2024 Annual Report

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ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS 04 Letter from our Lead Pastor 06 Leadership Transition + 2024 Highlights 08 Church Statistics

10 Life Groups 12 Missions Around the World 16 KidzLife

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s a local community of believers, we accept God’s Word as our all-sufficient rule for faith and life.

We believe we’re to enjoy life that is energized by the indwelling Holy Spirit. We believe that we as Christians are Christ’s representatives in this fallen, broken world.

18 Seniors 20 Union Youth 22 Worship Ministry

24 Young Adults (CREW) 26 Because of Love 27 Food Pantry

A MESSAGE FROM OUR NEW LEAD PASTOR

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hristian Life Family, what a phenomenal, landmark year! We have faced our share of challenges, but God has been faithful! As you will see throughout this booklet, we have much to be grateful for!

Perhaps last year’s most notable event was the historic transition of leadership. After 30 years of serving the Christian Life family, Pastor Chitty and Ramona passed the baton of leadership to Joy and me. I am grateful for their love, foresight and humility to ensure the continued health of the church!

Pastor Chitty continues to serve the church through prayer, occasional preaching and a consistent source of wisdom for me. It was a seamless and smooth transition! A special thank you to the church family, elders and staff for showing such kindness and love to the Hendersons! We love you and believe good days are ahead!

As we look to the future, there is so much to anticipate! We aim to strengthen the saints by preaching through the Book of Acts, dedicating several weeks to discuss biblical family and bringing in a couple of guest speakers. We look to close the sale of the land next door, which will help us financially. We hope to see all our ministries continue to thrive.

And, as always, we set our heart to receive all the Lord desires to do in us and through us. It’s going to be a very good year, in Jesus’ name!

I hope what you see within these pages stirs the embers of your faith! I love and bless you!

Beyond that, we have seen remarkable fruit, as you will see in the following pages.

Pastor Cory Henderson became the Lead Pastor of Christian Life Church in October 2024.

FINAL SUNDAY Pastor Stephen and his family are prayed over during his last Sunday as Lead Pastor of Christian Life.

FIRST SUNDAY Pastor Cory preaches his first official sermon as Lead Pastor

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entitled “Standing on the Shoulders of Giants.”

VOTE

TRANSITION

AWARD

With a record 98% approval of a vote, Pastor Cory was officially declared the future Lead Pastor of the church on April 7.

After an historic 30 years leading at the helm, Pastor Stephen handed the baton to Pastor Cory on Sunday, October 13.

Pastor Bella was selected among a pool of great nominees to receive the National AG Youth Next Gen Big Impact Award.

MISSIONS

KIDZLIFE

YOUTUBE

The church supported 81 missionaries in more than 40 countries all around the globe.

Nine kids received the baptism of the Holy Spirit one night, and 65 kids accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior at VBS alone.

Our most watched livestream was Pastor Cory’s first official Sunday as Lead Pastor with 725+ devices tuning in (not counting the 100s attending in person).

PASSING THE BATON Eight years ago, Pastor Stephen Chitty made a plan for his transition into the Pastor Emeritus role by asking the Lord who the next pastor of Christian Life Church should be.

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tep-by-step, Pastor Stephen’s process into retirement and Dr. Cory Henderson’s transition to Lead Pastor has been one of extraordinary prayer walking hand-in-hand with the Lord.

Pastor Cory started at Christian Life as Youth Pastor in 2011. He transitioned to Executive Pastor in 2020 in preparation

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to assume the Lead Pastor role in 2024.

On October 6, 2024, after 30 years of being the Senior Pastor at Christian Life, Pastor Stephen preached his last official sermon beginning and ending with a standing ovation. Pastor Cory took the helm as Lead Pastor on October 13.

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LIFE AT CHRISTIAN LIFE Here’s a quick snapshot of life at the church in 2024.

1.4K+

38

Average weekly church attendance (in-person and online)

Souls were baptized for the Kingdom in addition to 22 children being dedicated to the Lord

100+

1.9K

Individuals were impacted through our Because of Love Adoption/Foster Care Ministry

YouTube followers plus 3.1K Facebook and 1.7K Instagram followers

460

500+

Local children were loved on through our Giving and Angel Tree ministries

Volunteers across all ministries in the church

6.7K

76

People visited and interacted with our website

New people attended our Next Step membership classes

LIFE GROUPS

At Christian Life we believe you were created for community. We start new cycles of life groups two times a year – once in the spring (February-April) and once in the fall (September-November).

