2024 VCN Annual Report : simplebooklet.com

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Association News“Getting away as a pastor’s family can be challenging, especially to a place that is both beautiful and aﬀordable. So getting to rest and spend time together at Redwood Christian Park was such a needed blessing. We returned to our ministry refreshed and with some fun memories.”Chris Bogstad | Senior Pastor, Grace Bible Church of Cedar Ridge““Getting away as a pastor’s family can be challenging, especially to a place that is both beautiful and aﬀordable. So getting to rest and spend time together at Redwood Christian Park was such a needed blessing. We returned to our ministry refreshed and with some fun memories.”Chris Bogstad | Senior Pastor, Grace Bible Church of Cedar Ridge04ASSOCIATION NEWS01FROM THE EXCUTIVE DIRECTORFrom the Executive DirectorAs Regional Executive Director of Venture Church Network of Northern California/Nevada (VCN NCal/NV), I am pleased to submit the 2024 Annual Report. The continuous pursuit of His vision for VCN NCal/NV has been the most important goal for our association. This past year, we had the opportunity to live out our mission of helping churches take their BOLD next steps in being: • • GOSPEL-driven• BIBLICALLY-committed• DISCIPLE-making• RELATIONALLY-committedLooking back through this annual report ﬁlls me with immense hope and joy because we see the evidence of God’s Looking back through this annual report ﬁlls me with immense hope and joy because we see the evidence of God’s vision for us aligning with all that was accomplished to advance The Kingdom in 2024. Throughout the year, I was blessed to connect with pastors, church planters, board members, staff members, regional directors, national partners, and countless others in our region who have genuinely worked to transform people’s lives in Northern California, Nevada, and beyond. It has been a truly transformative year.On behalf of VCN NCal/NV, thank you to everyone who has joined us on this journey. Our pastors continually On behalf of VCN NCal/NV, thank you to everyone who has joined us on this journey. Our pastors continually inspire me with what they have built in their churches and the impact they have had in their communities. My prayer is that this report serves as testimony to the power and goodness of our God.We look forward to continuing to partner to build his undefeatable church by following the Holy Spirit as he leads us into even greater things in 2025 and beyond.Dr. Joshua LaneRegional Executive DirectorVenture Church Network N. California/NevadaVenture Church Network N. California/Nevada

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Association News“Getting away as a pastor’s family can be challenging, especially to a place that is both beautiful and aﬀordable. So getting to rest and spend time together at Redwood Christian Park was such a needed blessing. We returned to our ministry refreshed and with some fun memories.”Chris Bogstad | Senior Pastor, Grace Bible Church of Cedar Ridge““Getting away as a pastor’s family can be challenging, especially to a place that is both beautiful and aﬀordable. So getting to rest and spend time together at Redwood Christian Park was such a needed blessing. We returned to our ministry refreshed and with some fun memories.”Chris Bogstad | Senior Pastor, Grace Bible Church of Cedar Ridge04ASSOCIATION NEWS02DIRECTOR’S REPORTDirector’s ReportPreaching CohortsWe had eight churches preach through the book of Titus this spring for eight weeks. It was a fantastic We had eight churches preach through the book of Titus this spring for eight weeks. It was a fantastic series to walk through what a healthy Christian community looks like. The goal of the preaching cohort is to build community, sharpen each other, and enrich our sermons. The cohort met weekly to discuss passages because we believe that sermons are stronger when cultivated in part with the community and not in isolation. It was time spent borrowing and learning from each other while discussing the passage, structure, and application. The next cohort will start in the spring of 2025.venturechurches-ncnv.com/preaching-cohortChurch VisitsChurch VisitsThroughout 2024, I traveled over 1000 miles to connect with pastors and churches in our network to see how our Throughout 2024, I traveled over 1000 miles to connect with pastors and churches in our network to see how our association could support and encourage them. I also visited churches interested in getting more information about VCN NCal/NV. Some of the locations visited were San Leandro, Santa Clara, San Jose, Los Altos, Morgan Hill, Manteca, Davis, Benicia, Penngrove, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Grass Valley, Chico, Red Bluff, Anderson, and Cottonwood, CA. At VCN NCal/NV, we are relationally committed to supporting churches in becoming the transformative churches God has designed them to be, so if you would like a church visit, please email me at joshua@venturechurches-ncnv.comVCN National AssociationAs Regional Executive Director, I am part of a national team representing one of our eight regions. We meet monthly, As Regional Executive Director, I am part of a national team representing one of our eight regions. We meet monthly, but three times a year, we meet in person in one of our regions. In 2024, we met in Monterey, CA, Minneapolis, MN, and Boise, ID. During this time, we were able to build camaraderie, unify our mission, and share a vision to ensure that all regions are moving together in the same direction. It is just as important to invest in our national identity as it is to invest in our regional identity. We are fortunate to be under the leadership of Dr. David Whitaker, who has committed his life to the mission of the church. His years of dedication to our association give me conﬁdence that God is clearly working around the nation. Please pray as we partner together to transform lives with the gospel.venturechurches.org

