ANNUAL REPORT

THE 2012 CHRIST CHURCH

SUSTAINING

Growth

AT CHRIST CHURCH

The growth curve in weekend worship at Christ Church since 1997 has truly been remarkable. We have moved from just over 200 per weekend to well over 1,600 and in doing so, have grown steadily each year. Our growth curve continues to besustainable. Almost every church in USAmerica desires to see their congregation engaged in the kind of sixteen-year cycle we have enjoyed, but what makes our church grow steadily when many others are seeing decline? Obviously our location doesnt hurt, but there are plenty of dying churches in great locations all over the country. I am all for good theology but lots of dying churches believe the right stuff. A great pastoral connect is helpful but I know many gifted pastors all struggling mightily in their local context. Here are my thoughts on what we have done and what we must continue to do to grow into the future:

How We Have Sustained Growth

Rev. Shane Bishop
Senior Pastor

A Clear Mission. We exist to connect people with Jesus Christ. This mission informs
everything we do and gives us a shared language to talk about change. The mission must be a higher core value than both the personal preferences of the congregation and the job security of the staff.

Strong Leadership Team. We have leaders who are visionary, committed,

limber and serious about doing what it takes to accomplish the mission of the church. You can get to natural growth plateaus with strong preaching, great music and relevant programming but it takes leadership when you run out of seating, parking, space or clever ideas.

Radical Commitment. We expect those who call this their church home to support
our mission with their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. No church can seriously move toward its mission without a congregation living up to these vows. The accomplishment of great things for God requires great sacrifices from great people.

Growing People. Put simply, growing churches consist of growing people and dying
churches consist of stagnated people. As we keep our staff and people growing, our church will grow with them.

An Evangelistic Culture. People are natural evangelists! If a person discovers a

new restaurant or sees a great movie, they will tell everyone they know, by every means they can. Growing churches consist of people who are excited about their church and are inviting others. This is a year-end report. It is not so different than the report you get for your other investments. Mutual funds are quick to point out that past performance does not guarantee future returns. Fund managers must pay attention to national trends, world developments and earn the trust of their customers every day. What they accomplished yesterday will establish their reputation but what they do today and tomorrow will determine their future success. We are no different. I often wonder what the next sixteen years holds in store for this congregation. To find a collective answer, we will each have to answer the call of Christ individually. God is Good!
CHRIST CHURCH | 2

WE EXIST TO CONNECT PEOPLE WITH JESUS CHRIST

3 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

WORSHIP

2012 has been an incredible year for the Worship Arts Team. The Worship Arts Team is a balance of what you see onstage and what you dont see offstage. Pretty much what you see at a worship service (at any of our campuses) is just the tip of the iceberg. What you dont see are the many, many volunteer and staff hours that go into just one worship service. There is a great deal of prayer, planning, practicing and programming that go into each service. Our team is honored to be used by God to lead His people in worship. Our prayer is that we will hold the light of Christ high and that the world will see His glory through the talents we use in His name. One of the highlights of 2012 was for part of our team to join Feed My Sheep Ministries on their Fall mission trip to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. I was blessed to have Laura Steinke, Bonnie Fahrner, Ryan Murphy, Tony Tarr and Tim Zimmerman join me on this trip. We were asked to lead worship at our sister church and ended up having a two-night concert on a stage built in the middle of the street in front of the church. It was an amazing week. I thought the best way to tell you what we all experienced was to let guitarist Ryan Murphy share it in his own words: Today is October 13, 2012, and I write from an airplane bound for Miami, Florida. My wife and I, along with the other missionaries, are returning home from seven days of work with Feed My Sheep Ministries in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. I am having a difficult time watching the coastline shrink into the distance because I feel like I left part of my heart there.

