Annual Report 2025
Trusting God’s Plan for Generations to Come
FROM OUR PASTOR
A Note from Stephen
This Annual Report is always an exciting time to review and reflect on the scope of our ministry reach, not only in Cary, but throughout the region and around the world.
An annual report is traditionally all about figures, statistics and numbers. But don’t miss the message behind the math . . . every number is a nose – a living disciple-in-the-making.
This report catalogs our careful and intentional use of finances and facilities, time and energy, staff and volunteers, reflects our commitment to the great commission. We are incredibly blessed and encouraged by a caring, giving and serving church family.
This year is especially exciting as we design new facilities to minister to our own church family, and welcome so many more. We will be called upon to faithfully, sacrificially and cheerfully give our time and treasure.
A.W. Tozer used to say that “money is earthly, but when we contribute to the work of Christ, something earthly is able to touch immortality.” That’s our goal: winning the lost and discipling the believer so that we grow up in every respect in Christ (Ephesians 4:15).
Before we launch too far into the near future, let’s allow this annual report to reveal amazing open doors, and the goodness of God. We are a blessed congregation. So let’s be encouraged by this report to renew our priorities and passion for His glory, and to continue investing something earthly for the sake of eternity.
Gratefully,
YEAR IN REVIEW
2025 brought some exciting changes at our church including the launch of a third service to accommodate our increased growth, which also inspired our Generations capital campaign to expand our campus!
WORSHIP
2025 was another wonderful year of powerful worship experiences led by our adult choir and orchestra, as well as our children’s and student choirs, as they sought to “make His praise glorious.”
CONNECT
Finding community through groups and various ministries is what makes a large church like Shepherd’s feel small. Hundreds of people took that next step in 2025 to connect here and now have friendships that will last a lifetime!
GROW
In 2025, many experienced spiritual growth through making a personal decision to follow Christ, followed by baptism, plugging into Bible studies, joining Adult Bible Fellowships, and more!
NEXT GEN
Our vibrant Children’s, Student and College ministries had another great year of reaching the next generation for Christ in 2025 through weekly programming, exciting camps, retreats, service projects and more!
SERVE
We celebrate all the hundreds of volunteers who served in various ministries throughout 2025. As the old saying goes, “Many hands make light work.” Thanks for making a difference!
STEWARDSHIP / PROPOSED 2026/2027 BUDGET
We remain thankful for the Lord’s faithful provision each year through the generous giving of our congregation.