Step Out in Courageous Faith | Jan's Story

Main message: The speaker uses Willow Creek’s early story to show that faithful, collective giving and trusting God’s larger story — even after setbacks — enables God-sized visions to succeed and leave lasting, eternal impact. Participation, whether large or small, matters for the church’s future.

Key points:

• Willow Creek started in a rented theater and faced rapid growth with no long-term plan.
• Their first capital campaign (theme: “a ship is safe in a harbor…”) set a $600,000 goal; they raised $425,000 and initially felt they had failed.
• The first property deal fell through, but shortly after another adjacent property became available allowing purchase with their down payment.
• That experience increased their faith and underscored God’s providence and unexpected timing.
• The speaker connects that history to the present "Step Out" vision, urging collective participation for the next 50 years and reminding listeners that every faithful investment has lasting impact.

Scriptures mentioned: none