About 23 Project
We exist to partner with pastors and planters for the advancement of the gospel.
Each year, we invest deeply in a small number of pastors and planters bringing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to their community.
Our Story
How It Started
Shortly after the birth of their son during COVID-19, Thomas and Laura Griffin, the founders of the 23 Project, were walking on a local trail, talking about something that had been weighing on both of them: the pastors they knew were chronically overworked and under-resourced, and the options available to help seemed slim.
As they continued the conversation and sensed the opportunity God was putting before them, they felt moved to create a foundation that would provide resources to help pastors plant new churches and take much-needed sabbaticals.
After spending time in prayer, they took a step of faith and officially formed The 23 Project Foundation.
Thomas & Laura Griffin, Founders
Why "23 Project"?
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Psalm 23:2–3"He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."
A Conversation on the Trail
Thomas and Laura talked about their cup overflowing and how generosity might cause cups to overflow in others.
A Psalm Comes to Mind
Their thoughts went to Psalm 23. The Lord is our Shepherd. He leads us to green pastures and beside still waters. He makes our cup overflow.
A Name is Chosen
In that moment, they decided on the name of the 23 Project as a way to be reminded that the Lord is the one who provides.
A Prayer is Made
Our prayer for every partner is that they would experience the Lord as their Good Shepherd who makes their cup overflow.
Our Heart
What Drives Us
Our Mission
To partner with pastors and planters for the advancement of the gospel.
Our Passion
To play our unique part in what Jesus is doing in the world so that others can play theirs.
Our Vision
To be the most influential catalyst for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ in the 21st century.
What We Promise
Three Commitments
These are the promises we make to every family we partner with.
Clarity
We believe clarity is kindness. From the first conversation to the last, you will know exactly where you stand, what to expect, and what comes next.
Coaching
Every month, both the pastor and his wife receive coaching and care calls that express a heart to serve you and your family, not just your ministry.
Care
Through our Pastor Care Program, each partner family is paired with a supporter who prays for them, encourages them, and expresses care for the entire family.
How We Partner
Our Guiding Values
Confidence
Trusting in God's power, not ours.
Humility
Counting others as more important than ourselves.
Prayer
Praying big prayers with hopeful hearts.
Kindness
Creating clarity and care for all we encounter.
Generosity
Giving of our time, talent, and treasure.
Excellence
Doing our best, as Jesus is worthy of it.
"We believe faithfulness to our calling matters more than growth. Success will not be defined by increasing the number of partnerships, but investing deeper in those we are entrusted to serve."
Leadership
The People Behind the Mission
Brian Lowe
Executive Director
Thomas & Laura Griffin
Founders
Be Part of the Story
If any of this resonates — whether you're a pastor, a giver, or someone who believes in the power of prayer — we'd love for you to be part of what God is doing through the 23 Project.