Several of our small churches have taken to heart “thinking outside the box” in order to continue faithful Presbyterian worship and witness in their communities. The Committee on Ministry holds them up as examples of God’s people taking new steps of faith.

Ferriday
First Presbyterian Church – Ferriday, La., (100 members) has called Clyde Ray Webber as their Commissioned Lay Pastor. The church began its search for a new pastor in the traditional way and intending to look for a traditional installed pastor. Soon they realized, that in response to their changing community, looking in a new direction was perhaps something to try. The church completed a mission study, held congregational meetings, and decided to seek a Commissioned Lay Pastor. The congregation and its leadership did an excellent job of working through the situation, looking an options, and finding a solution.

Fordyce
First Presbyterian Church –Fordyce, Ark., has also called a commissioned lay pastor, Kay Childs Faith Education Ministries will have three representatives for Pines at the Annual Louisiana Interchurch Conference to held in Alexandria, La., March 3 and 4. Ms. Claretha Porter from Hollywood Presbyterian Church, Shreveport, La.; Rev. Rosemary Stelz, Pastor of First Presbyterian, Bastrop, La.; and Rev. Joe Hill, General Presbyter. Faithfulness “outside the box” Travis. At one point, the small congregation of 39 members considered seeking to sell its property and become a house church. It has since changed it’s mind. Kay and Johnnie Travis are moving to Fordyce, will fix up the manse and live there! This is the first time the church has had a community “resident” pastor in years!

Prescott
First Presbyterian Church – Prescott, Ark., (28 members) didn’t think it could afford a commissioned laypastor, even on a part-time basis. But, as the church looked again and began negotiating with Charlotte Cobb, it found that an agreement could be reached, thus allowing the church to have a regular pastor.

Winnfield
First Presbyterian Church – Winnfield. La., (25 members) asked Presbytery to dissolve the congregation in 2007. February 17th, it reconsidered that vote, and will address Presbytery in May to work toward seeking a tentmaker or commissioned lay pastor to allow Presbyterian worship and witness to continue in Winn Parish, Louisiana. The 6-10 regular worshippers are exceptionally active as a congregation in the community; several community programs are housed in the church facility.

— Submitted by Pines Presbytery

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