List,
I am asking for a some help. Cliffwood PCA in South Augusta, GA
(cliffwoodpca.com) is a church with worship attendance in the 60's to
70's. Mostly comprised of the widows of previous family units. There
are also a few young couples sprinkled in, two families expecting
babies.
BRIEF HISTORY: The church itself is 50 years old, a church plant of
1st Pres Augusta. About ten years ago the church was struck with
pastoral infidelity and then shortly after his resignation a split
over church music cut the church from over 300 in attendance to about
half. The energy and leadership of the church was with the departing
group. Those that remained were intensely loyal to the church and were
quick to support the ministry of the church. However, the creative
gifts and the more visionary leadership of the church had departed.
The following ten years were years of recovery under the watchful
pastoral care of the pastor. There wasn't much in the way of positive
growth and age began to take a toll as well.
PRESENT CONDITION: Over the last two years, the church has developed a
keen sense for their reformed heritage and theology. The worship
service is happily in conformity to the regulative principle and is
reverential. Here is the problem. South Augusta is a difficult place
to be Presbyterian. It is almost entirely Roman Catholic or
Pentecostal The Baptist are moving out with the exception of one
church that seems to be doing well. The Methodist are struggling and
we are hanging on by a thread.
When the older members move on to glory as they are doing slowly,
Cliffwood will be in an unsustainable spot. We have thought of moving
but we all believe we need to remain a presence in South Augusta both
for now and the future.
We have talked to consultants, read the books, gone door to door,
trained in Evangelism Explosion, etc etc. What we need is an infusion
of leadership. I need a few people in the prime of ministry who have
desire to keep a voice for reformed and reverential worship in this
community.
Do you know of any who would like to step into a situation where there
is peace in the church, unity in the session, support for ministries,
but a lack of leadership among the laity? If so, let me know, I could
really use some men and women with a desire to forge a ministry at
Cliffwood.
Blessings,
www.cliffwoodpca.com
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