COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA)

Transcription

1 Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith, Obedient to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 830 Pinewood Drive SW Live Oak, FL Website - cpcliveoak.org

2 I. OVERVIEW Introduction. 3 Church History... 3 Church Mission Statement... 4 Community Profile 5 Beliefs... 6 II. WHO WE ARE Session... 7 Church Staff... 8 Ministry to Members... 9 Finances Church Supported Ministries Church Strengths and Weaknesses.. 11 Church Facilities III. WHERE WE ARE GOING Desired Qualities in a New Pastor PCA Vision Church Profile 2018

3 INTRODUCTION Community Presbyterian Church (CPC), a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), is a faithful body of believers who desire to glorify God and rejoice in Him. We are a community of God s people that seeks to lead the residents of Suwannee County and nearby areas to encounter the reality of God in Christ, so that they too might experience the life-transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The PCA motto is: Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith, and Obedient to the Great Commission. Our mission is to develop spiritually mature followers of Christ who are committed to their calling as leaders in their families, community, and congregation. We strive to accomplish this mission with integrity, faithfulness, and love for God and one another, as well as love for a lost world. CHURCH HISTORY Community Presbyterian Church of Live Oak, Florida, was established in 1982, when ninety percent of the First Presbyterian Church of Live Oak left the PCUSA and founded the current church. In the beginning, the congregation met at the Live Oak Garden Club for morning worship and the McNeil family house was rented for Sunday School. CPC remained an independent church until February 26, 1984, when it was officially organized as a congregation in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). CPC members and friends met for the first time in the new church building on September 30, In 1985, the east wing of the educational building was completed by members of the church. The donation of time and God-given talents significantly reduced the completion costs. In 1995, the founding and long-time pastor retired, and he was succeeded by a pastor who left three years later to plant a new PCA church in South Florida. His successor was the pastor at CPC for almost seventeen years. During 2013 and 2014, the church began experiencing some difficult times in its history. However, in God s providence we have been sustained in His strength and wisdom. An interim pastor ministered to us just over a year and he was followed by a full-time minister. In 2017 the session and the then current minister came to a mutual agreement that he was not a good fit at CPC at this time. 3 Church Profile 2018

4 CHURCH HISTORY CONTINUED For thirty-five years, CPC has strived to play an active role in the Live Oak/Suwannee County community. The church has opened its doors to Love INC, homeschooling groups, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Driver s Education classes, Premier Milk, Inc., and other local groups through the years, as well as serving as a precinct voting site for elections. The good news is that the people at CPC are committed and joyful! There is no mortgage on the church building/property, and the average Sunday morning attendance is forty-five people. The enthusiasm for Jesus and growth is commendable. We want to see significant growth. This is a congregation ready to do great things for Jesus! PASTORS Jim Walkup Brent Drake Randy Wilding Rod Whited, Interim Joseph Hatcher MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Community Presbyterian Church is to be a gospel-centered and gospeldriven church. CPC desires to penetrate Suwannee County with the loving gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, evangelism, and discipleship. CPC also participates in the advancement of the gospel beyond the county borders, in supporting the Presbytery, mission churches, and ministries, both national and international. 4 Church Profile 2018

