Disciples Church Springfield

2025 ANNUAL REPORT

To the Annual General Meeting of Members, to be held at the Ministry Hub, 1 Main Street, Springfield on Tuesday, 17th March 2025, starting at 7.30pm.

Corporate Information

Disciples Church Springfield is a public, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and registered as a religious institution.

It was officially incorporated on 17 December 2010.

ACN: 147 916 818

Denomination

Disciples Church Springfield is a member of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches.
www.fiec.org.au

Solicitor

Neumann & Turnour Lawyers
Level 2, 345 Anne Street
Brisbane QLD 4000
www.ntlawyers.com.au

Auditor

KBP Audit Services
Suite 1.12
1 Westlink Court
DARRA QLD 4076
www.kbpaudit.com.au

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the 15th Annual Report of Disciples Church Springfield.
As we reflect on 2025, we find ourselves doing what Scripture so often calls God’s people to do - giving thanks.

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1

This year has reminded us again that the church belongs to Christ. He sustains it, strengthens it, and grows it. He is faithful in every season.

What do we have to be thankful for? So much, but in particular, we have seen unity, generosity, and humility across the life of our church - from our discipleship groups, to volunteers serving on Sundays, to staff and leadership teams. We are grateful for members who love one another well, have a growing hunger and thirst for a deeper relationship with Jesus and want to share that love with the lost.

We are also grateful that week after week, the gospel continues to be proclaimed - not only from the pulpit, but in the lives and hearts of His disciples. There have been many public encouraging moments throughout the year (more on that in the report to come!), but above all, we are thankful for the quiet and consistent work of discipleship among His people. Not every blessing is loud, nor degree of sanctification obvious, and yet His faithfulness has been unmistakable.

As an Elder Board, we have been reminded that our confidence is never in structures, strategies, or even seasons of growth. Our confidence is in the Lord who builds His church.

As you read the reports that follow, we encourage you to do so with hearts of thanksgiving. Let us give glory to God for all He has done - and entrust the year ahead to Him.

To Him be all honour and praise.

In Christ,
The DC Elders

OUR ECCLESIOLOGY

That's a fancy word for "system of government." While our Constitution requires the activities of the church to be reported to the members of the Church, it is the Elders who have the responsibility and authority to make decisions for the good of the whole Church. You can read how this is spelt out in our Constitution.

This AGM, some minor constitutional changes will be presented and require a vote from the members. More details about these changes will be made available closer to the 17th March, 2026.

To view our current constitution (without the changes), see below.

LEAD PASTOR'S REFLECTION

Callum Mansfield has served as the Lead Pastor of Disciples Church Springfield since July 2024.
“I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew 16:18
The Lead Pastor’s Report will be presented by Pastor Callum Mansfield. A summary of key highlights from 2025 is provided below:

In 2025, Disciples Church experienced a year of formation following the significant transitions of the previous year.

Leadership continued to settle as Christ’s headship over the church remained central. Discipleship strengthened significantly through the church-wide implementation of The Heart of Discipleship framework, resulting in a growing hunger for Scripture and an increase in gospel-centred, heart-focused relationships across the congregation.

Nine baptisms and seven baby dedications also marked visible fruit of generational faith and growth. Weekly Sunday attendance remained strong, regularly exceeding two hundred. The sale of the Springfield Lakes property, alongside consistent generosity from members, strengthened the church’s financial foundations and positioned it well for future ministry.

Above all, 2025 was marked not simply by structural stability, but by deepening spiritual maturity and a visible love for Christ within the life of the church.

THE NUMBERS

108 IN DISCIPLESHIP

+ 28 from last year

30 Discipleship Leaders

+ 8 new from last year

92 KIDS IN MCGs

Always growing!

