Greetings from Winfield, where the Lord has been faithful yet again. This is my fourth report as lead pastor at Winfield First Church of the Nazarene.

 

This church year started with a food distribution event at our church that saw 40,000 pounds of fresh produce, milk, meat and other foods given to those in need. Not only were the hungry fed, we also had people who were not part of our church come volunteer to help out. People want to be a part of the solution, and they’re finding they can make a difference through our church.

 

We’ve had further opportunities to minister through partnerships with local county officials and private businesses. Our prison ministry has grown to help 39 men who need a second chance find work experience, job skills and a growing savings account through a work release program that we provide daily transportation. Two of these men have reached their release date and embraced freedom with new jobs, savings accounts and no need to ever return to a life of crime. One of the men told me, “This job has saved my life.”

 

We spent the year remodeling a ministry center in nearby Dexter, Kansas and celebrated an open house and dedication service where these facilities are providing refreshment and spiritual growth to individuals and groups who wish to find peace and rest.

 

Also, a nearby church that was unable to survive the challenges of the pandemic did one last thing before closing its doors – it gifted to our church their active and thriving clothing ministry, which meets needs in our community and will help resource our protective homes and care portal ministries.

 

We ended the year in the red. Giving was down about six percent compared to last year and expenses were up about seven percent. The highest unexpected expenses came from the City of Winfield’s utilities bills and increasing insurance costs. However, we were once again able to pay all of our denominational allocations including to the Church of the Nazarene’s Kansas District and to the World Evangelism Fund to support Global Missions. All bills were paid, and God remains faithful.

 

We had the privilege to celebrate 14 conversions, 3 baptisms and a total membership of 269, two new members were added by transfer from other Nazarene churches, four members went to receive their heavenly reward, and four transferred to other Nazarene churches after moving out of town. Average weekly worship attendance was 137.

 

Time and time again we have seen where the Lord calls He also equips. We have answered His call to be the light of the world, and He has been faithful to provide real funding, protection and direction.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Reverend Billy Byler, Winfield First Church of the Nazarene

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Read more reports from our 2021-22 ministry leaders:

Church board secretary Steve Tackett

Church board treasurer Celena Kennedy

Nazarene Discipleship International superintendent Melody Pappan

Nazarene Missions International president Rosalie Gorton

Nazarene Youth International president Greg Tackett