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Committee On Ministry Report
Oct 26-27, 2012 Meeting of Presbytery at First, McAllen TX
RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. RECOMMEND approval to change the status of Casa de Dios, Palacios, from a Congregation to
a Fellowship, effective October 29, 2012, with session responsibilities and membership held by
First, Palacios.
B. Per the new Form of Government, all specific powers and responsibilities assigned to
commissions of Presbytery must be voted on by the body of Presbytery and the vote recorded in
the minutes of Presbytery. Per the approved new Presbytery By-Laws of June 8, 2012
confirming the Committee on Ministry remains a standing commission of Mission Presbytery.
Therefore, the Committee on Ministry respectfully RECOMMEND approval of commission
powers and responsibilities for the COM as specified and Book of Order cited in Items 1-12:
1. Approve pastoral relationships and terms for churches (G-3.0303a)
2. Dissolve pastoral relationships, except when an administrative commission has been
appointed to resolve conflict or remove a pastor from a church (G-3.0303a)
3. Authorize teaching elders and specific ruling elders to administer or preside at the Lord’s
Supper for churches, church developments, fellowships, and non-congregational entities
meeting within the bounds of Mission Presbytery (G-3.0303b)
4. Appoint administrative commission to ordain and/or install teaching elders (G-3.0303c) and
to commission ruling elders (G-2.1003)
5. Appoint mentors and supervisors for commissioned ruling elder to particular pastoral
service (G-2.1004)
6. Examine candidates certified to receive a call, certified ruling elders to limited pastoral
service, and teaching elders transferring into the presbytery (G-3.0307)
7. Validates ministries within the bounds of the presbytery and authorizes times and places
the Sacraments may be celebrated (G-3.0306)
8. Designate teaching elders to work as teachers, evangelists, administration, chaplains, and in
other forms of ministry recognized as appropriate by the presbytery (G-3.0306)
9. Approves teaching elder members of other presbyteries for temporary pastoral
relationships and permission to celebrate the Sacraments (G-3.0306)
10. Approves teaching elders and ministers from denominations in common communion with
the PCUSA to celebrate the Sacraments (G-3.0306)
11. Appoints moderators of sessions (G-3.0303c)
12. Approves teaching elders honorably retired status (G-2.0503c)
The Committee on Ministry (COM) reports the following actions to and on behalf of Mission Presbytery:
Contracts
 Approved renewing the Interim contract between Covenant Austin and Rev Paul Parsons, for 12
months effective August 15, 2012. Contract is on file in the Presbytery Office
 Approved renewing the Interim contract between First Kerrville and Rev Roland Perdue for 12
months, effective September 1, 2012. Contract is on file in the Presbytery Office.
 Approved renewing the Interim contract between Forest Hills Helotes and Rev Kemper Huber for
12 months, effective October 1, 2012. Contract is on file in the Presbytery Office.
 Approved an extension of the Interim contract between Northwood San Antonio and David
Meriwether to August 31, 2012. Contract is on file in the Presbytery Office.
 Approved the Interim contract between Hope Austin and Kent Miller for 12 months effective
September 1, 2012. Contract is on file in the Presbytery Office.
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Approved the Interim contract between Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church and David Meriwether
for 12 months effective September 1, 2012. Contract is on file in the Presbytery Office.
Approved the renewal of the CRE contract renewed between El Buen Pastor Austin and Absalon
Lyra for 12 months effective November 1, 2011. Contract is on file in the Presbytery Office.
Approved the renewal of the CRE contract between Good Shepherd San Antonio and Iris Amon
for 12 months effective January 1, 2013. Contract is on file in the Presbytery Office.
Approved the CRE contract between Sinai, Laredo, Rafael Dominguez for 12 months effective
October 28, 2012.
Deaths of Teaching Elders
 Rev Laura Lewis, Austin TX, June 24, 2012
 Rev L. Robert (Bob) Frere, Helotes TX, August 7, 2012.
Honorable Retirement Requests
 Rev John Strange effective July 1, 2012
 Rev David Reed, Interim New Braunfels Presbyterian, Oct 1, 2012
 Rev Paul Demotte, Designated Pastor, Emmanuel, San Antonio, December 31, 2012.
