Installations and Challenges

by Moderator Ed Brandt

Fellow Presbyters!

The Commission to install the Rev. Dr. Gillian Weighton celebrated with Faith Presbyterian Church her installation as Senior Pastor on Sunday, March 23. Tremendous day!!

Elder Janice Croley posed the constitutional questions to Rev. Jonas Hayes at Lely Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 30. Thanks Janice for your leadership as Vice-Moderator and congratulations to Rev. Hayes and Lely Presbyterian Church!

Such installations are markers indicating new beginnings for pastors and congregations. New beginnings are filled with opportunities, educational moments, and challenges! The Presbytery also faces opportunities, educational moments, and challenges!!

Melana is doing a remarkable job leading Peace River Presbytery. Thoughts of new alliances, church development, and redevelopment are being woven into our DNA as a Presbytery.

At a long-range planning retreat last week in the church I am currently serving, an idea was floated to call an Associate Pastor. The Associate Pastor would be housed inn apartment complex with a dual mission: 1) Begin forming a new worshipping community within the complex; and 2) Work with the church for mission outreach!

New Church Development and Church Redevelopment is essential to the growth of Peace River Presbytery. More importantly, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is the foundation of New Church Development and Redevelopment.

So often, some congregations speak of “we want to grow, but not too fast.” Or sometimes they say, “we need to know everyone.” The Day of Pentecost, to be celebrated on June 8, reminds us of thousands of people coming to know Jesus Christ and becoming part of the church.

Peace River Presbytery is home to incredible growth in Southwest Florida. Church need to think creatively on how to reach out to new communities. Part of the challenge of Southwest Florida is getting beyond the “retirement syndrome.” What I mean by that is leaping over the mindset of, “I’ve done my work in the church and now I just want to coast!”

There are incredible opportunities to grow churches and organize churches in Peace River Presbytery! Please pray where God is leading you!

Peace!