CHURCH PLANT
2021 ANNUAL REPORT
ESTABLISHING ROOTS
OUR VISION
LOVING WELL, ONE PERSON AT A TIME
We believe Jesus is the safe place that we can all run toward. He is someone who loves us and listens to us. So we are endeavoring to find sanctuary in Christ, be sanctuary to each other, and express sanctuary to the city.
FIND
SANCTUARY IN CHRIST
BE
SANCTUARY TO EACH OTHER
EXPRESS
SANCTUARY TO THE CITY
We want to be a people that is unhurried in the presence of the poor and unfazed in the presence of the powerful.
OUR TEAMS
OUR PASTOR
Tom Shaw was born and raised in the UK where he served as lead elder at The City Church in Canterbury, UK and was instrumental in planting many churches worldwide. Eventually Tom, along with his wife (Josie) and their three daughters (Daisy, Lily, and Poppy) moved to California where Tom served on staff at Radiant Church for two years and published his first book, The Comfort Delusion.
In 2019, they were sent to San Francisco by Confluence and Radiant Church to plant Sanctuary. Alongside a deep passion to see churches started and strengthened both locally and globally, Tom has a deep love for curry, coffee, and conversation.
ADVISORY TEAM
We are extremely blessed to have a team of advisors that are full of both wisdom and faith, guiding and coaching us to ensure we establish Sanctuary Church on a firm foundation.
EXTERNAL MEMBERS
Nick Parsons - The Orchard Group / Bay City Church (San Francisco, CA)
Mike Lawson - Confluence Churches
Bo Noonan - New Community Church (Tacoma, WA)
LOCAL MEMBERS
Tom Shaw
Josie Shaw
Tim Harms
Billy Atkins
FINANCE TEAM
Because financial stewardship is so important to our success and witness to the city, we created a team of individuals dedicated to prayerfully allocating the financial gifts and generosity of our community.
For detailed financial information, skip to the financial report.
EXTERNAL MEMBERS
Mike Lawson - Confluence Churches
Shon Baldwin - Radiant Church (Visalia, CA)
LOCAL MEMBERS
Tom Shaw
Tim Harms (CPA)
Billy Atkins
Robbie Brisco
“Sanctuary has been such a blessing to me throughout my journey to make SF my home. I've found so much love and joy in this community, and I'm excited to see what new pleasures the following years bring!”
- Robbie
2021 HIGHLIGHTS
Despite the challenges of planting a church amidst a global pandemic, God has continued to meet us and guide us forward. Here are just a few highlights from 2021, which are organized under our three primary aims: finding, being, and expressing sanctuary.
FINDING SANCTUARY IN CHRIST
SUNDAY GATHERINGS
From meeting in Golden Gate Park, to a church basement, houses across the city and finally a beautiful reclaimed studio… this church knows how to pivot! COVID-19 has forced us to be nimble and creative, worshiping Jesus wherever we can throughout this beautiful city.
And yet, after all of the shifts and changes, we’re thrilled to have found a “home base” for our current season at LUX Studios in the Dogpatch neighborhood. Featuring massive windows that allow us to shower our singing over the Bay and a central location in a neighborhood on the rise, LUX Studios has been a great space for our monthly “pop up” church services.
ROOTED IN THE WORD
In turbulent and wary times, there’s nothing that brings us more security and rootedness than opening up the scriptures. Here’s a quick summary of some of the teaching series from 2021.
One: Unity Despite Difference // A Study in Ephesians 2 & 3
The Utter Relief of the Resurrection
Gideon: Time to Arise // A Study in Judges 6 & 7
IN the City, FOR the City // Selected Verses from Luke 10
The Northgate Equipping Sessions // Values of Sanctuary
The Orthodoxy of Charismatic Christianity
A CALL TO PRAYER
With all of the challenges of the last few years, we’ve often found ourselves with nowhere else to turn but prayer. Praise God that He has laid a foundation of prayer from the very beginning of this community. Here are some of the ways we’ve prioritized prayer in 2021:
Virtual Zoom Lunchtime Prayer
Men’s & Women’s Morning Prayer at Bernal Heights
California Calling Prayer Conference
Weekly Prayer & Vision Nights with Launch Team
"A loving fellowship/family, radiant with love. The Bible is taught with conviction and relevance. Great people who love their city and neighborhoods in Jesus name.”
- George
BEING SANCTUARY TO EACH OTHER
VISION KICKOFF
Part of being sanctuary to each other is encouraging each other to keep going in what God has called each of us. In January, we kicked off a 2-part vision series as we looked ahead to an unknown 2021.