Installation as Teaching Elder/Minister of Word and Sacrament by actions of Administrative
Commissions (AC)
 Approved an Administrative Commission to Install Patrick Clinton Regen as Pastor, Wimberley
Presbyterian Church: Revs James Barker, Kathy Anderson, and Amy Hanschen, and Ruling
Elders Jerry Hughes, Westlake Hills Austin, and Jimmy Connell, Wimberley Presbyterian
Church.
 Approved an Administrative Commission to Install Rev Scott Sandahl as Pastor, St John's Austin:
Revs Richard Powell, Nancy Marroquin, and Bill Clark and Ruling Elders Jim Marroquin,
Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church, and Luann Sandahl, St John's Austin.
 Approved an Administrative Commission to Install Rev Charlie K. Moore as Pastor, New
Braunfels Presbyterian Church: Revs Karen Stocks, Lynda Dinsdale, and Ken Peters and Ruling
Elders Doug Williams, New Braunfels Presbyterian Church, and Marion Griffin, Holy Trinity
San Antonio.
 Approved an Administrative Commission to Install Laura Mendenhall as Pastor, Presbyterian
Church of Lake Travis: Revs Sally Anderson, Chuck Mendenhall, and Kathy Anderson, and
Ruling Elders Linda Tyler, Westminster Austin, and Larry Foster, Presbyterian Church of Lake
Travis. Salary: $21264.93. SECA: $1594.87. Prof: $1800. BoP: Full
 Approved the Stated Clerk and COM Moderator to appoint an Administrative Commission to
Install Rev Catherine Elizabeth Craley as Pastor of Round Rock Presbyterian Church. Salary:
$33400. Housing: $24000. Auto: $1500. Prof: $800. Book: $2000. SECA: $3817. Moving: up
to $6000. BoP: Full
 Approved the Stated Clerk and COM Moderator to appoint an Administrative Commission to
Install Rev Traci Smith as Pastor of Northwood San Antonio.
 Approved the Stated Clerk and COM Moderator to appoint an Administrative Commission to
Install Rev Steven Arndt as Pastor of Jackson Woods, Corpus Christi.
 Approved the Stated Clerk and COM Moderator to appoint an Administrative Commission to
Install Rev Ted Thulin as Associate Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Austin.
 Approved the Stated Clerk and COM Moderator to appoint an Administrative Commission to
Install Rev John Brantley as Pastor at First Marble Falls on September 1 or 9, 2012. Salary:
$50,000. Prof: $2000. Book: $1000. Other: $800 SECA: $3600 BoP: Full.
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Dismissed with thanks the Administrative Commission to Install Rev David McCann as Pastor,
First Weslaco, on June 10, 2012: Revs Sonja Dalglish, David Diercksen, and Faith Jongewaard,
and Ruling Elders Matthew Jones, First Weslaco, and Sandy Pinaire, Jackson Woods Corpus
Christi.
Dismissed with thanks the Administrative Commission to Install Rev Clint Regen as Pastor,
Wimberley Presbyterian Wimberley, having completed their work on July 22, 2012.
Dismissed with thanks the Administrative Commission to Install Rev Scott Sandahl as Pastor, St
John's Austin, having completed their work on August 19, 2012.
Dismissed with thanks the Administrative Commission to Ordain Elaine Murray Dreeben on
behalf of Grace Presbytery, having completed their work on August 11, 2012 at First Kerrville.
Dismissed with thanks the Administrative Commission to Install Rev Charlie K. Moore as Pastor,
New Braunfels Presbyterian Church, having completed their work on September 9, 2012.
Dismissed with thanks the Administrative Commission to Install Rev John Brantley as Pastor,
First Marble Falls, having completed their work on September 16, 2012.
Dismissed with thanks the Administrative Commission to Install Rev Laura Mendenhall as
Pastor, Lake Travis Presbyterian Church, having completed their work on October 21, 2012.
Interim Pastors
 Approved extension of Interim Ministry Contract between Northwood San Antonio and David
Meriwether to August 31, 2012.
 Approved Interim Ministry Contract between Hope Austin and Kent Miller for 12 months
effective September 1, 2012.
 Approved Interim Ministry Contract between Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church and David
Meriwether for 12 months effective September 1, 2012.
 Received Quarterly Interim Reports from Rev Gusti Newquist, Madison Square San Antonio,
dated June 24, 2012 and September 12, 2012.
