December 6, 2015

Connecting People to God To One Another And To Purpose

HighPoint Church

Annual Report

2016

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Table of Contents

Report of Senior Pastor Jack Hilligoss ………………………..4

Report of Executive & Missions Pastor Bonnie Barker………...6

Report of Student Ministry ………………………..………….7

Report of Associate Pastor Mike Willis…….……………..…...8

Report of Children’s Pastors Gary & Ann Gramlich………….10

Report of Connections Pastor Marcus Kirby….……………...11

Report of BOSL Chairman Jack Trantham…...……….………12

A Year of Ministry in Pictures………………………………...13

Proposed Budget for 2017...……………………………....14-15

Annual Business Meeting Information…………………...16

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Senior Pastor’s Report Pastor Jack Hilligoss

I began my 20th year as your Pastor in 2016. I can honestly say

that my enthusiasm for this church has been renewed in this year.

A Renewed Vision:

In January our elders asked me to present to them a clear vision/plan

for our future. After several weeks of prayer, I shared with them that

I believed that HPC was a very good church. The problem with being

good is that good soon turns into “good enough”. I was afraid that

was where we were headed. In order for us to become great we

needed to address three issues:

Staff-we needed to ask God to help us prayerfully find and place the

highly gifted and passionate leaders to develop ministry that would

reach hundreds more for Christ.

Systems-If we were going to effectively disciple those hundreds of

new people we needed effective, repeatable systems in place.

Culture-We could not settle for mediocrity in any area of the church

and we could not allow comfort to be the driving force behind the

decisions we made. We had to be willing to make choices and changes

that may be difficult and uncomfortable but would open new doors for

evangelism and growth.

We also decided we needed help. So, “Intentional Churches” was

brought in to meet with the staff and key leaders and help us form a

five-year plan that would address the three issues above. The result

was a very exciting plan with a lot of buy in from our key leaders.

Our top objectives were:

Add a second worship option to create space for growth

Develop an effective “street to seat” First Impressions ministry

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Develop group life and leadership and get 50% of weekend attendees

to participate in some form of group life in year 1

Develop a long range financial, legacy, donor plan for HPC

HPC 2.0

Teams were recruited to serve with staff to plan and implement each

of these objectives. In the fall we rolled out “HPC 2.0”. Change is

difficult, but this one has been handled well and we have seen growth

quicker than we could have anticipated. Our consultants had told us

that our lack of space was a bottleneck but I never knew how true

that was. Our weekend attendance average jumped by 15% almost

immediately after we went to two worship options. We also saw

big increases in group life and guest retention.

Looking Toward 2017

With these pieces getting established we have created the potential for

growth like we haven’t seen in years. In 2017 we are going to continue

to enhance that environment. We will make a big investment in

improving the quality of our facilities by modernizing and expanding

our nursery, we will create a solid resource base for future ministry

by developing a long-term, legacy, financial plan, and we will open a

lot more doors to our community by hiring top level pastoral staff. I

think that HPC is meant to be a church that ministers to over 1000

people weekly in the city of Lake Wales.

Of course, along with these new things, HPC will continue it’s investment

in Honduras, in foster and adoption care, and in local missions here in

our community of Lake Wales. We want to continue to be a church

that shows up in places no one would ever expect the church to show

up and helps in ways that surprise them with God’s grace! Between

2014-2016 our church raised and gave away over $350,000 to local and

foreign missions on top of the operating budget monies we use. We

have a goal to give away at least another $72,000 above budget in 2017.

Here’s to seeing what God will do in 2017.

Blessings,

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Executive & Missions Pastor’s Report

Pastor Bonnie Barker

My family celebrated being at HighPoint Church for 15 years this past

August. What a blessing it has been to serve here! Thank you so

much for loving us well!

Some highlights from 2016:

April 13 …. Avry Elizabeth (my first grandchild) was born! She is a

true delight and I love being a nana!

Hired Pastor Marcus to oversee our first impressions team.

Pastor Mike began serving with our worship team.

Obtaining criminal background reports on all children’s and youth

volunteers.

Renovated the youth room.

Painted the fellowship hall.

Began renovations of our nursery area.

Re-painted the parking lot.

Unification of our ministry teams by providing opportunities to

serve together.

Grady Judd spoke on Father’s Day!

Updated the lobby furniture and walls.

Took multiple teams to Honduras.

Continue to serve with our sister churches in Honduras.

Looking forward to 2017!

Blessings,

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Fuel Student Ministry Report

A team is effectively leading our youth ministry at the present time. They

meet together monthly to go over vision, lessons and planning. Much has been

accomplished!

