2023 CedarCreek Annual Report

CEDARCREEKCHURCH

you

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

MATTER.

C.

Y

C.

E

A

R

C.

Y

E

A

R

What God

has called us to.

3 C.

C.

Y

E

A

R

What God

has called us to.

3 C.

FROM PASTOR

Ben

Have you ever looked back and thought, “Wow, so much has just happened!” It wasn’t that long ago that we were looking at the story of Jonah, a man who God invited into purpose and who responded with “Nah, I’m good.” In August of 2022, we were challenged as a church to not be the “Jonah Generation,” and wow, did you respond!

We saw incredible growth in our church, both numerically and spiritually. The following is a celebration of the story God is writing here. What is humbling to me is that I get to be a part of a church with so many great people like YOU. Thank you for living out a higher calling. Thank you to those who sacrificed their time, talent, treasure, and preferences to reach the people God cares about. This is a picture of the church, God’s beautiful family full of people of different ages and stages of their earthly life and their spiritual journey. What unites us all is a commitment each of us has to take our next step on the journey God has us on AND a desire to see our mission fulfilled: introducing more and more people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him. So, today, flip through this and say a “yay God,” thanking him for including us in the work he is doing in our world today. And when you are finished, join us in praying for more of the same. If we are still here, that means he still has work for us to do.

I am humbled and honored to be a part of God’s work with all of you.

Cheers to 2022-2023... and giddy up for the best that is yet to come!

4 C.

THE

Mission

We exist to introduce people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him.

Spiritual THE

JOURNEY

Know God. Receiving God’s grace and trusting him more every day.

Find freedom.

Engaging in authentic relationships that help us get through what we’re going through.

Discover purpose.

Realizing your past, personality, and passions all have potential with God.

Make a difference.

Using the life God has given you to grow his family.

5

FROM PASTOR

Ben

Have you ever looked back and thought, “Wow, so much has just happened!” It wasn’t that long ago that we were looking at the story of Jonah, a man who God invited into purpose and who responded with “Nah, I’m good.” In August of 2022, we were challenged as a church to not be the “Jonah Generation,” and wow, did you respond!

We saw incredible growth in our church, both numerically and spiritually. The following is a celebration of the story God is writing here. What is humbling to me is that I get to be a part of a church with so many great people like YOU. Thank you for living out a higher calling. Thank you to those who sacrificed their time, talent, treasure, and preferences to reach the people God cares about. This is a picture of the church, God’s beautiful family full of people of different ages and stages of their earthly life and their spiritual journey. What unites us all is a commitment each of us has to take our next step on the journey God has us on AND a desire to see our mission fulfilled: introducing more and more people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him. So, today, flip through this and say a “yay God,” thanking him for including us in the work he is doing in our world today. And when you are finished, join us in praying for more of the same. If we are still here, that means he still has work for us to do.

I am humbled and honored to be a part of God’s work with all of you.

Cheers to 2022-2023... and giddy up for the best that is yet to come!

4 C.

THE

Mission

We exist to introduce people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him.

Spiritual THE

JOURNEY

Know God. Receiving God’s grace and trusting him more every day.

Find freedom.

Engaging in authentic relationships that help us get through what we’re going through.

Discover purpose.

Realizing your past, personality, and passions all have potential with God.

Make a difference.

Using the life God has given you to grow his family.

5

O U R S T R U C T U R E |T H E The CedarCreek structure for governance, ministry, and business of the church is based around our commitment to clarity, accountability and transparency.

These values have been the foundation of our structure since the beginning, and they continue to this day with our current governance and structure.

Team

The CedarCreek Board Members: (pictured from left to right)

Kathy Hoops, Steve “Hooty” Hutmacher, Ben Snyder, Chris Weaver, Bill Trout, and Nate Manuel.

ExecTeam Establishes and brings alignment around CedarCreek’s mission, vision, values, strategies, and structure.

LeadershipTeam Leads our staff and brings perspective on key organizational decisions.

Financial Advisory Team Members: Jack Bushmeyer/Perrysburg Campus

StaffTeam Is committed to leading a movement of people used by God to make a difference in the communities we serve by helping every person to know they matter.

Scott Goodrich/Perrysburg Campus John Meier/Perrysburg Campus Gary Moritz/Perrysburg Campus

DreamTeam Believe no matter the role, we are here to help someone take a next step in the adventure God has for them.

Donna Owens/West Toledo Campus Jay Potter/West Toledo Campus Calvin Sweeney/The Tabernacle The CedarCreek Board is responsible for setting the governance structure and policies by providing clear guidance and goals through written policies on expectations and limitations of the Lead Pastor. The board supports the Lead Pastor in every way while annually evaluating their performance according to church goals and metrics. It also maintains the doctrine CedarCreek operates by.

The Financial Advisory Team helps to keep the church operationally sharp by assisting in the oversight of financial matters with the goal of preserving the financial health of CedarCreek Church.

6

STAFF VALUES We are Mission Driven. We are Better Together. We take Growth Personally. We Celebrate Progress.

