Our Story

The Story of 23 Project

While walking on a local trail after the birth of our son, my wife and I were talking about our desire to bless pastors. We had witnessed pastors who were chronically overworked and under-resourced. The options available to address both seemed slim. How could we help with this real need? Continuing the conversation and realizing the opportunity available to us, we were moved to create a non-profit foundation that would:

– Provide resources to help pastors take much needed sabbaticals.

– Provide resources to help pastors plant new churches.

By being generous, the overflow of our cup would result in cups overflowing in others. As we talked, “23” by Jimmy Eat World began to play. Two lines caught our attention:

“I won’t always love these selfish things.” and “You’ll sit alone forever, if you wait for the right time, what are you hoping for…”

We were just talking about our cup overflowing. We were walking on a path. That song, those lyrics, instantly took our thoughts to Psalm 23.

“The Lord is our Shepherd. He leads us to green pastures and beside still waters, away from the selfish things of the world. He makes our cup overflow. He is with us.”

Immediately we had a name for this initiative, 23 Project. And so here we are today with 23 Project as we know it: Partnering with church planters and pastors and for the advancement of the gospel. Humble beginnings with yet a great story to be told.