Why I Love Working with Churches

My family and I are blessed to call Christ Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, IL, our church home. I have the privilege of serving as chairman of the deacons, participating in our music ministry, and serving in various other ways. My brother, Jon, is our senior pastor which makes our church life especially meaningful (and a lot of fun!). Over the past few years, I’ve also had a front row seat to our own congregation’s generosity as we purchased and renovated a building through a successful capital campaign. Watching God’s people faithfully give and work together toward a shared vision was an incredible encouragement.

My love for my own church is a big part of why I love the work I get to do with Canaan Group.

1. The Local Church Is Vital, and We’re Called to Invest in It

The local church is not just an important part of the Christian life; it’s central to God’s design for His people. Scripture calls us to gather together, encourage one another, serve one another, and use the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us for the building up of His Church.

In Ephesians 4, Paul describes the “building up” of the body of Christ through the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. What a joy to be able to participate in this calling.

We aren’t called merely to attend church, but to belong to it, serve it, and invest in its flourishing. I believe deeply in that calling, and it’s a joy to help other congregations pursue it faithfully.

2. Every Congregation Has a Unique Story

I’m blessed to be able to witness firsthand the remarkable diversity of congregations and the ways God is at work through them.

Every church has its own history, culture, challenges, opportunities, and vision for the future. Through our work at Canaan Group, we get to enter into those stories, learning what makes each congregation unique and helping its leaders pursue the mission God has placed before them.

The projects we’re invited to participate in are often ones that will shape the life of a congregation for generations. Whether it’s a new worship space, expanded ministry facilities, or another significant investment in the church’s future, these are moments of great consequence. It’s a tremendous responsibility to walk alongside church leaders during such important seasons, but it’s also a great privilege.

3. I’m Encouraged by the Faithfulness of God’s People

Nothing energizes me more in this work than the people we encounter along the way. I regularly meet pastors, elders, deacons, ministry leaders, and faithful members who pour enormous amounts of time, energy, prayer, and resources into their local churches. Much of their work happens quietly and behind the scenes, motivated simply by their love for Christ and His Church.

Their dedication is a reminder that the Church is not built through buildings or campaigns alone but through God’s work in and through His people.

While our role at Canaan Group may be relatively brief in the life of a congregation, getting to encourage and support those who faithfully serve it year after year is deeply rewarding.

Ultimately, I love working with churches because I love the local church. I believe in its mission, I’m inspired by its people, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to play a small part in helping congregations faithfully pursue the work God has given them.