90 Day
Open Hands Challenge
STEP OUT OF FEAR AND INTO FREEDOM TODAY
THE SITUATION
Here is the truth about United Church: a handful of families have been carrying the financial weight of everything we do. Every worship service, every kids’ ministry morning, every outreach into our city—funded by a few, enjoyed by all.
That’s not a criticism. It’s a confession. We have let a small group of people own a mission that belongs to the whole family.
And now, in a season where the economy is pressing everyone and our needs are real, God is not asking us to panic. He is asking us to grow up. He is asking all of us to carry what is ours to carry.
THE THEOLOGY
Here is what we believe: God does not want something from you. He wants something for you.
What He wants for you is freedom. Freedom from the anxiety that wakes you up at 3am. Freedom from the lie that your security is in your savings account. Freedom from the grip that money has on your decisions, your relationships, and your peace. Jesus called this the abundant life—a life so rich in trust that your hands can stay open no matter what the economy does.
Generosity is how you get there. Not because giving earns you something. Because giving trains your heart to trust a Provider who has never once failed.
THE CALLENGE
Step 1
Ask God for your “something.”
This week, sit down and ask God what He is calling you to give. Not what’s comfortable. Not what’s leftover. What requires you to trust Him. For some, that’s $25 a week. For others, it’s $500. The amount is between you and God. The sacrifice is what matters.
Step 2
Commit for 90 days.
Set up a recurring gift right here on the app. Make it automatic. Make it first—before the streaming subscriptions, before the dining out, before the Amazon cart. First.
Step 3
Stay in it.
Pay attention to what happens in your heart over these 90 days. Generosity is a spiritual discipline, not a transaction. Watch what shifts when you stop gripping and start trusting.
TESTIMONIALS
My wrong turn that brought me into your church parking lot was actually the right turn and the best mistake I ever made for my grandson and myself. This church is the first place my grandson has ever stayed with anyone besides family and it has been so amazing to watch him thrive here. I look forward to seeing him grow in his relationship with God.
I felt it in my heart that I wanted to give and just hearing God in this church through the preacher, the music, the teachers and ALL of the people who serve. I feel so blessed to be able to experience God through all of you. It is absolutely amazing and heartwarming how welcomed and encouraged we feel. I did have to adjust my giving to every other week due to financial reasons, but thank you United for being you.
— Nancy
I believe that United Church is bringing the true word of God to this time and not only here but around the world. This is what we as Christians were commissioned to do. If I can be a part of doing that, I want to do it. It's such a small amount, but I thought it could help with something.
— Pat
WHAT YOUR SACRIFICE FUNDS
This is not abstract. When United Church meets its monthly needs, here is what stays operational:
Your pastors and staff - the people who prepare sermons, run kids’ ministry, lead worship, answer the phone when someone is in crisis, and show up every single week so that this church exists.
Your ministries — small groups, men’s and women’s discipleship, youth programming, the hospitality that makes a guest feel like family on their first Sunday.
Your mission in Atlanta — the outreach, the partnerships, the presence in this city that makes United Church more than a Sunday gathering.
When everyone owns it, no one is at risk.