As one of the newest members to the elder team, it is my privilege to provide the Elder’s update for this month.
This past Tuesday, we met as an elder team and started our meeting on our knees in prayer. We began by Ernie reading a short except from “Center Church” by Timothy Keller and then individual elders praying over three basic traits, or postures, of frontline prayer:
- A request for grace to confess sins and to humble ourselves;
- A compassion and zeal for the flourishing of the church and the reaching of the lost;
- A yearning to know God to see his face, to get a glimpse of his glory. We continued collectively praying for our church, including for individuals and couples within our congregation.
We spent some time discussing a podcast, previously sent to us, on how “The Church is Essential for Discipleship” (featuring Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley | YouTube). The focus was on the importance of discipleship training and retelling the church’s foundational story to the next generation. This key topic on discipleship was a reoccurring theme throughout our meeting.
We received updates and discussed the progress of several of Central’s recent efforts in discipleship training or opportunities. Central’s School of Ministry initiated this fall with two courses have been well attended and very fruitful with other courses planned in 2026: The courses “Love in Action” (Caring for Your Community and Sharing Your Hope) starts on January 12th, 2026 and “Through the Eyes of Jesus” (The Old Testament Explained) starts on January 15th, 2026 (please refer to Central’s website School of Ministry | Winter Courses 2026 for further detail). As well, the Ministry of Care and Counselling, Equipped to Counsel training is progressing well and is almost a couple of months into their 8-month curriculum. A key goal of this Counselling training is to equip both leaders and congregants for personal discipleship and intentional helping relationships that point people to Jesus. In addition, Central will the BC host site for a two-day conference entitled “Canadian Biblical Counselling Coalition Conference”, March 20 and 21, 2026, at the Chilliwack Campus (with further details forthcoming).
Regarding staffing, we are grateful that Central is onboarding Sharalee Voth in a new part-time media position which will help bolster our visual storytelling through video, photography, and social media, and support discipleship, our ministries, and outreach across all campus. As well, we spent some time discussing a new church policy on Designated Giving Policy and discussing the topic of pursuing Excellence in Performance Reviews.
In November Prof. Gerry Breshears will be a guest speaker for a 1-day seminar on Spiritual Warfare at the Chilliwack Campus on Saturday, Nov 15th and then he will be doing three services in Chilliwack on Nov 16th. Ken Dyck, creator of Freedom Session, will be preaching that Sunday in Lake Errock and Agassiz.
In terms of outreach, the elders heard of and supported the plan for a Youth Mexico missions trip (Spring 2026) to serve in Reynosa, Mexico at Children’s Haven. As well, the elder’s received a briefing and supported the church having a Compassion Canada Sunday planned at the Chilliwack Campus in January 2026 (Compassion is one of our ministry partnerships and we seek to create child sponsorship opportunities every 3 years for our congregation). This is to be followed with a subsequent one-day conference on foster/adoption opportunities with details to follow for both.
Towards the end of our meeting, we had the blessing of reviewing a long list of candidates for Baptism and Ministry Partnership across all the campuses. The elders are excited to review candidates’ applications and meeting with them in November in preparation for the baptisms taking place on Sunday, December 7th.
On a final note, since October is Pastor Appreciation month, we thank those that have reached out to our staff with prayer, words of support, baked goods (fatten them up physically and spiritually) and to show your appreciation for the pastors, directors, and staff across all our campus. We look forward to continuing to serve you and are excited to see how God moves His Kingdom forward in the Eastern Fraser Valley and beyond.
Leonard Feldes
- On behalf of the Elders at Central Community
Finance Update
As we look back over the first nine months of 2025, we are deeply encouraged by God’s faithfulness and by the generosity of His people here at Central. Through September, total giving reached $1,892,815, representing a 7% increase over last year. This steady growth is a clear sign that our church family continues to respond with faith and commitment to the mission God has given us.
While overall revenue remains consistent with 2024 (which included $140,994 from the Let There Be Light campaign), we also invested significantly this year in expanding ministry capacity and improving our facilities. Key projects included replacing a section of the Chilliwack roof, renovating for additional seating, installing air conditioning at Harrison, and purchasing equipment to assist with Promontory’s launch. These practical upgrades—along with the exciting addition of our School of Ministry—have contributed to an overall year-to-date shortfall of $311,121.
This number reflects our historic giving pattern and remains within budget expectations. We are confident that, as in previous years, the final quarter will see strong giving as our church family rallies together. Expenses remain below budget parameters and are being monitored carefully.
There is much to celebrate beyond the numbers! Our Promontory campus has now received official society status and is in the process of applying for charitable standing. Central continues to provide practical and financial support as they establish themselves as a thriving, gospel-centered church in their community. The Elders have also approved a new Designated Giving Policy and launched a Youth Mexico Mission fund in preparation for our students’ mission trip this coming March.
Looking ahead, the 2026 budgeting process is already underway. The Stewardship Team will review the preliminary budget in November, with the Elders expected to receive a first draft at their next meeting.
As we enter the final quarter of 2025, we invite you to prayerfully consider your role in supporting the ministry of Central. Every gift fuels life-changing ministry across Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison, Lake Errock, and beyond. Together, we are seeing lives transformed by the Gospel throughout the Eastern Fraser Valley.
Thank you for your faithful generosity and for partnering with us.
ELDER'S PRAYER
We believe in the power of prayer. We value prayer. And we believe that God answers prayer and uses it as a means of achieving His purposes in the church and world.
Central's Elders invite you to come and receive prayer in the Chilliwack Campus Sanctuary.
Tuesday, December 16 | 6.30PM - 7.00PM
Chilliwack Campus | 46100 Chilliwack Central Road
You can also submit prayer requests using the link below.
Got questions or words of encouragement? We'd love to hear from you!
Please contact The Elders - elders@centralcommunity.ca