Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2012 Reflection - 2013 Preflection

I take a look back into 2012 and see what an incredible year it was for the Skyline Church family.  We speak a lot about Landmarks at our church and as we look back there were many landmarks that were planted in our journey...historical landmarks.

Our average attendance for the year was greater than at any other time in our history (192).  To put that in perspective, it was a 14% increase despite losing 47 incredible people due to USAF PSC's and Job transfers.  For the first time ever, we had over 300 in attendance during one service.

We saw more people serving in ministry than at any other time in our history (153).  We saw more people sign up for a Connection Group than ever before.  More people participated in community outreach than ever before.

More than ever before is a theme that could be echoed in so many different areas of Skyline Church.  As a pastor, there is nothing more exciting to see...that is with the exception of one thing...LIFE CHANGE.  Just as last year, we saw 88 people give their lives to Christ.

When a church is committed to a common vision, the results will always be better than ever.  As people are committed to growing as an individual and as a church....life change happens, people come to Christ, and people grow in their faith.

Want more Landmarks?  Here ya go....we were part of a team of churches that financially supported the launch of Generation Church in Portland, TN which in less than a year is averaging around 500 in attendance and saw 351 people give their lives to Christ.  We sent a team of 19 people to Honduras on a medical mission trip that served nearly 1200 Hondurans and saw 46 people give their lives to Christ.

And who can forget The Mission Central Project?  Through the generosity of the Skyline family, we raised enough capital to purchase 10 acres in Northwest O'fallon that will become the campus of a new chapter in the Skyline history book and will serve as Mission Central for our mission to the world.  Along with the cash necessary for the purchase, we received financial commitments above and beyond our normal tithes/offerings for a total of $375,291 to be given over a 3 year period that will enable us to pay off our debt in a timely fashion, expediting the process of breaking ground.

I don't know how all of this information effects your heart, but it fills mine with anticipation of what 2013 holds for Skyline Church.  WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Be at Skyline Church this Sunday (Jan. 6) as I share a little taste of what is in store for our church family.  It will be an even more incredible journey of life change.  I am challenging every person who calls Skyline home to be there.  If you have previous plans....change them.  If you know you will be too tired....go to bed early.  If you know you will have a headache.....take a tylenol before bed.  You do not want to miss this Sunday at Skyline Church!!!