129 MEMBERS

+ 16 new members joined

87 VOLUNTEERS SERVING

A dramatic increase from the year prior

9 BAPTISMS

+ 2 from the year prior

7 BABY DEDICATIONS

200 @ SUNDAY SERVICES

87 VOLUNTEERS SERVING

+ ? from last year
+ ? from last year
A dramatic increase from the year prior

DIRECTORS REPORT

We have five Elders, four of whom serve on the Board of Directors of Disciples Church Springfield. This is their report on the activities of the church in 2025.
“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.”
Psalm 127:1
The Director’s Report will be presented by Nathan Rule (Elder).

In 2025, the Elder Board consisted of the Chairman, Pastor Callum Mansfield (BTh), Pastor Anthony Sligar (BTh), Pastor Greg Gardiner (BMin), David Machin (BSc), and Nathan Rule (BRTP), with Emily Oliver serving as Secretary. We remain grateful for the complementary strengths of each member and for the continued spirit of unity that has marked our decision-making throughout the year.

2025 was a year of consolidating the change we experienced the year prior. Early in the year, youth beach baptisms gathered over one hundred supporters and set the tone for steady formation bearing gospel fruit. The Genesis to Jesus series continued shaping the theological depth of the church and laid the groundwork for the development and church-wide implementation of The Heart of Discipleship framework.

Midway through the year, the sale of the Springfield Lakes property was finalised, marking the close of a significant chapter and strengthening the church’s financial position for future ministry. Weekly attendance at Event Cinemas remained strong, regularly nearing capacity and reaching over 230 on Resurrection Sunday, prompting initial discussions around future space planning.

The Ministry Hub continued serving as a vital base for midweek ministry. Discipleship structures were strengthened through quarterly leader gatherings, increased participation, and growing Missional Community engagement. Volunteer involvement expanded across ministries, reflecting increasing ownership within the congregation.

Financially, 2025 was marked by consistent generosity and several record months of giving. Above all, the year was characterised by unity as major decisions were navigated prayerfully and without division.

Looking toward 2026, the Board remains committed to wise stewardship, strengthening discipleship and care structures, preparing carefully for growth, and remaining unified around the gospel of Jesus Christ.

THE YEAR IN MINISTRY

The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is the heart of all ministry at Disciples Church Springfield. Here is our report on ministry in 2025.
The ministry report will cover;
  • MCG's & Discipleship
  • Women's Ministry
  • Biblical Counselling
  • Sunday Services
  • Preaching
  • Children's Ministries
  • Youth Ministries
  • Leader's Retreat
  • Church Planting
  • Auditor's Report & Financial Report

MCG'S & DISCIPLESHIP

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith… abounding in thanksgiving.”
Colossians 2:6–7
The MCG & Discipleship Report will be presented by Pastor Anthony Sligar (Discipleship Pastor).

In 2025, Missional Community Groups continued to operate around three connected elements: discipleship, care, and outreach. During the year, a deliberate strategic focus was placed on strengthening discipleship as the foundation of MCG life.

Quarterly Discipleship Leader lunches were introduced to provide prayer, encouragement, training, and alignment between Discipleship Leaders and MCG Leaders. A clear, gospel-centred and Christ-exalting framework for heart-focused discipleship was implemented, alongside the introduction of a Discipleship Health Check process to better understand and support leaders.

Sermon-based Discipleship Content was rolled out across groups, enabling more unified and deeper gospel conversations. The most significant development was the church-wide implementation of The Heart of Discipleship framework, including youth, which reset and clarified the church’s shared understanding of following Jesus as relational and transformational.

Leadership depth increased throughout the year, with Discipleship Leaders growing from 23 to 30. Group attendance also increased from 80 to 108, reflecting both structural strengthening and growing engagement.

Looking ahead to 2026, Missional Community Groups will remain central to church life, with a planned shift in focus from discipleship to strengthening care, equipping members to love, support, and serve one another in increasingly practical and visible ways.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY
& BIBLICAL COUNSELLING

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
The Women’s Ministry & Biblical Counselling Report will be presented by Rebekah Sligar (Women's Ministry Director).

