2026 State of the Church Address
Dear ABC Family,
As I’ve taken time this month to reflect on this past year, all I could come up with is gratitude to our Savior and King. When we look at the world around us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged by all the things we feel like don’t go well. Yet, within the walls of our church and the hearts of our people, I’ve noticed this familiar and unchanging truth: God is moving in a mighty way!
2025 was certainly a year of great growth for our church family in many ways. I am thankful for a God that goes before us in every season; the expected and unexpected. If this past year proved anything, it proved that our God prevails in all circumstances.
Celebrating 2025: God’s Faithfulness
Before we look ahead, let’s pause and celebrate how God has worked all things together for His glory and our good this year. Here are a few highlights of what God did through your faithfulness last year:
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."
Philippians 1:3-5
Anticipating 2026: Pressing On
As we enter this new year, I believe the Holy Spirit is calling us to a season of pressing on with the journey God has started us on in 2025.
Our primary prayer and focus for 2026 will be centered on Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We aren't looking for a "new" direction; we are looking for greater depth in the direction God has already set. To do that, we are committing to three pillars of "Pressing On":
1. Strengthening Our Steps (Consistency & Growth)
We are not starting over; we are building on the momentum of 2025. This year, we will focus on moving beyond the motions.
The Goal: To see 80% of our active members engaged in a LifeGroup. The intention for this goal is to care well for the souls of our church family by investing in each other through deep community and care for each other.
2. Straining Toward Maturity (Deep Discipleship)
Paul uses the word straining to imply effort and intentionality. We want to move beyond the surface of our faith.
The Goal: Provide constant training for those that pour into you each week so that our leaders are committing to growing in their faith while providing ample and accessible opportunities throughout the week for you to dive deeper into your faith.
3. Reaching for the Prize (Kingdom Impact)
The "heavenward call" is not just for us; it’s for Ashland. We are "pressing on" past our own comfort zones to reach those who haven't yet heard the Gospel.
The Goal: Provide three local events that have the central goal of sharing the Gospel with our friends and neighbors in Ashland. While these opportunities may look different, they will all have the same goal; to make the name of Jesus known by all.
Your Part in the Story
A journey is only possible when we run together. As we "press on" in 2026, I am asking you to:
Release the Past: Just as Paul said, "forgetting what is behind," let go of past disappointments or even past successes that might keep you from the "new thing" God is doing today.
Lean Into the Strain: Growth is often uncomfortable. Commit to one area of ministry this year that challenges you and forces you to rely more on God’s strength than your own.
Invest in the Finish Line: Your prayer, presence, and financial giving are what allow us to "press toward the goal" as a unified body.
A vision is just a dream until it is inhabited by people. I am asking you to do three things as we begin this year:
Pray: Ask God how He wants to use you specifically to bless our church family this year.
Connect: If you aren't in a LifeGroup or serving on a team, make 2026 the year you move from the "sidelines" to the "front lines."
Give: Your consistent tithes and offerings are the fuel that allows our vision to become a reality in our community.
The "state of our church" is strong, not because of our building or our programs, but because the Spirit of God is moving through each and every one of us. I am more honored more than ever to serve as your pastor.
Let’s step into 2026 with expectation, knowing that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.
Praying God would bless you this year in a great way!
Pastor Zach
As I’ve taken time this month to reflect on this past year, all I could come up with is gratitude to our Savior and King. When we look at the world around us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged by all the things we feel like don’t go well. Yet, within the walls of our church and the hearts of our people, I’ve noticed this familiar and unchanging truth: God is moving in a mighty way!
2025 was certainly a year of great growth for our church family in many ways. I am thankful for a God that goes before us in every season; the expected and unexpected. If this past year proved anything, it proved that our God prevails in all circumstances.
Celebrating 2025: God’s Faithfulness
Before we look ahead, let’s pause and celebrate how God has worked all things together for His glory and our good this year. Here are a few highlights of what God did through your faithfulness last year:
- Spiritual Growth (Upward): We witnessed 19 baptisms and welcomed 13 new members into our church family.
- Community Impact (Outward): Through our various outreach ministries, we provided the Gospel message to over 500 of our neighbors in the City of Ashland.
- Discipleship (Inward): Our LifeGroup participation grew by 28% (from 75 to 96 LifeGroup attendees each week) meaning more of you are walking through life’s highs and lows in true community.
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."
Philippians 1:3-5
Anticipating 2026: Pressing On
As we enter this new year, I believe the Holy Spirit is calling us to a season of pressing on with the journey God has started us on in 2025.
Our primary prayer and focus for 2026 will be centered on Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We aren't looking for a "new" direction; we are looking for greater depth in the direction God has already set. To do that, we are committing to three pillars of "Pressing On":
1. Strengthening Our Steps (Consistency & Growth)
We are not starting over; we are building on the momentum of 2025. This year, we will focus on moving beyond the motions.
The Goal: To see 80% of our active members engaged in a LifeGroup. The intention for this goal is to care well for the souls of our church family by investing in each other through deep community and care for each other.
2. Straining Toward Maturity (Deep Discipleship)
Paul uses the word straining to imply effort and intentionality. We want to move beyond the surface of our faith.
The Goal: Provide constant training for those that pour into you each week so that our leaders are committing to growing in their faith while providing ample and accessible opportunities throughout the week for you to dive deeper into your faith.
3. Reaching for the Prize (Kingdom Impact)
The "heavenward call" is not just for us; it’s for Ashland. We are "pressing on" past our own comfort zones to reach those who haven't yet heard the Gospel.
The Goal: Provide three local events that have the central goal of sharing the Gospel with our friends and neighbors in Ashland. While these opportunities may look different, they will all have the same goal; to make the name of Jesus known by all.
Your Part in the Story
A journey is only possible when we run together. As we "press on" in 2026, I am asking you to:
Release the Past: Just as Paul said, "forgetting what is behind," let go of past disappointments or even past successes that might keep you from the "new thing" God is doing today.
Lean Into the Strain: Growth is often uncomfortable. Commit to one area of ministry this year that challenges you and forces you to rely more on God’s strength than your own.
Invest in the Finish Line: Your prayer, presence, and financial giving are what allow us to "press toward the goal" as a unified body.
A vision is just a dream until it is inhabited by people. I am asking you to do three things as we begin this year:
Pray: Ask God how He wants to use you specifically to bless our church family this year.
Connect: If you aren't in a LifeGroup or serving on a team, make 2026 the year you move from the "sidelines" to the "front lines."
Give: Your consistent tithes and offerings are the fuel that allows our vision to become a reality in our community.
The "state of our church" is strong, not because of our building or our programs, but because the Spirit of God is moving through each and every one of us. I am more honored more than ever to serve as your pastor.
Let’s step into 2026 with expectation, knowing that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.
Praying God would bless you this year in a great way!
Pastor Zach
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