5 COMMUNITY PROFILE OF LIVE OAK AND SUWANNEE COUNTY Community Presbyterian Church is located in Live Oak, Florida, near several of the Suwannee District Schools and grocery shopping areas. It is approximately one mile from US Highway 129 South, approximately two miles from US Highway 90 West and about four miles from Interstate 10. The location was selected so the community would have easy access to the church. Suwannee County (population 44,149) is located in the extreme north central section of the state of Florida. It is surrounded on three sides by the historic Suwannee River. Residents may enjoy small town life and still participate in the events larger cities provide. Both Interstate 10 and Interstate 75 are easily accessible for traveling to the four larger metropolitan areas with a short drive (Jacksonville, FL; Tallahassee, FL; Gainesville, FL, and Valdosta, GA). The top industries in Suwannee County include agriculture and food processing, including Pilgrim s Pride and Suwannee Farms. Service based jobs also have a place in our county, including three nursing homes, medical facilities, a retirement village, boys home, and child care facilities. The median household income is thirty- eight thousand, two hundred fifty-three dollars. The population is eighty-one percent white, thirteen percent African-Americans, and nine percent Hispanic. Even though Live Oak (population 6,913) is a small town with a quiet atmosphere, there are many interesting places to visit and explore. There are numerous recreational activities provided by the Suwannee River and the countless springs, which include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and diving. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground, Suwannee River State Park, and Ichetucknee Springs State Park are beautiful recreational sites. These are perfect places for a picnic lunch, a day in the outdoors, or even a camping weekend. Suwannee County is also the home of the Advent Christian Village and the Florida Sheriff s Youth Ranch, which are both located on the Suwannee River. The Cerveny Conference Center and Camp Weed are also located in the eastern portion of the county. The city and county support several recreational facilities which offer activities including racquetball, tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, swimming, disc golf, softball, and more. The newest addition is the Heritage Park and Gardens, located in Live Oak, which provides a venue for weddings and family gatherings as well as a disc golf course, horseshoe area, and children s playground. There is a small country club with a nine-hole golf course open to the public. The geographic location and natural beauty of the Suwannee River Valley make Live Oak and Suwannee County a great place to live, work, play, and worship God. 5 Church Profile 2018

6 BELIEFS CPC wholeheartedly believes in the basic foundation of the Presbyterian Church in America, with the Bible being the inerrant and final authority. CPC adheres to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. We affirm the following: We believe the Bible is the written word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the revelation of God s truth and is infallible and authoritative in all matters of faith and practice. We believe in the Holy Trinity. There is one God, who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe that all are sinners and totally unable to save themselves from God s displeasure, except by His mercy. We believe that salvation is by God alone as He sovereignly chooses those He will save. We believe His choice is based on His grace, not on any human individual merit, or foreseen faith. We believe that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who through His perfect life and sacrificial death atoned for the sins of all who will trust in Him, alone, for salvation. We believe that God is gracious and faithful to His people not simply as individuals but as families in successive generations according to His Covenant promises. We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells God s people and gives them the strength and wisdom to trust Christ and follow Him. We believe that Jesus will return, bodily and visibly, to judge all mankind and to receive His people to Himself. We believe that all aspects of our lives are to be lived to the glory of God under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. 6 Church Profile 2018

7 SESSION Richard Dick Calvitt, Ruling Elder Dick Calvitt currently serves as the Clerk of the CPC Session. He and his wife, Theresa, have been married for forty-two years. They were among the original founding members of CPC. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. Mr. Calvitt retired from the banking industry, and now serves as the Financial Aid Coordinator for the Suwannee-Hamilton Technical Center where he serves as a financial advisor. Theresa is the Business Service Manager at the Parks Johnson Insurance Agency. Henry Hank Hodek, Elder Emeritus Hank Hodek has served CPC for many years. Mr. Hodek was one of the original founding members of CPC. He is married to Nelda Cole Hodek. He is the father of two daughters and five grandchildren. Mr. Hodek served in the United State Air Force as a fighter pilot during WWII. The Hodeks were instrumental in the development of the thirty-year history book for CPC. Klaas Dutch Reyneveld, Ruling Elder Klaas Reyneveld has been married to Grace Salomons Reyneveld for forty-two years, and they have eight grown children. They have thirty-four grandchildren. The Reynevelds operate a dairy farm in southern Suwannee County. Klaas is president of Premier Milk Inc. and Grace is the secretary of PMI s co-op. Premier Milk produces twenty-six million gallons of milk per year which is processed through Dean Foods. Klaas and Grace sing with the choir every Sunday morning. William Bill Bozeman, Deacon Bill Bozeman has been married to Melissa Todd Bozeman for twenty-six years. They are the parents of three boys, Will, Drew, and Brett. Bill has served as a Deacon for approximately eighteen years. He is the Operations Manager for Jim Hinton Oil Company, a local fuel distributer. Melissa serves as the Music Director of CPC and teaches kindergarten at Suwannee Primary School. Bill and Melissa are serving as the Interim Youth Coordinators during the church s time of transition. Charles R. Ray Millican, Deacon Ray Millican has been married to Bonnie Starling Millican for twenty-three years. Ray and Bonnie have three grown children. Ray served in the United States Army for thirty-four years and completed tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Ray and Bonnie serve on the Wednesday night meal team, the financial team, and are instrumental in making sure the Church Memorial Gardens are maintained. Bonnie serves as the church s nursery/childcare coordinator. 7 Church Profile 2018

