Life.Church Stories - 2016 Celebration

Celebrating a Year of Generosity and Global Impact

Overview

Life Church paused at the edge of a new year to look back on all God did through the church’s giving, serving, and praying in 2016. From free ministry resources and record Bible App downloads to new campuses, online reach, and thousands of changed lives, the message celebrated how much more can be accomplished together than alone. The tone was thankful, data-rich, and filled with stories of real people experiencing transformation.

Themes

Partnership Through Free Resources

• Life Church gives away graphics, videos, sermon notes, kids curriculum, leadership training, and more so other churches can thrive.
• 2016 milestone: over 9 million free resources distributed—an estimated $25 million value.
• Story: Leaders of The Current church in Fresno, California, used the free resources to launch their congregation after praying for direction.
  • Quote: > “We knew we could do more together than we could apart.”

Bible App Reaching a Quarter-Billion Devices

• The YouVersion Bible App, created by Life Church, passed 250 million downloads.
• Millions now read, listen to, and share Scripture daily through the app.
• Story: Musicians Tina and Teddy Campbell found healing in their marriage by turning to the Bible App during a season of betrayal and pain.
  • Tina: the app silenced torment and brought “life in every aspect.”
  • Teddy: searching to be a better man “pointed to Jesus,” and Scripture guided him.

Global Mission Partnerships

• Life Church financially supports 45+ local and global partners, investing over $25 million since 2013.
• 2016 impact stretched to Uganda, India, Bolivia, Ecuador, and every community surrounding the church’s 26 physical campuses.
• A representative from Samaritan’s Purse thanked the church for “irrational generosity” that equips local congregations to be the hope of the world.

Campus Growth & Church Online

• Two existing campuses (Albany, NY and Northwest Oklahoma City) moved into permanent facilities to better serve their cities.
• New campuses launched in Overland Park, KS and Fort Smith, AR, together ministering to 2,000+ people.
• Church Online hit a record: 6 million unique computers logged in from every country and territory.

Eternal Results: Changed Lives

• 6,000 people publicly declared faith in Jesus through baptism in 2016.
• Easter weekend attendance exceeded 110,000 across all locations.
• Over 40,000 individuals made commitments to follow Christ, altering personal destinies and family legacies forever.

Key Truths

• Generosity multiplied through partnership advances the gospel farther than isolated effort.
• Digital tools like the Bible App open daily access to God’s Word and catalyze personal transformation.
• Strategic giving empowers trusted local and global organizations to protect the vulnerable and serve those in crisis.
• Expanding physical campuses and online platforms positions the church to reach new communities.
• Every statistic ultimately represents a person whose life and eternity have been changed by Jesus.

Response

• Continue giving faithfully to fuel local and global ministry.
• Serve in your campus and community, trusting that small acts contribute to worldwide impact.
• Pray consistently for partner churches, mission organizations, and new believers.
• Share the Bible App with friends and family to encourage daily engagement with Scripture.
• Invite others to church—online or in person—so they can encounter Christ.

Closing

The celebration ended with heartfelt gratitude, reminding the congregation that every baptism, download, and mission initiative is the direct result of their generosity and obedience.

“Thank you so much—you are the ones truly making a difference in helping people find God and find life.”

The church looks to the coming year believing God will do “infinitely more” as they remain united in the mission of leading people to become fully devoted followers of Christ.

Resources

• YouVersion Bible App
• Free Life Church ministry resources (graphics, curriculum, leadership training)
• Samaritan’s Purse
• Life Church Worship Christmas music (available on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud)