Have you ever heard of a church mortgage burning? A Chicago publication named Quinn Chapel AME as Chicago’s oldest black church. In the spring of 2024, the 180-year old church celebrated paying their mortgage with a mortgage burning ceremony. The previous year the church had air conditioning for the first time in the building’s 131-year history.

Black churches seek to serve their communities and it takes the generosity of others to provide resources and space to serve. A local newspaper in Madison, Wisconsin told the story of another black church seeking to pay off its mortgage. The church had served the community for over 100 years and never owned their building.

God’s abundant grace moves us toward a generous lifestyle.”

Every year, churches close their doors for a variety of reasons. Finances are often a contributing factor. Generosity towards the local church is a topic that continues to need to be addressed. In our study we’ll see how God’s abundant grace moves us toward a generous lifestyle.

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