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Association News“Getting away as a pastor’s family can be challenging, especially to a place that is both beautiful and aﬀordable. So getting to rest and spend time together at Redwood Christian Park was such a needed blessing. We returned to our ministry refreshed and with some fun memories.”Chris Bogstad | Senior Pastor, Grace Bible Church of Cedar Ridge““Getting away as a pastor’s family can be challenging, especially to a place that is both beautiful and aﬀordable. So getting to rest and spend time together at Redwood Christian Park was such a needed blessing. We returned to our ministry refreshed and with some fun memories.”Chris Bogstad | Senior Pastor, Grace Bible Church of Cedar Ridge04ASSOCIATION NEWSDirector’s ReportLead Pastors’ RetreatWe hosted our 5th Annual Lead Pastors’ Retreat in beautiful Aptos, CA, in October 2024. Over We hosted our 5th Annual Lead Pastors’ Retreat in beautiful Aptos, CA, in October 2024. Over 80 lead pastors, wives, staff members, and national partners gathered to rest and connect with God and each other on the California coast. It was our largest gathering to date. We were inspired and encouraged by messages about how God is working in our lives and churches, and we gained honest insights from incredible speakers. The retreat theme of “For a Time Such as This” served as a reminder that we are not where we are by accident but have been called to this place to pastor in this time. You can view pictures, watch testimonies, and gain encouragement from our sessions together.venturechurches-ncnv.com/lpr-2024-recapMen’s RetreatIn October 2024, we partnered with Sun River Church in Rancho Cordova, CA, to host The True Man Conference. In October 2024, we partnered with Sun River Church in Rancho Cordova, CA, to host The True Man Conference. It was an inspiring call for men to lead their families in discipleship and worship. Headlined by Brian Hedges, lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Niles, MI, the event drew from the wisdom of the past to empower men in their spiritual leadership at home. Men’s ministries help men develop community ties and strengthen their sense of purpose and fulﬁllment while helping them grow spiritually and increasing their faith. As a result of this partnership, VCN NCal/NV will host a Men’s Retreat at Redwood Christian Park in Boulder Creek, CA, in October 2025. This retreat will continue the work of creating a space for men to connect and discuss important topics on an annual basis.venturechurches-ncnv.com/mens-retreat-202502DIRECTOR’S REPORT

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The Ministry Leadership Certiﬁcate (MLC) program exists to help churches equip their saints for the work of ministry. I have sent people from my church through the program every year since it started and have seen how beneﬁcial it is both in helping people to understand the Bible better, but also communicate it with more conﬁdence. All of the video content for this program is provided to us by Western Seminary. I spent time working with the distance learning director at Western to adjust the courses that we offer to create a more integrated learning experience. The program is designed around 4 key learning outcomes: The program is designed around 4 key learning outcomes: 1.Bible Overview2.Bible Study Methods3.Theological Formation4.Sharing God’s Word The ﬁrst semester of the program gives students a big-picture understanding of the whole scope of the Bible and then teaches them the importance of careful Bible study methods. The second semester teaches them the importance of having a fully integrated theological framework. The second semester also offers opportunities for students to learn how to communicate the word of God in whatever context God has called them to. The MLC is divided into two cohorts; one that is based in Northern California and one that meets at Campus Bible The MLC is divided into two cohorts; one that is based in Northern California and one that meets at Campus Bible Church in Fresno. This year we have a dozen students in the Northern California cohort and a smaller group of 4 in the Fresno group. My goal for the future of this program is to work at offering this program to a wider audience. At this point it has mostly been offered to VCN churches. While the content is seminary-level, I believe that it could be accessible to high school students or college students who are looking for a deeper understanding of God’s word. I would also like to see the cohort model that Campus Bible Church uses employed in other larger churches or I would also like to see the cohort model that Campus Bible Church uses employed in other larger churches or regions. I really like the increased comradery and accountability that is possible when several students are all in the same location. venturechurches-ncnv.com/mlcMinistry LeadershipCertiﬁcate Program03LEADERSHIP EDUCATION