8 CHURCH STAFF MUSIC/CHOIR DIRECTOR, Melissa Bozeman Melissa Bozeman serves CPC as the Music Director. She plays the piano and clavinova as well as leads the adult choir and children s bell and vocal choirs. NURSERY WORKER, Rachiel Chapman Rachel is new to our staff. Rachel attends the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Lake City. She has worked with children for many years and lives in Lake City. CHURCH CUSTODIAN, Magnolia Lopez Magnolia Lopez serves as our custodian. She has been working for us for seven months. She is originally form Guatemala. She and her husband, Joel Bravo, have three children. She has eighteen years of cleaning experience. In her spare time, she likes to sew. CHURCH SECRETARY, Anne Rissman Anne Rissman serves as church secretary and has been a member for over twenty-two years. She sings in the adult choir, coordinates with the WIC Council, and helps prepare the Communion elements. Anne has two daughters and one granddaughter. 8 Church Profile 2018

9 MINISTRY TO MEMBERS SUNDAY SCHOOL Classes begin at 9:45 A.M. Preschool Elementary Middle and High School Adult Class SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP Service begins at 10:45 A.M. All ages Nursery WEDNESDAY EVENING Family Meal at 5:45 P.M., classes begin at 6:30 P.M. and choir practice at 7:30 P.M. Meal prepared and served by the CPC Meal Team Preschool Kingdom Kids (elementary) Partners In Christ (middle and high school youth) Bible Study Adult Choir Practice PARTNERS IN CHRIST Middle and High School Youth Movie Nights Ridge Haven Summer Service Camp and Winter Camp Jamaica Mission Trip (Isle Go) Family Fun Day Special Events/Activities WOMEN IN THE CHURCH (WIC) Bible Study on Thursdays at 1:00 P.M. WIC Council Meetings Annual Mother/Daughter Luncheon Give to Missions Participate in PCA Love Gift offering 9 Church Profile 2018

10 Prepare Easter baskets and Christmas baskets for nursing home residents, nursing home staff, shut-ins, and elderly Blanket Ministry for local hospital WOMEN IN THE CHURCH (WIC) CONTINUED Provide funeral meals Annual Retreat Day Decorate the church for Advent Season o Decorations include a Chrismon Tree, green garland with lights and bows, green wreaths, poinsettias and an Advent wreath in and around the sanctuary as well as decorations around other parts of the church building. Clean church for Homecoming and Advent Season Serve at Sunday luncheons Annual Christmas Dinner Coordinate Easter breakfast o This is a joint effort with the First Advent Christian Church and concludes our annual Easter Sunrise Service. WOMEN IN THE CHURCH SUPPORTED MINISTRIES Presbyterian Church in America Love Gift Mission to North America Mission to the World Pregnancy Care Center Love INC FINANCES 2017 CPC BUDGET Salaries, Benefits, and Pulpit Search $ 95,400 Building and Grounds $ 34,100 Worship and Supplies $ 2,100 Christian Education and Youth $ 4,000 Administration $ 18,100 Benevolence $ 13,400 TOTAL $167, Church Profile 2018

11 CHURCH SUPPORTED MINISTRIES RUF Campus Ministry, University of Florida (Brian Thomas) RUF Campus Ministry, University of North Florida (Tommy Park) RUF Campus Ministry, Florida State University (Kelly Jackson) Presbyterian and Reformed Commission on Chaplains and Military Personnel North Florida Presbytery Presbyterian Church in America Mission to the World (Andres Garza) Love INC (In the Name of Christ) Pregnancy Care Center OUR CHURCH S STRENGTHS Rich heritage Fellowship Loving, caring, nourishing, encouraging, supporting Family atmosphere Wednesday night ministries OUR CHURCH S PRESENT LIMITATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES Small congregation that limits us in volunteers and financial contributions Average age of congregation limits us in those able and willing to serve Sunday school (children & teens) 11 Church Profile 2018

12 CHURCH FACILITIES Community Presbyterian Church is located on ten acres on Pinewood Drive in Live Oak, Florida. The church property consists of the church sanctuary, the educational/office wing, and the fellowship wing. The land and property were paid off in CHURCH BUILDING 12 Church Profile 2018

13 PLAY AREAS MEMORIAL GARDENS In Memory of Hazel Collins 13 Church Profile 2018

14 DESIRED QUALITIES IN A NEW PASTOR We are a congregation who desires to worship God and hear solid biblical teaching with insightful application where the preaching of God s Word produces a transformation in those who hear it; however, the transformation should not simply be academic or intellectual but should be a life altering change of the listeners hearts where sinners are being converted, and saints are being sanctified. Thus, our new pastor should strive to preach in a way that will show us how God s Word is applicable and practical in all areas of our lives. His preaching will have a variety of styles, topics, chapter studies, book studies, current events and holidays as backdrop to a Gospel centered focus. His preaching may contain humor when appropriate with a relaxed delivery where the preaching is more like living room conversations as opposed to a lecture class. His sermons should be engaging and passionate with the hearts of the listeners as the target. In addition, our new pastor will: Be passionate about Christ and God s people Possess solid relational skills Have a deep desire to shepherd a small rural congregation who exudes joy in our worship, service and fellowship Shepherd and teach regular attendees and encourage their membership and participation in communion Be joyful in his ministry and personal life as well as be personable, loving and accepting of those he shepherds Possess a patient willingness to teach us and watch God work in our lives individually as well as corporately Strive to recognize the various depth and understanding of biblical theology among our congregation, accept where we are spiritually, encourage us in our walk, and encourage our own study of God s Word Gently challenge us biblically Be humble and truthful about his own shortcomings and failures so that we may pray for him and wait for God to work in his life Be mission and servant minded through serving others in our congregation, community as well as encourage others to take part in missions within our congregation, community, nation and even internationally Make visitation one of his priorities by visiting the sick, the hospitalized, nursing home patients, homebound as well as to the healthy elderly, middle aged and young families of various socioeconomic backgrounds Treat others with dignity regardless of their social standing and known sins Love our children, youth and college aged young adults and help teach them to serve and grow in their faith Extend relationship building to our community by participating in community events and organizations 14 Church Profile 2018

15 In conclusion, we are a church that is grace driven; therefore, our new pastor will be heavy on grace with a strong desire to build relationships within the church. He will demonstrate an unconditional Christlike love for us that becomes contagious within our congregation, extend throughout our community and spread to the lost in all parts of the world. PCA VISION As one communion in the worldwide church, the Presbyterian Church in America exists to glorify God by extending the kingdom of Jesus Christ over all individual lives through all areas of society and in all nations and cultures. To accomplish this end, the PCA aims to fill the world with churches that are continually growing in vital worship, theological depth, true fellowship, assertive evangelism and deeds of compassion. The distinctiveness of the PCA lies in our stress on both reformation and revival. Without an emphasis on revival, reformation may become either a mimicking of political ideologies or sterile doctrinarism. Without an emphasis on reformation, revival may become a shallow pietism or mysticism. Only reformation and revival together can accomplish the Great Commission of our Lord. We are committed to the Scriptures and the historic Westminster Standards, based firmly on a biblical theology that answers the questions and issues of each culture and people to which we minister. We are committed to worship that practices the presence and power of God within the church and to the transformation of the surrounding culture through biblical application in population centers around the world. We are committed to the winning of new converts and their incorporation into the church through the ministry of the Word and to significant ministry to the needy through deeds of mercy and service. We are committed to the freedom of every member to minister through spiritual gifts and also to the responsibility to do so under spiritual authority and loving discipline. We are committed to dynamic, prophetic confrontation of non-christian thought forms and behavior and to the demonstration of the truth through the practice of holiness and love in Christian fellowship. We are committed to guarding and strengthening the biblical family and to be a ministry to the broken family forms such as the divorced, the widowed, and the unwed parent. We are committed to teaching and discipling men and women in the whole counsel of God and also to ministering to the needs of the whole person. True to the Scriptures, the reformed faith and obedient to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ. 15 Church Profile 2018