744

people on average attended their groups weekly

102

Life Groups met in the fall and the spring

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

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ur group, Building On The Rock, collected $200.00 for the Heifer Project. [The Heifer Project is a global nonprofit working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development. It distributes animals, along with agricultural and value-based training, to families in need around the world as a means of providing self-sufficiency.] I simply put out a jar for about five weeks and people dropped in money as they could. At our last meeting we had a pot luck supper. We counted the money and went through the catalogue to choose what we would buy. We were able to get a goat. chickens, ducks and a bee hive.

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-JANET R.

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REW has really helped me in my walk with Christ. I started as a regular attendee at the CREW services, but as time went on the Holy Spirit helped me to unharden my heart which led me into joining CREW Life Groups.

The Spirit of the Lord fills the room every CREW service but also our fellowship as believers in CREW Life Groups. The Lord has also used CREW to reveal to me a heart of worship and servanthood, showing me where he wants me to serve. It’s not because of someone in the past telling me to do so, but it’s because my heart wants to serve the Kingdom of Heaven.

DAVID G.

CREW LIFE GROUP MEMBER

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MISSIONS Check out our footprint around the world.

BELGIUM NETHERLANDS

SCOTLAND FRANCE SPAIN UNITED STATES SENEGAL CUBA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

MEXICO

HONDURAS COSTA RICA ALGERIA ECUADOR CHAD

TOGO

MISSION TRIPS In 2024, our church took five mission trips to Cuba, Belgium, Honduras, Arizona and Florida with 71 people. Twenty of those people went on a trip for the very first time.

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FAITH PROMISE GIVING 2024

$250,360

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

RUSSIA

UZBEKISTAN

POLAND AUSTRIA

IRAN NEPAL JAPAN

JORDAN CHINA LAOS INDIA

SRI LANKA

SUDAN THAILAND DJIBOUTI KENYA CAMBODIA

BHUTAN PHILIPPINES PALAU VANUATU

TANZANIA INDONESIA IRAQ ISRAEL

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BELGIUM TRIP Our team worked at the Continental Theological Seminary to build and install furniture in the new Women’s Dorm and Student Center.

NICARAGUA TRIP Our Union team ministered to the local community with King’s Castle Ministries.

“ HONDURAS TRIP Our CREW team partnered with the local Dream Center to provide for kids, youth and their families living in atrisk, local areas.

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think my favorite part of the Honduras mission trip was getting to know everyone personally – not only on our team but also the leaders at the church we worked with.

Connecting with them through sharing stories and experiences really helped create long-lasting, memorable moments. The way God was moving there was absolutely insane.

I loved it so much. We were actively helping people every single day and being the hands and feet of God. I definitely recommend going on this trip!

ANNA N.

HONDURAS TEAM MEMBER

NAME

TEAM MEMBER

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KIDZLIFE

We’re cultivating an environment for all children to learn about the beautiful love story of the Bible and the God who made them!

370 350 KIDS ATTENDED WEEKLY (SUN + WED)

KIDS CAME TO OUR VBS + 65 WERE SAVED

444 200

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erving in KidzLife has been amazing. Showing God’s love and ministering to the children has been a joyous and humbling experience! Most of the time I 16

KIDS CAME TO OUR EASTER JAM/EGG HUNT

KIDS ATTENDED OUR 1ST BIG AIR FAMILY NIGHT

148

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DADDYS AND DAUGHTERS DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY AT OUR 1ST BALL

KIDS + 12 LEADERS HAD A BLAST AT OUR SUMMER KIDS CAMP

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200

KIDS WERE BAPTIZED

KIDS RECEIVED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

feel like I’m being taught more by the kids than the other way around! It has reminded me not to limit God to just any one thing. His love, like a stone

thrown into water, is rippling out beyond our church and into the community.

BILL M.

NEW AT K ID ZLIFE OUTREACH IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

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idzLife has started a local partnership with the Show Them We Care Foundation and adopted an innercity apartment complex! On the third Sunday of every month, we go and pick up 16+ kids and bring them to KidzLife! We feed them breakfast, pray over them, include them in our entire KidzLife services and build relationships with them. This outreach ministry has taught us to truly love every child where they are at and do as Jesus says to welcome and bring the little children to him.

MAKING DISCIPLES NEXT DOOR

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hat an honor it has been to serve our outreach children in Kidzlife! It has been such a blessing to see them enter hesitantly but now run to hug us when they enter the room!