Here are a few highlights:

Opened the Fuel Café and provide a $3 meal deal every Wednesday night.

Provided summer ministry opportunities for our youth.

Traveled to San Antonio for International Youth Convention.

Went on a team leadership retreat. Developed 4 teams within the team to

focus on:

1. Welcome and follow-up, 2. Student Leadership, 3. Small Groups,

4. Events/Fundraising

Remodeled the youth room.

Updated the sound system, projector and screen in the youth room.

Averaging 80 – 85 leaders and students every Wednesday evening.

November baptism Sunday we have 2 definite students being baptized and

1 more possible.

Started a Student Leadership Team – applications given out and will officially

begin in January.

State Youth Convention in November (58 signed up to go).

December trip to Honduras to help lead a youth camp in conjunction with

our sister church in Choloma.

Looking forward to more amazing opportunities in 2017!

Submitted by,

FUEL Leadership Team

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I have been so blessed to be able to serve at High Point Church this

past year. The longer I serve here, the better it gets. Now that we

are in the “Finding Your Way back to God” series, I have been thinking

about those two sons Jesus talked about in Luke 15 – both of whom

needed to feel “at home” with the Father. Being at home means you

belong to a Biblical community – where people are there to give thanks

to The Lord, to encourage each other, and to reach out to those who

are still searching. I am so glad God brought me home to High Point

Church six years ago. While this was a year of fresh starts for our

family, our church family was still there with us every step of the way.

The boys and I want to thank you for your continued support!

God has been doing a lot of great things this year. Back in January, I

was asked to help provide pastoral care and support to the worship

team. Our focus has been to strengthen this biblical community

through study, prayer, training, and of course, worship! It has been a

privilege to work with such a talented team and to get to know them

up close and personal. In addition, I continue to assist in identifying

and developing leaders and groups. Since we have been working with

Intentional Churches, I have been praying and planning about how to

help each of them grow into a biblical community, where each group

delivers some type of biblical teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread,

and prayer. The young adult small group that we started last year has

grown from its infancy – it now has a name (Fresh Start) and has 10+

in attendance each week. I love meeting with them and I look forward

to seeing what God has in store for this group.

Associate Pastor’s Report Pastor Mike Willis

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Here is a review of some of the things we have accomplished:

Lead Weekly Bible Studies with the worship team each Thursday

Night before rehearsal and in the Fresh Start class.

Attended training times provided to the worship team at the

Experience Conference and “Outcry Tour” with Hillsong.

Offered leadership and pastoral care to worship team and small

group leaders.

Assisted with resources for studies and teaching the following

studies:

Ephesians & James (worship team)

The Sermon on the Mount, First Peter, First Corinthians

(Fresh Start group)

Filled pulpit as requested

Assisted with follow-up for people completing Connection cards

Helped promote upcoming studies and/or ministry opportunities

by manning table in lobby

As we step out in faith next year, I just know God will bless us for

that. I am looking forward to seeing what all He has in store for us!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Mike Willis

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Children’s Pastors Report

Pastor Ann & Gary Gramlich

Once again we have had an incredible year in kid’s ministry. Our team

has come together and jumped on board, helping where ever they can

as we prepare to start HighPoint 2.0.

Here are some of the highlights of what our team and kids

are doing for the kingdom:

On Sunday morning they are learning who they are in Jesus with

the “I Am” series.

On Wednesdays the kids are learning how to use their talents

through different classes to be able to minister to each other and

in the community.

Our kids participated in worship services during the year.

During Christmas the team and the kids had the opportunity to

“Walk To The Manger.”

During Easter we provided an opportunity for the church to participate

in our “Journey To The Cross.”

The kids were involved in ministering in the community at the

YMCA, local nursing homes, local schools, etc.

10+ baptisms

All and all we had a great year, and we look forward to 2017 to see

what God will do in His ministry with the kids and team.

Ann and I want to thank the church for entrusting us with your children,

and at any time you need us, we are there for you.

Submitted By,

Gary & Ann Gramlich

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I would first like to say that it has been a pleasure serving the congregation

of HPC. I would also like to thank the Board of Servant Leadership for

giving me the opportunity to do so. I also look forward to 2017 and the

exciting things happening in the life of our church. The following is the

year in review of the Connections Team of which we could have not

completed without Michael Genoitt and Jessie & Shelley Martinez.

HPC

Connecting People to God, To Others, & To Purpose

Assimilation (Connections Team)

Our motto for our Connection Team is...From Street to Seat to

Serve!

