A NEW CHURCH FOR PEACE RIVER PRESBYTERY

In 2005 the Evangelism and New Church Development and Congregational Transformation Committee of Peace River Presbytery was in conversation with Christ Church of Longboat Key (Manatee County) which is an independent church. This group of about 115 dedicated Christians was open to exploring membership in a major denomination that could offer stability and order, a mission beyond themselves, and above all a focus on Jesus Christ as Lord.

They examined a handful of denominations and decided to focus on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). After careful study, they invited Peace River Presbytery to bring teams of Presbyterians from neighboring churches to meet with them.  In the first meeting members of Presbyterian churches in Bradenton and Sarasota shared written material and talked about the things they liked about being a Presbyterian. The second meeting consisted of a panel of Presbyterians being asked questions generated from the audience about the role of session, structure, missions, evangelical efforts, and support that could be expected from the denomination. The team also showed the presbytery’s DVD “Imagine What We Can Do If We Do It Together.” 

The vote to become a Presbyterian (U.S.A.) congregation was 72 to 35. The Presbytery at its November 17, 2005 meeting appointed an administrative commission of Stated Clerk Craig Countiss, Susan DeWyngaert, Jeannie Oliver, Steve Smith, and Bob Kimbrough. This team assisted the church in the chartering process, which was completed at the February 200meeting of Peace River Presbytery. We celebrate formation of this 38th congregation of Peace River Presbytery.