Total Commitment
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In June, when Aaron and Sarah Keller and their 1-year-old son arrived at Osborne FMC (KS), the congregation numbered 25 to 30, mostly retirees. There was a definite age gap between the group and their new pastoral family but the church soon showed its total commitment to its young pastor.
They moved the Kellers into a rental and began raising money for a parsonage. The first Sunday an anonymous donor gave $20,000. A $10,000 grant from the FM Foundation (again through an anonymous donor) added to the total. In the following weeks the fund grew to $75,000 and the church voted unanimously to build.
The parsonage search committee chose a 1,200-square-foot pre-fab home, then unanimously upgraded to a 2,700-square-foot model that includes a full, unfinished basement. (As of press time, the Kellers hoped to move into their new home by Christmas.)
“The congregation’s support for this project has simply been overwhelming,” says a thankful Keller. But that is not all. “Their main concern,” he adds, “is that they want our community to know that this church cares about its pastor and about taking care of what they have.”
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The church is growing, younger families are coming, children are a focus, and everyone’s involved. Of the 30 members, 11 signed up to help in the nursery. A fall festival — staffed by 16 volunteers (that’s half the congregation!) — welcomed 20 children for fun and games. VBS also brought in new families and new members. Fifteen volunteered for clean-up day; several women provided home-made cinnamon rolls and a hearty lunch stew.
“There’s a high level of involvement,” says Keller, “both in terms of time and energy.” Some 75 percent of the church serves on committees, boards and in ministry.
“We’re doing whatever it takes to reach out and bring our community in,” says Keller. “It’s evident that when we are faithful to God’s calling on our lives,” he adds (citing
Malachi 3:10) that “He will bless us in a way we never would have imagined. God is so good!”
