Elevation Church isn’t normal.
You know that right?

Our attendance isn’t normal.
We grow at all the wrong times.
We grow at a stupid rate.

Our volunteers aren’t normal.
They show up way too early.
They stay way too late.
They work way too hard.
They’re way too happy.
And way too intense.

And our giving patterns aren’t normal.
Church starts are supposed to be broke for the first 2 years.

We’re not broke. We’re blessed.

Pastors of new churches are supposed to have to downplay the offering and apologize for talking about money.

We clap before we take the offering. We talk about money as often as possible.

And then we give. Cheerfully and sacrificially. Consistently and intentionally.

We don’t have a bunch of fat cats at Elevation.
What we do have is faithful folks who give because they get to.
Not because they’ve got to.

Sorry to single you guys out, but Ray and Shauntona Harper, somebody has to be the Hero of the Day… $ edition, it may as well be you.
And why the heck not?
You exemplify the spirit of generosity that permeates Elevation.
You packed up, left your family and hometown, risked it all, and moved to Charlotte.
Not for a job. For a vision.
No paycheck. No fanfare.

And you give. Every single month. At least 15% of your income (a commitment all of our core team made from the very beginning.)

Ray, you give with your skills (mad skills) on the drums every single week. You’re not just volunteering. You’re ministering to the Lord.

Shauntona, you run the show at VHQ. They tell me you rule with an iron fist.
I’ll take their word for it.

Harpers, you’re setting the standard.

And if these verses are true (they are), you’re pretty dang smart too… for investing in the only thing that lasts.

Thanks to all of you Elevators who bring the 10%…and beyond.

Thanks even more for giving like it’s a privilege, not a duty or a favor.

You’re not normal.