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Healthy ChurchesWhat a year! Again, I’ve had the incredible joy of connecting with people like you. That’s right, you! If you’re a pastor, church leader, director, or up-and-coming church planter, you keep me busy and on my knees, which isn’t bad. Praying for you and your ministry is my joy. Especially in this season of my life when I am mostly away on Sundays from our home and home church in Merced while I preach for many of you while you are taking a Sunday or two off. And if we aren’t connecting on a Sunday, I am delighted to meet you at a coffee shop, favorite diner, or around a table with your leaders as we talk about dreams, plans, and challenges facing you and your church. I am energized by any meeting that has the potential to encourage and help you step into the future that God has next for your life and ministry.What speciﬁcally do I do as the Director of Church Health for our Northern California and Nevada region? Well, this past year, I’ve spent signiﬁcant time What speciﬁcally do I do as the Director of Church Health for our Northern California and Nevada region? Well, this past year, I’ve spent signiﬁcant time as the Interim Pastor at FBC Monterey. As you can imagine, I’ve walked along the ocean a lot, thinking and praying for how I can best help FBC Monterey and you. Are you thinking about a church assessment? Strategic planning? Do you need the support and wisdom of a fellow pastor? Are you facing a signiﬁcant ministry decision, like planning for the inevitable Lead Pastor transition or succession? Do you need help with hiring a new staff member? Are you asking God what next steps you could take to help the church you pastor become more than a ministry with good programs, but one that is truly making disciples that make disciples?I am available to help you with all of these ministry matters and more. That I am available to help you with all of these ministry matters and more. That last matter – assisting churches to make disciples who make disciples - is one I am giving much time to here at the end of 2024, and it will most likely be a key priority in my VCN ministry in 2025. A little over a year ago, I joined our VCN Area Directors near Atlanta for an insightful discipleship training event that was very helpful. How helpful is yet to be seen, but I am praying for the best outcome as I am currently working with a couple of our churches that hope to make signiﬁcant progress in this Christ-given endeavor. Maybe your church could beneﬁt from this targeted focus in 2025. I would love to help you in this area or any others that reveal themselves. Let’s meet up and talk about your life and ministry. Lord willing, I can encourage and support you inthe work the Lord has for you in the coming year.04HEALTHY CHURCHESHealthy Churches

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2024 Statement of ActivitiesStatement of Financial Position20242023ChangeVCN Budget VarianceFinancial ReportOur ﬁnancial position remains strong this year. Our investments have outperformed our projections. But as you know, markets are unpredictable and can ﬂuctuate from year to year. The consistency of your support, both ﬁnancially and relationally, will contribute to the association's stability for years to come. We will continue to steward well the resources we’ve been given and come alongside our churches as they take bold next steps to transform the lives of those in their communities with the love and grace of Jesus Christ. We are creating more opportunities for churches to engage and support each other in this endeavor.Below is a summary of our ﬁnancial position as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.Below is a summary of our ﬁnancial position as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. 06FINANCIAL REPORT$ 0

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PACIFIC CHURCHNETWORK Association Opportunities We offer a number of resources to our association churches. •Ministry Leadership Certiﬁcate •Interim/Pulpit Supply •Healthy Church Assessments •Church Planting •Ordination •Tax Exemption (State and Federal) •Preaching Cohorts •Pastoral Searches •Sermon Evaluations •Elder Board Consultation •Employment Opportunities •Sabbatical Resources •Retirement •Pastoral Transitions •Chaplaincy •Logos Bible Software Discount •Discounts for Western Seminary, •Lead Pastor Rest & Relaxation Stay •Denver Seminary, Corban University, •Newsletter •Cedarville University, and Moody Bible Venture Church Network Regions07RESOURCESResources

2024 VCN Annual Report

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