The Upper Midwest Conference will gather later this month in Sioux City, Iowa, for our 2nd Annual Conference. This time together will offer us an opportunity to deepen our connections and put faces to names. As part of this, we’ll be taking photos of those attending for our online database—helping us all know each other better.
Over the past year, we took a “snapshot” of our churches by submitting year-end statistics for the first time. These numbers give us a glimpse into each church’s life at that moment. While they don’t tell the full story, they offer valuable insight and, over time, will help us track the journey of our churches.
Here’s a summary of the statistics we’ve gathered:
• Total Members: 20,985
• Average Worship Attendance: 9,580
• Average Online Attendance: 3,236
• Total Giving: $22,486,233
• 2024 Baptisms: 430
• 2024 Professions of Faith: 479
These numbers are interesting because they reflect the makeup of our conference and offer a snapshot of our collective ministry. But behind every number is a story.
One story not yet captured in the statistics is of a young mom who was searching for God. She didn’t grow up in church but felt drawn to know Him. One night, she woke up at 3:30 a.m. convinced that God was speaking to her. She looked online and found John 3:30: “He must become greater; I must become less.” This verse led her to the church I serve, where she was baptized in May. She’s now the newest member of our church family.
When next year’s statistics include her story, it won’t just be a number—it will represent a life where Jesus is becoming greater.
As we come to the Annual Conference, let’s carry John 3:30 in our hearts. Let’s come ready to become less, so that Jesus becomes more. Together, we can magnify and glorify His name—both as a conference and in each of our local churches.
I’m praying that God will bring us together for His great purposes and send us back into our communities to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet.