16 Presbyterian Church in America Office of the Stated Clerk 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105 Lawrenceville, GA Phone Fax CHURCH PROFILE FORM Check here if you would like to be added to our Ministry Opportunity List ( PART I -- BASIC DATA 1. NAME OF CHURCH: Community Presbyterian Church ADDRESS: 830 Pinewood Drive, Live Oak, Florida TELEPHONE: PRESBYTERY: North Florida 2. NAME OF PULPIT COMMITTEE CONTACT PERSON: Dr. Charles McGowan MAILING ADDRESS FOR DATA FORMS: Do not mail data forms. TELEPHONE: cmcgowan@mcgowansearch.com 3. TYPE OF COMMUNITY Inner City Urban (Downtown) Urban (Residential) Suburban Small Town X Rural X College Retirement Resort/Recreational Agriculture X 4. TYPE OF CHURCH Church with Multiple Staff Church with Solo Pastor X Mission Church Non-PCA Church Overseas Church 5. SIZE CHURCH Under 100 members X members members members 801-1,000 members 1

17 1,001-1,600 members Over 1,600 members 6. TYPE OF POSITION VACANT Pastor (Solo) X Senior Pastor Associate Pastor Assistant Pastor Interim or Supply Lay Professional (e.g. Educator, Musician) Pastoral Counselor 7. CONGREGATIONAL INFORMATION Average Attendance - 45/60 members # of Adults over # of Adults under # of Teens 4 Number of Children 7 and 3 babies/toddlers 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 2017 Total Income $135,000 Benevolent Disbursements $11,000 Church Expenses $164,000 Ministers Compensation Package $45,000-55, PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH Various Missionaries, Love INC, Pregnancy Care Center, WIC Blanket Ministry, Short term missions, Fall/Reformation Festival, Various Youth activities throughout the year PART II -- PASTOR CRITERIA DESIRED (Check all that apply) A. Age: Under and over No preference X B. Marital Status: Single Married No preference X 2

18 C. Personal Lifestyle: Task Oriented People Oriented Both X 3

19 PART III -- CONGREGATIONAL PRIORITIES THE CONGREGATION PLACES PRIORITIES FOR THEIR MINISTER ON THE FOLLOWING: [Circle 4 for highest priority on the activity; Circle 0 for lowest priority on the activity. Circle 2 or 3 for intermediate priorities. Choose not less than four (4) or more than six (6) of the activities on which you place highest priority.] Low Priority High Priority 1. WORSHIP LEADERSHIP X (Pastor and Session work to develop a rich worship life, educating the congregation for meaningful participation.) 2. PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD X (The word of God is preached with urgency and conviction, bringing it to bear on the changing needs of individuals, the community, and the world. High priority of pastor's time placed on sermon preparation.) 3. SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF MEMBERS X 4 (Pastor shares members' struggles regarding the Christian faith, with opportunity provided for individuals and groups to reflect on beliefs, concerns, doubts regarding Christian understanding of the spiritual dimensions of life.) 4. CONGREGATIONAL VISITATION X (Church officers and pastor develop and carry out a systematic plan for visitation of the entire congregation with special attention to prospective members and those special needs.) 5. HOSPITAL OR EMERGENCY VISITATION X (Those in hospitals or emergency situations are regularly visited; network developed to keep pastor and others informed of crisis situations; needs of ill or bereaved are met.) 6. CONGREGATIONAL FELLOWSHIP X (Emphasis placed in developing fellowship, helping members to know one another; groups encouraged which give members the opportunity to love and support one another.) 7. COUNSELING SERVICES 0 1 2X 3 4 (A counseling program initiated for assisting those in and outside the Church; appropriate referrals made when needed.) 8. EVANGELISM X 4 (Pastor and congregation share faith in Christ as personal Savior in total lifestyle; seek to lead others within and outside the Church to accept Jesus Christ: congregation is informed, trained, helped to establish effective evangelism programs for the church.) 4

