Chip Ingram
Senior Pastor
Dear Members,
God is at work, and we have so much to celebrate at Venture! Lives were changed because of your generosity with your time, talents, and treasure. This annual report is an opportunity to look back and reflect on what God has done in and through our church over the last fiscal year ending June 30, 2017.
Together, we partnered to see thousands of people come to Christ, disciples made, children educated and fed, food and pure water given to the poor, and the teaching of God’s word going to millions across America and around the world.
My hope is that, as you read this report, you’ll see the miracles God is doing every week at Venture, and you’ll join our excitement for what God has planned for us in our 2017-2018 fiscal year. As I meet with our elders, strategic planning teams, and staff, I’ve never been more excited and encouraged about the future impact of Venture Christian Church.
Thank you again for your generosity and your partnership in this sacred thing we call “ministry.”
On behalf of the elders and staff,
The Weekend
Worship Services at a Glance
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Average Worship Service Attendance
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First-time visitors
"Having visited many non-denominational churches in the South Bay, I can confidently say that this is the best church to be in if you are interested in real spiritual growth, and being challenged constantly in becoming a better version of yourself and rep. of Christ"
- Truth T.
"We've only been attending for a couple of weeks but so far everyone is really friendly and welcoming. The staff seems really organized and sincere. Our kids LOVE the children's program and are already making connections. The MOPS group is big but very warm and inviting. For a big church I was expecting to have difficulty getting involved but Venture makes that very easy to do and the people that go there make you feel very included."
- Christa R.
"First church where I have felt I belonged. I would recommend it to anyone!"
- Kandice M.
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Services
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First-time Guests
Christmas 2016
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Total Attendance
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Services
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First-time guests
Easter 2017
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total attendance
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Online Campus Views
Baptisms
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People Baptized
"Always God's presence is felt. Always our heart are filled up with His word. Always the worship time is refreshing and uplifting. Always God is good."
- Tracey S.
"Venture is my home! It's the word that is being taught that has me captivated. When I walk through the doors I can feel excitement in the air...I know it is the Holy Spirit ♡"
- Rhonda V.
Coming Before God In Worship
Coming Before God in Worship
Vespers - In April, we held our very first Vespers service - an intergenerational time of worship, communion, prayer for the whole congregation in preparation for Easter services. It concluded with an amazing 17 spontaneous baptisms.
"Always God's presence is felt. Always our heart are filled up with His word. Always the worship time is refreshing and uplifting. Always God is good."
“Venture is my home! It's the word that is being taught that has me captivated. When I walk through the doors I can feel excitement in the air...I know it is the Holy Spirit ♡"
Meet Our Volunteers!
"I am privileged and humbled to be part of such a great worship team. They are encouraging and have helped to shape my view of worship. Helping others meet God in worship is such a blessing. Every time I serve I leave with a full heart!"
Geoffrey Cheng
Venture Worship Team Bassist
"I began to lead worship in 678, and then moved on to lead in the High School Ministry. I've been given many opportunities to lead in the main services as well. God has taught me many things through the worship culture at Venture. God has taught me about authenticity, humility, and servant leadership. One of the most important things I've learned is that everything starts with my own intimate and honest relationship with Christ - I can't lead people where I have not been."
Brooke Irby
Venture Worship Team volunteer leader
Before God Ministries at a Glance:
Valuing Families
Valuing Families
Intentional Parenting Conference - In February, we hosted a parenting conference with guest speaker Doug Fields. Over 600 attended this event to build stronger families.
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In Attendance
Living with HOPE and Mental Health - 94 people joined us as we launched a new Mental Health Ministry with an event featuring Santa Clara Superior Court Judge, Stephen Manley (founder of Mental Health Treatment Court) and Deputy Director Deane Wiley of Behavioral Health Services.
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In Attendance
Kids Science Camp (Vacation Bible Xtreme) - We had over 550 children from grade K-5, plus 180 volunteers at this year’s science-themed Vacation Bible Xtreme!
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Volunteers
"Loved it. The children's ministry blew us away and all of our kids were talking about how fun they had all day. The message was powerful and authentic. Definitely will be returning"
Meet Jason!
