Picture a church that’s giving everything away. Every dollar. Every piece of loose change… It all goes out the door. No money will go toward the electric bill, no mortgage for a huge sanctuary, or facilities— they’re giving everything away. How do you do church like that?
Bono spoke at a conference about his heart for the poor. The interviewer asked, “If you could say one thing to pastors, what would it be?” Bono answered, “Historically, the church’s primary focus has not been on the poor; we need to get the poor on the front burner.”
A Church in Schaumburg
“When he said that”, said Jim Semradek, Waterfront’s lead pastor, “I knew I wanted to do something radical, putting the poor at the top of the list. So, we took a step back, and looked at a model where the church could be generous.”
It’s a simple concept. Staff raises their own support. Costs are kept exceptionally low, and a small group of people commits to covering those small costs. … And, all of the offerings are giving away.
We’re trying to love people through our resources, and we’re removing that hindrance — money— and turning it in to an opportunity.
Our first service was at the Schaumburg High School on October 19, 2008.
Waterfront serves Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, Palatine, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Arlington Heights and Streamwood — and surrounding communities.