 Received Quarterly Interim Report from Rev Sandra Hanna, Grace Corpus Christi, dated August
3, 2012.
 Received Quarterly Interim Report from Rev Paul Parsons, Covenant Austin, dated September
26, 2012.
Minister/Teaching Elder Members Transferring into or out of Mission Presbytery
 Received Rev Roland Purdue, HR, from Presbytery of Charlotte, to serve as Interim at first
Kerrville effective August 15, 2012.
 Received Rev Catherine Elizabeth Craley from Presbytery of Charlotte, to receive a call as Pastor
of Round Rock Presbyterian Church.
 Received Rev Traci Smith from Detroit Presbytery to receive a call as Pastor of Northwood San
Antonio.
 Received Rev Ted Thulin from Transylvania Presbytery to receive a call as Associate Pastor of
Shepherd of the Hills Austin.
 Received Rev Mary Swierenga, HR, from National Capital Presbytery.
 Received Rev Mary Rogers-Ellsworth from Interim Pastor, Palo Duro Presbytery to Director of
Spiritual Life, Pan American Presbyterian School, a validated ministry within Mission
Presbytery.
 Received Rev Gerald "Jerry" Hurst, HR, from New Covenant Presbytery (examined for transfer
on Sep 25, 2012).
 Dismissed Rev Vanessa Potter from the staff of MoRanch to receive a call as Interim Associate
Pastor, Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church Dallas, Grace Presbytery, effective June 9, 2012.
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Dismissed Rev Peter Haas from Associate Pastor Westlake Austin to receive a call as Pastor,
Westminster United, Waterloo IA, North Central Iowa Presbytery, effective June 11, 2012.
Dismissed Rev John Poling to Grand Canyon Presbytery to receive a call as Interim Pastor of
Historic First Phoenix effective April 16, 2012.
Dismissed Rev Elaine Dreeben to Grace Presbytery, effective August 13, 2012, as Lily Pastoral
Resident, Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Dallas TX.
Dismissed Rev Victor Dindot, HR, to New Covenant Presbytery, effective August 7, 2012.
Dissolved the interim pastoral relationship between First Mission and Rev David Diercksen and
dismissed him to accept a call as Associate Pastor, Paoli Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of
Donegal, effective October 1, 2012.
Dissolved the installed pastoral relationship between Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church Austin
and Rev Peter Barnes and dismissed him to accept a call as Pastor, First Presbyterian Church,
Winston-Salem, NC, effective September 30, 2012.
Minister/Teaching Elder Members
 Dissolved the pastoral relationship between Rev Doug Dalglish and Canyon Lake Presbyterian
Church effective August 1, 2012.
 Dissolved the temporary pastoral relationship between Rev Ron Stevenson, HR, and First Taylor.
 Dissolved the pastoral relationship between Korean McAllen and Rev Ho In Yu, Korean McAllen
effective July 10, 2012, and his change of status to member at large.
 Dissolved the installed pastoral relationship between Holy Trinity San Antonio and Rev Caryn
Thurman, effective August 20, 2012, and her change of status to member at large.
 Dissolved the installed pastoral relationship between First LaGrange and Rev Walter Lee
effective September 1, 2012, and his change of status to member at large.
 Dissolved the temporary pastoral relationship between First New Braunfels and Rev Consuelo
Donahue effective August 31, 2012.
 Approved the change of status for Rev Sonja Dalglish from Interim, Weslaco, to member at large,
effective April 29, 2012.
 Dissolved the interim pastoral relationship between Community, Port Aransas and Rev Trisha
Tedrow, effective November 7, 2012.
 Approved the change of status for Rev Clint Regen from Designated Pastor to Pastor, Wimberley,
effective July 22, 2012.
 Approved the change of status for Rev Laura Mendenhall from Designated Pastor to Pastor, Lake
Travis Presbyterian Church, effective October 1, 2012.
 Approved Rev Consuelo Donahue for fulltime chaplaincy with Goodwill, a validated ministry
within the bounds of Mission Presbytery.
 Approved Rev Doug Dalglish to receive a call as President, Presbyterian Pan American School,
effective August 1, 2012, a validated ministry within the bounds of Mission Presbytery.
 Approved Rev Chuck Mendenhall to serve as Parish Associate for Lake Travis Presbyterian
Church, effective October 1, 2012.
