Cast the Nets
Called to Deeper Waters
Our vision is bold but simple: by 2039, we want a Woodbury Lutheran campus within reach of everyone in the Twin Cities—because the hope we have in Jesus is just too good to keep to ourselves. With 3.7 million people in the Twin Cities metro, and more than half who don’t yet know Jesus, the mission is clear. The LCMS landscape is shrinking, and we believe more churches like Woodbury Lutheran Church (WLC) can bring life and light to our cities. We value movement—being sent grows us and keeps us focused on others. We operate from an abundance mindset—we’ve been given much, so much is expected. Right now, for every new church planted in the U.S., three close. In the LCMS, 75% of churches have fewer than 100 in worship. By 2030, our denomination will have just 3,000 active pastors—down from 6,000 just a few years ago. That’s why we’re not waiting—we’re casting the nets now.
As a church that values being passionately generous in all areas, we are trusting God to guide us as we Cast the Nets—raising $15.5 million over the next two years for the vision He’s placed before us. Together, we are stepping out in faith to cast the nets wider—to deepen and expand our ministries, support transformative mission work locally and globally, and reach more people with the life-changing love of Jesus.
Watch this message from Pastor Tom to hear the heart behind Cast the Nets—why it matters, where God is leading us next, and how each of us can be part of something deeper, together:
“Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
– Luke 5:4
4 areas of impact
Generosity Journey
Generosity is one way we follow Jesus with our whole lives. Each of us is on a journey of trusting Him more fully, and He meets us right where we are. As you pray about your next step, ask how God is inviting you to grow in generosity. Every step matters—it strengthens our church, impacts our community, and shares the hope of Jesus.
Cast the Nets is about all of us, together, following God’s lead and stepping forward in faith—believing He’ll do more than we can ask or imagine. Take a look at the sample gift chart and Commitment Card below and spend time in prayer with God to see how he is calling you to respond.
When you’re ready to fill out a Commitment Card, hit the button below to fill out the online form or pick up a physical card at your campus and return to the Central Office.
How Can I Give?
From cash, check, and online giving, to stocks, crypto, real estate, and other stored resources— every gift is a blessing, and we’re thankful for your generosity. Our Finance Team is here to help if you’d like to explore options beyond traditional giving. Simply reach out to Executive Director Mike Ehnstrom at mike@wlc.church with any questions.
When you’re ready to give, consider setting up a recurring gift through our secure online portal:
FAQs
About Cast the Nets
We’re asking everyone who calls WLC home to pray boldly and turn in a commitment card as part of the Cast the Nets Vision Initiative. Our goal is 100% participation—not equal gifts, but equal willingness to trust God together for something bigger than ourselves. Every commitment matters as we take this step of faith as one church family. At Woodbury Lutheran, our proven process is simple but powerful: WORSHIP — Prioritize weekly gatherings, worship, and personal time with God. CONNECT — Engage in intentional and authentic community that strengthens and supports you. CONTRIBUTE — Use your God-given gifts and passions to bring Jesus to the world around you, with this initiative as a powerful opportunity to take that impact even further. Every commitment matters as we take this step of faith together—living out WORSHIP, CONNECT, and CONTRIBUTE as one church family.
This isn’t about building a bigger church—it’s about reaching more people with the hope of Jesus. WLC is a large church with a small-church feel, and launching campuses helps us stay personal and connected while extending our reach across the Twin Cities. As long as there are people who haven’t experienced the love and grace of Jesus, we’ll keep saying “yes” to where God leads.
Our spaces shape first impressions and ministry impact. By refreshing them, we’re creating warm, functional environments that help people feel at home and ready to engage with Jesus. Over the years, our ministry has grown… and some spaces need to grow with it. Updating these areas will energize our work and open the door for more people to encounter Christ in life-changing ways.
Our mission partners help us cast the nets wider and deeper—bringing the hope of Jesus to people and places we couldn’t reach on our own. From protecting vulnerable women to feeding hungry kids to responding in times of crisis, each partner expands the reach of God’s love. Through Cast the Nets, we’ll continue to invest where God is moving, joining Him in transforming lives both locally and globally.
At WLC, we believe that when it comes to being generous with our finances, God doesn’t want something from us— He wants something for us. We serve a generous God who gave everything in His Son, Jesus. Jesus Himself talked often about money. Our desire for money and how we use it are deeply connected to what it means to trust Him and follow as His disciples. Cast the Nets isn’t about taking something from you; it’s about each of us growing as disciples of Jesus in every area of our lives, including our financial giving.
Instead of separating out giving for buildings or missions, a “one fund “ combines everything into a single initiative. Every dollar given fuels our ongoing ministry, multisite growth, refreshed spaces, and expanded mission work.
We’re asking for a two-year commitment—from December 2025 through December 2027.
God sees your heart. Whether it’s a large gift or a widow’s mite, every step matters. This initiative isn’t about equal amounts—it’s about each of us trusting God with what we have and taking a step of faith together.
Absolutely. Life shifts, and we get that. You can update your commitment at any time.
Guidebook
Want to go deeper? The Cast the Nets Guidebook is your companion for this journey—filled with weekly sermon notes, small group studies, stories, and practical tools to help you grow in faith and generosity. Pick up a physical guidebook on your campus or dive into the online flipbook and discover how God is calling us to go deeper together!
Join us as one church in trusting God—placing our hope, our faith, and our generosity in His hands—as we pray:
“Jesus, move us from the safety of the shore to the deeper waters of faith. Amen.”