Dear Canyon Springs Church Family,

Thank you for joining us for our Town Hall congregational meeting. It is always meaningful when we gather as a church family to listen, learn, and discern God’s direction together. During our time, we shared important updates on the 2026 budget, the Pastoral Search Committee’s survey results, and the transition to a volunteer‑led Youth Ministry. Each of these areas reflects the good work God is doing in and through Canyon Springs, and we are grateful to walk this journey Better Together.

2026 Budget

Through thoughtful decisions to reduce expenses—including lowering payroll costs, increasing reliance on volunteers, and carefully managing operating costs—we approved a balanced budget for 2026. These adjustments, paired with income assumptions based on 2025 giving, allow us to move into the year with financial stability and confidence.  As a congregation, we are invited to prayerfully consider how the Holy Spirit is leading us to give and invest in God’s Kingdom.

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give… for God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” —2 Corinthians 9:7

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.” —Proverbs 3:9

Congregational Survey Results

With an outstanding response of 128 participants, the Pastoral Search Committee now has a clear understanding of the priorities that matter most to Canyon Springs Church. The survey highlighted six central hopes for our next pastor: strong leadership in youth and children’s ministries, a relational and present pastoral style, solid biblical teaching and communication, meaningful community engagement, long‑term stability, and capable administrative and organizational leadership.

Together, these themes reflect our congregation’s heartfelt picture of the “perfect pastor.” While no candidate will embody every ideal perfectly, the Search Team is committed to prayerfully and diligently seeking the pastor who most closely aligns with these priorities and with the biblical, Covenant, and educational requirements outlined in the job description. These insights will shape the job description, inform our Church Profile—our résumé to prospective candidates—and guide the development of interview questions, topics, and real‑life experience indicators that reflect our church’s values.

Volunteer‑Led Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry remains the heartbeat of Canyon Springs Church, and our congregation strongly affirmed its importance. As we transition to a volunteer‑led model, it has been inspiring to see so many parents and young adults step forward with enthusiasm and commitment. What began as a team of just over 30 Youth Leaders has now grown to almost 50, an incredible expression of the Holy Spirit at work in our church family.

To provide structure and support, we have identified Program Leaders for the three major areas of Youth Ministry: Michelle Cooper and Sky Holt will lead High School OASIS; Linnea Miller and Alysia Buck will lead Middle School OASIS; and Josh Gorham will oversee the Sunday Program and Message. As these leaders step into new relational and leadership roles, they are focused on building trust, listening well, supporting their teams, and ensuring the ongoing strength of the OASIS ministry.

To further support this model, Lesley Hyatt has graciously agreed to serve as Staff Liaison. She will assist the Program Leaders with budget oversight, compliance, and ministry practices that have served her well as Children’s Director. Lesley will serve in this role through the end of the semester (around June 1), at which point we will reevaluate the ministry’s needs and scope.

Thank you for walking so faithfully with us in this season. We are deeply grateful for a church family that listens for God’s voice, supports one another, and celebrates the ways He is moving in our midst. As we step forward together, we do so with joy and confidence, trusting that God is guiding our church into a new season of hope, unity, and renewed purpose.

May He continue to bless and strengthen Canyon Springs as we follow Him with open hands and expectant hearts.

With faith and gratitude,

Elder Board, Canyon Spring Church

For questions, please contact our Elder Board at [email protected]