 Approved Rev Trisha Tedrow as Stated Supply, First Port Lavaca, effective November 8, 2012.
 Approved Rev Mike Miller as Stated Supply, part-time, for Memorial, San Marcos effective
October 5, 2012.
 Approved part-time Interim contract between Westlake Hills, Austin and Rev Amy Hanschen
upon completion of interim training, October 8-12, 2012.
 Approved Rev Rich Lounsbery to serve as Parish Associate for First, San Antonio, effective
October 1, 2012.
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Ordination as Teaching Elder/Minister of Word and Sacrament by actions of Administrative
Commissions (AC)
 Approved an Administrative Commission to Ordain Elaine Murray Dreeben on behalf of Grace
Presbytery on August 11, 2012 at First Kerrville: Revs Rob Lohmeyer, Clayton Rascoe, and
Bette Burris, and Ruling Elders Keaton King, University Austin, and Judy Ferguson, First
Kerrville. Also serving on the commission as guests are Rev Leah Bradley, Presbytery of
Southeast Illinois, Rev William Williamson, Mid-Kentucky Presbytery, and Ruling Elders Pat
and Liz Murray, First Kerrville. Elaine has received a call to Preston Hollow PC Dallas as the
Lily Pastoral Resident.
 Pending Presbytery sustaining the examination for ordination, approved the Stated Clerk and
COM Moderator to appoint an Administrative Commission to Ordain and Install Laura Beth
Walters as Associate Pastor of Westminster Austin.
 Pending Presbytery sustaining the examination for ordination, approved the Stated Clerk and
COM Moderator to appoint an Administrative Commission to Ordain Jeffrey Saddington to serve
as chaplain, Austin Hospice, a validated ministry within the bounds of Mission Presbytery.
 Pending Presbytery sustaining the examination for ordination, approved the Stated Clerk to ask
Salem Presbytery on behalf of Mission Presbytery to Ordain Laura Neely, and for the Stated
Clerk and COM Moderator to appoint an Administrative Commission to Install her as Associate
Pastor, Parkway Presbyterian Church, Corpus Christi.
Pastor Nominating Committees (PNC) Formation
 Authorized the formation of a PNC for Brady, Brady.
 Authorized the formation of a PNC for Community Presbyterian, Port Aransas.
 Authorized the formation of a PNC for Covenant, Austin.
 Authorized the formation of a PNC for Hope, Austin.
 Authorized the PNC for First, Del Rio be dissolved.
Permission to Labor within or outside the Bounds of Mission Presbytery
 Approved Missionary, Rev Don Wehmeyer, New Covenant Presbytery, to labor inside the
bounds of Mission Presbytery as pulpit supply during his residency at APTS awaiting finalization
of new missionary post.
 Approved, Rev Joe Sustaita (ELCA) member Southwestern Synod of Texas as bilingual Pulpit
Supply for First, Del Rio.
 Granted permission for Rev Carol Burgeson to labor outside the bounds of Mission Presbytery on
August 19, 2012 at First Jacksonville, Grace Presbytery, in order to fill the pulpit that Sunday.
 Acknowledged VA Chaplain Bob Bellin, Jr's reassignment from the San Antonio VA Medical
Center to William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia SC, effective July 2,
2012 (COM authority resides in the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and administered by
the Presbyterian Council of Chaplains and Military Personnel).
 Granted permission for Rev David Evans to labor outside the bounds of Mission Presbytery on
October 20 and 27 to officiate weddings in Longmont, Grace Presbytery.
 Granted permission for Rev Gerald Hurst, HR, New Covenant Presbytery, to labor within the
bounds of Mission Presbytery effective September 2, 2012 for the purpose of conducting the
sacraments and moderating the Session of First Presbyterian Church, LaGrange, until an interim
pastor is in place.
 Approved Stated Supply contract between Del Rio and Rev. Don Wehmeyer, missionary and
member of New Covenant Presbytery, for 7 months, effective November 1, 2012.