An Outside Financial Review is done each year by an independent audit firm to review all financial transactions and statements. The Board and Financial Advisory Team are provided the results, details, and any material weaknesses in internal control or other significant risks, should they exist.

Adam Zuercher/Findlay Campus Audit Firm: CapinCrouse is a national full-service CPA and consulting firm devoted to serving nonprofit organizations. They provide professional solutions to organizations whose outcomes are measured in lives changed.

7 C.

O U R S T R U C T U R E |T H E The CedarCreek structure for governance, ministry, and business of the church is based around our commitment to clarity, accountability and transparency.

These values have been the foundation of our structure since the beginning, and they continue to this day with our current governance and structure.

Team

The CedarCreek Board Members: (pictured from left to right)

Kathy Hoops, Steve “Hooty” Hutmacher, Ben Snyder, Chris Weaver, Bill Trout, and Nate Manuel.

ExecTeam Establishes and brings alignment around CedarCreek’s mission, vision, values, strategies, and structure.

LeadershipTeam Leads our staff and brings perspective on key organizational decisions.

Financial Advisory Team Members: Jack Bushmeyer/Perrysburg Campus

StaffTeam Is committed to leading a movement of people used by God to make a difference in the communities we serve by helping every person to know they matter.

Scott Goodrich/Perrysburg Campus John Meier/Perrysburg Campus Gary Moritz/Perrysburg Campus

DreamTeam Believe no matter the role, we are here to help someone take a next step in the adventure God has for them.

Donna Owens/West Toledo Campus Jay Potter/West Toledo Campus Calvin Sweeney/The Tabernacle The CedarCreek Board is responsible for setting the governance structure and policies by providing clear guidance and goals through written policies on expectations and limitations of the Lead Pastor. The board supports the Lead Pastor in every way while annually evaluating their performance according to church goals and metrics. It also maintains the doctrine CedarCreek operates by.

The Financial Advisory Team helps to keep the church operationally sharp by assisting in the oversight of financial matters with the goal of preserving the financial health of CedarCreek Church.

6

STAFF VALUES We are Mission Driven. We are Better Together. We take Growth Personally. We Celebrate Progress.

An Outside Financial Review is done each year by an independent audit firm to review all financial transactions and statements. The Board and Financial Advisory Team are provided the results, details, and any material weaknesses in internal control or other significant risks, should they exist.

Adam Zuercher/Findlay Campus Audit Firm: CapinCrouse is a national full-service CPA and consulting firm devoted to serving nonprofit organizations. They provide professional solutions to organizations whose outcomes are measured in lives changed.

7 C.

Know God: receiving God’s grace and trusting him more every day.

Steps

we took together.

We believe God placed us in NW OH and SE MI to introduce people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him. Our lives as Christians are not focused on the completion of a goal or some great achievement. They include all of the steps along the way as God grows us to be more like him.

Every exploration and each moment is an opportunity to receive his grace, grow our heart for Jesus and others and trust him with wherever he leads. The peaks and the valleys, the highs and hardships - he will use it all when we trust him with it. We reflect on how far we’ve come, but also how far we still want to go.

Adventure: an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.

387 5,589 baptisms

73 8 C.

decisions for Christ

attendance adults, kids and students

940

new families

9 C.

Know God: receiving God’s grace and trusting him more every day.

Steps

we took together.

We believe God placed us in NW OH and SE MI to introduce people to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him. Our lives as Christians are not focused on the completion of a goal or some great achievement. They include all of the steps along the way as God grows us to be more like him.

Every exploration and each moment is an opportunity to receive his grace, grow our heart for Jesus and others and trust him with wherever he leads. The peaks and the valleys, the highs and hardships - he will use it all when we trust him with it. We reflect on how far we’ve come, but also how far we still want to go.

Adventure: an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.

387 5,589 baptisms

73 8 C.

decisions for Christ

attendance adults, kids and students

940

new families

9 C.

Equipping for the journey.

Each weekend we want to point people to Jesus in everything we do - who he is and what it means to follow him. From the series to the message for the weekend to the worship songs to the stories of life change, we want to be a church full of people who build their lives on God’s Word and respond to it by living from what he says.

Camp stories.

Shy, from South Toledo, has been attending CedarCreek Students for about a year and a half. She is quiet and shy, and really never had a prior relationship with Jesus. After Fusion Camp this year, Shy’s mom was able to share with us how thankful she is for giving Shy the opportunity to be a part of camp and how she sat the entire family down at the dinner table to tell them about her love for Jesus.

“We just wanted to express our gratefulness for Kids Camp.

You guys absolutely ROCK! This week our kids were constantly talking about the fun they had and what they learned about the journey of faith. The group leaders were outstanding, energetic, and filled with compassion for these kids. Last night, our son decided to take the next step in his faith and publicly announce that he’s started a relationship with Jesus. As parents, this is something we couldn’t do without the church. We are very thankful for everyone who works behind the scenes, whether it was camp week or weekend services.”

