“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11 NLT
Bellevue’s annual Love Offering has been a powerful expression of faith, generosity, and compassion for 90 years. This cherished tradition has not only met physical needs but also been a conduit for God’s love to the nations. Each year the Love Offering unites the hearts of our church family in a shared mission to extend kindness and hope to those in need.
1934 | Humble Beginnings
In the midst of the Great Depression, Bellevue was gripped by a financial struggle. Despite the chaos of the economy, Senior Pastor Robert G. Lee trusted in the Lord to provide for His church. With Christmas only weeks away, Dr. Lee courageously led the people in an offering service to help pay off the church’s debt. The original goal of $30,000 was surpassed through the obedience of God’s people when they gifted $36,000 to aid the church. Out of the Great Depression, an annual Bellevue tradition was born.
As Dr. Lee continued to teach, the congregation steadily continued to grow. Memphis was hungry for God’s Word, and after some time Dr. Lee realized they needed more space to comfortably accommodate new members. On November 6, 1949, ground was broken for a new sanctuary. However, this was going to be a huge project for Bellevue, and many people doubted how they were going to afford to move locations.
1951 | Coming Home
Several months before the new building was completed, God moved in a mighty way to provide for His church. The Love Offering goal for that year was $90,000 to furnish the new sanctuary and finish construction on the building. People came forward to faithfully give, and when the total amount of $140,000 was announced, members fell to their knees, giving glory and thanks to God.
On April 27, 1952, the new sanctuary was filled to capacity, with 3,000 members attending the first service there.
1977 | Big Hearts for Little Hands
As Bellevue welcomed more families, the need for a children’s Sunday school building grew increasingly urgent. Senior Pastor Adrian Rogers realized that for Bellevue to continue to spiritually pour into these children effectively, the kids would need a place where they could grow in their own walks with God and hear the Gospel in terms they could understand. In 1977 the Love Offering goal of $300,000 was exceeded with an offering of $307,902, which was used to build an administrative and preschool wing for the church.
1982 | Beyond Our Walls
Bellevue wanted to share God’s faithfulness and provision with its neighbors and communities across the country. They wanted to show that the Love Offering not only supplies the needs of the church but also meets the needs of the world. To support local and national missions, the Bellevue family came together and gave an offering of $228,670.
1983 | Moving Forward
Bellevue’s downtown campus was slowly outgrowing its original space, and the church began looking for more land to build a new church with enough room to grow. Dr. Rogers was hesitant at first due to the history and memories of the downtown sanctuary.
“It was almost utterly unthinkable to move the church from that location where it had been since 1903,” Dr. Rogers said. “Those carpets had been flooded with our tears and those walls stained with our prayers.”
As the idea became a calling, the proposal to relocate the church was brought before the congregation. The Lord paved a way to the perfect place to call home, a set of land just off I-40—377 acres where Bellevue could put down roots. A Love Offering goal of $1.5 million was set in order to purchase the land, and the amount received was $2,785,186.
1989 | Opening New Doors
Over the next few years, the Love Offerings were collected to provide the funds Bellevue needed to rebuild its church. After six years of waiting, the sanctuary at the new location opened its doors for its first worship service.
“When we meet on November 19 to praise God in our new worship center for the first time, what better way to enter than with a thank offering,” Dr. Rogers said. “A gift of gratitude to God and an offering that will enable many others to experience the blessings of the Lord Jesus that we have experienced.”
That year the Bellevue family faithfully gave a total of $2,654,218 to pay off the church’s building debt.
1995–1996 | A Space To Grow
Like the previous downtown location, it was clear that Bellevue’s new campus needed a specific place for children to go and learn about Jesus. Over the course of two years, Bellevue members gave offerings that totaled $6,805,411, which allowed Bellevue to expand its campus to include a preschool building. This accommodated the growing number of families who started to attend Bellevue.
2007 | An Outstretched Hand
Senior Pastor Steve Gaines has always had heart for the city of Memphis, desiring to bring the love of Jesus to its people. More than 17 years ago Bro. Steve introduced a way for Bellevue to go out and love on local communities of Memphis. In 2007 Bellevue Loves Memphis was born, and it started with the Love Offering.
The Love Offering this year was given to help members actively share the love of Jesus with Memphis. From then to now, this ministry encourages church members to reach out and engage in different service projects with local people and ministries.
This Is Not the End
Throughout the years, Bellevue has been able to grow through God’s provision and guidance. Bellevue stands on the land that the Lord has blessed it with and continues to be a catalyst for the Gospel in Memphis and beyond. The goal of Love Offering 2024 is to continue the legacy of giving not only to the church, but to others as well. The first part of this year’s Love Offering will go toward Next Gen Ministry as we renovate the Middle School Room and create an assembly room for 4th & 5th Grade. The second part of this year’s Love Offering will fund local, national, and international missions. Pray that the Lord will continue to move in mighty ways as we raise the next generation of believers!
As we reflect on the impact Bellevue’s Love Offering has made over the years, we’re reminded of the countless lives that have been blessed by it, both near and far. This tradition has carried God’s love across generations and borders, uniting us in purpose and in faith. As we look to the future, let us commit to continuing this tradition—sharing endless love and compassion with all those in need. Together, may we be a beacon of hope and grace, ensuring that God’s love reaches even more lives for generations to come.
“The Love Offering is one of the signature blessings of Bellevue,” Former Associate Pastor Bob Sorrell said. “Giving is not a duty; it’s something we get to do because of the grace and goodness of God. We don’t see it as a sacrifice, but as a blessing.”
Love Offering 2024 will be given for All Nations and Future Generations! Visit bellevue.org/love-offering to give or learn more, or text “GIVE” to 901901.