WOMEN'S MINISTRY
In 2025, Women’s Ministry continued to centre on heart-focused discipleship. Many women received intentional one-on-one guidance, prayer, and biblical encouragement through trusted discipleship relationships. A growing number of women stepped forward to participate in and lead discipleship, supported through coaching, shared frameworks, and years of faithful experience.

BIBLICAL COUNSELLING
Discipleship at DC continues to provide a natural pathway for pastoral care. Because members walk in gospel-centred relationships, struggles are often identified early and prayerful support is immediate. When additional care is required, the pastoral team provides focused, gospel-centred biblical counselling aimed at heart transformation rather than behaviour modification alone.

Where specialised support is necessary, members are encouraged to seek licensed counselling, psychological, or medical care. This holistic approach reflects a commitment to wise stewardship and comprehensive care.

Throughout the year, pastoral care remained relational and distributed across the church body, with leaders and members supporting one another under the shepherding of Christ. We give thanks for the faithful and often unseen investment of discipleship leaders who serve week after week.

SUNDAY SERVICES & PREACHING

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”
Colossians 1:28
The Sunday Services & Preaching Report will be presented by Matthew Gardiner (Worship Service Director).

In 2025, Sunday gatherings continued to centre on Christ through sustained biblical teaching and intentional worship planning. The year began with the continuation of the Genesis to Jesus series, strengthening the church’s ability to read Scripture with Christ at the centre. Holiday periods included selected Psalms, providing space for reflection and prayer, and Term 4 concluded with the Worthship series through Hebrews, clarifying a whole-of-life vision for worship.

The preaching team expanded in depth and contribution, with Callum Mansfield carrying the primary load alongside Pastor Anthony Sligar, Pastor Greg Gardiner, Matthew Gardiner, Tom Cera, and Nathan Rule. Guest preachers throughout the year included Rich Priebbenow (Nations Church), Peter Sondergeld (Restoration Church) and Matt Price (Crown Church).

A deliberate focus on liturgical alignment ensured that songs, Scripture readings, prayers, and sermons worked cohesively to reinforce biblical truth. Practical developments included the installation of permanent lighting at Event Cinemas, growth in volunteer teams, and strengthened operational planning.

Easter centred on The Man of Sorrows and the King of Glory, with Resurrection Sunday attendance reaching 230 — the highest service attendance of the year. The launch of the Youth Band was a significant milestone, investing in young musicians both spiritually and musically, culminating in their involvement in the largest and most production-intensive Christmas services to date.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”
Psalm 78:4
The Children’s Ministries Report will be presented by Emily Oliver (Administrator).

In 2025, DC Kids and Crèche remained a significant and vibrant part of church life, with children representing approximately 106 of 256 regular attendees. Attendance across the year remained steady, regularly nearing or exceeding 50 children per month.

Leadership was strengthened through a clarified team structure, providing greater role clarity and streamlined responsibility. The team includes Courtney Simpson, Hannah Simpson, Jenna Cera, Jasmine Mansfield, Vanessa White (Curriculum Coordinator), and Emily Oliver (Administration & Rosters).

Despite ongoing volunteer capacity pressures due to the high proportion of families within the congregation, teams served faithfully and effectively, maintaining safe, structured, and gospel-centred environments. Children also participated in the Christmas services, contributing to one of the most well-attended gatherings of the year.

Children’s Ministries continues to focus on partnering with families in discipling the next generation within a safe and biblically grounded framework.

YOUTH MINISTRY

The Youth Ministry Report will be presented by Tom Cera (Youth Director).

In 2025, Youth Ministry experienced significant spiritual fruit and momentum. The year began with a strong Summer Camp, followed by the baptism of seven young people — marking a season of genuine faith and visible growth.

While overall attendance saw modest numerical increase, the ministry welcomed a broader and more diverse group of young people, with Friday nights becoming a well-established and trusted gathering space. Winter Camp further strengthened this momentum, with a focus on helping youth deepen their relationship with Jesus.

Encouragingly, several graduating students chose to remain engaged in the life of the church, stepping into serving and leadership roles. Ongoing 4Real discipleship continued to provide structured biblical teaching and mentoring, supported by a committed volunteer team.

