Hey everyone, I’m Justin Trapp, and this is Ministry Minute.

The church isn’t about a building; it’s about a movement of people.

But what happens when the building you worship in suddenly needs major repairs?

Today’s story is about Bad Axe First United Methodist Church in Michigan—a small-town congregation that turned a broken boiler into a movement of generosity and faith.

The $100,000 Challenge

When the church’s boiler failed, the repair estimate came back at nearly $100,000.

For most small-town churches, that number would feel impossible.

But instead of letting it discourage them, this congregation decided to get creative.

They started small—organizing a garage sale and inviting the entire community to donate items. Then came:

• A pork roast dinner
• A jewelry and accessory fundraiser
• A fall “Apple Pie Marathon,” where volunteers baked and sold hundreds of homemade pies.

From Fundraising to Belonging

Before long, what started as fundraising turned into something deeper.

The garage sales and dinners became moments of connection. Strangers became teammates, and generosity became contagious.

People who hadn’t stepped inside the church in years started showing up—not just to give, but to belong.

By the time Bad Axe First United Methodist Church celebrated its 145th anniversary, they had already raised more than $75,000 toward their goal.

An Opportunity for Ministry

But the fundraising wasn’t just about money. It became community in action—a living picture of what happens when a church comes together for something bigger than itself.

The boiler fund had warmed more than the building. It had rekindled a sense of shared purpose.

Their story is a reminder that sometimes, the challenges we face as churches aren’t obstacles to ministry—they’re opportunities for it.

When resources are tight and repairs feel impossible, remember this: God can use need to spark creativity, and creativity to draw people closer to Him.

I’m Justin Trapp—and this has been your Ministry Minute.