Kids Camp

Fusion Camp

High School Camp

Kids

Students

Students

417 268

DreamTeam

10

438 195

DreamTeam

161 106

DreamTeam

11 C.

Equipping for the journey.

Each weekend we want to point people to Jesus in everything we do - who he is and what it means to follow him. From the series to the message for the weekend to the worship songs to the stories of life change, we want to be a church full of people who build their lives on God’s Word and respond to it by living from what he says.

Camp stories.

Shy, from South Toledo, has been attending CedarCreek Students for about a year and a half. She is quiet and shy, and really never had a prior relationship with Jesus. After Fusion Camp this year, Shy’s mom was able to share with us how thankful she is for giving Shy the opportunity to be a part of camp and how she sat the entire family down at the dinner table to tell them about her love for Jesus.

“We just wanted to express our gratefulness for Kids Camp.

You guys absolutely ROCK! This week our kids were constantly talking about the fun they had and what they learned about the journey of faith. The group leaders were outstanding, energetic, and filled with compassion for these kids. Last night, our son decided to take the next step in his faith and publicly announce that he’s started a relationship with Jesus. As parents, this is something we couldn’t do without the church. We are very thankful for everyone who works behind the scenes, whether it was camp week or weekend services.”

Kids Camp

Fusion Camp

High School Camp

Kids

Students

Students

417 268

DreamTeam

10

438 195

DreamTeam

161 106

DreamTeam

11 C.

YOUR

Story

Find freedom:

MATTERS

One of my biggest fears is that my story can help heal our communities, but it will die with me. Through GrowthTrack, I further uncovered my spiritual gifts, which grew my purpose. Here is my purpose statement from GrowthTrack: God has put Jim Pollock here on purpose.

God has gifted me to influence others with vision and intuitive sensitivity.

I do that best when I am creatively solving problems, developing new things, and motivating others.

I am most fulfilled when I take my passions of public speaking and serving others and use them for what God is passionate about as I step into my role as the leader of Junior Achievement to make an eternal difference in the lives of the people God has put around me. I am not sure what is next for me on my journey, but I know my calling is something greater.

JIM POLLOCK

12 C.

319

stories shared

engaging in authentic relationships that help us get through what we’re going through.

God designed us to be in relationship with him and with each other. At parks, homes, coffee shops, offices, art studios, fitness clubs, online… we gather to encourage one another, share Scripture, pray, and take steps on the life-changing adventure.

As we trust what Jesus says is true, together we experience the life of freedom that only he can offer.

GROUPS

4,268

total people in Adult Groups

585

adult Groups

13 C.

YOUR

Story

Find freedom:

MATTERS

One of my biggest fears is that my story can help heal our communities, but it will die with me. Through GrowthTrack, I further uncovered my spiritual gifts, which grew my purpose. Here is my purpose statement from GrowthTrack: God has put Jim Pollock here on purpose.

God has gifted me to influence others with vision and intuitive sensitivity.

I do that best when I am creatively solving problems, developing new things, and motivating others.

I am most fulfilled when I take my passions of public speaking and serving others and use them for what God is passionate about as I step into my role as the leader of Junior Achievement to make an eternal difference in the lives of the people God has put around me. I am not sure what is next for me on my journey, but I know my calling is something greater.

JIM POLLOCK

12 C.

319

stories shared

engaging in authentic relationships that help us get through what we’re going through.

God designed us to be in relationship with him and with each other. At parks, homes, coffee shops, offices, art studios, fitness clubs, online… we gather to encourage one another, share Scripture, pray, and take steps on the life-changing adventure.

As we trust what Jesus says is true, together we experience the life of freedom that only he can offer.

GROUPS

4,268

total people in Adult Groups

585

adult Groups

13 C.

SECOND SATURDAY Follow: to engage in as a calling or way of life.

Serve

BLUES &

The second Saturday of each month, dozens of people come together to serve the community, sending a clear message: YOU MATTER. Through acts of service like making gifts for first responders and assisting single parents, these outreach experiences offer powerful opportunities to share how trusting Jesus changes everything.

Event: a thing that happens, especially one of importance.

Show: allow or cause (something) to be visible.

52

projects

708 serves

324

in attendance

14

B BQ

This year’s Men’s Event was a night of good eats and community, and a powerful time to hear about God alongside other men of all ages.

This larger gathering outside of the weekend is not only fun and inspiring, but it’s a reminder of the real-life change that is possible with God and how important it is to have others who are helping us take steps on the life-changing adventure.

Special Guest: American Ninja Warrior, Travis Rosen

15

SECOND SATURDAY Follow: to engage in as a calling or way of life.

Serve

BLUES &

The second Saturday of each month, dozens of people come together to serve the community, sending a clear message: YOU MATTER. Through acts of service like making gifts for first responders and assisting single parents, these outreach experiences offer powerful opportunities to share how trusting Jesus changes everything.

Event: a thing that happens, especially one of importance.

Show: allow or cause (something) to be visible.

52

projects

708 serves

324

in attendance

14

B BQ

This year’s Men’s Event was a night of good eats and community, and a powerful time to hear about God alongside other men of all ages.