Arts

TEAM

I first started thinking about this trip several months ago when Don Frazure asked me to be a part of the worship band and help lead worship at our sister church Iglesia de Cristo, Casa de Paz. I thought a week of jammin with the band would be fun. Turns out that God had way more in store for me than that. Our first full day in Honduras was Sunday, and we attended the worship service at Casa de Paz. Pastor Jonathan prayed at the beginning of the service, and I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in a powerful and undeniable way. I began to cry for that reason alone and felt my heart turn to mush. We danced, we lifted hands, and we sang in Spanish proclaiming, No hay nadie como tu. At the end of the service, the people of the church prayed for all of the missionaries, anointing us for the work to come. I felt Gods peace when we left that house and an eagerness to begin. We spent the rest of the day preparing supplies for the weeks missions. Medicine and eyeglasses were counted and bagged, medical equipment was tested, and clothing for the children was sorted. The team would take these supplies the next day to the first of three medical clinics. We drove for two hours in the Iglesia de Cristo bus to Tela, a city much in need of help. The doctors, nurses, paramedics, and the rest of the team worked together to provide the people in Tela with medicine, reading glasses, dental care, and bibles. I had the opportunity to meet three boys, ages 8, 10, and 11. They were cousins I later found out and were eager to play Frisbee with me while waiting for their parents. My heart

CHRIST CHURCH | 4

broke for them that morning for two reasons. One, because the only thing they asked me for was a toothbrush, but we had already run out. Two, I noticed them acting sluggish after only playing for about twenty minutes. I was not used to kids this age tiring out before me, and I began to wonder what they had to eat for breakfast if anything at all. The day was long, but much was accomplished. I will never forget the smiles on the faces of the people of Tela. The following day I helped pass out reading glasses at the medical clinic held at the hotel for staff and their families. It was a joy to serve the people who spent the week serving us. On Wednesday we held a clinic at Casa de Paz. I was very impressed with the students of our sister church who quickly learned how to run the reading glasses portion of the clinic. By the end of the day, they were running it on their own. The next day I joined part of the team who visited the childrens cancer ward at a local hospital. I did not know what to expect; as I walked into the room, my heart broke yet again. Around fifteen children were sitting in either a recliner or stretcher and were receiving chemotherapy through an IV in their tiny little hands. They were so happy to have the beanie babies we brought. We handed out bibles and prayed with families and staff. We returned to the ward the next day to bring much needed pillows and blankets. This was the day I met Natalie, a nine-year-old girl with a beautiful smile. She spoke a lot of English and told me her favorite subjects in school were math and debate. Ill never forget the smile on this courageous young girls face as she held her beanie baby. As we prepared to leave, I gave her a big hug, wondering if I would ever see her again. I hope and pray that one day I might see her again teaching math or finding a cure for cancer. We also had the opportunity to pass out Spanish bibles these two days. I had been told the hunger for Gods word was great, but I was still blown away by how quickly a box of 24 bibles can be emptied. It was even more amazing to watch the people begin reading their bibles immediately. Even as we backed out of our parking spot, people hurried to the truck before we could leave. Throughout the week, the team passed out over 4,000 bibles. I gave one to a security guard and found that he spoke a little English. After talking for a while, he asked if I could play. I said, play? He responded, Yes, play for me. It took me a second, but I realized he wanted me to pray for him. We stood right there in the middle of that parking lot and prayed for his work, his family, and his church. I can still see his smiling face, and as we left, he told us to go with Gods blessing. Thursday and Friday evenings were spent at our sister church, a beacon of light to the surrounding community. Our band took the stage and sang in Spanish and English. I will always remember watching the kids clapping, jumping, dancing, and even running in the street in front of the church. The Lord was truly magnified in mighty and powerful ways those evenings. This morning came and I found myself torn in two directions. It was time to go home, and I looked forward to seeing my family. Yet I had just spent the entire week in the presence of God and some amazing Christians, some of whom speak mostly Spanish. Have you ever been somewhere that God