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Session Moderators Appointed
 Rev Kemper Huber, Forest Hills Helotes
 Rev Jan Alexander, First Taylor
 Rev Lynda Dinsdale, Canyon Lake
 Rev Kathy Trevino, Taylor Mexican
 Rev Charlie Cropper, First New Braunfels
 Rev Kent Miller, Hope Austin
 Rev David Meriwether, Canyon Lake Presbyterian Church
 Rev Gerald Hurst, First LaGrange
 Rev Fred Abney, First Llano
 Rev Fred Morgan, Westlake Hills Austin
 Rev Pete Hendricks, Faith Austin
 Rev David McCann, McAllen Korean
Specialized Ministry/Members-at-Large Reports
 Rev William Karlson, hospice chaplain, dated August 2, 2012
Sub-Committee on Examinations
 Teaching Elders Received into the Presbytery
 Rev Roland Purdue, HR, from Presbytery of Charlotte to Interim, First, Kerrville.
Rev Catherine Craley from Presbytery of Charlotte to Pastor, Round Rock, Round Rock
 Rev Traci Smith from Detroit Presbytery to Pastor, Northwood San Antonio.
 Rev Ted Thulin from Transylvania Presbytery to Associate Pastor, Shepherd of the Hills,
Austin.
 Rev Mary Swierenga, HR from National Capital Presbytery.
 Rev Mary Rogers-Ellsworth from Palo Duro Presbytery to Chaplain/Staff Pan American
School.
 Rev Gerald "Jerry" Hurst, HR, from New Covenant Presbytery.
 Candidates for Ordination pending examination on the floor of Presbytery
 Laura Beth Walters, Mission Presbytery, to Associate Pastor, Westminster Austin.
 Jeffrey Saddington, Mission Presbytery, to Chaplain, Austin Hospice.
 Laura Neely, Salem Presbytery, to Associate Pastor, Parkway Corpus Christi
Other
 Granted permission for certified ruling elder Eldon Sheffer to provide pulpit supply and officiate
the Sacrament of Holy Communion on August 5, 2012 at First Uvalde during the pastor’s
absence.
 Appointed Ruling Elders Anna Bohart and Ruben Armendariz, and Rev Joseph Kim as a COM
Listening Team for McAllen Korean.
 Temporary Pastor Task Force is working on defining titles and descriptions of temporary pastoral
relationships that shall be used in Mission Presbytery.
 Appointed Rev Diana Whitely as coordinator for Mission Presbytery’s Interim/Transitional
Ministry Program.
Respectfully submitted: Carla Mathews (Moderator), Michael Brundeen, Lynda Dinsdale, Dan Fultz,
Carl McCauley, Dan Milford, Michael Miller, Lynne Myers, Nancy Reeves, Charlie Schuler, John
Seiders, Diana Whitley, Marie Baker, Kae Berry, Anna Bohart, Clayton Bockman, Dottie Collins, Keith
Greene, Nancy Gunter, Rita Livingston, Madelyn Mitchell, Wendy Nave, Carl Spinner, Linda Tyler,
Raquel Ybarra.
Catherine Craley
Statement of Faith
I believe that everyone is important to God. The Almighty God is the force of Eternal Purpose
throughout the ages, the author of the Holy Drama that began with the creation of the universe
and unfolds itself in our everyday lives. The Almighty God revealed God’s love for us in sending
his only Son, Jesus Christ, fully human and fully God, to die on the cross for our personal sins,
as well as the sins of all humankind. Becoming a Christian means embarking on a journey that is
life lived in and through the Holy Mystery of Jesus Christ. I believe that Christ is coming again,
but until that day we live in the already-but-not-yet world of God’s kingdom here on earth.
While God has forgiven us through Christ, it is sometimes difficult for us to forgive ourselves or
others, of transgression. We always need the Holy Spirit to remind us that “behold, God is
making all things new.” God goes before us, behind us and is with us always, in the person of
Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, is the
author and “perfector” of our faith, and the Holy Spirit is what makes Christian faith living and
exciting!
Sin is anything that separates us from God. Too often we accept the culture’s lies about our lives.
We begin to believe that we are not good enough, hard working enough, or attractive enough to
be loved or valuable. But just the opposite is true! God loves us just as we are. We also sin when
we fail to accept that all people are made in the image of God, or when we deny that God is
sovereign and we try to be God in our own lives, or in the lives of people we love.
Everyday is a gift from God, and an opportunity to hear and share the Good News of the Gospel.