Loving Well, One Person at a Time
Billy Atkins led us all in a discussion to discover the unique gifts and dreams God has given each of us in order to “love well, one person at a time” — and how we could all support each other in that endeavor.
Agile Festive Movement
Tom Shaw then shared his heart for Sanctuary to be an “agile festive movement” — to be flexible, joyful, and on mission — during the year head.
CHRISTMAS DRIVE-BY
Ok, ok… this technically wasn’t in 2021, but it was too good to pass up!
After a year of lock-down and facing the prospect of facing Christmas indoors and away from family, a few members of Sanctuary took it on themselves to deliver some Christmas joy right to the doorstep of the kids at Sanctuary.
Check out this video to get a taste of the joyous mischief for yourselves.
SANCTUARY GROUPS
If Sundays are our primary method for drawing our attention “upward” on God, our midweek Sanctuary groups have been our key strategy for looking “inward” and caring for each other.
3 Midweek Groups
This year, we’ve met in three different mid-week Sanctuary groups across the city… meeting on Zoom, in backyards, and eventually, around kitchen tables.
“I love being apart of Sanctuary Church SF. The community is so supportive and I've enjoyed the opportunities to explore and serve San Francisco alongside of them.”
- Ryann
SANCTUARY RETREAT
After a bruising season, we couldn’t wait to get out of the city together. Unable to host our retreat in 2020 due to COVID-19, we were crushed when our retreat again had to initially be cancelled in the Fall due to the Delta surge.
Not to be deterred, we were able to work with Mt. Gilead Bible Camp in Sebastopol, CA to schedule a day retreat in the redwoods of Northern California.
Over the course of the day, we were able to gather together for a time of unhurried worship and prayer, of hearing life stories, and having some important “family talks”.
In the afternoon, we all enjoyed some sunshine by the pool before getting back to the city.
“Wonderful church with the most amazing, accepting, welcoming and kind people! Even though I wasn’t with the church long, I could feel how much of a family everyone there was and it was great to be part of it.”
- Ada
EXPRESSING SANCTUARY TO THE CITY
STREET CLEANUPS
This year, we’ve forged a partnership with TogetherSF and RefuseRefuse to join our neighbors and help clean up our streets.
As beautiful as San Francisco is, it’s no secret that the streets are littered with trash. We’ve had a blast coming together with others to love our city in a very practical way. After the events are done, we enjoy some pizza and drinks and get to know everyone.
To date, Refuse Refuse SF has collected over 48,000 gallons of trash!
“Sanctuary turned out 20+ adult volunteers on Sunday for the first ever Mansell Street cleanup. It’s great to meet a group of wonderful, community lovers who want a clean, orderly and cared for city! Special thanks to Tom and Josie for hosting us afterwards in their backyard. Can’t wait for what’s next!”
Forrest, TogetherSF Program Manager
ALPHA
Alpha is a series of group conversations meant to provide a safe place for those skeptical about the Christian faith to discuss questions of life, spirituality, and faith.
AlphaSF.org
In 2020, we set up an independent Alpha San Francisco website in order to establish Alpha as a trustworthy, legitimate course that would serve as a great resource for those considering attending the course.
Digital Advertising Campaign
In addition to inviting our friends, we also launched a digital media campaign across Facebook, Instagram, Meetup, and Google to get Alpha in front of those who might be interested.
Two Alpha Courses
This year, with the help of Scott and Joni Toombs, we put on two different online Alpha courses — one in the Spring and one in the Fall. We anticipate Alpha being a pillar for us well into the future.
BOOK CLUB
For some who have completed the Alpha Course and yet weren’t ready to stop meeting, Tom Shaw & Scott Toombs organized a book club. Each week, a different member of the group leads a discussion from the chosen book material — either online or at a pub in the city.
2021 Books:
Reason for God — Tim Keller
The Brothers Karamazov (Selected Readings) — Fyodor Dostoevsky
2022 Book Choice:
The Cost of Discipleship — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
IN THE COMMUNITY
In addition to the organized events, we’ve been delighted that we’ve had the opportunity to take greater strides to be “in” the community. From starting a toddler art playgroup in the park… to revitalizing a dormant spike ball club in the city… to helping host a VBS in the Bayview, Sanctuary members have been taking steps to build relationships and contribute to this great city.