hangs out? If you have, you can understand the issue I had with leaving. Karen stepped onto the bus just before we left the hotel for the last time and talked about the seeds we planted this week in the city. Equally important she said were the seeds planted in our own hearts. At that point I lost it and began weeping almost all the way to the airport. I cried tears of thanksgiving to God for softening my heart this week and for blessing me beyond measure--tears for gracing my wife and me with a new friendship in Oscar and Delia Hernandez and their beautiful daughter Sharon; tears because we will not be able to see them again next week; tears for the children at the cancer ward who taught me what it means to be courageous and hopeful; tears for the members of Iglesia de Cristo, Casa de Paz and their children, who reminded me how to worship in spirit and in truth; tears because we leave behind Carlos and Luis, two amazing kids who love God. I will miss seeing them every day and watching them become Godly leaders. I finally saw the airport come into view; we unloaded the bus and made our way in to check our bags. My friend Oscar stood with Shelly and I as we waited to check in. I looked at him and said, Amigo, were going to miss you and Sharon. With tears in my eyes, I looked at Shelly who told me to stop it, because she was trying not to cry. Oscar, who had not spoken much English at all the whole time, made us laugh when he held out his hand and said, Relax, take it easy. Marvin came over shortly before we went through the first security checkpoint and asked what we thought of the trip. Shelly and I told him we have to come back. There is just so much yet to be done. I am so grateful to God for Marvin and Karen who led us on this amazing trip. I have been forever changed. Thanks be to God for walking with us every step of the way. I look forward to the day when my feet step off the plane in the San Pedro Sula airport and we begin the next mission with Feed My Sheep. Dios te bendiga, Ryan Murphy

by Rev. Don Frazure, Pastor Of Worship Arts

5 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Expanding Our Reach

OF HEART & HANDS
Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Rare it is to struggle sharing good news because there is so much, you dont know where to begin or when to stop. For me, I write this recap of 2012 in such a position! Simply put, we have had an amazing year! 2012 has been an overwhelming year of impact and witness through Christ Church. The quick and short of it is that we have maintained our mission commitments down the hall, around the corner, and around the world, while expanding our care and compassion for those in need tied to our mission of connecting people with Jesus Christ in tangible and enduring ways! We have defined and worked through our shared understanding of Loving Neighbor. Our Serving Christ Ministry (aka Outreach) leads us as we work to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible who stand in need of the grace of Christ and the care of Gods church. Our down the hall efforts from the youngest to the oldest in the forms of our childrens ministries, as well as Congregational Care for all ages, have been dramatically expanded. Each month, our Congregational Care team makes over 400 contacts in either direct or indirect ways to ensure those of Christ Church are supported through times of medical or emotional distress. In addition, our Prayer Ministry has taken another step in beginning to form what eventually will be a quarterly time of church-wide prayer gatherings that have already been transformative in ways that words cannot fully express. Our around the corner efforts still include support for people throughout the Metro Area in medical, housing, food, and other direct forms of support. The increase in our Serving Christ budget, a commitment made by the church, has allowed us to enlarge our work and impact, and also to provide opportunities for families to be engaged like never before. Other ministries like Prison Ministries and Welcome Home have begun their work in ways that have multiplied our imprint of care for real transformation in the lives of people to live out a life connected with Christ in dignity and wholeness. Ministries, such as Impact (a ministry to young persons returning to society after incarceration) and our partnerships with the Christian Activity Center and Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood Homes, are assisting people through real Christian discipleship to discover their place in Christ and know Gods plan for their best life in ways many never thought possible. The energies spent by serving Christ and our church around the world have never been more impacting and important! Our sister churches in the Philippines and Honduras continue to thrive, ensuring young children the means to eat and attend school (through our Christ Church Scholars Program).