God’s Word to us, the Bible, is the story of imperfect but faithful God-followers throughout the
ages. It is our story as well. Through worship, Bible study and personal Spiritual disciplines, the
Holy Sprit takes the Truth that echoes through the ages and brings it into our hearts, sanctifying
our lives.
The Sacraments are a visible sign of God’s invisible grace. In the Sacraments, we enact the Word
that has been read and proclaimed. The holy waters of baptism bring us from death to new life.
The children of Israel passed through these waters as they moved from slavery to freedom. In
baptism we are reminded that God loved us before we even knew God, and we look forward to
the day when we are joined with the communion of saints by the river of life in eternity.
The Lord’s Supper is a Sacrament that unites our past, present and future. We look back and
remember Christ’s sacrifice for our sins, even as we are joined into communion with Christ and
all believers around the fellowship of the table. During the feast of the Lord’s Supper, we are
also invited to reaffirm our place as beloved children of God and are renewed in our calling to
participate in the work of Christ in this world.
Statement of Faith
Summer, 2012
Rev. Dr. Jerry Hurst
I believe in the centrality of God as the creator, shaper, and sustainer of all
that was, is, and shall be. I believe in the God who calls me into a covenant
relationship with this broken and sinful world; that I have been blessed, not so
that I can boast, but so that I can be a blessing to others in service beyond self.
I believe we are called worship this selfsame God by consecrating our lives and
our resources to his glory. Worship should never be measured by what I or
others get out of it, but rather by how God was honored and served through
this particular experience.
I believe in the centrality of Jesus Christ as the incarnation of God, a sinless
man born and brought up among sinful people; God in him and Christ in us that
we become completely one through his atoning grace and abiding faith. I
believe in the centrality of the cross, the font, and the table as graphic images
to which we are called to remember God’s great love for us. I believe that in
baptism we are sealed in a sacred relationship with God through Jesus, and
that in the Lord’s Supper we called into participating in the ongoing ministry of
Christ.
I believe in the centrality of the Holy Spirit. I believe God sent the Spirit to
work within me to accomplish God’s will and to seek God’s good pleasure in
and through my life. It is for God’s good pleasure that the Spirit leads me to
the truth contained in the scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments. I
believe it is the Holy Spirit which illuminates my journey of faith, and corrects
my course when I stray from the path God has set before me. I believe in the
power and the sanctity of the gifts of the Spirit. It is by the outpouring of
these gifts upon the people of God that we experience the breadth and depth
of God’s commitment to the church.
I believe in the church as the living legacy of Jesus Christ. Through her I am
chosen to be part of a royal priesthood, a part of a holy nation that I might
proclaim, in word and deed, the mighty acts of God who called me out of
darkness into the light of an amazing grace. I believe God calls women and
men to serve in any and all offices of the church; that they are guided and led
by the creeds and confessions of the Reformed church and the church which
must continue to reform herself. I believe that these confessions strengthen
and inform my convictions as regards my faith and practice. Thus I can affirm
with our Brief Statement of Faith:
“In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, I strive to serve Christ
in my daily tasks and to live a holy and joyful life, even as I watch for
God’s new heaven and new earth, praying, ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’”
Rafael Dominguez
Elder Rafael Dominguez, member of Sinai Presbyterian Church in Laredo, Texas completed his
preparation for Certification toward a Commissioned Ruling Elder at El Instituto in Weslaco, Texas, a
cooperative Lay Training program for Spanish Language persons between Mission Presbytery and The
Southwestern Synod of ELCA. This joint program was authorized by the Committee on Ministry of
Mission Presbytery, began in 2009 and ended 2012.
His final exam is provided in its entirety in Spanish and abbreviated translations of selected portions
which are provided as a Statement of Faith.
Central Tenants of Reformed Theology
The Reformation was an effort to return the theology and practice of the medieval church to its New
Testament roots. The reformers desired to develop as biblical theology and believed that the only manner
to achieve this was to return to the bible and place it as the only authority as rule of faith. What began as a
sincere protest against ecclesiastical abuses with the purpose of reforming the church ended in a true
revolution and theological liberation.
This theological legacy is contained in five tenants:
Sola Fide
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:17 The righteous will live y faith.
Justification by faith is in the merits of Christ and not through works of the law.
This is the doctrine and essence of the reformation and of Christian theology.
Sola Scriptura
The bible is the only guide and infallible rule of faith and practice.