"The launch of Living with HOPE & Mental Health has been a true blessing for me as well as others knowing that we can journey alongside individuals and families affected by mental health. Being able to share the HOPE of Christ makes it even more meaningful."
Jason Noriega
Volunteer Leader for Living with HOPE and Mental Health
Family Ministries at a Glance:
Doing Life In Community
Doing Life In Community
Venture Men’s Breakfast - The Men’s Ministry hosted breakfast events for 200+ Venture men in Dec 2016 and Apr 2017. At these events, Venture’s men came together for food, fellowship, and connection.
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In Attendance
Venture Women’s Retreat: A Joyful Staycation - The Venture Women's Retreat was a huge success with 425 attending as speaker Margaret Feinberg reminded us to pursue JOY despite our circumstances. This was a new venue and giant paradigm shift for us, but the impact is still being felt as women diverse in ages, ethnicity, and life connected, 25 responded to an altar call, dynamic friendships were forged, and momentum for future ministry was ignited.
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In Attendance
The Network at Beautiful Day - The Network, Venture’s ministry to Young Professionals in their 20s & 30s, took ownership of the Teen Challenge: Women and Children’s Center for Beautiful Day, and gave the interior and exterior of their facility a wonderful restoration. The results were exceptional: they’re better equipped to provide transitional housing for single women, pregnant women, and women with children for years to come.
"Family Connect has provided a wonderful avenue for my family to get deeply connected with other families. The proverbIal cherry on top is knowing that our children are being loved and cared for in a safe environment at Venture while we engage with other families on our faith walk and grow in community together."
- Joe Byker
"Recently I attended an event with Venture Christian's MOPs group (also joined MOPs International). I had such a wonderful time being with other mothers, hearing God's word and hearing positive affirmations about challenges we face every day!! What a blessing it is to attend this group and be mentored in the process!! It was definitely God's perfect timing!"
Meet Suresh and Ann!
After living in Illinois for 16 years, Suresh and Ann Kumar were brought by God to the Silicon Valley to minister the unchurched. They currently serve Venture as small group leaders.
Suresh and Ann
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Adult small groups
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People in a small group 69% growth from FY16
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Young Professional (The Network) small groups 80% growth from FY16
In Community Ministries at a Glance:
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Women in Venture Women weekday bible studies
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Men in Venture Men weekday bible studies
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In weekend bible studies/classes
Being On Mission 24/7
Being On Mission 24/7
Beautiful Day 2017 - Venture, Venture en Español and the Church of Faith and Hope worked together to transform three sites (a school and two Teen Challenge locations).
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Team Leaders
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Volunteers
"Switched from another church mostly because there are so many ways to get connected with other people. Lots of places to serve and my daughter 15 has lots of places to serve as well. Well done venture"
Meet Jack!
When Jack Elwell isn’t teaching physiology at Independence High School, he spends countless volunteer hours leading Venture’s ministries in Ethiopia. He leads most of the Ethiopia short-term trips, heads the Ethiopia Missions Team, liaisons with our missionary and national partners in the region, serves in advisory capacities with missions organizations, and is known in Ethiopia by the nickname Rooba, which means, “rain.” Nearly every year when Jack arrives in Ethiopia, no matter how drought stricken the region has been, when he prays for rain … it rains.
Jack Elwell
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New decisions for Christ in Ethiopia
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People discipled & trained globally
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People on mission trips
On Mission at a Glance:
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Countries with a Venture ministry presence
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Churches planted
On Mission at a Glance
Fun Facts
21+
Languages Spoken at Venture
95k+
Cars Parked
1,750
Diapers changed
374lbs
of Graham Crackers Eaten in Venture Kidz
30k+
Slices of pizza eaten during Saturday Services
Other Church Facts
Financial Statements
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2017 (in 000’s)
| Income | Budget | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Church | $10,156 | $9,745 |
| Missions & Faith Promise | $1,558 | $1,932 |
| Total Income | $11,714 | $11,677 |
| Expenses | ||
| Church | $9,515 | $8,638 |
| Missions & Faith Promise | $1,557 | $1,932 |
| Total Expenses | $11,072 | $10,570 |
| Operating Surplus | $642 | $1,107 |