An annual report is a reflection of your church's impact and an opportunity to cast vision for the future with both gratitude and purpose.
As believers, we are called to be both faithful and accountable with our actions and resources, a principle that is deeply rooted in scripture. The Bible reminds us that "A generous person will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor." (Proverbs 22:9) Additionally, Scripture tells us to consistently remember all that God has done to encourage our faith (Is. 46:9; 1 Cor. 11:24; Ps. 103:2).
This is why we believe in creating an annual report for your church. It is a strategic way to showcase what God is doing through your church and community. It is more than just a financial document with facts and figures. It is a real-life testament to your church's commitment to living out biblical principles and ensuring the light of faith and hope shines brighter with each passing year.
The ‘why’ behind producing an annual report is as important as what’s included. So, before you start, it’s important to understand why you’re creating it in the first place.
Highlight Your Church’s Mission, Vision, Values and Priorities
An annual report should rally around your church’s overall mission, vision, values and priorities. This is a great reminder about the heart of your ministry, the ways people are engaged in ministry and the lives being changed while also being a great opportunity to invite others to be part of it!
Elevate Stewardship
The annual report can serve as a testament to good stewardship by showcasing how your church, staff and leaders have faithfully managed resources over the past year. Beyond the financials, the annual report can also highlight your volunteer efforts, community engagement, and outreach opportunities, emphasizing a holistic approach to stewardship.
Celebrate Achievements and Milestones
One of the best parts of an annual report is the celebrations. From baptisms to new visitors to reaching a volunteer goal to seeing how many people are taking a next step in their faith … there’s nothing better than hearing stories of how people are living for Jesus through your church. Share these stories and numbers throughout your report highlighting how God is moving through your church and your community.
Tell Stories
One of the best parts of an annual report is the celebrations. From baptisms to new visitors to reaching a volunteer goal to seeing how many people are taking a next step in their faith … there’s nothing better than hearing stories of how people are living for Jesus through your church. Share these stories and numbers throughout your report highlighting how God is moving through your church and your community.
Build Trust and Accountability
People care about transparency, and by openly sharing financial details and the results of various church activities, it builds trust because people can see how their contributions are being utilized.
Cast Vision
Through stories of transformed lives, community outreach and impactful projects, the annual report vividly illustrates your church's mission in action. In doing so, it engages and motivates members to align with the church's vision, encouraging their active participation and support, both spiritually and practically, in making that vision a reality.
This is also a great opportunity to pull back the curtain of what’s to come. Consider adding a few targets for the new year that help people see what ways the church is trusting God in the coming year and how people can engage with that.
Encourage Generosity and Support
By highlighting the church’s needs, projects and opportunities for growth, the annual report motivates individuals to be cheerful givers, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." It reinforces the idea that generosity is not an obligation but an act of love and obedience to God.
When people see the tangible results of their support and feel a sense of ownership in the church's mission, it ignites a spirit of generosity and a willingness to invest not just in the church's present but also in its future.
As you get ready to create this report, there are some key pieces of information you will want to make sure are a part of it so that it can have the maximum impact possible. You can learn more about that on our blog: What Should Be Included in an Annual Report.
If you’re not sure where to start or simply don’t have the time to produce an annual report on your own, we’ve got you! We’d love to connect to help you and your church create an annual report.