Our mission work to bring others the gospel of Jesus Christ through our partnership with Feed My Sheep and Bibles for Honduras is bearing fruit in the growth of those churches and healthy impact on those cities and countries. Our most recent church, Inglesia De Cristo de Paz, has already exceeded the space for use in their new building in less than one year! Your commitment to support our efforts in response to understanding what it means to love our neighbor is making all this and much more possible. What I am most thrilled about is how we will continue to increase our mark on this world beginning in 2013! In addition to continuing with the many bold and creative ministries we are engaged in, Serving Christ will answer the call of Jesus Christ by working to respond to the needs of homeless and challenged families in Belleville and other local cities, by enlarging our mission efforts to support both the AWANA and potential support of a missionary in Uganda, and by putting ourselves in position to respond to growing mission opportunities in the name of Christ Church. Serving Christ will also grow its outreach to the local nursing homes by providing worship and communion to some monthly, and by expanding the mission field to families through at least two service projects to be offered for the entire church to perform on-site. Sponsoring these family-friendly events will allow us all to make a difference, and give parents an opportunity to introduce their children and their friends to the work of missions. It will be a year that will bring Jesus Christ much glory! Finally, we intend to track all of these efforts through use of our 100,000 Hours Initiative. Each time you log your hour(s) through our app and/or our website, it will allow us a monthly estimate of the amount of tangible impact we are making as Gods family, and estimate the fiscal value of this effort for future use in partnership with community groups and other organizations. Thank you for helping us in this way; keep it up! Serving here at Christ Church continues to be one of the high honors of my journey as a pastor! I am learning each day through both our Senior Pastor and the team that leads this church. I am certain the leadership team here is one of the absolute best anywhere in professional Christian ministry. 2013 is preparation for a 2014 that will blow our minds as we make a mark that cannot be erased. If you havent yet, get in the game of loving your neighbor--your life will never be the same!

by Rev. Troy Benton, Associate Pastor

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CHRIST CHURCH

Campuses
The CM Campus leaders are Jon and Robyn Clark; Mike and Bonnie Loftus are the Site Administrators; and Matt Denny is the Worship Leader. Launching campuses has challenged our church and its leadership but proven to be an excellent strategy for reaching others for Christ. In addition, campuses have served to help develop additional leadership within the church. Since we were new to the endeavor, we learned several key lessons from our CM Campus launch in Maryville that have made the Millstadt launch go much smoother this year. Those lessons learned include: 1) We continue to identify those called by God to launch a new campus and who possess the leadership skills necessary to fulfill that calling. 2) We asked the Pioneers to commit to attend at the campus for one entire year after the launch. We ran a campaign called 50 for 50; i.e., we asked 50 pioneers to commit for 50 weeks of attendance at the Millstadt Campus. 3) The campuses must continue to provide high energy, high quality worship. Matt, Justin and their worship teams have brought a worship style that seems to fit well in their respective communities. 4) We learned to start small groups prior to the launch as an evangelistic tool to reach the community. Rev. Shane led an Acts Bible Study at both locations; CM in the spring and early in the summer at a local pizza place in Millstadt. That was followed by a Sermon on the Mount study by Dr. Jerry Dortch in Millstadt. And, 5) Communicate, communicate, communicate. The campuses continue to be connected to the FH Campus through our coordinator, Larry Weber. We often say we are one church in three locations but to make certain that each campus stays connected to each other, communication is essential and has been facilitated by monthly Huddle meetings for each location. There are no plans for a campus start for 2013; we will continue to fill the worship areas of the current Christ Church locations. It will be a time of continued growth and refreshment for all campuses as we listen for the Holy Spirit to guide us to the next location calling for us to connect people with Jesus Christ.

In 2012 Christ Church launched its second campus in the community of Millstadt. The Campus meets in the Primary Center and will connect people to Jesus Christ in Millstadt, Smithton and surrounding areas. The Illinois Great Rivers Conference provided critical funding from the conferences Congregational Development Team allowing Christ Church to purchase the necessary equipment to get started. The campus has made a strong beginning with nearly 90 in regular attendance and giving on the increase towards tithing. Each week the campus has worship, childrens ministry in three age level rooms and an adult Sunday school. In addition, the campus has as many as four small groups meeting during the week; one mens accountability group, another Bible Study at the local pizza parlor, one marriage study for couples and a womens study group. The campus has participated and/or sponsored many community events leading up to its launch, and since that time. The campus has participated in outreach in the community (CROP Walk), Christ Church wide events like the back pack attack and events like our Christmas in September food drive for the local food bank. J and Deanna Haas are the Millstadt Campus leaders; Jeff Abel is the Site Foreman; and Justin Aymer is the Worship Leader for the Millstadt campus. The CM Campus in Maryville continues to thrive one year after its inception. The campus is averaging nearly 100 in attendance each week despite the fact that most of the Pioneers sent to help establish the campus and provide critical mass have now returned to the FH Campus. The CM Campus celebrated its first baptism and has had many join on profession of faith prior to its birthday celebration on September 16th when they worshiped in the Drost Park in Maryville. CM has monthly splash events designed to easily invite their friends and acquaintances to its weekly worship, weekly childrens ministry at three age levels and an adult Sunday school class. This summer the CM Campus added student ministry to its Sunday morning lineup. There is also a marriage study group for couples and a home study group meeting in Maryville in addition to two womens Bible studies. The CM Campus small group numbers continue to grow as they disciple the members of the growing congregation.

