Instead of starting our monthly Elders meeting with the customary intercessory prayer for the church and individual needs within the church, this time we met as elders with the pastoral team over dinner prior to the meeting. It was a great time of sharing as well as reciprocal prayer by and for the pastors and elders. This shared dinner is scheduled twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall.
The meeting itself started with a reflection on the activities that took place since the previous meeting in October. The now completed sermon series “Ordinary Path to Extraordinary Grace” was formational for many people, either helping them to get into the Word in the 90 Day New Testament Reading Plan, leading to a desire to be baptized, or result in the formation of discipleship groups. Another highlight was the “Equipping for Spiritual Warfare” seminar, presented by Dr. Breshears. The large attendance of this event indicates a desire to learn and grow in personal faith in a world that in many ways feels hostile and threatening. As elders, like all believers, we are often confronted with the biblical truth that we “do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). But as believers we can take comfort in the words of Col 1:13-14: “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins”. Satan no longer has authority over those who belong to the Kingdom of God.
The first two courses offered by the School of Ministry, led by Dr. Jorge Salazar, were completed in early November. The interest in these classes was great. The classes were attended by around 150 people from within Central as well as from outside of our own church community. As Elders we are deeply grateful for this opportunity to “equip the saints....” (Eph 4:12). Registration for two new classes offered in early 2026 is now open. The subjects offered by these classes are “Caring for your Community and Sharing your Hope” and “Through the Eyes of Jesus: The Old Testament Explained”. Both highly recommended.
We are sharing the excitement of 20 Central youth who, accompanied by 5 leaders, will be going on a mission trip to the Children’s Haven in Mexico in March 2026, God willing. Central has a longstanding partnership with Children’s Haven and aims to send a youth mission team once every other year. Some fundraising activities organized by the youth can be expected soon.
We look forward with deep gratitude to 22 baptisms on Sunday December 7. Again, it is humbling to witness the work of Lord among us. How he is opening hearts to receive the Word and accept Jesus as their Savior and Lord. These 22 candidates have expressed their desire to publicly declare their surrender to Jesus and to commit to his Lordship in obedience. We recognize that this is not our work. Jesus himself spoke “I will build my Church”. Throughout the centuries he has been faithful, not only to preserve, but also to grow his church.
And Central is indeed growing. This rapid growth does present its challenges. Both with respect to the capacity of our facilities, especially at the Chilliwack Campus, as well as the strain on the annual budget. Both of these items took up a considerable amount of time at the meeting. As elders we are prayerfully struggling with the need to expand our facilities to accommodate the growth, while also remaining financially responsible and be faithful stewards of the funds received through the generosity of all those who contribute on a regular basis. Each year, around this time in the fall, there are some concerns whether we will be able to meet our budgetary responsibilities, yet each year we stand in awe how the Lord provides by year end. That said however, it would be wonderful if those who are able to do so, could help alleviate this cash-flow crunch in the fall by somewhat adjusting the timing of their giving. While the generous giving pattern in December usually balances the annual budget, it often creates the need to dip into the line of credit earlier in the fall, to meet the monthly commitments. We understand this may not be an option for everyone. Yet we invite all to take this prayerfully into consideration for next year.
As we reviewed the 2026 budget, we also feel our dependency on God. “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps” (Prov 16:9). We are very grateful for the many hours spent by the administrative team and Central’s Stewardship Team preparing and reviewing the very detailed 2026 Budget. Looking at the numbers, we are deeply aware of our need of God’s favour. We ask for your prayers that we may receive the wisdom also in these matters.
A last item to mention is the establishment of Promontory Community Church (formerly the Promontory Campus). Final administrative adjustments are currently being made to have PCC function as a fully independent church from January 1, 2025 onward. We are aware that, while we will operate as independent churches from then on, we still are united in one body, the Church of Jesus Christ. We are excited to witness this church functioning as a healthy, Word based, Christ centered church, continuing with the common Mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Jim Devisser
- On behalf of the Elders at Central Community
Finance Update
In the regular course of their meeting the elders discussed the finances of the church. Looking at the year to date report to the end of October, It was noted that we are following our usual annual pattern of income to expenses. Overall donations are up 9% over the previous year, and while most budgetary items well within budget, or below, our overall expenses leave us short $337,345 to date. This shortfall includes several significant expenses including the start of a School of Ministry with over 150 students, and the Care and Counselling program with 27 people being trained to counsel. It also includes practical costs related to replacing a roof, air conditioning unit, and modifications to the Chilliwack sanctuary to accommodate growth with the addition of 70 chairs.
The pastoral and ministry leaders submitted their budget request for 2026, and the Stewardship Team evaluated the draft for presentation to the elders. The elders reviewed the draft, spoke into the submissions, and will revisit the budget at their December meeting. Traditionally, a full 1/3 of Central’s donations are received in the last two months of the year. If this pattern holds true we anticipate reaching our budget target of $3,121,008. Please prayerfully consider your part in this goal.
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