2023 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
LEAD PASTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT
CHAD AND RHONDA GILLIGAN
Ephesians 3:10-11
I am so thankful for God’s Church. Like so many of you, my life has been shaped by God’s people, gathered together. Scripture tells us that God’s plan is to make the work of Jesus known through His church. From the smallest life to the highest heavens, God has given great purpose to His Church.
At Calvary, our hope is to live out that great, Godgiven purpose. We represent our core values through what we call our roots. These four phrases crystallize many of the key things that we believe and aspire to. In 2023, we saw Calvary’s people demonstrate these roots with God’s blessing in powerful ways.
God First. Our first priority is to honor God in all that we do. Every week we see the people of Calvary gathering to fellowship, worship and give thanks to God. Sunday service attendance continued to grow throughout the year. The return of Wednesday night services was a great success with over 550 adults attending the 11 classes that were offered. Christmas services welcomed over 3,000 as we celebrated the birth of Jesus. The people of Calvary continue to be generous givers. General fund giving was over budget and we had the highest ever Missions giving total.
People Are
The Priority
. If God loves people, we should, too. In 2023 Calvary had the privilege of seeing 110 individuals further their walk through water baptism. Faithful parents dedicated 40 children to the lord. The people of Calvary served our community and our world in amazing ways. Missions projects were sponsored in each region of the world, and 130 missionaries and ministries received monthly support. In July, over 150 volunteers spent a week loving Toledo’s Old South End by completing projects and making connections in the neighborhood.
Healthy Things Grow. Where there is life, there is growth. Connecting with others in the church has allowed many to grow in their relationship with Jesus and build relationships with fellow believers. We have over 950 individuals active in more than 100 Life Groups. The Children and Youth ministries continue to provide a solid foundation from birth through high school. On an average Sunday, we see over 330 children and 125 youth attending services. This year, a record number of youth attended summer camp and Summer Blast welcomed 450 children into our building.
We Get To Do This. Hundreds of volunteers serve faithfully to facilitate ministry at Calvary. Together, we have the honor of seeing lives changed as we use our gifts to serve Jesus. Every week, we see the hand of God at work bringing hope and life to many. We don’t have to do this. We get to do this!
In 2024, I am believing for God to do more in our lives than ever before. Our world needs the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ. We will continue to look for ways to further expand our ministry and impact more people in Northwest Ohio and around the world. By the power of the Holy Spirt, lives will be changed as we follow Him.
Rhonda and I continue to be humbled by the privilege to lead with you at Calvary Church. We are thankful for a team that loves people and faithfully serves Jesus. I am grateful to serve with faith and vision alongside Calvary’s Deacon Board. May the Lord continue to bless us with His special favor and wonderful peace.
Respectfully submitted,
Chad Gilligan Lead Pastor
LIFE CHANGE
1,567
AverageAttendanceWeekly
89 New Members
110
Water Baptisms
40
Child Dedications
3,000+
Attended Christmas Services
2,800
120
Attended a New People Party
Attended Easter Services
410 Average Devices Watching Online
KIDS
Summer Blast allowed 450 children to learn about Jesus through activities and exciting worship services
Over 50 4th and 5th graders attended retreats in the Spring and Fall
Over 100 volunteers welcomed 250 families to Calvary for Fall Carnival 30 kids attended Summer Camp at Heartland Retreat Center
On average 335 children attend Sunday services weekly
YOUTH
With a theme of Multiply and an emphasis on Making Disciples, the youth group has been fruitful with over 125 students worshipping on Sundays and an average of 65 attending Wednesday nights.
85 Students attended Insomnia and raised over 4K for Speed The Light
112 Students attended Winter Retreat weekend
A record 102 students attended Summer Camp at Heartland
15 students attended a summer missions trip in Cleveland
SERVE
150 people per night loved the Old South End neighborhood during Serve Week. Our volunteers cleaned streets, painted, washed windows, did yardwork, helped with laundry, hosted a block party, and numerous other projects
Calvary’s generous donations have provided 238 school supply orders to local teachers, 13 boxes of toiletry items to our local food pantry, 100 bags of groceries for Thanksgiving, and blessed many other local organizations
Monthly meals are provided at Rebekah’s Haven and Vision Ministries
Christmas in the 419 collected $30K to upgrade the kitchen at Toledo Gospel Rescue Mission and finish our 2023 Global Mission Projects
MISSIONS
A RECORD BREAKING 657K WAS RAISED FOR MISSIONS
This allowed us to sponsor projects in 8 regions of the world and support over 130 missionaries monthly
We hosted missionaries from around the world during two Mission Week events with opportunities for services, meals, and special events
Adult missions trip to South Africa helped a small church start its own Serve Week and community ministry
LIFE GROUPS
950+ Actively participating in Life Groups
100+ Life Groups
GROUPS ARE MEETING 7 DAYS A WEEK
Launched interest-based groups with opportunities for bird watching, cycling, running, sharing ice cream, and exploring playgrounds
ALL CHURCH
1350+
Enjoyed an outside service followed by food, fellowship and games during SummerFest
200+
Women attended the Ladies Conference
350 Ladies enjoyed the annual Fall Market
90+
Gathered for Men’s Night Out
Wednesday night services were relaunched with over 550 people attending 11 classes.
TOLEDOCALVARY.ORG