by Larry Weber, Director of Ministries

7 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Down The Hall

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FROM TODDLERS CHRIST CHURCH IS TO TEENS:

Connecting
KIDS WITH CHRIST
their faith in real life is one of the best parts of my job. In addition to plugging in on Sundays, elementary kids and their families are encouraged to participate in service and mission projects like Kids Against Hunger. Through service, kids who may otherwise feel disconnected are discovering spiritual gifts they can use for Gods glory. Averaging 120 students per event, junior and senior high students are making an impact for Gods glory down the hall and around the corner. With opportunities to serve abounding, the students are participating in worship, service, and mission ministry. Students in the recently formed drama team use their dramatic talents to minster to younger Christ Church kids by acting out skits. Director of Student Ministries, Rev. Will Campbell reports, I see students getting more involved with the church as they are being taught what they can do with their gifts to help build up Gods church. I have seen students serving in new and exciting ways. By studying Gods word, students are being equipped to use their faith to witness to others and avoid the temptations of our modern society. By connecting with Christ and each other, students are better prepared to make wise choices and grow in their faith. For those that work with the children and youth of Christ Church, it is clear they are blessed to be a part of these ministries. Mistie Denny states, I wish that every adult would get a chance to experience worshiping with children. Volunteers work both behind the scenes and directly with children or youth, depending on their gifts and comfort level. By contacting Volunteer Coordinator Erin Hanson, adults can get plugged in with children or youth ministries and make an impact for Christ. From toddlers to high school students and every child in between, Christ Churchs Children and Youth Ministries are connecting kids with Christ.

Growing up in a small United Methodist Church in the 1980s, I attended Sunday school in cold classrooms where we sat quietly at desks. The most exciting part of our lesson was when the teachers busted out the flannel boards to illustrate the Bible story for that day. If we were lucky, we got picked to move the flannel characters during the story. Needless to say, Sunday school was not very exciting or fun. Christ Church takes a different approach in 2012. On any given Sunday in Creation Corner, the youngest children are praying, memorizing Bible verses (complete with actions) and worshipping together in fun and active ways. Director of Early Childhood Ministries, Mistie Denny stresses that our youngest children shouldnt be discounted in their ability to learn spiritual truths and connect with God. Mistie says, When I walk around Creation Corner, I see children wholeheartedly giving themselves to a God who takes joy in their worship and loves them dearly. I love being a part of that. I love to see that relationship blossom and grow. By the time these children are ready to move on to the elementary ministry, they are grounded in 3 truths: God loves you, God made you, and Jesus wants to be your friend forever. Across the building, elementary age children are connecting with Christ and finding their relationship with Him at an early age. Director of Elementary Ministries, Amanda Cates is excited to see so many kids grow in their faith because the ministries at Christ Church meet them where they are and help them incorporate the lessons they learn on Sundays into their lives at home. With interactive videos and contemporary worship music that brings the Bible to life, kids have fun and build one-on-one relationships with each other and leaders who care about them. Amanda states, I truly believe we can build a better community for the future by what were instilling in our kids now. Seeing kids acting out

