A quick look at the numbers!

Bible experts say the subject of “money” appears more times in Scripture than almost any other topic. Because the topic is mentioned so often, we’ve got to conclude that financial management is something we should take seriously in the church. That’s why I’m always eager to share our year-end report with you.

Every year we develop a conservative budget based on current trends. This budget guides our ministry through the year. We favor a guarded approach in every transaction, examining the merits of every expenditure. But sometimes events occur in such a way the plans don’t pan out. That certainly happened in 2022!

We’re all familiar with the historic inflation that’s impacted everyone...including churches… the past two years. I’m not exaggerating when I say the cost of every area of ministry increased by double-digits last year. The weekly cost of donuts is the only exception I can think o

While prices rose, year-over-year contributions fell, as individuals and families struggled to adjust to higher costs. Giving decreased by as much as 23% during the middle months, but ticked upward toward the end of the year. (By year’s end we were underrunning 2021 by just 8%.)

Despite the shortfall these conditions caused, we were never in danger of being overdrawn or defaulting. Our policy is to deposit ten percent of all contributions into savings, unless marked for a specific purpose. This reserve exists in part to provide a buffer for times like thes

By the end of November our budget shortfall approached $50K. That’s when we decided to share the situation and provide an opportunity for a special gift to the church. I’m pleased to report our appeal raised $16,000 to offset the imbalance. Thanks to everyone who supported this project. It helped a lot. We ended 2022 by transferring $34K from savings to balance the budget.

Last year you contributed almost $830,000 in tithes, offerings, and donations. That’s 12% lower than 2021. Overall expenses totaled approximately $782,000, a 6% increase over 2021. Mortgage principle added just over $80,000. Ongoing review and adjustments in spending held expenses to a single-digit increase. It could have been much higher.

Interest in relationships and discipleship increased greatly in 2022. Small group participation has risen as has volunteerism. In the fall semester 270 people registered to become a part of a group or ministry; 116 signed up for the Dream Team. These are noticeably higher numbers than before.

Sunday morning attendance inched upward from January through December. In January, an average of 256 people came for on-site worship. (Honestly, this was lower than December, 2021, which saw our largest attendance ever.) By December, 2022, average attendance climbed to 280. I am eager for the time our weekly Sunday attendance rises above 300, not so we can brag, but because of the opportunities for greater sharing and spiritual growth.

Twenty-six people reported their new committed to Christ last year, and we had the privilege of baptizing 13. Interestingly, these were the same numbers as in 2021! Nine people became member

The Apostle Paul knew all about working through difficult times. Through his experiences he learned “you can be sure that God will take care of everything you need.” [Philippians 4:19]. That’s true for you personally, and for LifeSpring as a church family. Despite the ups and downs we encountered last year. I can truly say we received what we needed. And that’s something we can truly celebrate!

Jeff Robinett
Lead Pastor