This larger gathering outside of the weekend is not only fun and inspiring, but it’s a reminder of the real-life change that is possible with God and how important it is to have others who are helping us take steps on the life-changing adventure.

Special Guest: American Ninja Warrior, Travis Rosen

15

Discover purpose:

realizing your past, personality, place and passions all have potential with God.

Make a difference:

using the life God has given you to grow his family.

1,648

currently on the

DREAMTEAM

GROWTHTRACK

582

completions We each have purpose within the life-changing adventure. What makes our God-given purpose so unique is that it’s shaped by our past, personality, spiritual gifts, passions and place. Not one of us has the exact same of all these as another - it’s impossible! What is possible with God is that we get to use all of it to reach people for him. Greater purpose in our everyday life starts when we see that God has us right where we are to love him and love others, to serve and, through the gifts he’s given us, show people who he really is.

16

Discover: find (something or someone) unexpectedly or in the course of a search.

When we share in God’s dream to see more people know him, it’s a dream that not only lasts far beyond any one of us, but also takes every one of us. That’s why we call it the DreamTeam. We receive everything God has given us and use it to fulfill God’s dream for us - to grow his family. It’s what makes serving our way of life. As we trust him and work in partnership with him, we know our lives have eternal significance, and there’s nothing we celebrate more than seeing people introduced to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him.

Make: form (something) by putting parts together or combining substances; construct; create.

17 C.

Discover purpose:

realizing your past, personality, place and passions all have potential with God.

Make a difference:

using the life God has given you to grow his family.

1,648

currently on the

DREAMTEAM

GROWTHTRACK

582

completions We each have purpose within the life-changing adventure. What makes our God-given purpose so unique is that it’s shaped by our past, personality, spiritual gifts, passions and place. Not one of us has the exact same of all these as another - it’s impossible! What is possible with God is that we get to use all of it to reach people for him. Greater purpose in our everyday life starts when we see that God has us right where we are to love him and love others, to serve and, through the gifts he’s given us, show people who he really is.

16

Discover: find (something or someone) unexpectedly or in the course of a search.

When we share in God’s dream to see more people know him, it’s a dream that not only lasts far beyond any one of us, but also takes every one of us. That’s why we call it the DreamTeam. We receive everything God has given us and use it to fulfill God’s dream for us - to grow his family. It’s what makes serving our way of life. As we trust him and work in partnership with him, we know our lives have eternal significance, and there’s nothing we celebrate more than seeing people introduced to Jesus and the life-changing adventure with him.

Make: form (something) by putting parts together or combining substances; construct; create.

17 C.

THANK generosity YOU

Serve Day.

WE CELEBRATE YOUR

Serve: to be of use; answer some purpose.

Each July CedarCreek participates in Serve Day, our biggest annual Make a Difference day of the year. Hundreds of us step into our communities, a sea of fluorescent green, to show our neighbors how much they matter to God and how much they matter to us.

When you give, you are actively taking a

spiritual step that says you are trusting God. Giving is an act of obedience to God. Since God created everything, giving to the local church is giving back to God what he has already provided. Giving also has an eternal return on your investment, meaning giving not only affects you, but it also affects others. Because of this we celebrate everyone who takes the spiritual step of giving.

We thank you, and we celebrate you on your journey.

One of the primary ways we do this is through our Groups, where God works through the unique passions and giftings of Group members.

Campuses also identify a couple of larger projects that meet a need that’s bigger than any one Group could do on their own.

After years of participating in Serve Day, here’s how Amanda Holt summarized what makes Serve Day special: “Serve Day is one of the highlights of our summer. It provides the unique opportunity for everyone in our family to serve alongside one another. Not only do we make lasting memories together, but we leave knowing we’re making a difference in our community.”

Day: a period of twenty-four hours as a unit of time.

18

37 658

projects

people

1,019

Cars.

Have you ever thought about trying to find a job, get to work, buy groceries or take the kids to the doctor without a car? It’s difficult, almost impossible, without a vehicle. CedarCreek Cars, led by members of our DreamTeam, is dedicated to helping provide and maintain safe and reliable transportation for families in need.

1st time givers

194 93 cars repaired

oil changes

3,880 total givers

1,480 6 DreamTeam hours served

cars given away

19

THANK generosity YOU

Serve Day.

WE CELEBRATE YOUR

Serve: to be of use; answer some purpose.

Each July CedarCreek participates in Serve Day, our biggest annual Make a Difference day of the year. Hundreds of us step into our communities, a sea of fluorescent green, to show our neighbors how much they matter to God and how much they matter to us.

When you give, you are actively taking a

spiritual step that says you are trusting God. Giving is an act of obedience to God. Since God created everything, giving to the local church is giving back to God what he has already provided. Giving also has an eternal return on your investment, meaning giving not only affects you, but it also affects others. Because of this we celebrate everyone who takes the spiritual step of giving.

We thank you, and we celebrate you on your journey.

One of the primary ways we do this is through our Groups, where God works through the unique passions and giftings of Group members.

