An Open Letter to the Anglican Church in North America: Its Clergy, Bishops, and Laity
With a Few Tweaks, Changes, and Developments, The LeaderWorks Trust Moves into Phase Two
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With a Few Tweaks, Changes, and Developments, The LeaderWorks Trust Moves into Phase Two
January 2025
Dear Ordained Colleagues, Clergy, and Bishops
I want to update you about the LeaderWorks Trust and the exciting ways we continue serving the Anglican Church in North America. Many of you are familiar with this initiative, which began a few years ago with a remarkable and generous donation of $1,000,000 from an anonymous donor. That generosity has enabled us to help over 35 churches and undertake needed capital campaigns, resulting in an estimated collective impact of over $50,000,000 in raised funds!
I am deeply grateful to God for the fruit of this ministry.
Remember How It Works
The methodology behind LeaderWorks Trust is simple and effective. With the written support of the vestry (in the form of a motion or agreement), the rector applies for a grant to fund a capital fund feasibility study—a crucial step in discerning the church’s potential. This study, conducted by Horizons, our ‘preferred provider’, gives rectors and vestries the data they need to move forward. Moreover, it gives them the confidence to know that their membership will support the project.
(Note to Rectors: I am looking for a few rectors who have completed their campaigns to participate in an online podcast interview. There are 35 of you. Please email me if you are willing to share your story.)
Joe Park is the president of Horizons Stewardship and spends time upfront with the rector to help create a successful financial action plan. Joe is an experienced banker and fellow brother in Christ. His wisdom and contacts in the banking world have been invaluable to our churches. When the feasibility study is completed and the church is ready to proceed, the congregation bears the cost of the rest of the campaign.
Celebrating Generosity
Since its inception, the LeaderWorks Trust has granted approximately $550,000 to over 35 churches. These grants have been catalysts for immense generosity, enabling congregations to respond with faith and commitment to the needs of their ministries. It has been a joy and privilege to witness the impact of this generosity—a reflection of God’s abundant provision and the faithful stewardship of His people.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
As we move into 2025, I am committed to continuing this vital work and ensure the sustainability and strength of the LeaderWorks Trust. To that end, I am making a few key adjustments:
Establishing a Revolving Fund: We will create The LeaderWorks Trust Revolving Fund with an initial pool of $100,000. This fund will allow us to continue distributing grants to Anglican congregations within the Anglican Church in North America.
Improving the Application Process: The application process will be revamped to include interviews with Joe Park and me. By front-loading the process with personal engagement and experienced leadership.
Sustainable Grant Repayment: Grants will continue to fund feasibility studies with a new sustainability model: congregations will repay the grant amount to the revolving fund within the first 12 months of their campaign. This repayment will enable us to support future congregations without depleting the fund.
As we prepare to implement these changes, I am suspending the LeaderWorks Trust application process for the next few weeks. This pause will allow Joe and I to refine the process, answer any questions from rectors or bishops, and ensure that our updated approach best serves the needs of our churches.
A Ministry of Gratitude
I remain deeply thankful for the original donor whose vision made this ministry possible and the many congregations who have embraced the call to generosity. Together, we have seen results that are nothing short of biblical in their proportion and impact.
As always, I look forward to continuing this journey with you. May we all be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, lifting up His name and advancing His kingdom in our communities and beyond.
In Christ,
David Roseberry
LeaderWorks
PS: Don’t forget. If you have completed your campaign and would like to be on a podcast with me, please email me.
The Rev. David Roseberry, an ordained Anglican priest with over 40 years of pastoral experience, offers leadership services to pastors, churches, and Christian writers. He is an accomplished author whose books are available on Amazon. Rev. Roseberry is the Executive Director of LeaderWorks, where his work and resources can be found.