For the reformers the principle of sola scriptura signified that only the bible could be an infallible
guide in matters of faith and practice and its voice is sufficient and final in theology and morality.
Sola Gratia
In the Christian sense, grace is the spontaneous love of God, although unmerited, for all sinful men,
revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and grace is a fundamental element of the
gospel.
Solus Christus
Juan 4:16 Jesus said, I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the father but by me.
The reformation called the church to return to faith in Christ as the only mediator between God and
man. As John Calvin wrote “Christ intervened and interceded for us taking upon his back the pain
and paid for all sinner and sins as a just justice of God; who expiated with his blood all the sins that
cause enmity between God and men; who with this expiation satisfied the Father….we look only to
Cristo in order to obtain divine favor and paternal love.”
Soli Deo Gloria
The Reformation recovered the biblical teaching concerning the sovereignty of God in all aspects of
the believer’s life. All life should be lived to the Glory of God.
The Westminster Confession asks “What is the chief end of man” “The chief end of man is to glorify
God and enjoy him forever.”
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Examen de Certificación para Pastor Laico Comisionado.
Parte 1
A) Introducción a pastor laico comisionado y llamado al liderazgo.
1- Introducción a pastor laico comisionado.
Un pastor laico comisionado es un anciano gobernante de la iglesia presbiteriana (E.U.A) a
quien el presbiterio después de capacitar en las áreas de Biblia, Teología reformada,
Sacramentos, Constitución Presbiteriana, Predicación, Teología de la Adoración, Cuidado
Pastoral y Enseñanza, es certificado y comisionado a una iglesia local.
Mientras el aspirante a pastor laico no reciba una comisión por parte del presbiterio seguirá
fungiendo como Anciano Gobernante.
La comisión será válida por un periodo máximo de tres años y siempre será determinado por
el presbiterio.
Cuando el pastor laico sea comisionado, sus responsabilidades serán:
Dirección de la adoración.
Predicación del evangelio.
Cuidado de la congregación
Proveer medios para el crecimiento de la iglesia local.
Cuando un presbiterio lo autorice y después de proveerle la instrucción necesaria, el pastor
laico comisionado también se podrá encargar de:
- Administrar la Cena del Señor.
- Administrar el Sacramento del Bautismo.
- Moderar la sesión de la congregación bajo la supervisión del mediador de la sesión
designada por el presbiterio, cuando el mediador lo invite.
- Tener voz en reuniones del presbiterio.
- Tener voto en reuniones del presbiterio (tal voto será contado como Anciano
comisionado con fines de igualdad).
- Celebrar un servicio de casamiento cristiano cuando fuese invitado por la sesión u otro
comité responsable y cuando el estado lo permita.
Conclusión:
El aspirante a pastor-a laico comisionado debe entender:
1- Que su llamado es a ser certificado, no ordenado, y una vez certificado esta a criterio
del presbiterio el que se le conceda una comisión.
2- Que su vida debe ser ejemplo de una Fe genuina en Jesucristo como su Señor y
Salvador y Cabeza de la Iglesia.
3- Que se conducirá según los artículos esenciales de la fe reformada expresadas en las
confesiones de la Iglesia Presbiteriana (E.U.A)
4- Cumplir su oficio en obediencia a Jesucristo, bajo la autoridad de la Sagrada
Escritura.
5- Deberá regirse por el gobierno de la iglesia presbiteriana y sujetarse a su disciplina.
6- Trabajar arduamente por amor a Dios y al prójimo, promover la paz, pureza y unidad
de la iglesia, proveyendo lo necesario para la edificación del cuerpo de Cristo.
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2- Llamado al liderazgo.
Dios en el transcurso de los siglos ha llamado tanto a hombres como a mujeres con el
propósito de proclamar y edificar el reino de los cielos.
La naturaleza de este llamado debe entenderse como un llamamiento especial, y excepcional
ya que no es terreno, si no celestial, (2 Timoteo 1:8-9, Hebreos 3:1). No depende del hombre,
si no de Dios, actuando en todo momento en el hombre o mujer, según su soberano propósito,
y desde antes de lo que la persona pueda entender, (Romanos 8:28-30) manifestándose en el
momento en que Dios designa.