Campuses also identify a couple of larger projects that meet a need that’s bigger than any one Group could do on their own.

After years of participating in Serve Day, here’s how Amanda Holt summarized what makes Serve Day special: “Serve Day is one of the highlights of our summer. It provides the unique opportunity for everyone in our family to serve alongside one another. Not only do we make lasting memories together, but we leave knowing we’re making a difference in our community.”

Day: a period of twenty-four hours as a unit of time.

18

37 658

projects

people

1,019

Cars.

Have you ever thought about trying to find a job, get to work, buy groceries or take the kids to the doctor without a car? It’s difficult, almost impossible, without a vehicle. CedarCreek Cars, led by members of our DreamTeam, is dedicated to helping provide and maintain safe and reliable transportation for families in need.

1st time givers

194 93 cars repaired

oil changes

3,880 total givers

1,480 6 DreamTeam hours served

cars given away

19

PARTNERS

We love partnering with organizations in our communities who are making a positive and lasting impact. Some partnerships happen in the form of CedarCreek Outreach Groups consistently serving. Others happen through Campus Second Saturday and Serve Day projects.

These partnerships extend to a churchwide level: School Partnerships.

Investments in the next generation are critical for the future, so over the past year, each CedarCreek campus has identified at least one local elementary school as a partner school. We show up with hearts to serve the children, families, teachers and staff through Outreach Groups, Prayer Groups, and initiatives, such as “Christmas Shoeboxes” (donating shoeboxes full of thoughtful and fun gifts and “adopting” families for Christmas) and “Back to School” (donating supplies and finances to help schools and families start the school year on the right foot).

Local

PARTNERS

Local

The Tabernacle Church and Art Tatum Zone.

These partners are committed to serving through bold acts of love.

CedarCreek continues to partner with them to help provide food and education initiatives. This support is critical, not just for meeting the needs of today, but for ongoing community transformation.

20

Dollar Club.

This year we launched Dollar Club because we can see amazing things happen when we all make small investments together.

As each person at CedarCreek is invited to give just $1 more than they typically give, our generosity makes an incredible impact on the lives of those who may have previously felt forgotten or unloved.

So far we’ve given away $18,500 to support people like single moms, veterans, and internationals.

Findlay City Mission Sunshine Communities Cherry Street Ministries Open Arms Bags of Love The Nest Hope House After-School All-Stars Family House Help Me Grow Blue Creek Healthcare Heartbeat of Toledo Backpacks for Humans CASA Women’s Resource Center of Hancock County Ronald McDonald House ProMedica Heartland Senior Living Lucas County Children’s Services HOOVES Mom’s House Rebekah’s Haven Cocoon Water for Ishmael Keep Watch Glendale-Feilbach Elementary School DeVeaux Elementary School Horizon Science Academy Whitehouse Primary School Navarre Elementary School Bigelow Hill Intermediate School Rossford Elementary School The Tabernacle Church Art Tatum Zone

National

Association of Related Churches ARC provides relationships, resources, and opportunities to leaders of new and existing churches so that they can thrive as they reach people with the gospel.

As we financially invest in ARC, we are playing an active role in helping people in unique communities experience and respond to Jesus. ARC has assisted over 1,000 church plants, and that number continues to grow!

PARTNERSHIPS Convoy of Hope We link arms with Convoy of Hope through financial investments to provide disaster relief to communities in the United States and around the world. As a result, hurting people receive the help and strength they need to get back on their feet. Convoy is committed to helping communities impacted by disaster as much as possible, for as long as possible.

Over the past 12 months, Convoy has responded to disasters such as: Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo Flooding in Somalia Conflict in Ukraine Drought in Kenya Tornadoes in Mississippi Flooding in California Tornadoes in Arkansas Cyclone in New Zealand Super Typhoon in the Philippines

625+

U.S. and International Disaster Responses to date

4.5M+

individuals served during Disaster Responses in 2022

36

U.S. Disaster Responses in 2022

39

International Disaster Responses in 2022

21 C.

PARTNERS

We love partnering with organizations in our communities who are making a positive and lasting impact. Some partnerships happen in the form of CedarCreek Outreach Groups consistently serving. Others happen through Campus Second Saturday and Serve Day projects.

These partnerships extend to a churchwide level: School Partnerships.

Investments in the next generation are critical for the future, so over the past year, each CedarCreek campus has identified at least one local elementary school as a partner school. We show up with hearts to serve the children, families, teachers and staff through Outreach Groups, Prayer Groups, and initiatives, such as “Christmas Shoeboxes” (donating shoeboxes full of thoughtful and fun gifts and “adopting” families for Christmas) and “Back to School” (donating supplies and finances to help schools and families start the school year on the right foot).

Local

PARTNERS

Local

The Tabernacle Church and Art Tatum Zone.

These partners are committed to serving through bold acts of love.

CedarCreek continues to partner with them to help provide food and education initiatives. This support is critical, not just for meeting the needs of today, but for ongoing community transformation.

20

Dollar Club.