The launch of the Youth Band also created a new pathway for spiritual and leadership development, culminating in their involvement in the Christmas services.

Overall, 2025 was marked not simply by growth in attendance, but by clear spiritual formation and increasing ownership among young people within the life of the church.

LEADER'S RETREAT

Coming Soon

CHURCH PLANTING REPORT

Disciples Church Springfield was planted in 2012 with a desire to become a church planting church. We want to see the Gospel go out beyond Springfield and to be active participants in God's redemptive mission.
Greg Gardiner will present the Church Planting Report.

In 2025, Disciples Church continued its commitment to gospel multiplication by setting aside 10% of all tithes and offerings for church planting and kingdom expansion. This included 2% to the Acts 29 Church Planting Network, 2.2% to FIEC, and the remaining funds directed toward supporting gospel workers and church planting initiatives locally, nationally, and globally.

Throughout the year, we maintained financial and relational support for Matt and Tiff Price (Nations Church Oxley Creek) and Mark Glenn (The Fields Church), and continued investing in leadership development and theological training as part of our long-term church planting vision. Our partnership with Acts 29 also enabled us to contribute to church planting efforts in under-resourced and unreached contexts around the world.

Greg will also briefly note upcoming transitions and future opportunities in church planting before moving to the Financial Report.

AUDITOR'S REPORT

Disciples Church Springfield runs a January to December financial year. Our Auditor is Raj Prahbu from KBP Auditors. Here is his report on our finances from 2025.

Opinion

We have audited the financial report of Disciples Church Springfield, which comprises the Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024, Income and Expenditure Report, for the year ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. In our opinion the financial report of Disciples Church Springfield, is in accordance with Division 60 of the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Act 2012, including:
  • giving a true and fair view of the registered entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2024 and of its financial performance for the year ended; and
  • complying with Australian Accounting Standards to the extent described in Note 1 to the financial statement, and Division 60 the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Regulation 2013.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the registered entity in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Emphasis of Matter - Basis of Accounting

We draw attention to Note 1 to the financial report, which describes the basis of accounting. The financial report has been prepared for the purpose of fulfilling the responsible entities’ financial reporting responsibilities under the ACNC Act. As a result, the financial report may not be suitable for another purpose. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

Qualification

The management committee have determined that it is impracticable to establish control over the collection of fundraising and donation revenue prior to entry into its financial records. Accordingly, our audit procedures with respect to these sources of revenue had to be restricted to the amounts recorded in the financial records.

Responsibility of the Responsible Entities for the Financial Report

The members of the committee of the Disciples Church Springfield are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and have determined that the basis of preparation described in Note 1 to the financial report is appropriate to meet the requirements of the ACNC Act and the needs of the members. The responsible entities’ responsibility also includes such internal control as the responsible entities determine is necessary to enable the preparation of a financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, the members of the committee are responsible for assessing the registered entities ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the responsible entities either intend to liquidate the registered entity or to

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report.

As part of an audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

  • Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

  • Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the registered entity’s internal control.

  • Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by responsible entities.

  • Conclude on the appropriateness of the responsible entities’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the registered entity’s
    ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the registered entity to cease to continue as a going concern.

  • Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
We communicate with the responsible entities regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Yours sincerely
KBP Audit Services
Raj Prabhu
Director-Audit
Date: 19 Feb 2025

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following statements report on our Income and Expenditure during 2025, and our Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025.

Income & Expense

In 2024, we saw God’s provision through new income sources like leasing the Springfield Lakes property and proceeds from selling equipment. Increased expenses reflect our investment in ministry growth, including paying both pastors full-time for the first time and expanding our ministry spaces to reach more people with the gospel.

KEY changes to income & expenditure in 2024

Income:
  • ↓ Donations – We did not run a distinct fundraiser in 2024.
  • ↓ Venue Hire – Past income derived from leasing out rooms within our building to local groups.
  • ↑ Building Lease – Income from the lease of the Springfield Lakes property.
  • ↑ Sundry – Includes proceeds from the sale of equipment at the Springfield Lakes building.