by Lindsay Tallman

9 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

AROUND The CORNER

CHRIST CHURCH | 10

Ministries... AROUND THE CORNER

What lies around the corner in your life? Are you like most of usout of sight, out of mind? Do you ever really look around the corner? Or do you stay in your comfort zone, thinking that it doesnt really concern you, that someone else will take care of it. Besides, it might be uncomfortable, or even dangerous. Surely God understands! You dont have to go far to see around the corner. It can be as near as the closest softball diamond, the nursing home down the street, or the underpasses and abandoned buildings that house the homeless. Serving around the corner only takes a person just like you who has a heart that has been stirred by God and filled with the desire to follow Gods calling. One of these people is Ryan Blaha, who is the ministry leader for the Mens Softball Tournament Team. One might not think that playing softball can be a ministry, but Ryan would beg to differ. Ryan has seen unchurched men who have become staunch, godly family men who are proud to wear the Christ Church t-shirts. He has seen men who may have never crossed the threshold of a church become men who arent afraid to witness publicly to the Glory of God, leading devotions before each softball game and gathering to pray after each game, win or lose. As a matter of fact, Ryan said that it is when they lose that they provide the greatest witness. This is a messy ministry playing a competitive sport, Ryan says. We glorify God the most and are the best witnesses when we lose. That is the toughest time to do it. Its easy to be a good Christian when you win. Ryan says that he has grown a lot in the past five years. Now he cares more about the ministry than he does about winning. He testifies, I would rather lose and represent the ministry well than win and not glorify God. And thats what serving around the corner is all aboutglorifying God. Just ask Jean Casey. The passion that God placed in Jeans heart is for the nursing home residents who have few close relatives, virtually no visitors, and who often feel lonely and despondent. Seeing this need, Jean started the Nursing Home Ministry, and volunteers in this ministry are not only making a difference in the lives of the residents, but their lives are being changed as they put others before themselves and, in so doing, draw closer to Christ. Jean says, This is a ministry that counts, that truly makes a difference in peoples lives. You not only see the results; you feel the results. Being a volunteer in the Nursing Home Ministry requires commitment and perseverance. It requires regular visits to an assigned resident. It requires someone who is able to look past the sights and the smells in the nursing home to the heart of the resident they are visiting. It requires good listening skills and the patience to give the resident undivided
11 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

attention and the precious gift of time. It requires love, compassion, and empathy. A take-off of the Nursing Home Ministry is Project Christmas Cheer. Through this ministry, about 300 nursing home residents are able to have their Christmas wishes come true. Each year, families shop for the presents on the residents wish lists and deliver the gift-wrapped packages to church, to be delivered to the nursing homes before Christmas. Being a part of the Nursing Home Ministry truly means loving your neighbor as yourself! In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus was asked, Who is my neighbor? After telling the parable, Jesus asked, Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits? The man replied, The one who showed him mercy. Then Jesus said, Yes, now go and do the same. Cheryl Shoffstall, ministry leader of Winter Patrol, is doing just that. She knows that her neighbor is not just the person next door or down the street. Her neighbors have become the homeless on the streets of St. Louis, and she has been showing mercy to them for almost eight years. Cheryl Shoffstalls ministry began when she heard Rev. Shanes sermon challenging her to make a difference in the lives of others. She says, It was soon evident to me that I was meant to serve on the streets . . . a place where most people arent comfortable. What began as the simple act of taking hot chocolate and blankets to the homeless on the streets of St. Louis has grown into a ministry that is truly making a difference in lives and hearts. Members of this year-round ministry might find themselves cooking a roast beef dinner and then serving it to about 200 people at a homeless shelter in St. Louis. Or they might find themselves loading the church van with blankets, hot chocolate, socks, coats, gloves, hygiene items, and Bibles and heading to the streets of St. Louis, serving and praying for the homeless in abandoned buildings, in underpasses, or just curled up in a sleeping bag in an empty doorway. In the midst of this, needs are met, stomachs are filled, hearts are warmed, relationships are formed, and the gospel is shared. Lives are changed. And God is glorified! Hebrews 13:2 tells us, Dont forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! And dont forget that you dont have to go far to find those strangers. They might be right around the corner!