This year we launched Dollar Club because we can see amazing things happen when we all make small investments together.

As each person at CedarCreek is invited to give just $1 more than they typically give, our generosity makes an incredible impact on the lives of those who may have previously felt forgotten or unloved.

So far we’ve given away $18,500 to support people like single moms, veterans, and internationals.

Findlay City Mission Sunshine Communities Cherry Street Ministries Open Arms Bags of Love The Nest Hope House After-School All-Stars Family House Help Me Grow Blue Creek Healthcare Heartbeat of Toledo Backpacks for Humans CASA Women’s Resource Center of Hancock County Ronald McDonald House ProMedica Heartland Senior Living Lucas County Children’s Services HOOVES Mom’s House Rebekah’s Haven Cocoon Water for Ishmael Keep Watch Glendale-Feilbach Elementary School DeVeaux Elementary School Horizon Science Academy Whitehouse Primary School Navarre Elementary School Bigelow Hill Intermediate School Rossford Elementary School The Tabernacle Church Art Tatum Zone

National

Association of Related Churches ARC provides relationships, resources, and opportunities to leaders of new and existing churches so that they can thrive as they reach people with the gospel.

As we financially invest in ARC, we are playing an active role in helping people in unique communities experience and respond to Jesus. ARC has assisted over 1,000 church plants, and that number continues to grow!

PARTNERSHIPS Convoy of Hope We link arms with Convoy of Hope through financial investments to provide disaster relief to communities in the United States and around the world. As a result, hurting people receive the help and strength they need to get back on their feet. Convoy is committed to helping communities impacted by disaster as much as possible, for as long as possible.

Over the past 12 months, Convoy has responded to disasters such as: Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo Flooding in Somalia Conflict in Ukraine Drought in Kenya Tornadoes in Mississippi Flooding in California Tornadoes in Arkansas Cyclone in New Zealand Super Typhoon in the Philippines

625+

U.S. and International Disaster Responses to date

4.5M+

individuals served during Disaster Responses in 2022

36

U.S. Disaster Responses in 2022

39

International Disaster Responses in 2022

21 C.

Trips

MISSION

When we invite people to participate in mission trips, traveling beyond the local communities where we have CedarCreek locations to openhandedly serve, we provide them with opportunities to make a difference “to the ends of the earth,” and to be impacted in powerful ways in the process.

We began building a relationship with Great Commission Latin America (GCLA) in 1999, after Honduras was impacted by Hurricane Mitch. Since then, we’ve sent dozens of teams on mission trips, doing things like connecting with kids and building medical clinics and homes. Due to COVID, the last mission team traveled from CedarCreek to Latin America in 2019. But thankfully, in 2023, we are sending teams to three different countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, and more trips are on the books for 2024. We are so excited to be reintroducing our church to the life-changing mission trip experience!

Purpose Planting CHURCH

Through God’s grace and the generosity of CedarCreek, we took a step of faith to move to Phoenix, AZ last year to plant Purpose.

Your giving has played a pivotal role in the amount of life change we’ve seen since our launch on January 22, 2023.

God has used your giving to make an eternal difference in the lives of Aaron, Raven, and hundreds of others. This is only the beginning, and we truly believe the best is yet come! Thank you for your generosity. You are making an eternal impact!

With Purpose, Josh Whitlow

COSTA RICA 22 C.

289

Here are a few numbers we are celebrating:

kids have checked into Purpose Kids.

We’re not babysitting; we are developing world changers.

Our first baptism was Aaron. Here’s what he said: I was never really involved in church and Jesus.

Sometimes I thought about it but never really went to church for one reason or another. I came across Purpose and joined the launch team.

100

people have filled out a connect card indicating a decision to follow Jesus.

17

people have gone public with their faith through baptism.

It felt completely right. It felt like home. The Lord spoke to me directly and showed me this is where I needed to be. I’m being baptized to show my commitment of giving my life to Jesus.

Not only is God doing a great work in Aaron’s life - a couple months later Aaron baptized his wife, Raven.

23 C.

Trips

MISSION

When we invite people to participate in mission trips, traveling beyond the local communities where we have CedarCreek locations to openhandedly serve, we provide them with opportunities to make a difference “to the ends of the earth,” and to be impacted in powerful ways in the process.

We began building a relationship with Great Commission Latin America (GCLA) in 1999, after Honduras was impacted by Hurricane Mitch. Since then, we’ve sent dozens of teams on mission trips, doing things like connecting with kids and building medical clinics and homes. Due to COVID, the last mission team traveled from CedarCreek to Latin America in 2019. But thankfully, in 2023, we are sending teams to three different countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic, and more trips are on the books for 2024. We are so excited to be reintroducing our church to the life-changing mission trip experience!

Purpose Planting CHURCH

Through God’s grace and the generosity of CedarCreek, we took a step of faith to move to Phoenix, AZ last year to plant Purpose.

Your giving has played a pivotal role in the amount of life change we’ve seen since our launch on January 22, 2023.

