Why is the Gathering Network fundraising right now?

There are two primary reasons.

First, the Gathering Network is made up overwhelmingly of young families. We have many families faithfully growing in generosity, but we don’t have a large base of empty nesters or retirees with decades of accumulated resources. In fact, nearly 80% of our Covenant Partner households are already giving at some level—a remarkable reflection of their commitment to the mission of God.

The reality is that many of our families are still growing their capacity for generosity while navigating the costs of raising children, housing, and everyday life. That growth is part of the discipleship journey, but it takes time.

Second, we recently made a strategic investment in the future of the Gathering Network by adding an Executive Vision Integrator to our staff team. This role strengthens our ability to care for leaders, develop disciples, support House Churches, and steward the vision God has given us.

This fundraising season isn’t about simply closing a gap—it’s about creating capacity. It’s about tending the greenhouse: raising up healthier leaders, making more disciples, and helping the Kingdom of God grow through the Gathering Network for generations to come.

From the very beginning, our heart has been to raise up a next generation of wholehearted disciples of Jesus—people deeply formed by God's presence, transformed into His likeness, and equipped for Kingdom mission.

Our history tells that story. Over the years, hundreds of people shaped in the Gathering Network are now serving throughout Kansas City—leading churches, starting ministries, discipling others, raising faithful families, serving nonprofits, leading businesses, and advancing God's Kingdom in countless ways.

We've come to believe that success isn't simply measured by how many people stay, but by how many disciples are formed and sent.

The Gathering Network was never meant to build our own empire. We believe God has given us a grace to seed an entire Kingdom ecosystem across our city—where people are deeply rooted, transformed by Jesus, and sent wherever He leads them.

Some will walk with us for decades. Others will be sent into other churches, ministries, neighborhoods, and expressions of Kingdom mission. We celebrate both, because when disciples are formed and the Kingdom grows, everyone wins.

If you have been shaped by life at the Gathering Network, or if Jon and Alissa's investment or influence has made a lasting impact on your life - we're asking you to prayerfully consider supporting these ministries so they can continue shaping lives for years to come. 

When you give to the Gathering Network, you're investing in a ministry with decades of fruitfulness—every disciple formed, every leader raised up, every family strengthened, and every person sent becomes another seed in the Kingdom God is cultivating across Kansas City.

First, this is not an invitation to redirect your tithe. If you are rooted in another church family today, we want to encourage you to continue giving your tithe there.

The local church where God has planted you should be the primary place where you invest your generosity.

This is an invitation to consider an above-and-beyond Kingdom gift if the Gathering Network — or the Shirley family’s ministry — has been a meaningful part of your journey with Jesus.

Our goal is to raise $25,000 annually through a team of ministry partners prayerfully giving $25, $50, $75, $100+ per month to help supplement a portion of what’s needed for us to continue investing in disciples, leaders, and the next generation.