Crossview Covenant Church Annual Report
July 2025 - June 2026
Church family,
Our ministry year last year began with a crazy August that included a large VBS and hosting over 500 middle schoolers for MUUUCE. At the same time our Nextgen team was having significant changes. Renata was taking over 5Cs. Tyler was transitioning into Aaron’s Student Ministries role and Jamie was taking the Kids Director position. It was a lot! And it was awesome. We went into the school year with a lot of unknowns and by God’s grace it was a great ministry year. All three of those ministries grew under new leadership!
Some of the first semester highlights for me were Feed My Starving Children, Night in Bethlehem, Best Christmas Ever, Christmas Eve Services and the Mexico mission trip. I love FMSC and BCE because Crossview is so generous and we partner with other local organizations to make a kingdom difference. Christmas Eve is so much fun and we had our highest attendance since pre-Covid (sorry to say that word). The mission trip is amazing. Lives are changed on our team and through our team. New friendships begin and transform lives.
2026 had some great moments as well. The 80 and over luncheon hosted by our college students, the Chili Cookoff, Easter, Confirmation Sunday, the Global 6k and many more. As I was looking at the calendar, I began thinking that it is easy to forget about the things that happen consistently and faithfully. Project Days, Friendship Builders, small groups, Sunday School, 5C’s, serving (in kids, front porch, ushers, etc), financial generosity, and so much more happens over and over and over again. It is these faithful spaces that God does so much work in our lives. I often repeat a line to our team that a key mentor told me. Don’t focus on the numbers (of course, know the numbers), focus on being faithful. It is in the faithful moments that so much our transformation happens year after year.
Grace and Peace,
Brad
We worship together and invite others to join us - In Person and Online!
Our Sunday morning "win" is creating an inspiring, guest-friendly worship experience that encourages everyone to take a next step in their faith.
We phrase it that way because we recognize that each Sunday brings people from all kinds of spiritual backgrounds. We believe a church family can worship in a way that honors and respects where each person is on their journey.
Worship doesn’t begin with the first song — it starts the moment someone walks through the door. That’s why all our Sunday teams — worship, greeters, ushers, communion prep and servers, and tech — work together to create an environment where people can encounter God’s love.
We had 11 infant baptisms & 2 infant dedications in our 2025-2026 year. We had 19 believer baptisms in August 2025 and 10 believer baptisms in November 2025.
We believe that every person belongs in a
smaller community
We believe that some of the most powerful transformation in our lives happens in circles, not rows.
Our primary goal for community life is to love Jesus so deeply that it naturally draws people to connect with one another and grow together in faith — because we truly are better together.
We see real transformation in smaller communities when:
People have accessible opportunities to connect
Leaders are being developed and supported
Individuals take meaningful next steps in their faith
People invite others to join in
Generosity and hospitality are actively cultivated
These are the signs that life-changing community is happening.
We serve in our church, city & world
Serving is one of our core pathways — and it takes shape in many beautiful ways.
This means serving one another within the church, serving our local community, and engaging globally. It’s exciting to look around Crossview and see people of all generations living out this pathway:
Teenagers and adults welcoming guests and opening doors
Seniors meeting on Thursday mornings to assemble care items for those on the margins
Volunteers of all ages pouring into our kids and teens every Sunday and Wednesday
Faithful teams who bake, prep, and serve meals for grieving families during funerals
And that’s just the beginning — there are so many ways people serve, we couldn’t possibly name them all.
What matters most is this: every time we serve — whether inside the church or out in the community — we step into mutual transformation. We’re not just making a difference in someone else’s life; God is shaping us in the process too.
We prioritize ministry to the coming generations for the future of the church
Crossview Kids
This past year was another great year of watching kids grow in their relationships with Jesus and with one another. Our NextGen team continued to focus on creating safe and welcoming environments where kids can have fun, build relationships, ask questions, and learn more about Jesus. Each week, we had approximately 100 kids joining us on Sunday mornings and around 70 kids participating on Wednesday nights from PreK through 5th grade. We are so thankful for the volunteers who show up each week and make it possible for us to love and serve so many kids and families.
In August 2025, we welcomed kids to Vacation Bible School for “True North.” We had 165 kids registered and 75 volunteers join us for the week. Through games, worship, Bible stories, and crafts, kids learned that Jesus is our True North and that they can trust Him to guide them through every part of life. It was a fun week of seeing kids connect with Jesus and with each other.
We are so thankful for our church family and for the many people who give their time, resources, and prayers to invest in the next generation. Because of your support, we are able to continue creating spaces where kids and families can experience the love of Jesus and learn more about God’s love.
Crossview Youth
For the 2025-2026 year at Crossview, the student ministry area has been strong. On Wednesday night for grades 6 through 12 during the school year, we are averaging between 75-85 students. We average between 15-20 volunteers along with those students. The biggest change we have seen in our area, is the collaboration between Kid’s Ministry and Student Ministry for a joint worship time. We have continued the same events as years past including Winter Retreat, Lock-ins, Valley Fair and other events for the youth. And encouraged our youth be key volunteers for Kid’s Ministry events as well, such as VBS and Night in Bethlehem.
Confirmation continues to grow as well. The 2nd year confirmation students completed the program, and we graduated 20 students in the Spring. The 1st year group got started with 30 new students beginning the program at the start of the school year. The confirmation class has been fortunate to have 3 volunteers be regular participants in our Sunday classes.
5Cs Preschool
5Cs Preschool
“God’s Promises Are Sweet” was our theme for the 2025–2026 preschool year at 5Cs. Throughout the year, we talked with the children about God’s promises and how much He loves them. We also worked on kindergarten readiness and helped the children grow socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually.
