It's time to rethink how we approach ministry funding in the 21st century!

If you're a church leader today you know we are dealing with unprecedented financial challenges.

The legacy church funding model is becoming unsustainable, as relying on tithes and offerings is no longer enough.

Major cultural, political, and economic shifts, like “The Great Dechurching,” are disrupting congregations and causing significant declines in attendance and giving. 

Many churches are struggling to survive, and some feel like their only option left is to close.

That’s why I launched More Than a Pastor: To help pastors and churches navigate today's rapidly shifting economic landscape and find creative ways to fund the mission God has given them.

About Rich

Rich Avery is a coach, consultant, teacher, husband, and father based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He serves on the preaching and missions teams at Together Church, which he launched in 2013 as the first multi-site campus of Kentwood Community Church.

Over nearly 20 years at Kentwood, Rich served in roles including local and outreach pastor, campus pastor, and interim children’s pastor.

Between his two tenures at Kentwood, he led Wesleyan Native Ministries, working to grow believers and churches in Native communities across the U.S.

Rich also has experience in radio, audience engagement, and nonprofit fundraising, partnering with organizations like WayFindersAfrica, God's Vision for Haiti, Think 8:7, and The Acton Institute.

He’s passionate about helping pastors create multiple income streams through business and side hustles so they can fund their mission and provide for their families—no matter what.

Rich has taught on stewardship and generosity in countries including India, Mozambique, Costa Rica, and Zambia.

He and his wife Candace have been married 33 years and have five children and two daughters-in-law. He enjoys hiking, biking, and beach days.