The Elders met for prayer on the evening of Tuesday, December 17th at the Chilliwack Campus. Our prayer time was followed by a meeting to discuss 4 primary topics: Campus Autonomy, Finances, Ministry, Staffing.
Campus Automony
Regarding campus autonomy, we seek the wisdom of those who have gone before us in other churches. We reviewed some readings and discussed the marks of a healthy campus and how that might evolve into autonomy and then the various ways the autonomous campus could cooperate or partner with other campuses post-autonomy. In relation to Promontory's move toward autonomy, we dialogued about the merits of collaboration on youth ministry, kids' ministry, administration, and other discipleship programs, weighing what ultimately will help Promontory step into their own calling and direction as a church. This will be an ongoing discussion as we move forward.
Finances
Finances and budget are a monthly topic of discussion and we received updates on giving and expenses for 2024 and we are tremendously encouraged by your generosity and investment into this bold vision of reaching the Eastern Fraser Valley with the Good News of Jesus Christ. The annual pattern of giving appears to be holding true again as the November and December giving is much larger than other months. Thank you. We are encouraged by your generosity and obedience to God's calling for your finances. As we look forward to next year, we approved the 2025 budget after prayer and discussion over the past couple of months. The 2025 budget is over $3 million and represents our discernment of what God is calling us to while being conscientious stewards of what He's entrusting to us. Every dollar has a purpose and is fully leveraged as we continue to move boldly into the communities we are in with the Good News. Our work has eternal significance and we must be faithful to our Lord's calling. Obedience is not an option; we must trust Him and obey. To be very candid, this is an area we struggle with each month. We feel like Jacob wrestling the angel and we leave having sought God's will and yet we are a little worse for wear. Please pray with us as we discern how to navigate the path forward. We have a big wish list of items that we could do, including practical facilities updates and new or updated ministries that are exciting but we live with constraints of our financial reality. The wrestling match will continue.
Ministry
Ministry updates were discussed and the vibrancy of what God's Holy Spirit is doing among us is incredible. People are being freed of spiritual oppression, freed into a new life in Christ and having their faith renewed. Many are taking steps of obedience in their faith, with 56 baptisms this year. Praise God! We have seen a 60% increase in weekly worship service attendance over the past 5 years with a 20% increase in the past year alone. Life groups, youth and children's ministries are growing and energetic. Women's and men's ministries are undergoing transitions at the Chilliwack Campus and we are seeing some wonderful new life in these ministries north of the Fraser and at Promontory. We are actively looking for a Women's Ministry Director and are engaging with others on men’s and young adults' ministries. Our cultural moment and the pace of life is necessitating that we move in new directions with some of our ministries as we seek to engage men, women and children where they are, rather than just put on another program that is sparsely attended. Growing disciples of Christ who make new disciples is our aim and we desire that everyone in our congregation to be in some kind of active discipleship relationship. More on this to come.
Staffing
Central has experienced a protracted season of steady growth and change. With our growth has come the need to regularly evaluate and adapt our ministry focus and the staffing that goes with it. A few weeks ago, a meeting was held with Pastor Chris Ross to discuss the direction and future of his ministry area. It was determined that Central will be bringing the Family Equipping Pastor role to an end. Plans are being put in place to cover ancillary ministry such as young adults and men’s ministry. As a result of our conversation, and through consultation, Chris will officially conclude his time on the Central team effective this month. As a family of faith, we love Chris, his gifting, and his commitment to godly character. We will be providing meaningful practical and moral support for him as he discerns his next steps and cares for his family. We are thankful to God for His provision for the church, and trust that God will guide our next steps going forward. Please join the Elders as we pray for Chris and his family, for the ministry of the church, and for wisdom as we adapt. On other staffing matters, we are actively looking for a Women's Ministry Director and have begun a part-time Care & Counselling Director role as many in our family of faith need a venue to process the challenges of life in a healthy and spiritually attuned way. We want to provide this and we are encouraged by the healed relationships and healthy personal decisions that can come out of biblically based counselling.
As we approach Christmas and complete the Advent season, we spend time anticipating the second coming of our Saviour and reflect with gratitude on His first coming. The new life available through faith in Jesus Christ is not just a moment in time but a completely new life marked by an indwelling and obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Hope abundant and everlasting life begin fresh each day as Jesus has conquered sin and death for us and a pathway to new life in heaven has opened up, diverting us from the path of sin, leading us to death and destruction. Let us all be encouraged by God's continuing work among us and motivated to continue, together, unburdened up the path to heaven. Glory to God.
Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed,
As when at first He lightly esteemed
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
And afterward more heavily oppressed her,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
In Galilee of the Gentiles.
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation
And increased its joy;
They rejoice before You
According to the joy of harvest,
As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
For You have broken the yoke of his burden
And the staff of his shoulder,
The rod of his oppressor,
As in the day of Midian.
For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle,
And garments rolled in blood,
Will be used for burning and fuel of fire.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9
Eddy Mejlholm
- On behalf of the Elders at Central Community
Finance Update
The Elders received the monthly finance update and were encouraged to discover the depth of God’s provision through his church. It was noted that while merely a few weeks ago we were short $469,000 of income to our ministry budget, recent donations, including an estate gift, saw this amount reduced significantly. As of December 15th, $222,139 is required for us to achieve our budget target of $2,814,220. It was noted that if we follow our historic giving trends, Central should achieve, or come very close to, meeting our budget. The Elders are grateful for the faithful and sacrificial giving of the congregation, and they are encouraged as this reflects our collective commitment to the Gospel.
The Elders received and discussed a final draft of the budget for 2025. The budget for the 2025 ministry year continues to emphasize ministry across all five campuses, and has as it largest components costs related to the ownership of four buildings, staff to achieve our ministry goals, and support for the various activities of the church. The new budget also includes an allocation for the creation of an operational reserve which we hope to build up over the next few years. The budget takes into account increased operational and ministry costs resulting in a modest overall increase over 2024. A full budget will be available for the AGM slated for early March.
The Elders praise God for his provision in a year where we undertook several significant ministry and practical projects. From a marriage retreat to retreats for our men’s and women’s ministries, to missions trips to Mexico and Camp Bob for our youth, culminating with our Let There Be Light campaign, God’s provision through the faith of his people has been nothing short of miraculous. Please consider helping us achieve our 2024 budget goals, and consider how God is prompting you to participate as we embark on a new calendar year.
As a friendly reminder, if you wish to donate for the 2024 tax year, gifts must be received on or before December 31, 2024 to meet Revenue Canada receipting requirements. Gifts post marked on or before December 31st but received in early January can be receipted for 2024. Donations can be given through our website at www.centralcommunity.ca/Give, through our app, or in person at the office. Please note our office hours during the Christmas/New Year period.
Tuesday, December 24 | 9-12
Wednesday, December 25 | Closed
Thursday, December 26 | Closed
Friday, December 27 | 9-12
Monday, December 30 | 9.00am – 3.30pm
Tuesday, December 31 | 9.00am – 3.30pm
Wednesday, January 1 | Closed
ELDER'S PRAYER
We believe in the power of prayer. We value prayer. And we believe that God answers prayer and uses it as a means of achieving His purposes in the church and world.
Central's Elders invite you to come and receive prayer in the Chilliwack Campus Sanctuary.
Tuesday, January 21 | 6.30PM - 7.00PM
Chilliwack Campus | 46100 Chilliwack Central Road
You can also submit prayer requests using the link below.
Got questions or words of encouragement? We'd love to hear from you!
Please contact The Elders - elders@centralcommunity.ca