I’ve witnessed many give their lives to Lord, receive Bibles because they didn’t own one, learn from teachings in our classes, pray for inner healing after recent traumatic events that were witnessed, and even kind words given that we serve the best food.

Recently, their community director, told us that she told others about our church. She said, “These people are not fake. They are sincere. They love these kids.”

And isn’t this what the church should be?! We believe so! And we are SO excited about what God will do this coming year!

TAMI M.

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he Senior Services are so uplifting! The presence of the Holy Spirit is apparent in worship, prayer and teaching. I feel the love and care this group shows me and witness the power of prayer through shared testimonies.

What a blessing to see Jesus in and through my fellow seniors!

JOYCE R.

SENIORS ATTENDEE

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SENIORS At Christian Life Church, we strive to create a community that meets needs at every stage of life - especially the golden years! Our seniors (55+) have weekly activities throughout the whole year and even go on both day and overnight trips together.

118

93

50

SENIORS ATTENDED SERVICES + ACTIVITIES

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE FOR SPECIAL LUNCHEONS

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE ON THURSDAYS

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UNION At Union, our heart is to create an atmosphere where middle and high school students can come to Jesus from every direction of life.

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bout two years ago I sensed the Lord guiding me for Union to be more than just a ministry that students come to – more than just pizza parties and getting cool giveaways.

I wanted it to be a student ministry filled with students doing the work of ministry. I can

say with confidence that we are increasingly owning that as a group.

Our teens aren’t just attending the ministry, they are a part of it. They are participating by praying, preaching, worshipping, growing,

performing and leading.

I am proud of our teens and I am honored that I get to be a part of it all. The year 2024 was another banner year for Union Youth.

PASTOR MIKE

WASHED WITH LOVE

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rowing up I wasn’t raised around a church setting. I still went to church every now and then but not as much as I should have. I eventually lost my way with the Lord. When I was a junior in high school I decided to come to Union just to try it out. Immediately, when I got there I was washed with love and welcomed by everyone. When the worship started I was overwhelmed with joy and peace because the Lord was filling in my heart. Ever since that day I’ve been committed to my relationship with God. My family at Union has always had my back and helped me when I needed anything, and everyone there will forever be near and dear to my heart. Now, I am a leader at Union because I want to do what Union did for me with another kid. Plant the seed in their life and, let the Lord water it.

BRYCE R.

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$8.6K RAISED FOR MISSIONS WORK

13 TEENS WERE BAPTIZED

103 WAS OUR AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE (UP 6% FROM 2023)

200+ TEENS TOTAL ATTENDED OUR SERVICES

70 TALENTED INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN FINE ARTS

HIGH SCHOOL

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hhen I first returned to Union after giving my life back to Christ, I was uncertain about how the experience would unfold. I remember sitting in silence during Life Groups and feeling too ashamed to raise my hands and worship. However, over time, I grew more comfortable, mainly because of how the Lord was working through the people around me. Whether it was hearing the vulnerability in testimonies from other young men, witnessing people worshiping passionately at Winter Retreat, or singing together on the drive home from a Protege trip, I always felt the love and joy of Christ in those moments.

The Lord has truly blessed me during my time at Union, and I’m so grateful to be a part of Christian Life Church. The laughs, memories, and bonds shared with my brothers and sisters in Christ have been such a gift. I don’t know where I would be without them. The love and faithfulness I’ve seen in others has encouraged me to pursue the Lord in ways I never imagined.

Union has truly been an answered prayer.

WILLIAM M.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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hhad always wanted to go to Union. I thought that’s where all the cool teenagers went. When I got to Union I realized that it was more than just a bunch of teens and some pastors – it was also a family. Union makes you feel at home and comfortable. They are like my second family. Union does different special events like winter retreat.

My first winter retreat was in February 2024. I was nervous at first, but then when we got to the camp it was fun. And even better I got closer with God. During the worship hours there I felt something. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew it was strong.

Then I realized that I was getting closer to God. I’ve only been around for 14 years and I don’t know much. But I do know this... for those who believe and love in God will prosper. Remember God loves you, very much.

GIO S.

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WORSHIP

40

30

VOLUNTEERS COMPRISE TWO WORSHIP TEAMS

MEMBERS MAKE UP OUR WORSHIP CHOIR

65

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PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN OUR SEASONAL CHOIR

AUDIO/VISUAL VOLUNTEERS HELP US RUN OUR SERVICES

NEW IN 2024: ORIGINAL MUSIC Our worship team was privileged to write and release five new original songs in our Wednesday and Sunday services, including during the special worship nights.

