Financial Health & Stewardship
Building What’s Next with Hope, Wisdom, and Generosity
St. Luke is a church with a long history of resilience, generosity, and hope. Our story includes beautiful seasons of ministry—and seasons where we have weathered literal storms. Today, we are stepping boldly into a future grounded in financial sustainability and rooted in mission.
This page is designed to help our members and visitors understand:
Where we’ve been
Where we are
Where we’re going
How each of us can help plant seeds for St. Luke’s future
Whether you’ve been here for decades or are visiting for the first time, welcome. We’re grateful you’re here.
Our Story: From Storm to Stability
2014: The Tornado That Changed Everything
In April 2014, a devastating tornado struck St. Luke, leaving behind extensive damage and a significant financial burden. We rebuilt faithfully—with prayer, grit, and remarkable generosity.
But rebuilding required borrowing. And that loan has shaped our financial landscape for more than a decade.
2023–2025: A New Beginning
In 2023, our Leadership Board began a comprehensive evaluation of our long-term financial health. Working with financial consultant Todd Marion of the United Methodist Foundation, we developed a multi-year strategic plan to stabilize our budget, reduce debt, and shift from scarcity to abundance. This plan, featured in our 2025 & Beyond Financial Strategy document , is now well underway.
Our Comprehensive Financial Strategy
Over the past year, St. Luke has been working toward long-term financial sustainability so we can focus fully on our mission. Here is the plan—summarized in six clear steps:
Refinance the Loan: We refinanced our church loan to a lower interest rate, cutting our monthly payment nearly in half. Why it matters: This gives St. Luke immediate breathing room and makes our financial goals achievable.
Reduce Debt by $1 Million: We launched a 3-year Debt Reduction Campaign to reduce the principal on our loan by $1,000,000. Why it matters: Reducing debt now frees more money for ministry, outreach, and long-term stability.
Sell Under-Used Properties: We voted to sell properties we no longer need for the ministry. Why it matters: These sales help us reach the $1M debt-reduction goal faster.
Strengthen Investments for the Future: We are restructuring our investments for long-term sustainability and have established the Whiteside-Wages Endowment for Ministry. Why it matters: This protects resources for future generations and uses investment income wisely.
Church Budget Adjustments: Over the past two years, the Leadership Board made difficult but faithful decisions, including: Moving to one appointed pastor, Closing Small Miracles Day School (Dec 2024), Restructuring staff roles and ministry priorities, and Creating a sustainable, right-sized budget. Why it matters: These decisions align our resources with our mission.
Our Timeline at a Glance
(From the Financial Strategy Document)
Aug–Oct 2023: Financial review begins; shift to one pastor
Jan 2024: New leadership structure begins
March 2024: Engage financial consultant
July 2024: Small Miracles closure decision
2024–2025: Refinancing, budget restructuring, investment planning
2024–2026: Capital campaign + property sales
2026: Strengthened stewardship; renewed mission focus
2028: Target for full $1M payoff
Ministry at St. Luke:
Where We Stand Today
Debt Reduction Progress:
Goal: $1,000,000
Raised so far: $890,000
Current remaining: $110,000
2026 Pledges:
Current total: $397,000
How you can give:
Debt Reduction Campaign
You can give directly toward eliminating the building debt, and help us reach our $1 Million goal! You can give online, by check, or by gifting stock. Every dollar goes straight to the principal.
Legacy Giving & Retirement Gifts
If you are 72+, you may donate all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Benefits: Lowers taxable income, supports the ministry, and creates a legacy for future generations. We encourage donors to speak with a financial advisor. We can help guide the process.
A Note from Pastor Amber Lea
As I look at where we are today, I can’t help but feel grateful. We’ve walked through challenging seasons together, but every step has led us toward greater clarity, deeper faith, and a stronger foundation for the ministry ahead.
What excites me most is not just the progress we’ve made—it’s the future God is preparing for us. I see signs of new life everywhere: in our children and youth, in small groups that are growing, in the ways you show up for one another, and in how we’re serving our community with compassion and joy.
Thank you for believing in what God is doing through St. Luke. Thank you for giving, praying, showing up, and saying “yes” to this next chapter. Together, we are building a church where people belong, grow, and experience the transforming love of Christ.
The best is yet to come.
Always Grace,
Rev. Amber Lea Gray