The intention: to provide funding to assist churches to “break through” some sort of barrier to growth, such as hiring staff*, welcoming newcomers, discipling multipliers, renovating spaces, sponsoring events, or other ministry initiatives.
*Additional and limited grant money has been given through an honorarium specifically to help a church or churches if their hinderance is specific to their worship service. Money may be used to hire a worship leader, musician, equipment, etc.
The offer: up to $10,000 per church, per year. Awarding the grant for a second year will depend upon prioritizing needs throughout Genesis, available funds at the time of renewal and how effective the first awarded grant was in conributing to a solution (all determined by a committee of the Genesis Board of Administration).
The hope: that this one-year financial boost (possibly two years, at most) will bring the church to a place where they are able to afford the change, most likely through new attenders giving or discipled believers tithing. This grant should help the church get to a position where the grant is no longer needed in order to fund the initiative.
Qualifying churches:
- Are growing (or are churches that have been in a documented pattern of hitting a growth barrier at a certain size).
- Have a clear vision (unique to their church and this season) and measurable strategy.
- Can identify some hindrance that is holding the church back.
- Have an idea of how breakthrough of the hindrance can come. The answer cannot fully rest on the money, but on a plan for the church to overcome the hindrance and how the funds may assist.
How to Apply (first-time applicants)
To apply for the grant, we need to receive the following materials by August 15th, 2026:
1. Your completed vision frame document (filled out by leadership who have prayerfully participated in the process, not just the lead pastor). The vision frame can be found here.
2. Up-to-date statistics sent to the conference office (attendance, baptisms, finances). If you've already been submitting these monthly and are up to date, there is nothing more to do at this time. If you're behind in submitting statistics, please complete that through the form sent to you from the Genesis office.
3. A statement on:
a. What you believe is currently hindering your church's growth or effectiveness.
b. What you believe will resolve this hindrance. (This statement should not be just about the money. Responses should be focused on what the church can do to get past this hinderance, and how might the money assist this effort rather than solve the problem).
c. How much is needed (dollar amount) with a budget outlining a plan for use of those funds.
We will request a brief quarterly update to the BOA from each church who is awarded a grant, specifically asking:
1. How are the funds being spent?
2. What is the impact on the church? (attendance, more people being baptized or discipled, etc.)
3. What are you learning? (including through failure)
4. What do you need help with?