This year, we had approximately 75 children ages 2–5 enrolled at 5Cs, with 13 staff members caring for and teaching our students. Children attended two, three, or five days a week. It was a joy to watch the children learn, grow, make friends, and become more confident throughout the year.
We are so thankful for the families who trust us with their children and for the staff who pour so much love and care into each child. It is a privilege to share Jesus with our youngest learners and to be a place where children can learn about God's love while getting ready for kindergarten. 5Cs continues to be a special ministry and outreach of Crossview to families in our community.
We lead with grace, humility, trust and joy
Nominating
Members: Kristin Baty, Scott Carlson, Nancy Dobson, Pastor Brad Jackson
Mission from the Charter: The Nominating Committee shall function primarily to develop and recommend Church policy, and/or to create long-range plans, goals, and strategies consistent with their responsibilities and duties. With approval from the Church Council, the Committee may establish and dissolve subcommittees.
What was accomplished:
Nominated one open council position that was voted into serving. Nominated and elected one open position on to the HR committee.
Make suggestions for open Deacon or committee spots when asked by the council
Missions
Purpose
The Committee shall study, evaluate, and recommend goals, strategies, priorities, and policies for participation in service and evangelism through the Evangelical Covenant Church and other mission partners and agencies. Such goals and policies shall include not only financial support, but also active participation by groups and individuals in short-term projects as well as long-term and career assignments, both local and global.Members: Shawna Hulzebos, Craig Schanbacher, Jill Kietzer, Cheryl Bresser and Clarice Esslinger
Accomplishments:
Maintained ongoing signage and visual presence for mission's wall
Updated our Partners and Missionaries List
Supported Global 6k
Welcomed Francisco and Stephanie Ramos to Crossview on 8-9-26
Our monthly giving will be with four focused partners:
Jan-Mar Affordable House
April-June PACT
July-September Lincoln Community Center
October-December Gentle ShepherdOne-time gifts and special events will still be reviewed/completed.
A $1000 one-time gift was given to Alpha.
We support 18 mission fields (28 missionaries):
College & University Ministries: Cru, Intervarsity, Navigators
Gentle Shepherds
France
Mexico
Czech Republic
South Sudan
Thailand
Central America
Human Resources
Human Resources and Personnel Committee
Members:
Pastor Brad Jackson
Paulette Booker (chair/secretary; at-large; term expires December 2026)
Nancy Dobson (church council member; term expires December 2027)
Clay Sharkey (church council member; term expires December 2029)
At-large (vacant)
Former Church Council members (vacant)
Mission from the charter:
The Human Resources and Personnel Committee shall provide guidance for the human resource functions for church employees. The committee shall develop and recommend policy for adoption by the Church Council and implementation by the Senior Pastor as head of the staff. The committee shall pay particular attention to employment law and other “best practices” issues. It shall provide regular reviews of compensation and benefit practices and assist supervisors with hiring and employee relations as requested.
With approval from the Church Council (Council), the Committee may establish and dissolve subcommittees. (Bylaws Article VI, Section 1)
What was accomplished:
Conducted annual performance review for Pastor Brad
Oversaw staff annual performance review process
Prepared salary recommendations for FY 2026-2027
Ensured compliance with Mn Paid Leave Act
Began employee handbook review and update
Recommended development of volunteer handbook
Developed PTO policy changes for council approval
Developed job classification language for council approval
Prepared organizational culture and employee well-being annual report
Prepared significant issues annual report
Prepared HR&P Committee annual report
Deacons
According to the Deacon Committee charter, “Purpose: The Deacon Committee shall function to assist the pastors in carrying on the prayer and caring ministry of the Church. The members of the Committee shall be those individuals gifted by God for the purpose of providing help and care to each member and friend of the congregation.”
The Deacons accomplish their purpose by serving in teams each month on a rotating basis, ready to meet with anyone needing financial and/or emotional support.
Current members of the Deacon Committee are Greg Bednar, Deland Gertner, Jackie Willard, Britta Sharkey, Barry Ries, and Jodi Leighton. Non-voting members are Libby Englehorn and Brad Jackson.
During the 2026 calendar year, the committee met six times (January through May and September) either in person or via Zoom. We are scheduled to meet in October, November, and December.
Accomplishments:
During fiscal year 2025, Crossview Deacons approved 22 requests for assistance to individuals and families totaling $23,776.19. Assistance ranged from car repairs to paying past due utility bills to assisting with travel expenses. In every instance, Deacons met with those requesting assistance either in person or via telephone call. Each case was evaluated against the Deacons Guidelines document then submitted to the general Committee for discussion. Only then was a vote taken to either approve or decline support.
Stewardship
Purpose: The Committee shall identify and recommend strategies which enable active financial stewardship by the Church’s Members and attenders. It shall develop, monitor, and maintain a long-term financial plan, including planning for future facility needs, subject to approval by the Council. It shall develop, recommend, and monitor policies for both operating and capital budgeting, managing cash and other financial assets of the Church, and for complying with accepted legal and accounting practices.
Members: Andrew Jelken (Chair), Brian Lynch (Secretary), Pastor Brad Jackson, Eric Poppler, Myron Erstad, Brett Benzkofer, and Ashley Lefeber.
What was accomplished?
● In the church year ending June 30th, 2026, the committee officially met six times.
● Continued working with LeiningerCPA, Ltd. for our audited financials.
● Planned and presented a comprehensive budget including:
-Increased considerations for building maintenance and repairs to avoid surprises.
-Budgeted in line with actual contributions.
● Worked with APX and Building and Grounds to compile the long-term building needs of our church.
● Engaged in discussions about the long term vision for the land owned by our church.
Crossview Covenant Church
Connecting people to Jesus so they can connect Jesus to their world.
