A
SANCTUARY
FOR
THE
CITY
Sanctuary for the City is a two-year, Spirit-led invitation to increase our own participation in God’s mission by strengthening our physical presence in Portland to multiply our ability to serve the city and share Jesus.
Read the letter from Pastor Chris
What is “A Sanctuary for the City?”
Simply put:
We love Portland
We desire to use our physical spaces to increase the social and spiritual vitality of our great city. For the last 15 years, our two-square city block campus has been seen as a gift from God to be stewarded for the sake of others and the sake of the gospel. Our city needs sanctuaries—physical spaces set aside where God can meet with his people, where worship and justice are common occurrences, and where the kingdom of God is sensed. Our whole campus is an opportunity for us to steward well so that future generations in Portland have physical space in their city set aside for them to encounter Jesus Christ.
Why this?
Why now?
Our building is facing deferred maintenance that has led to inefficiency in use. We have unfortunately had to say “no” to remarkable service opportunities. By saying “yes” to “A Sanctuary for the City,” our missional capacity will greatly increase.
More questions? Visit our FAQ.
Our
Goals
Our main desire is to see every person and household who calls Imago Dei their church to sacrificially give at the amount God directs them.
Primary Goal: 100% Participation
In faith, we hope to collect $3 million dollars over-and-above our normal tithes and offerings to our general fund over the next two years.
Secondary Goal: $3-million
Our History,
God's Story
Imago Dei has been worshipping together for the last 25 years, but our buildings have a rich history of worship that starts long before.
Make sure you’re subscribed to our podcast, as we’re releasing a few extra episodes that explore the history of our church and how that impacts the vision for the future.
Our Prayer
“A Sanctuary for the City” is both a time to reshape our physical space in Portland and an opportunity to reshape our congregation. This is why we are launching “A Sanctuary for the City” with two, back-to-back prayer events for all of us to attend as we are able. Additionally, at the end of the Sanctuary for the City teaching series on October 19, we will launch an entire year of prayer together.
Our Plan
As expressed in our values, we are “moving at the speed of generosity.” We commit to not getting ahead of ourselves in projects we cannot afford with joyful giving. Nevertheless, we have broken down the projects into three phases to expand our missional impact in our city.
Our Values
Through this two year season, we are dedicated to…
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We will saturate the whole process in extraordinary prayer & fasting
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We desire 100% participation of everyone who calls Imago their home
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All financial gifts will be above + beyond our normal giving to the general fund
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We will delegate 15% of all funds for justice work outside our church (Advent Conspiracy)
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We will move at the speed of generosity; giving to experience the joy that comes with knowing God’s grace
Our
Invitation
Our #1 goal is 100% participation, so we ask that if you call Imago Dei Community your church, you will prayerfully consider what you can give above and beyond your regular general fund giving over the next two years. Our secondary goal is to raise $3 million above and beyond the general fund by October 2027.
Your Commitment
In order to plan our work, it’s extremely helpful if we can plan our income over the next two years, so we’re asking everyone who is able to communicate their intent to give by filling out a physical or virtual Commitment Card by October 19th, 2025.
This Commitment Card communicates your intended gifts above and beyond your normal tithes & offerings towards the Sanctuary for the City vision campaign over the next two years (October 2025-October 2027).
YOUR GIVING ADDS UP. See how a weekly or monthly gift adds up over two years here.
Ready to Join Us?
If you have already filled out your Commitment Card and are ready to start your recurring gift or make a one-time donation, you can do so here.
Legacy
The Legacy Fund is a subset of our vision initiative called, “A Sanctuary for the City.” This is for anyone outside of Imago Dei who desires to give towards this two-year, Spirit led initiative to solidify and transform Imago Dei’s physical presence. You can give a recurring gift or a one time gift and you can even make this gift on behalf of specific individuals you love or are connected with (grandkids, kids, dear friends, etc).
The Legacy Fund
Imago Dei is blessed to be surrounded by not only a local, regular community, but a larger network of people who believe in the mission God has for us in Portland. Whether you are extended family, former Imago Dei members, or just wildly excited about all God is doing through us in Portland, we thank God for you and invite you to participate in this special season, “A Sanctuary for the City” through this Legacy Fund.