God has used your giving to make an eternal difference in the lives of Aaron, Raven, and hundreds of others. This is only the beginning, and we truly believe the best is yet come! Thank you for your generosity. You are making an eternal impact!

With Purpose, Josh Whitlow

COSTA RICA 22 C.

289

Here are a few numbers we are celebrating:

kids have checked into Purpose Kids.

We’re not babysitting; we are developing world changers.

Our first baptism was Aaron. Here’s what he said: I was never really involved in church and Jesus.

Sometimes I thought about it but never really went to church for one reason or another. I came across Purpose and joined the launch team.

100

people have filled out a connect card indicating a decision to follow Jesus.

17

people have gone public with their faith through baptism.

It felt completely right. It felt like home. The Lord spoke to me directly and showed me this is where I needed to be. I’m being baptized to show my commitment of giving my life to Jesus.

Not only is God doing a great work in Aaron’s life - a couple months later Aaron baptized his wife, Raven.

23 C.

2022-2023

Budget

(HOW WE ENDED THIS PAST YEAR) 2022-2023

2022-2023

Budget

Actual Total

$9,700,000

$9,868,214

Total - Ministry Programming

$2,138,000

$2,322,237

Total - Ministry Environments

$2,057,000

$2,682,688

Total - Ministry Teams

$5,325,000

$5,076,635

Total - Margin

$180,000

($213,346)

Total Giving Allocation

$9,700,000

$9,868,214

Income

Total Giving

Allocations

for a well-planned adventure.

Giving to the local church through CedarCreek is a step on the spiritual journey of trusting God. We celebrate and thank you for giving back to God through CedarCreek.

Look what we have been able to accomplish together.

24 C.

Giving Allocation

CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS: Ministry Programming Our tools we use to do ministry.

Ministry Environments Our spaces we use to do ministry.

Ministry Teams Our greatest asset, our people who serve our communities.

Margin Our reserve for the special opportunities God provides.

Why did we end at negative margin?

• In certain areas we experienced increased expenses due to inflation.

• We also decided to move forward on certain projects that we believe will help expand future ministry:

- Paying off the mortgage on the Whitehouse Campus.

- Developing a new App and Website.

- Upgrading the Whitehouse Kids Space.

• The shortage was covered by positive margin in previous years.

25

2022-2023

Budget

(HOW WE ENDED THIS PAST YEAR) 2022-2023

2022-2023

Budget

Actual Total

$9,700,000

$9,868,214

Total - Ministry Programming

$2,138,000

$2,322,237

Total - Ministry Environments

$2,057,000

$2,682,688

Total - Ministry Teams

$5,325,000

$5,076,635

Total - Margin

$180,000

($213,346)

Total Giving Allocation

$9,700,000

$9,868,214

Income

Total Giving

Allocations

for a well-planned adventure.

Giving to the local church through CedarCreek is a step on the spiritual journey of trusting God. We celebrate and thank you for giving back to God through CedarCreek.

Look what we have been able to accomplish together.

24 C.

Giving Allocation

CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS: Ministry Programming Our tools we use to do ministry.

Ministry Environments Our spaces we use to do ministry.

Ministry Teams Our greatest asset, our people who serve our communities.

Margin Our reserve for the special opportunities God provides.

Why did we end at negative margin?

• In certain areas we experienced increased expenses due to inflation.

• We also decided to move forward on certain projects that we believe will help expand future ministry:

- Paying off the mortgage on the Whitehouse Campus.

- Developing a new App and Website.

- Upgrading the Whitehouse Kids Space.

• The shortage was covered by positive margin in previous years.

25

2023-2024

(HOW WE ARE OPERATING THIS YEAR)

Budget

2023-2024 Budget

21.2%

Income Total Giving

MINISTRY ENVIRONMENTS

$9,700,000

Giving Allocation Total - Ministry Programming Total - Ministry Environments

$2,057,000

Total - Ministry Teams

$5,325,000

Total - Margin Total Giving Allocation

26

$2,145,000

$173,000 $9,700,000

22.1%

MINISTRY PROGRAMMING

54.9%

MINISTRY TEAMS

1.8%

MARGIN

Stewardship – the job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property. We are passionate about responsible stewardship of the church’s resources. We want to make sure the church’s resources are utilized for maximum Kingdom impact. That Kingdom impact perspective is not only for today (short term), but also for tomorrow (long term). Our goal is to make sure the business of the church doesn’t hold back the ministry of the church.

Here’s how we put the generosity of CedarCreek Church to work.

Multi-Site Church Benchmark Percentages: Ministry Programming = 15-25% Ministry Environments = 15-25% Ministry Teams = 45-55% Margin = 5-10%

1,326 LivingItOut subscribers

1,948

21 Days of Prayer subscribers

3,169

Right Now Media subscribers

4,485

prayer requests submitted

27 C.

2023-2024

(HOW WE ARE OPERATING THIS YEAR)

Budget

2023-2024 Budget

21.2%

Income Total Giving

MINISTRY ENVIRONMENTS

$9,700,000

Giving Allocation Total - Ministry Programming Total - Ministry Environments

$2,057,000

Total - Ministry Teams

$5,325,000

Total - Margin Total Giving Allocation

26

$2,145,000

$173,000 $9,700,000

22.1%

MINISTRY PROGRAMMING

54.9%

MINISTRY TEAMS

1.8%

MARGIN

Stewardship – the job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property. We are passionate about responsible stewardship of the church’s resources. We want to make sure the church’s resources are utilized for maximum Kingdom impact. That Kingdom impact perspective is not only for today (short term), but also for tomorrow (long term). Our goal is to make sure the business of the church doesn’t hold back the ministry of the church.