Expenses:
  • ↓ Media Costs – Decreased after re-categorising app and database costs to Ministry; though this includes new signage expenses.
  • ↑ Staff costs – Increased as the church began paying both pastors full-time for the first time in our history! This figure also includes Greg's leave entitlements, and the appointment of a new part-time administrator.
  • ↑ Church Planting – Our commitment to using 10% of tithing income remains, though some costs are categorised under other expenses areas. This category includes funding church planting efforts, contributions to Acts 29, and support of ministry studies.
  • Operating Costs – The increase here is mainly attributable to legal fees for contract work. It also includes professional development (Restoration Groups), and higher operational expenses related to increased staffing.
  • ↑ Ministry Costs – Increased due to re-categorising app and database costs, investing in volunteer and newcomer training lunches, honorariums to guest preachers, outfitting the new children's ministry space, and Ministry Hub expenses.
  • ↑ Property Costs – Increased signficantly with lease expenses for Event Cinemas and the Ministry Hub, plus one-off real estate fees associated with the contract for the lease and sale of the Springfield Lakes building. A reduction in Body Corporate fees partially offset these costs.
  • ↑ Finance – Interest rates for our mortgage remained high throughout 2024. Furthermore, the transition to our new venues required an investment in essential equipment, such as sound systems, with a private loan secured to cover these initial costs.

Balance Sheet

In 2024, our assets grew with investments in essential equipment for our new venues, reflecting our commitment to expanding ministry opportunities. Increased liabilities are primarily due to higher staffing costs and financing investments, demonstrating our dedication to supporting our growing church community.

KEY changes to THE BALANCE SHEET in 2024

Explanation of key changes in 2024
Assets:
  • Bank Guarantee – Held as a security bond for a commercial lease, restricting access to these funds.
  • ↑ Equipment Assets – Increased due to the investment in essential equipment for new venues, contributing to financing costs.
Liabilities:
  • ↑ Staff – Higher tax commitments due to increased staffing.
  • ↑ Credit Card & Other Loans – Reflecting the overall deficit from running costs, as previously detailed.

Notes Forming Part of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024

NOTE 1: STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

This financial report is a special purpose financial report prepared for use by the members of the committee.

The members have determined that the entity is not a reporting entity. The financial report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the following Australian Accounting Standards:
AASB 1031: Materiality
AASB 110: Events Occurring After Reporting Date

No other applicable Accounting Standards or mandatory professional reporting requirements have been applied.

The statements are prepared on an accrual basis. They are based on historic costs and do not take into account changing money values or, except where specifically stated, current valuations of non-current assets.

The following specific accounting policies, which are consistent with the previous period unless otherwise stated, have been adopted in the preparation of these statements:

(a) Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Amounts disclosed as revenue are net returns, trade allowances, rebates and amounts collected on behalf of third parties.

Donations are recognised as received from the Church members. No receivable exists for donations.

(b) Income Tax
The activities of the entity are exempt from taxation under Sec 50-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

(c) Cash and cash equivalent
Cash and cash equivalent includes deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short- term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in values, and bank overdrafts.

(d) Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment are stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the association and the cost of the item can be measured reliably.

(e) Goods and Service Tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless GST incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In this case, it is recognised as part of the cost of the acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.

(f) Building Lease Income: 
During the year, the church leased the Springfield lakes property on lease for a term of 3 years from 1 May 2024. The lease income received till 31 December 2024 was $ 160,000

THANK You

Each year, so many people deserve to be thanked for their ongoing commitment to the ministry of Disciples Church, and that is the case once again for 2025. However, it has been our habit to especially recognise the efforts of a couple of people who went above and beyond during the year, and to praise God for them.
Thank you's will be presented on the evening.

THE FUTURE

We end our Annual Report with a brief look at the things we see approaching, and the things we are praying for in the year ahead.
Pastor Callum Mansfield will present a vision for what is to come for DC in 2026.
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