Launch Report & Plan

explore (january - august 2023)

gathering and iterating around experiential + integrative Christianity

  • GraceSF project announced in late December 2022

  • Initial 501c3 and affiliation with denomination (City Classis, Reformed Church in America) established

  • Seed grant secured from the Center for Church Innovation + initial “friends and family” donations received

  • Monthly live events iterating spiritual/creative emphases hosted at Gundlach’s home in Glen Park/SF (12-30 adults each)

    • Winter Solstice + Christmas + New Year’s Party & Ceremony (December 21, 2022)

    • Shrove Tuesday Liturgical Feast (February, 2023)

    • The Feast of Saint Patrick & Celebration of Celtic Spirituality (March, 2023)

    • Maundy Thursday Eucharistic Feast (April, 2023)

    • Spiritual Wayfinding & Discernment Mini-Retreat w/ Dave Evans (May, 2023)

  • Launch of GRACE/SF Youtube Channel during Lent with Periodic Short Reflections by JG

  • Begin regular Sunday Evening gatherings focused in Scripture study and community building / core-team development (Summer Sundays)

  • JG 1:1 pastoral meetings and networking

launch (september ‘23 - august ‘24)

grow core team + launch public worship experiences

  • identify music/arts leader (fall ‘23)

  • identify inviting + sacred worship venue(s)

  • continue and expand Sunday evening spirituality dinners

  • grow core team to 20+ and define vision & roles

  • launch “preview” public worship experiences (target: Advent ‘23) & expand frequency into winter-spring ‘24

  • host 2-3 seminars or public conversations highlighting the integrative Christianity approach of GRACE/SF (examples: The Enneagram and the Holy Spirit; Artificial Intelligence and Christ-Consciousness; Christianity & the Promises and Perils of the Psychedelic Renaissance)

  • identify children’s ministry leader (spring ‘24)

  • finalize preparation and team roles for launch of weekly worship services September ‘24

shape (september ‘24 - august ‘25)

launch weekly public worship + enhance ministry activities

  • weekly public worship services underway in SF - September ‘24

  • children’s programming launch - September ‘24

  • enhanced weekly online offering for Bay Area and beyond - September ‘24

  • establish monthly spiritual connection dinners in SF and surrounding area - January ‘25

  • Host 2-3 seminars or public conversations highlighting the integrative Christianity approach of GRACE/SF.

  • Grow weekly active adult participation to 40+ (December ‘24)

grow (September ‘25 - December ‘26)

enhance weekly worship + expand Bay Area offerings + achieve financial sustainability + first pastoral hire

  • Continue to enhance weekly worship experience and children’s programming

  • Expand Bay-Area spiritual connection dinners and online resources

  • Host 3-4 seminars or public conversations in larger venues highlighting the integrative Christianity approach of GRACE/SF.

  • Identify assistant or co-pastor - May ‘26

  • Grow weekly active adult participation to 75+ (December ‘25) and 115+ (December ‘26)

  • Congregation covering 100% of its core operating expenses by December ‘26

  • The Future Shape of Grace/SF: A SF-based worshipping community resourcing the Bay Area through multiple points of spiritual connection (link).