At Karis, we regularly refer to the church as a family.  From a social science perspective, the family social unit has the primal function of providing for its members.  Just as parents bear the responsibility of meeting the needs of their children, the church has a weighty responsibility for her members. When we commit to becoming part of this rag-tag family of Karis, we are saying, “Your needs are my needs.  My needs are your needs.”  There is so much responsibility there.  But, oh by grace, there is also comfort and security.  This is the Church; the way God designed it to be. 

And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:44-45 ESV

Living in Gospel community in Karis is characterized by sharing each other’s burdens and celebrating each other’s blessings as if they’re our own. Because they are. 

Maybe it’s obvious to you already, but have you ever thought about the beauty in the intentional structures within Karis for growth, caring for, and knowing each other?   Ideally, you are a part of a small accountability-type group of 1 or 2 others, some of us call them fight clubs.  Your fight club is one of a few that make up the larger family of your missional community.  Your missional community is one of several MCs that compose the greater body of Karis.  

Practically speaking, we take care of those closest to us. We are more likely to know each other’s needs.  And, naturally, we feel most connected to and responsible for the humans we regularly share life with. However, sometimes there are emergencies, long seasons of hardships, or rather large needs that would be met more reasonably by pooling the resources of the larger body.  This is where the Karis Family Fund comes in.

For the past year, the fellowship fund has generally been dry and stagnant.  After renaming the fund and refining the process a bit, we now want to remind Karis that it is here.  It’s here to be used.  It’s here to pour into joyfully.  It’s here for you.  It’s here as a practical application of our covenant together.  

We’re calling it the Karis Family Fund. 

The Family Fund is designed for two very practical purposes.  

Primarily, it assists us as we meet the needs of the members of our family.  Karis members may apply for themselves/their households and other members. 

Secondarily, the fund can be used as our family ministers to others.  Karis members may apply on behalf of others in our midst as well as other friends/acquaintances we are ministering and pursuing.

We hope the Family Fund will encourage Gospel-conversation and the growth of real relationships that have already begun.  We want any recipient of funds to know, without a doubt, that we care about their entire well-being.  We believe this happens best and most naturally through relationships.

Would you consider giving to the Karis Family Fund to bear the burdens of those our church community is seeking to love?

Members who would like to submit a request to the Karis Family Fund may fill out this form.  Family Fund Team members will review the information and then will follow up with any necessary questions or clarifications.