by Diane Kruger

AROUND The WORLD

CHRIST CHURCH | 12

Youd think traveling to Honduras twice a year since 2005 to work feeding stations, assist in medical missions, repair church and orphanage buildings or haul fresh water to a remote mountain village would scratch any kind of missiontrip itch you might have. But not for Brian Safarian and his wife Lisa, founders of Bibles for Honduras. Even supporting two Honduran boys so they could attend a Christian school did not satisfy their desire. There was something missing. Before he left for another trip in early 2007, Lisa said she thought it was important they do more. She wanted to help with Hondurans physical needsbut she thought it equally important to let the people know more about Jesus Christ. Brian agreed, but he wasnt sure exactly what that looked like. God did. In August 2007, Brian was in his Honduras hotel when he overheard some Americans talking about East St. Louis. Brian was born in East St. Louis; his family even had a business there for many years. Brian introduced himself. They turned out to be missionaries from Florida with a very peculiar mission. One of the missionaries, George Horton, explained that he had spent many years of his life bringing Spanish Bibles to the people of Honduras. He believed God wanted him to deliver 100,000 Bibles to the people in the nation. He would order the Bibles from Ohio, drive from Florida to pick them up and then drive to Honduras to give them out. He had made more than 200 trips and had given out over 80,000 Bibles. Brian knew that meeting with George wasnt a coincidence. And he knew what it meant, too: he and Lisa were to help bring Spanish Bibles to the people of Honduras. On their first trip they sent 2,500 Bibles. Since then theyve shipped more than 25,000. On October 2010, George achieved his goal of putting 100,000 Bibles into the hands of the people of Honduras.

Because he was getting older, and the drive wasnt as safe as it used to be, George retired. Thats when Brian and Lisa took over. Shipping Bibles to Honduras isnt cheap. Brian and Lisa were stumped on how to do it without breaking the bank. Then God showed up once again. While on another trip in Honduras, Brian ran into an American in a coffee shop. This American introduced Brian to a Honduran pastor and his daughter. Brian told the woman that he was looking for ideas on how to ship Bibles to Honduras. She told Brian that she had a friend in Miami who made weekly shipments of building materials to Honduras. She said he might be able to help and gave Brian his contact information. When Brian returned to the US, he contacted the man and explained his mission. The man liked the idea and offered to ship the Bibles from Miami to Honduras at no costat any timeeven paying the duty upon entry. From the port he would then ship them to San Pedro Sula where he stores them in his warehouse. The mission team can then pick them up any time. His only request was that the team pray for his businesses. Brian and Lisa cant really be sure how this ministry has changed the lives of those they serve, but Brian said, We believe that it is our place to bring the Word of God and the message of salvation to all. Once the seed is planted, He will do the rest. It may be difficult to know how many lives have been changed, since the vast majority of Bibles are given to complete strangers, but Brian says, The smiles on their faces and their words of thanks tell me that we have met a need and I know that God will work in their lives as a result. If you are interested in getting plugged into this ministry, you can contact Brian at: biblesforhonduras.com facebook.com/biblesforhonduras bsafarian@att.net

by Demian Farnworth

13 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Loving Neighbor
2012 HIGHLIGHTS

15,000
Canned goods delivered to local food banks.

$3,000
Direct food support to needy families.

10,000
Volunteer hours served at social service agencies. Meals given to the homeless.

12,000
Volunteer hours in local evangelism and missional work.

5,000
Blankets offered to the homeless.

1,000
Coats distributed to the homeless.

900

$15,000
Direct financial support to congregants in short-term emergency need.
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Volunteer hours served at nursing homes and hospitals.

7,000
Volunteer hours offered in prisons.

Gifts given to people in nursing homes without family.

350 250

250

Gifts given to the children of imprisoned family members.

Hours spent in prayer groups.

2,000 350

1,000
Volunteer tutoring hours offered in local schools. Educational scholarships given to children in Honduras.

Educational scholarships given to children in the Philippines.

