2020 Ministry Report

Read the 2020 Ministry Report here.

Dear Redeemer Members and Friends,

Today Redeemer celebrates 18 years of worshipping together as a congregation! I think I can say with certainty that no year of ministry at Redeemer so far has brought more unexpected challenges than 2020. When the year started we had a full slate of events, conferences, and mission trips on our calendar. We had big plans – and almost all of those plans had to change. It has been a great comfort this year to rest in the certainty that while the COVID-19 pandemic took us by surprise, it did not take our God by surprise. In his great faithfulness he brought us through this remarkable year, and along the way has shown again and again his care for his people.

It has also been a joy to see the ways Redeemer’s members and leadership rose to the challenges of this year, not just surviving, but thriving. Our first challenge was quickly launching a livestream to continue worship services in March. We ended the year with a strong weekly worship livestream that has reached not just our congregation, but people worshipping from home around the world! Starting in May, the Session led a thoughtful process of adapting our in-person worship services to include COVID precautions. Our women’s ministry, youth group, community groups and children’s ministry have all found creative ways to offer digital or in-person options, and we even launched a video version of the Introduction to Redeemer membership class so we could continue welcoming people into our community. We are thrilled that 103 new members joined Redeemer even in such an unusual year!

Of course, Redeemer has not yet navigated all of the challenges in front of us. A year ago I would have never thought I would be transitioning out of my role as Senior Pastor and preparing to serve as the next President of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Nevertheless, if this year has shown us anything, it is that in times of trial and uncertainty, the need and hunger for the Gospel is even greater. As we look back on 2020 and move into 2021, I hope we carry with us a renewed passion for taking the Gospel to our neighbor and to the world, knowing that God promises to meet us in that work, no matter what obstacles we encounter.

Happy Anniversary, Redeemer!

Rev. Dr. Thomas C Gibbs

Senior Pastor