5 Year Vision & Plan · 2026–2030
Where God Is Leading Us.
We've spent a lot of time listening, praying, and dreaming together about who Light of Christ is becoming. This plan is where that landed. It's our roadmap for the next five years: caring well for the people who serve us, opening our doors a little wider, growing deeper in faith, and showing up for our neighbors in Ballantyne and beyond. We're holding it with open hands, and we can't wait to live into it with you.
Inclusive Faith. Active Love.
By the End of 2030.
Here's the big picture of what we're working toward, shaped by our mission to Come, Grow, and Go.
Come.
Making more room at the table for everyone.
- A second worship service added
- An affirming ministry for young adults in their 20s and 30s
- “Building Belonging” accessibility projectsA gender-inclusive bathroom, an expanded playground with accessible equipment for children with disabilities, and a paved parking lot
Grow.
Deepening our faith and our leadership, at every age and stage.
- DiscipleshipDisciple Bible Study, leadership training, anti-racism work, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and more
- A new Mission/Vision/Values Team to discern updates to our statements
Go.
Serving our neighbors, near and far.
- Helene Relief Teams and Cross Connection Teams
- Our Parkview Partnership and local missions
- Room in the Inn every Friday night, December through March
- Joining an affordable housing effort
Our People.
Caring for those who lead and serve our community.
- An additional 10% salary increase for pastor and staff over five years
- A 3% match for retirement contributions
- A health insurance plan, or reimbursement for its cost
- A successful pastoral transition
Building Belonging.
Belonging should be something you can see and feel the moment you arrive. These projects help make sure our building says “welcome” to everyone who walks through our doors.
Campaign Goal: $125,000
Year by Year.
Big dreams happen one faithful step at a time. Here's how we'll get there.
- Share the 5 Year Vision & Plan with our congregation
- Budget a 4% staff increase for next year
- Transition to a team-led Room in the InnContinuing three times per month
- Two mission trips for Helene relief
- Research additional anti-racism work for 2027
- Collect “Building Belonging” funds for accessibility projects
- Research a second worship serviceTiming, day and time, style, and who we hope to reach
- Research an affirming ministry for 20s and 30s
- Budget a 3% staff increase for next year
- A successful pastoral transitionDependent upon the Cabinet's decision
- Two mission trips for Helene relief and one to Honduras
- Expand Room in the Inn to every Friday, December through March
- Study how well we reflect the diversity of Ballantyne, and report back to the congregation for prayer and action
- Launch our second worship service
- Launch and develop our affirming ministry for 20s and 30s
- Budget a 3% staff increase for next year
- One mission trip for Helene relief
- Complete the “Building Belonging” accessibility projects
- Appoint a new Mission/Vision/Values Team to discern updates to our statements
- Complete research and set a plan for health insurance (or cost reimbursement) for full-time staff, to begin in 2030
- Budget for a full-time staff health insurance plan beginning in 2030
- One mission trip for Helene relief and one to Honduras
- Research, join, and support an affordable housing effort
- Budget up to a 3% retirement match for all full-time staff in 2031
- One mission trip for Helene relief
- Plan and launch a Leadership Development Series
Held in Prayer.
None of this happens on our own. A dedicated prayer team will be praying over every part of this plan, and we invite you to pray along with us: for wisdom, for courage, and for open hearts as we follow where the Spirit leads.
Have questions, or feel a nudge to get involved in any part of this? We would truly love to hear from you. This is our vision, and there's a place in it for you.