Introducing CGN’s First Grant Committee Members!
At Church of God Network, we believe that lasting impact comes through faithful stewardship—investing time, wisdom, and resources in ways that build unity and strengthen the Body of Christ. That’s the heart behind our new Grant Committee, a program designed to train young adults in leadership, discernment, and service while supporting meaningful Church of God initiatives.
We’re thrilled to introduce the first three members of this committee: Matthew Acheson, Guilebaldo “Balito” Elizondo, and Charis Grabbe—each bringing unique gifts, perspectives, and a shared love for God’s people.
Matthew attends with the United Church of God in Ontario, Canada, and has already been serving with Church of God Network as one of our local contacts. Deeply involved in service within his congregation, he brings a heart for connection and a genuine desire to strengthen the bonds within the Church of God community. As he begins his role on the Grant Committee, Matthew looks forward to finding creative, purposeful ways to serve and help unite God’s people.
Balito is a lifelong member of the Church of God, currently attending the South Texas Church of God. As a member of the CGN Grant Committee, he finds great fulfillment in serving the Church. Passionate about music and hiking, Balito also recently completed his EMT training through UT Health San Antonio—an accomplishment that reflects his servant-hearted nature and desire to help others. He’s excited for the opportunity to contribute to CGN’s mission of unity and growth and looks forward to helping guide how CGN’s grant funding can be used most effectively.
Charis is a fourth-generation member of the Church of God and was baptized at the Feast of Tabernacles in 2021. She attends Church of the Great God in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and graduated in 2025 from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry. Charis loves horseback riding, gardening, hiking and backpacking, and traveling—having embarked on three cross-country road trips and visited 33 states and seven countries! As a member of the new CGN Grant Committee, she’s eager to help foster connections and promote personal growth within the Church of God community.
The Vision Behind the Committee
The Grant Committee is more than a funding body—it’s a training ground for stewardship. Members are chosen from different Church of God fellowships, creating a team that reflects the diversity of the Body. Through hands-on mentorship, they learn how to evaluate grant applications, allocate funds responsibly, and follow up with grantees to measure impact.
But their work doesn’t stop there. Each member also serves in a CGN program area, gaining a deeper understanding of how nonprofit service and spiritual vision intersect. This dual experience equips them to lead with balance: seeing both the big picture and the people behind every project.
Building Bridges for the Next Generation
This initiative was born from a simple conviction: that young adults in the Church of God are not just the future—they’re vital to the present. By giving them meaningful responsibility, guidance, and trust, we hope to build a bridge between generations of leadership within the Church.
We’re excited to watch Matthew, Balito, and Charis take on this role with humility and purpose! If you know a young adult who might be interested in joining the Grant Committee, or if you’d like to learn more about CGN’s grant process, visit churchofgodnetwork.org.