLY REASON is Grace.
The PRIMARY EMOTION is Joy.
The ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION is Faith.
The UNDENIABLE EVIDENCE is Eagerness.
The ULTIMATE PRIORITY is God First.

As you can tell, this initiative has always been about the transformation of our hearts above all else, never about a certain amount of money. It has likely been one of the most challenging spiritual experiences many of us have undertaken. And that is a good thing! 

Hundreds of you responded through the response cards. In doing so, you not only have said something about your journey with God at this time in your life, but also your growing attachment to this your local church. Among the responses, many took a next step of generosity.

100 Initial/Consistent
just beginning to give, or giving consistently

180 Intentional
giving a predetermined amount first: being a giver before a consumer 

150 Abundant/Lifetime 
spend less to give more, and make giving a priority in all long-term planning

You may not realize it, but there is a lot of grace, joy, faith, eagerness, and putting God first represented in these deliberate choices, and in all of us who are experiencing an increase in generosity.

Because of these next steps, we expect $8.5 million over the next two years. GFC’s ongoing budget will be met for two ministry years ($7.0m). Some of “Plus Factor” projects will be attainable ($1.5m). Giving over and above the $8.5m will go to other Plus Factor projects.

I would like to thank you for the attention and intentionality you have given this process. It is my hope and prayer that we are all more generous children of God than we were three months ago. If you are new to GFC and not fully aware of ALL IN… please pick up a guidebook in The Source, on the counter in the café, or in Grace@Home, or visit gfcallin.com.

Quite a journey, quite a group of people you are, and above all else… what a God we have who demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). And you know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, who though He was rich, for our sake became poor, that we through His poverty become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Grace and Peace,

Tom Oyler
Lead Pastor

P.S. All giving should be simply made to GFC, not ALL IN. You can give on the Grace Fellowship Johnson City app, online, in the giving boxes throughout the building, or through the mail. Also, as we gain clarity on Plus Factor projects, we will keep you informed.