What’s So Special About This Place?

We live in a world where church attendance all over the country is declining. Christian faith is increasingly viewed with skepticism. And yet, here at Second, there is a vibrancy and a conviction that is impossible to ignore.

This stewardship season, we are naming and celebrating the things that make Second Presbyterian Church special and unique. We are naming and celebrating the ways our lives are made better by this special place.

What do you love about Second?

Will you help us support it?

Make Your 2026 Pledge

“What’s so special about Second? Second is a sanctuary for ALL people looking to find some way, any way to follow what Christ taught.  I truly would be lost without the congregation at Second.”
- Steve Gorny

I found Second after years of navigating disillusionment with the Church as a queer person. My partner and I immediately felt embraced by this self-aware, growth-oriented community that puts their mission of love into action. At Second, I feel like my questions matter, that answers aren’t required, and that I actually belong here.
- Taulbee Gunter

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This year we hope to raise $750,000 for the 2026 year. This number is a $20,000 increase over last year’s stewardship goal. That means if everyone who gave last year gave $12 more per month, or $152 more per year, we would meet our goal. If folks choose to go beyond that level of generosity, we would surpass it! We hope you will prayerfully consider how much you can support this special place.

  • The stewardship goal is determined by the Finance and Stewardship Committee. 

    In an effort to move our congregation towards sustainability, we asked for a significant increase in generosity last year. We asked individuals to consider increasing their giving by 7%, and the congregation rose to that challenge. We saw a dramatic increase in financial support, with the church giving $118,000 more last year than it had in years past. 

    The finance and stewardship committee realizes that we need to continue increasing giving in order to move the church towards sustainability. However, we also realize that we cannot ask for a 7% increase each year. Therefore, this year’s goal is a smaller ask. 

    With that said, if you are able to give beyond this small increase, we ask that you earnestly and faithfully consider doing so. Every dollar makes a difference.

  • As of Tuesday, November 18, Second is $63,745 away from reaching our $750,000 goal. This makes us 91.5% of the way there!

  • Yes! We have included a pledge card in this year’s stewardship packet, which is being mailed to members. You can submit your pledge by filling out that pledge card and mailing it to the church or by dropping it in the church office. 

    Alternatively, you can also submit your pledge by using the online form or by contacting the business office directly (matkinson@secondpres.org; 816-363-1300, ext. 222).

  • The stewardship brochure will be mailed to you along with a pledge card and a letter from the church.

    If you do not receive a stewardship packet in the mail, we will have brochures and pledge cards available at the church.

    Or, you can view the brochure online.

  • If you submitted a pledge to Second Presbyterian Church for 2025, then you will likely receive a stewardship packet that includes a brochure, pledge card, and a letter from the church inviting you to consider what you can give for 2026.

    The letters are personalized for each household, but are consistent in their ask. The ask was kept consistent out of a desire to be fair to all households, and to not make assumptions about any one person’s particular financial standing.

    If you have questions about your letter or about this personal outreach, reach out to Pastor Sarah. Her door is always open! You can contact her at sspeed@secondpres.org.

  • To make a pledge to the mission and ministry of the church, you can take any one of the following actions: 

    1. Submit your pledge using the online form.

    2. Fill out a printed pledge card and mail it to the church (318 E. 55th Street, KCMO, 64113) or drop it off in the church business office.

    3. Or contact Martha Atkinson in the business office to make your pledge directly (matkinson@secondpres.org; 816-363-1300, ext. 222). 

    Once you submit your pledge, if you’d like to set up a recurring payment for the 2026 year, you can do so here.

  • Not every season is a season for increasing generosity. We understand that.

    There are some seasons where we are able to give more financially, some seasons where we are able to give more time and energy, and some seasons where we cannot give much at all and have to allow ourselves to be supported by the community around us.

    Whatever season you find yourself in, know that you belong here.

  • Great question! Every quarter we provide a financial update to the church during the Call to Give in worship. Here is a link to the financial update given to the congregation on September 28. 

    In addition to this information, Pastor Sarah Speed, members of the Finance Committee, and our business office staff are always available to take questions and to share a cup of coffee. Finance Committee members include Julie Steenson (Chair), Dennis Marker (elder), Jim Paulsen, and Keith Broekhuizen (stewardship chair).