300

15 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Christ Church Stats

BAPTISMS
(53 in 2011)

69 95
(99 in 2011) (180 in 2011)

AVG WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

(1,594 in 2011)

1,721 2,805
(2,563 in 2011)

PROFESSIONS OF FAITH

EASTER ATTENDANCE

NEW MEMBERS

162

CHRISTMAS ATTENDANCE
(2,204 in 2011)

2,500

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AVG CONNECTION CLASS ATTENDANCE

(379 in 2011)

278 121
(162 in 2011)

AVG STUDENT MINISTRY ATTENDANCE

(92 in 2011)

143 138
(132 in 2011)

AVG KID CONNECTION ATTENDANCE

AVG CREATION CORNER ATTENDANCE

17 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

39,376
WEBSITE VISITS
44% were new visitors.

123,192
WEBSITE PAGE VIEWS MOBILE APP DOWNLOADS

602

7,622
VIMEO VIDEO PLAYS
CHRIST CHURCH | 18

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS CAMPUS COLLINSVILLE / MARYVILLE CAMPUS MILLSTADT CAMPUS

CHRIST CHURCH PHILIPPINES

Mindanao, Philippines

CHRIST CHURCH HONDURAS

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

19 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

FINANCIAL REPORT
2012
We had another record-breaking year as we continue to see an increase in total giving. We want to thank everyone for their financial support of Christ Church and our vision to Connect People to Jesus Christ. Without your giving of Gods tithes and your extra offerings we could not do the work of Gods Kingdom. The numbers, graphics and stories you read in this report are evidence that your investment is helping change the world. Tithes and offerings to the General Fund increased from 2011 by

$180,767 $16,469
Alan Prass Executive Director

We ended the year on the positive side with an excess revenue of

We continue to drive down our debt. We reduced the principal by

$376,620

At the end of 2012 our building loan totaled

$5,021,947

CHRIST CHURCH | 20

ASSETS - 2012 Balance Sheet

Checking / Savings
Petty Cash Mission Trip Cash Money Market Cash Total $300 $11,676.92 $127,937.30 $117,996.24 $257,910.46

Inventory
Bookstore Total $24,094.44 $24,094.44

Fixed Assets
Buildings Land Vehicles Equipment & Furniture Accumulated Depreciation Total $12,019,320.65 $260,000.00 $94,078.00 $532,632.96 ($2,376,766.48) $10,529,265.13

Other Assets
Loan Closing Costs Accumulated Amortization Total $10,203.50 ($1,870.65) $8,332.84

$10,819,602.87

TOTAL ASSETS

21 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

LIABILITIES - 2012 Balance Sheet

Payable Liabilities
Accounts Payable Sales Tax Payable Total $5,058.95 $4,501.28 $9,560.23

Payroll Liabilities
Payroll Liabilities - EE FICA Payroll Liabilities - Other Employee Pension Contribution Total ($496.25) $187.39 $815.09 $506.23

Long Term Liabiliities

Sanctuary Mortgage Capital Lease - Soundboard Total $5,020,494.73 $21,434.55 $5,041,929.28

System Due To Accounts

System Due to - General System Due to - Building System Due to - CM Campus System Due to - Millstadt Campus System Due to - Bookstore Total $8,938,276.54 ($8,938,705.87) ($17,063.49) $22,393.53 ($4,900.71) $0.00

TOTAL LIABILITIES

$5,051,995.74

CHRIST CHURCH | 22

FUND PRINCIPAL - 2012 Balance Sheet

Fund Principal
Unobligated Operating Funds Unobligated Building Funds New Sanctuary Equity Excess Cash Received Total $2,851,456.56 $2,641,324.02 $170,500.34 $17,921.82 $5,681,202.74

TOTAL FUND PRINCIPAL

$5,681,202.74

RESTRICTED FUNDS - 2012 Balance Sheet

Restricted Funds
Total Temporary Restricted Total Permanently Restricted Total $86,404.39 $0.00 $86,404.39

TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS

$86,404.39

TOTAL LIABILITIES, FUND PRINCIPAL & RESTRICTED FUNDS $10,819,602.87

23 | 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Learn more about Christ Church at www.mychristchurch.com Christ Church // 339 Frank Scott Parkway East // Fairview Heights, IL 62208 // (618) 277-4659 // mail@mychristchurch.com Editor - Donna Harrison // Graphic Design - Justin Aymer // 2013 Christ Church.