Some of the events individuals of Sanctuary have helped organize in 2021:
4th of July & Halloween Street Parties
Toddler Art Group in the Park
Parties around Events in the City: Fleet Week & Phoenix Day
Revitalizing the San Francisco Spike Ball Club
Bayview Vacation Bible School
City Hikes & Float Trips
Bethlehem AD Christmas Event
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
From the very beginning, we wanted to earmark a percentage of giving from local Sanctuary members to help meet needs in our city and invest in Kingdom work around the globe. This year, we’ve been able to provide financial support to several organizations, including:
San Francisco Adult & Team Challenge
River of Life Church (Zimbabwe)
Free Counseling to Various Individuals
Rent Relief to Various Individuals
“Sanctuary Church SF was the catapult in my journey to Christ. Through their Alpha course with Tom and Josie, I got to learn more about Christianity, asked all the questions I had, and cleared up all of my misconceptions in a safe environment. I was at a point in my life where I was getting into spirituality with no real direction and Tom and Josie helped guide me to the light.”
- Rachel
OUR FINANCES
This work has only been made possible by the generosity of many — both near and far — who have chosen to invest in the Kingdom of God in San Francisco. We have been overwhelmed with God’s faithfulness to us through the area of finance, which fuels for our faith that He will continue to provide for us in the days and years ahead. As we desire to be good stewards of the gifts he has provided, below is a quick report of what has been given and spent.
2021 INCOME & EXPENSES
2021 AT A GLANCE
(OCT 2020 - SEPT 2021)
Income = $336,093
Expenses = $263,801
QUICK STATS
24.6%
growth in internal giving vs. 2020
13
months of cash reserves on hand
36.4%
% of internal vs. external giving
July 2022
date the majority of external support ends
11
organizational and church partners
$4,650
median monthly rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in SF
2022 BUDGET
INCOME VS. EXPENSE
INCOME BREAKDOWN
EXPENSE BREAKDOWN
Projected Deficit = $157,000
to be made up through additional giving campaigns and current cash reserves
SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
We aim to achieve financial sustainability by 2025.
CURRENT GIVING PARTNERS
Experience Church (San Francisco)
Transforming the Bay with Christ
Various individuals and families who wish to remain anonymous
PARTNER WITH US
FULL OF FAITH FOR 2022
When we reflect back on how God has not only sustained us through the challenges of the last two years, but has grown us and established us into the foundation of this city, we can’t help ourselves but be full of faith for the year ahead.
LOOKING TOWARDS A PUBLIC LAUNCH
From landing in San Francisco in 2019, we’ve seen our community grow from 11 people (6 adults with 5 kids) to a combined group of nearly 50 — in spite of the ups and downs of COVID lockdowns and restrictions.
In addition to blessing San Francisco, in this season we’re focused on building our launch team, so we can go even more public with great news of Jesus and see Sanctuary officially established in the city.
We’re praying in faith to see a thriving community of 100 adults & kids in 2022 who are finding their security in Christ, cultivating deep community with one other, and loving the beautiful city of San Francisco well, one person at a time.
FUNDS NEEDED TO LAUNCH
We’re praying for additional funds in order to go public in a way that sets us up with the greatest opportunity for sustainability and success.
Launch Budget = $50,000
1
SECURE A/V
EQUIPMENT
In the post-COVID world, we know that most people will want to investigate us online before coming in person. We want to invest in the proper audio & video equipment to put our best foot forward.
2
ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS
We intend to amplify our online services and launch event through an extensive social media and physical mail campaign, aimed to get the word out about Sanctuary.
3
RENT WEEKLY
VENUE
Moving from 1 monthly “pop up” service to weekly Sunday gatherings has large financial implications in a city like San Francisco, but will allow us to have a consistent presence in the city.
$15K MATCHING GRANT SECURED
Through the generosity of The Stratum Foundation and Transforming the Bay with Christ, Sanctuary has qualified for a matching grant of $15,000.
For every $1 donated, an additional $1 will be matched, doubling the impact of donations up to $15,000.
If you’d like to give stock or cryptocurrency, please contact us and we can help accommodate.
“Sanctuary SF is a church that meets people where they are, brings them in and gives them a purpose. It’s not about a setup or a typical Sunday to Sunday experience, Sanctuary is all about people. It’s about giving people an opportunity to belong to community and to grow in a genuine and deeper relationship with God. Sanctuary is in this city, for this city!”
- Matthias
BE PART OF THE STORY
You can be part of the story God is writing for San Francisco. Here are three simple ways you can partner with Sanctuary SF:
PRAY
Join us in praying that God would continue to root us in the city.
GIVE
Give to the work God is doing in San Francisco.
JOIN
Join us in San Francisco as a part of the launch team.