2022 Annual
Report
In Kansas City, as it is in Heaven.
Midtown
Church,
There is nothing quite like a pandemic to make you question the viability of the Church in America. When we set out to start this whole thing in 2020, it felt like we were swimming upstream. At times we wondered, “why are we starting a new church when many churches around us are struggling to survive?”
Despite the tidal wave of doubt that always loomed, little by little, we began to see God really build his church; to really build Midtown Church. In 2022, we saw so many come through our doors for the first time who had very little trust, if any, in the local church. We saw so many leave with a renewed faith in Jesus. We added two microchurches with the need for so many more (3-4 more to come in 2023). We saw unprecedented financial growth and blessing. We saw so many jump in to help serve one another and our neighborhood. God has proven himself– he really does build His Church.
And through this process, we can honestly say our faith has been built by each and every person that calls Midtown Church their home- through your love for us, your commitment to one another, your generosity, and your and foremost your devotion to Christ. Our faith has been built, yes by YOU, but also by the power of God on display in YOU.
It is impossible to know Paul’s feelings as he finished writing his letter to the Roman Church, but could it be that we feel something similar?- pride for our team and microchurch leaders, love for many who exist as friends and spiritual family, and awe for our God who has continued to strengthen us and grow his church.
In the days, months, and years to come, may it continue to be so as we reveal the kingdom of Jesus, together, in Kansas City.
–Alex & Cassie Ferren,
Lead Pastors of Midtown Church
Revealing the Kingdom
Week after week, we gather in homes and in Midtown to declare the Kingdom of Jesus has come. That all may come to know the abundance of our King through our words and by our lives.
We aim to be the type of people who can step into eternity, in Jesus’ kingdom, and be right at home. And so, we gather around the things the Jesus-people have always gathered around; prayer, scripture, and mission. We gather to share stories, joys, and heartache. We gather to be reminded we are never alone.
In doing so we will gradually learn what it is to live as citizens of His Kingdom.
Microchurch
This Last year, we saw incredible growth in our microchurches. We added two microchurches in 2022. While two may seem underwhelming, that equates to four leader (two per microchurch) that are willing to step out in faith and risk opening their homes to friends and strangers in order to discover life with Jesus.
In addition to adding two, most of our groups are at or past capacity. This is an answer to prayer as we believe microchurch is not simply a strategy or a fad, but a necessary environment for spiritual growth. We thank God for their growth and look forward to their continued multiplication in 2023.
78 people in a Microchurch
6 microchurches in Kansas City
Sunday Gatherings
Although we do not define success as Sunday attendance, we do define success through the formation of disciples. We believe one of the ways this is accomplished is through a commitment to the Sunday gathering rhythm. This year alone we have seen our Sunday attendance more than double. This is for two reasons: 1.) 85% of new people who fill out a connect form get plugged into the life of the church. 2.) Our volunteer teams have over doubled meaning more people are committed to the church and serving one another.
Avg. 30 volunteers per month
76 connect forms filled out
Serve
As a church we are working to reclaim the word serve to mean our service to one another on Sundays and our service to the community. This year we have had 11 serve days partnering with local nonprofits like Synergy Services, Agape Pamoja, Longfellow Elementary, and Hope Center. Additionally, we hosted a Trunk or Treat for the neighborhood with over 500 people in attendance, most of which were low-income families who not only had fun, but were able to receive local resources from 4 local nonprofit partners.
11 serve events with 172 volunteers
Approx. 500 people at Trunk or Treat
A Church of Many Workers
The biblical vision for the church is as the body of Christ: one body but with many, different parts. We want everyone – in all our differences and distinctiveness. We desire to be a place where many do a few things instead of the few doing many. In 2022, the Ministry Team of Midtown Church grew with the addition of Bryce Crowell, Chan and Susan Chang; as well as the addition of Justin and Sam Roberts, and Corbin White to the Pastoral Team.
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Bryce Crowell
Director of Justice Initiatives
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Chan Chang
Director of Set Up
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Susan Chan
Director of Team Care
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Justin Roberts
Associate Pastor
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Sam Roberts
Associate Pastor
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Corbin White
Associate Pastor
In Kansas City, as it is in Heaven.
+$206,182.01
Total Giving
This includes all gifts contributed throughout the calendar year 2022; including a generous one-time gift of $73,000 designated primarily for 2023 expenses.
-$114,601.60
Total Expenses
This includes ministry expenses, personnel & operations, global mission, and justice.
-$40,314.36
Ministry Expenses
This includes but is not limited to Sunday Gatherings, Children’s Ministry, Dinner Parties, Microchurch, Leadership Training, and Ministry Retreats.
-$62,184.78
Personel & Operations
This includes but is not limited to Stipends, Coworking Fees, Advertising, Software, Insurance, Legal Fees, and Digital Giving Fees.
-$10,879.54
Mission, Justice, & Witness
This includes but is not limited to Outreach Events, Missionary Support, Non-profit gifts, and Benevolence.
Thank you for your Generosity.
Teaching Series
In 2022 we finished our sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount and completed a series on Colossians, Praying through the Psalms, the Apostles Creed, and Advent. God has grown our preaching team from 3 people to 8 people and thus our church is able to hear from a diverse group of voices.