Here’s how we put the generosity of CedarCreek Church to work.

Multi-Site Church Benchmark Percentages: Ministry Programming = 15-25% Ministry Environments = 15-25% Ministry Teams = 45-55% Margin = 5-10%

1,326 LivingItOut subscribers

1,948

21 Days of Prayer subscribers

3,169

Right Now Media subscribers

4,485

prayer requests submitted

27 C.

Legacy

In 2019, we launched a new DreamTeam called the Legacy Team for those with the spiritual gift of giving.

The Legacy Team is about connecting people with the gift of giving to their Kingdom purpose through the local church.

Since that time, over $450,000 has been given to fully or partially fund over 25 Legacy Team Projects.

3

projects were fully funded this past year

28 C.

TEAM Next Gen Legacy Lane: Whitehouse Kids space remodel

FUTURE

Home

OF THE FINDLAY CAMPUS

Local Outreach Legacy Lane: (in partnership with The Tabernacle) Community Learning Center, Chromebooks and Charging Carts for COVID Academic Intervention Program

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well.

If you are a teacher, teach well.

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

ROMANS 12:6-8 NLT

At the end of 2022, CedarCreek and Stonebridge Church started prayerfully discerning and discussing details regarding the possibility of a merger of the two churches. Throughout the whole process the goal of both churches remained the same — to follow where God is leading, so that we may continue to reach Findlay and beyond.

As of August 1, 2023, CedarCreek and Stonebridge became one church in Findlay.

As the leading church, CedarCreek will be the primary culture that will continue forward through the merger, and Stonebridge has become a part of the Findlay Campus currently meeting inside the Findlay Village Mall.

Where we are headed.

We are in the process of remodeling the Stonebridge Church building and hope to reopen it as the new home of the CedarCreek Findlay Campus in the fall of 2024.

Please pray “For Findlay” as we go create new spaces to reach new faces in new places.

We can’t wait to see what God does next!

29

Legacy

In 2019, we launched a new DreamTeam called the Legacy Team for those with the spiritual gift of giving.

The Legacy Team is about connecting people with the gift of giving to their Kingdom purpose through the local church.

Since that time, over $450,000 has been given to fully or partially fund over 25 Legacy Team Projects.

3

projects were fully funded this past year

28 C.

TEAM Next Gen Legacy Lane: Whitehouse Kids space remodel

FUTURE

Home

OF THE FINDLAY CAMPUS

Local Outreach Legacy Lane: (in partnership with The Tabernacle) Community Learning Center, Chromebooks and Charging Carts for COVID Academic Intervention Program

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well.

If you are a teacher, teach well.

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

ROMANS 12:6-8 NLT

At the end of 2022, CedarCreek and Stonebridge Church started prayerfully discerning and discussing details regarding the possibility of a merger of the two churches. Throughout the whole process the goal of both churches remained the same — to follow where God is leading, so that we may continue to reach Findlay and beyond.

As of August 1, 2023, CedarCreek and Stonebridge became one church in Findlay.

As the leading church, CedarCreek will be the primary culture that will continue forward through the merger, and Stonebridge has become a part of the Findlay Campus currently meeting inside the Findlay Village Mall.

Where we are headed.

We are in the process of remodeling the Stonebridge Church building and hope to reopen it as the new home of the CedarCreek Findlay Campus in the fall of 2024.

Please pray “For Findlay” as we go create new spaces to reach new faces in new places.

We can’t wait to see what God does next!

29

ADVENTURE We believe the local church is the hope of the world.

Ahead

C.

We want to experience an unstoppable movement of people living out their God-given purpose.

We will continue to go new places and create new spaces to reach new people.

There will be challenges, and it would be easier to stay comfortable, but we will embrace discomfort.

It’s a privilege to serve Christ together.

Questions? Email AnnualReport@CedarCreek.tv

30 C.

We exist to introduce people to Jesus and the life-changing

Adventure with him.

ADVENTURE We believe the local church is the hope of the world.

Ahead

C.

We want to experience an unstoppable movement of people living out their God-given purpose.

We will continue to go new places and create new spaces to reach new people.

There will be challenges, and it would be easier to stay comfortable, but we will embrace discomfort.

It’s a privilege to serve Christ together.

Questions? Email AnnualReport@CedarCreek.tv

30 C.

We exist to introduce people to Jesus and the life-changing

Adventure with him.

CEDARCREEKCHURCH

you

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

MATTER.

C.

Y

C.

E

A

R