20 9. DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING X ENCOURAGING THE MINISTRY OF THE LAITY X 4 (Creative ideas and directions developed together with the Session; many persons with appropriate skills stimulated to become involved in services.) 11. MISSION BEYOND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY X 4 (Awareness of the Church's worldwide mission and opportunities for corporate and individual involvement; specific projects identified; persons challenged to support, study and/or visit mission programs on six continents.) 12. DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAM X 4 (Session and pastor identify the educational needs of persons of all ages and backgrounds, developing programs to meet needs; church education supported; educational goals are congruent with the total mission of the Church.) 13. TEACHING RESPONSIBILITY X (Pastor accepts an active teaching role, interpreting and teaching the Scriptures, theological concepts, history of the Church and current events; provides instruction for Church Officers; educational leaders, confirmands and new members.) 14. INVOLVEMENT IN LOCAL COMMUNITY PROBLEMS AND ACTIVITIES X 4 (Concern for identifying social problems in the community; work done with groups seeking solutions. Time and skills committed to community groups. Information and encouragement provided which enable members to become informed and involved.) 15. ECUMENICAL AND INTERFAITH ACTIVITIES 0 1 2X 3 4 (Involvement with other congregations and the denominations in the community in presenting a united Christian witness in the community.) 16. CONGREGATIONAL COMMUNICATION X (Two-way communication encouraged, information gathered and shared that will assist problem solving and decision making; varying opinions elicited and all encouraged to listen to opposing points of view.) 17. ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP X 4 (Pastor accepts appropriate administrative responsibilities, in climate of delegated tasks and shared leadership; volunteers and professional staff encouraged to use their ideas and skills. Work done on developing accountability.) 5

21 18. STEWARDSHIP AND COMMITMENT PROGRAMS X 4 (Session and pastor develop a planned stewardship education program to communicate the financial needs of the local church and mission beyond the local church; congregation challenged to commitment to Church's work.) 19. EVALUATION OF PROGRAM AND STAFF 0 1 2X 3 4 (Systematic procedures used to evaluate programs and staff performance in accord with goals and objectives. Others trained to use these skills. Regular assessment and evaluation.) 20. CONGREGATIONAL AND DENOMINATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY X 4 (Value placed on balance between local church and Assembly responsibilities. Congregation and Session know and are involved in the work of the denomination.) 21. DIACONAL MINISTRIES X 4 (Ministering to the needs of those inside and outside of the Church.) 6

22 PART IV -- PASTORAL STRENGTHS DESIRED On a scale of 1 to 7, evaluate your priorities for the ministry of your pastor. [Circle 7 for the areas of greatest priority and circle 1 for the least priority.] Very Slightly Slightly Very Strong 7 Strong 6 Strong 5 Average 4 Weak 3 Weak 2 Weak -1 Preaching 7X Teaching 7X Evangelism 7 6X Discipleship 7 6X Worship Leadership 7X Church Administration 7 6 5X Team Work 7X Counseling X Leadership Training 7 6X Christian Education 7X Pastoral Visitation 7X Stewardship Ministry 7 6X Diaconal Ministry 7 6 5X Youth Work 7 6X College & Career Ministry 7 6X Ministry to Senior Citizens 7 6X Singles Ministry 7 6 5X Recreational Activities X Presbytery/General Assembly Involvement 7 6 5X Community Service 7 6X Other See our Church Profile Booklet