WORSHIP NIGHTS The team hosted quarterly worship nights.

People of all ages, as well as guests from other churches, participated in these special times.

These nights featured extended time in the Lord’s presence, spontaneous worship, participatory encouragement, focused prayer, and scriptural and prophetic insights from those who attended.

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HIGH LIGH T THE PROMISE OF CHRISTMAS

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n December, the worship ministry facilitated our annual Christmas program, “The Promise of Christmas” to a combined audience of more than 1,300 people! This powerful production featured 280 volunteers from the youngest to the most senior members of our congregation. Our cast included an adult seasonal choir of 65 people and a children’s choir of 80 people. Numerous, dancers, actors, narrators, singers and audio-visual volunteers invested their time and talents towards this endeavor.

This original program was entirely written, produced and created in house. It was designed to take a unique look at the Christmas story through the lens of Jesus’ mother, Mary. The Gospel was presented throughout the program and 10+ individuals received Jesus as their Lord and Savior during our invitation.

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T

T.M.

J.R.

hhe Christmas Program this year was fantastic! I loved it. I found myself pondering the birth of our Savior in a new light. Thank you, all!

hhe Christmas Program was incredibly anointed. It was by far the most worshipful, focused-on-the-Lord production I have seen in years. Accolades to all in bringing it about!

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350 128 120+ 115+ ATTENDED SERVICES, GROUPS + SOCIALS

FIRST-TIME GUESTS (UP 45%)

ATTENDED CREW LIFE GROUPS

CAME TO VARIOUS SOCIAL EVENTS

50

28

25

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CREW VOLUNTEERS

YOUNG ADULT LEADERS

WORSHIP TEAM MEMBERS

LIFE GROUP LEADERS

AN ABUNDANCE OF FRIENDS

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’’ve spent every season of my life at Christian Life Church — some good, some bad, some full of community, and some where I felt completely isolated and alone. When I first graduated high school there really wasn’t a place for young adults at CLC. I searched other ministries for a place to fit in, but something never clicked. When CREW first started, I was hesitant to go because of my previous experiences, but as the ministry grew, my chance at finding community did the same.

The Lord has used Crew to bless me with an abundance of God-fearing friends who I know can walk through the ups and downs of life with. I firmly believe this would not have happened if it were not for Pastor Bunk and his passion for bringing young adults together to seek our Father. I’m so thankful to have a place where young adults can come to freely and authentically learn what it means to walk with the Lord with real community.

NATALIE B.

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YOUNG ADULTS We created our Young Adults ministry called CREW two years ago to aid those ages 18 through their 30s in fully loving God, following Jesus and connecting with a community of fellow believers.

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C

JORDAN N.

CHLOE H.

hen I started coming to Crew, I was not taking my relationship with Jesus as seriously as I needed to be. CREW has helped me be surrounded

by Christian mentors and influences, and my relationship with Jesus Christ has changed completely and grown even stronger.

REW has been such a beautiful place to come to! Everyone is so loving, and the atmosphere is truly filled with God welcoming you to come as you are. Whether feeling tired or anxious, I will never find myself missing a service. I always feel the refreshment of my Heavenly Father in worship and His Word.

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BECAUSE OF LOVE We here at Christian Life have big hearts for cultivating families. That’s why we started our Because of Love Foster and Adoption Care Ministry.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOL Volunteers pack baskets full of school supplies for the adoptive and foster care families that Christian Life supports.

$3K 10+

100

FAMILIES SUPPORTED

INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED

GIVEN IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

FOSTER SPOTLIGHT

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ecause of Love has been an incredible support system to me as a foster parent. Their unwavering support, resources and encouragement have helped me navigate this journey with confidence and love. I am truly grateful for the impact they have on foster families and the children we care for.

AMBER B.

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FOOD PANTRY Christian Life’s Food Pantry serves both Richland and Lexington counties.

Our pantry is the only one in the area that allows clients to come every other week to have their needs met.

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

DID YOU KNOW?

We help an average of 100 families

Most of the pantry’s clients are

Along with receiving the fresh food

week in and week out. Families are

elderly, families with little children

that they need, clients are prayed for

able to come every other Monday to

and refugees from places like

on a regular basis, and many are given

receive meat, bread, eggs and fresh

Ukraine, Honduras, Guatemala and

Bibles to take home.

fruit and veggies.

Afghanistan.

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803.798.4488 803.302.3032 to give info@clcolumbia.com clcolumbia.com

2700 Bush River Road Columbia, SC 29210 28