Here is a few ways that we implemented that theme:

From Street

Grounds cleared and parking lot repainted

1st stage of Clear & Concise signs outside and in the lobby

To Seat/Sanctuary

Increased lobby capacity

Created space for kids check-in in the lobby

Created space for Connecting Point Welcome Center

To Serve

Training with greeters & guides

Baby step: Starting Point with Pastor Jack after services

1st step: Lunch with the Leaders (2ND Sundays)

2nd step: What's Next? Next Step Class for new attenders focusing

on 1) HPC beliefs and 2) Connecting them to ministries of HPC.

Looking forward to serving with you in 2017!

Pastor Marcus Kirby

Connections Pastor’s Report Marcus Kirby

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BOSL Chairman’s Report

Jack Trantham

The Board of Servant Leadership of HighPoint Church (“HPC”) has continued

to serve the body of Christ and support and provide counsel to the staff.

As I reflect back over the past year of meetings and decisions at HPC, I feel

our pastors and elder board are more unified and excited than ever to

connect each person in our community to God, one another and purpose.

The leaders at HPC have taken several steps this year to put the foundational

support in place to be the light for this city. I feel this means we will be the

first thought if and when our city needs help, our citizens have needs and our

schools and government have unmet requirements. This has always been

our objective and now we are expanding on this initiative. It is not all about

staying a course we set, but prayerfully listening and actively achieving his

purpose which could change and bless us all in the process.

Changes and Additions from 2015 to 2016:

Additional Church staff and Pastors have been added to provide

leadership, spiritual guidance and use their time and talents.

Our Children’s Academy finished the 15-16 school year and

opened their own facilities next door.

HPC leadership engaged Intentional Churches who is assisting in a

growth system that is rooted in biblical principles and a system for

church life congregation development.

Renovations have been completed to the adult class rooms, fellowship

hall, youth room, main lobby and we have just started the major

makeover to the kid’s wing.

Two additional board members have been added to the HPC

board, Michael Geniott and Sal Tropea. They have been active and

engaged men of God who have provided additional insight and

guidance to our Church leadership.

HPC has begun two services to support our growing numbers.

We encourage you to continue to lift up our Pastors in prayer and we

would appreciate your prayers for us as we begin a new year; pray that

God fulfills his vision for us as a congregation.

Thank you for your attention. May God continue to bless you and

HighPoint Church.

Respectfully Submitted,

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MINISTRY PICTURES OF 2016

Nursery Remodel Operation BackPack

Sheriff Judd at HPC

FCOG Senior Rally

Ministering to LWPD

Service Projects

10+ Kids Baptized

KidsPoint Leading Worship

Spiritual Growth

Service Projects HSOD Dance Event

Local School Event

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HighPoint Church

2017 Proposed Budget

INCOME

Budgeted Proposed

2016 2017

Tithes/Offerings $700,000.00 $738,189.14

Capital Income $ 20,000.00 $ 20,000.00 Total Budgeted Income $720,000.00 $758,189.14

EXPENSES

Pastor & Employee Expenses

Budget Proposed

2016 2017

Total Employee Exp. $380,796.37 $360,819.14

Operating Expenses

Budget Proposed

2016 2017

Total Operating Exp. $258,292.00 $272,150.00

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EXPENSES CONTINUED Ministry Expenses Budget Proposed

2016 2017

Total Ministry Exp. $63,000.00 $125,220.00

Total Expenses $702,088.00 $758,189.14

Missions - Radical Generosity

Budget Proposed

2016 2017

Total Missions $ 72,000.00 $ 75,000.00

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ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING:

Sunday, December 4, 2016

10:30 am - 10:50 am Meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall between our two

worship services.

We will be voting on the proposed 2017 budget along with ratifying

members of the Board of Servant Leadership

Prior to the meeting, all eligible voters will receive written notice

via mail or email.

ARTICLE IV-Constitution and By-laws

Section 1 - The voting membership of this corporation shall include persons who meet the following conditions:

1.1 They profess Jesus as Savior and Lord of their lives and that they are committed to living according to His teaching and example as recorded in the Bible.

1.2 They must be sixteen (16) years of age or older.

1.3 They must have worshipped regularly with the congregation for a period of six months prior to the meeting at which the right to vote is to be exercised.

1.4 Must have a record of regular financial support of the general budget of the congregation for the previous six months which can be established through a review of their giving records by the congregations Treasurer and Chairperson.

1.5 The criteria herein stated governing eligibility for voting shall apply to business meetings alone, and shall not affect the religious rights and privileges of the members.

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