"THE WIND BLOWS WHEREVER IT PLEASES. YOU HEAR ITS SOUND, BUT YOU CANNOT TELL WHERE IT COMES FROM OR WHERE IT IS GOING. SO IT IS WITH EVERYONE BORN OF THE SPIRIT."
JOHN 3:8 | NIV84
Catch The Wind Vision
A Note from Chad
Before Jesus ascended, He told His early followers, "But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49, MEV). Jesus called His disciples to change the world, but not on their own. He explained, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8, NIV84). As long as people on earth need to know Jesus, the Holy Spirit is ready to empower Jesus' church to reach them.
God's Spirit is still working today, empowering us to change the world. We see signs of revival all around us, especially among the younger generation, as well as in our own church family. First Church has grown tremendously, with more people worshiping, studying, and connecting than ever before. Acts 2:47 says, "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." That's what we're experiencing!
This moment, however, isn't our destination; it's the beginning of something greater. God is preparing us for something so big that we cannot succeed without the Spirit's help. We're convinced He's leading First Church into a new and courageous season of ministry. That's why we're launching a two-year discipleship journey called "Catch the Wind."
The Bible uses "wind" as a metaphor to describe how the Holy Spirit works. In both the Old and New Testaments, the words for "Spirit" literally mean "wind" or "breath." Jesus teaches: "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" (John 3:8, NIV84). Wind is unique because it's both physical and nonphysical at the same time. We can't see or hold it, but we don't doubt its existence. Even though we can't touch, control, or predict the wind, it can empower us. Think of a sailboat. When the sails are raised, the wind's power moves and directs the boat forward. When we open our lives to the Spirit, He will lead us and propel us forward.
"Catch the Wind" is a movement to ignite revival and engagement in Jesus' mission like never before. This new season will require bold faith, sacrificial giving, unity, and trust in God's Spirit, who empowers us to do His will. A sailboat is safest in the harbor, but it's meant to sail. The same is true for the church. Jesus doesn't call us to play it safe; He calls us to live by faith. We don't want to stay docked; we want to go wherever God's Spirit takes us. First Church, let's "Catch the Wind."
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
- Gal 5:25 | NIV84
Primary Goal:
100% Engagement
How is God's Spirit Working in Us?
If we want God to send the fresh wind of revival, we must open our lives to Him like never before. Our goal is for everyone at First Church to be invested and fully engaged in what God is doing among us.
Secondary Goal:
Mission Advancement
Fresh Winds - $10 Million
Ministry operations over a 2-year period.
God is stirring revival in our culture. We want to join what His Spirit is doing, loving Jesus and loving like Jesus through our current ministry opportunities. We trust God will provide the resources needed over the next two years to meet our weekly ministry needs.
New Horizons - $7.5 Million
Investing in God's future plans for First Church.
This is a pivotal moment in history. Signs of revival are everywhere. At First Church, we don't want to settle for what we can do in our strength.
We trust God's Spirit to guide and prepare us for what's next. We believe He'll empower us over the next two years to begin remodeling our Worship Center, expanding our gym, building a new office complex, and increasing our outreach.
Total Catch The Wind Two-Year Goal:
$17.5 Million*
*The final project cost could exceed the $17.5M goal. Completing the Worship Center may require additional funds beyond this goal, obtained either from gifts given in excess of this goal, future general budget generosity, and/or financing.
Learn More About The InitiativeWhy a "One Fund" Initiative?
In the past, we asked our First Church family to give second gifts to the 'Building Fund' as well as to continue giving offerings to the 'General Fund.' We've realized this type of giving is potentially confusing to those who don't have a baseline for their "normal giving." It also divides what we believe God is leading us to do into categories (which some people are tempted to prioritize). But we don't believe our "next ministry" step is any more important than the ministry God is currently empowering us to do as a church. So, we want to celebrate the total giving of First Church in one single number. We believe that it is all ONE MISSION that we're on - the mission to love Jesus and love like Jesus.
So, over the next two years, we're not asking anyone to give to a new "building fund." We're simply asking anyone who calls First Church home to expand their current giving and be part of our Catch the Wind initiative. For some, expanding their giving may be taking a step of faith to give more generously than they have in the past. For others, it may be giving to God for the first time, in such a way that reflects that God and His Kingdom mission are first in their hearts. But whatever your gift looks like, everyone gets to be part of the Catch the Wind mission Jesus has given us.
Starting December 2026, every gift that is given to First Church will go to our one Catch the Wind fund, which will be used to resource the key components of our next season of ministry - our current operating/ministry budget, and our bold investment in the plans God has for the future of First Church.
Ready to Catch the Wind?
God has brought us to this moment for a reason, and He's inviting every member of our First Church family to be part of what He's doing next. Are you ready to take a step of faith and join Him?
Prayerfully consider your commitment today, and help us seize the fresh winds God is sending our way.
Make Your Commitment