Let's Move Forward
Forward Together
A year ago, we launched a bold vision, Forward. We prayed, we dreamed, and we stepped into faith together.
Our goal was nine million dollars, not for ourselves but for God’s mission through Good Shepherd.
And God provided. Through your generosity, we didn’t just meet that goal, we surpassed it.
We believe now is the moment to finish what God began. We are prayerfully asking God to provide an additional one million dollars to complete the vision, to make every space beautiful, functional, and ready to welcome the next generation.
Ten percent of that will go directly back into mission, to Cherish Watoto and to local immigrant families finding new life through our community partnerships.
Let’s move Forward Together,
for our neighbors,
for the world,
for 1310,
for the glory of God.
Our goal was nine million dollars, not for ourselves but for God’s mission through Good Shepherd.
And God provided. Through your generosity, we didn’t just meet that goal, we surpassed it.
We believe now is the moment to finish what God began. We are prayerfully asking God to provide an additional one million dollars to complete the vision, to make every space beautiful, functional, and ready to welcome the next generation.
Ten percent of that will go directly back into mission, to Cherish Watoto and to local immigrant families finding new life through our community partnerships.
Let’s move Forward Together,
for our neighbors,
for the world,
for 1310,
for the glory of God.
Total Goal — Raise $10.5M over two years
Initial Goal - Raised $9,440,619.32
For the World and For Our Neighbors — $.9M
The Forward Initiative has a monetary goal of raising $9 Million over the next two years. That means that our continuing investment in those who are vulnerable and hurting in the world through our global mission partners will be $900,000 over the next two years.
One example of this commitment played out at Cherish Watoto Kenya. We have proudly supported this one of a kind school and orphanage for almost 20 years, and as partners we have worked to come alongside these teachers and the incredible kids that make Cherish the incredible place that it is. The school extends to 8th grade, but as students leave Cherish to continue their education, they walk away from the joy of Cherish Watoto into uncertainty.
Yet we can now see a reality where the kids at Cherish have a more secure future, as land right next to Cherish became available for purchase. An anonymous lead gift was given to allow Good Shepherd to buy this land and there are endless opportunities ahead of us! We can extend their education by building a high school, we can create space for sustainable agriculture, we can create spaces for kids to be kids and play sports. The question is, how big will we be willing to dream with God?
One example of this commitment played out at Cherish Watoto Kenya. We have proudly supported this one of a kind school and orphanage for almost 20 years, and as partners we have worked to come alongside these teachers and the incredible kids that make Cherish the incredible place that it is. The school extends to 8th grade, but as students leave Cherish to continue their education, they walk away from the joy of Cherish Watoto into uncertainty.
Yet we can now see a reality where the kids at Cherish have a more secure future, as land right next to Cherish became available for purchase. An anonymous lead gift was given to allow Good Shepherd to buy this land and there are endless opportunities ahead of us! We can extend their education by building a high school, we can create space for sustainable agriculture, we can create spaces for kids to be kids and play sports. The question is, how big will we be willing to dream with God?
For 1310 – $1.89M
We will complete necessary updates to our building so it may be a gathering place where people can connect relationally, grow spiritually, and thrive in community. These updates can serve anyone who calls Good Shepherd home, as well as those in our surrounding communities. Having a welcoming patio, expanding the reach of the cafe, and offering our building as a gathering place for everyone helps us radiate God’s love to people well beyond a Sunday morning.
Ongoing Ministry — $6.21M
While we move FORWARD together, our mission will not change. We anticipate year over year growth within the operation of our ministries and will continue our progress on the major strategic initiatives essential to our church’s future.
New Goal - Raise an additional 1 Million Dollars
Forward Together
As we reach the midpoint of this journey, every one of us has a part to play.
For some of you, you’re new.
You’ve joined our Good Shepherd family since we launched Forward. We want to invite you to make your first Forward Together commitment, to join what God is doing through this movement of generosity.
For others, you made a commitment a year ago.
You’ve prayed, you’ve sacrificed, you’ve stayed faithful.
We want to encourage you to finish strong.
Your faithfulness is shaping the future of this church and this city.
And for some, you’ve seen God provide in new ways.
You sense Him calling you to take one more step of faith.
We want to challenge you to consider increasing your commitment to help complete this vision for generations to come.
Church, this is a watershed moment.
We’re not raising money, we’re raising faith.
We’re not building walls, we’re creating space for lives to be changed.
For some of you, you’re new.
You’ve joined our Good Shepherd family since we launched Forward. We want to invite you to make your first Forward Together commitment, to join what God is doing through this movement of generosity.
For others, you made a commitment a year ago.
You’ve prayed, you’ve sacrificed, you’ve stayed faithful.
We want to encourage you to finish strong.
Your faithfulness is shaping the future of this church and this city.
And for some, you’ve seen God provide in new ways.
You sense Him calling you to take one more step of faith.
We want to challenge you to consider increasing your commitment to help complete this vision for generations to come.
Church, this is a watershed moment.
We’re not raising money, we’re raising faith.
We’re not building walls, we’re creating space for lives to be changed.