El ejemplo a seguir para el servicio en cualquiera de los oficios de la iglesia lo tenemos en
aquel que vino, “no para ser servido sino para servir” (Mateo 20:28), Jesucristo. Por lo cual
Dios a provisto a los llamados al servicio de la Iglesia, de dones de gracia para la edificación
de todas las áreas que la iglesia necesita, esto es, en el área tanto de la proclamación de la
palabra y la celebración de los sacramentos los cuales deben tener el énfasis primario en la
Iglesia, como otras formas que reflejen acciones de amor y misericordia, formas
principalmente educativas, administrativas, legislativas, judiciales y proféticas. (G-6.0104).
El carácter de este llamamiento es de amor, sensibilidad y apertura hacia las personas,
procurando siempre proveer lo necesario para la ayuda de todos los miembros de la Iglesia y
de la comunidad.
Bajo la dirección del Espíritu Santo es que el ministerio encuentra su motivación (el amor), y
propósito (glorificar a Jesucristo), capacitación y poder para realizar todas las tareas que Dios
a puesto delante de sus siervos de antemano para que anduviéramos en ellas.
B- ¿Comente sobre el llamado al liderazgo de los personajes bíblicos, la
naturaleza de su llamado, como respondieron y cuál fue el resultado? Samuel,
Moisés, David, Jonás, Pedro, Pablo.
Llamar
Etimología:
Antiguo testamento
Del hebreo “qara”.
Significado común: llamar o gritar
Significado teológico: proclamar o disponer oficialmente, citar, invitar, llamar a alguien para
algo.
Nuevo testamento.
Del griego “kaleo” llamar, invitar o nombrar.
El sustantivo es “klesis” llamamiento (Romanos 8:28-29)
Por lo tanto el llamamiento puede definirse como el acto de gracia de Dios por el cual invita a los
pecadores a aceptar la salvación que se ofrece en Cristo Jesús.
Samuel (nombre divino- nombre de Dios)
La biblia relata varios nacimientos extraordinarios, por ejemplo Isaac, Moisés, Samuel, y en
sentido totalmente único, Jesús.
Samuel fue consagrado a Dios aun antes de nacer (1 Samuel 1-11) desde muy niño (después de
ser destetado, aproximadamente 2-3 años) su madre Ana, lo llevo a silo y lo dejo con Elí donde
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el niño creció al servicio del tabernáculo. Allí aprendió a adorar a Dios, y era aceptado delante de
Dios y delante de los hombres (1 Samuel 2: 26) en contraste con los hijos de Elí que no tenían
buen testimonio. La palabra de Dios escaseaba por lo que Dios que nunca ha dejado a su pueblo
a oscuras, llama a Samuel.
La naturaleza de su llamado: Judicial.
Aunque la biblia nos ensena que Samuel fue un juez de Israel, es importante hacer resaltar que la
palabra en hebreo que se utiliza aquí es sopet y se refiere originalmente a aquel que pronuncia un
oráculo, o uno que habla por Dios, éxodo 18:13-16. Más adelante la palabra vino a tener un
significado más amplio del que tuvo al principio, el tenía que ver que se hiciese perfecta justicia,
debía rechazar el soborno y guardarse contra la influencia de la opinión popular para no afectar
su juicio, en el periodo de los jueces la justicia era administrada por líderes en los que el pueblo
confiaba. En tiempos de Samuel, el organizo un tribunal ambulante para juzgar (1 Samuel 7:16)
Deuteronomio 6:25: Y tendremos justicia cuando cuidemos de poner por obra todos estos
mandamientos delante de Jehová nuestro Dios, como el nos ha mandado.
Moisés
Éxodo 3:1-22
Dios siempre ve el sufrimiento de su pueblo y se compadece, y dice: bien he visto, y he oído, he
conocido (ver 7). Muchos lo tienen por tardanza, pero Dios actúa en el momento preciso,
utilizando para sus fines a personas que en su soberanía el escoge y llama, capacita y envía.
Moisés se encuentra en el monte Sinaí donde pastoreaba a las ovejas de su suegro Jetro y Dios se
le revela en una zarza que arde pero no se consume (la llama de fuego en la biblia a menudo
simboliza la presencia de Dios). La curiosidad de Moisés le llevo a acercarse y Dios le hablo,
aquí aprendemos que la presencia divina santifica aun el lugar donde aparece (quita tu calzado de
tus pies, porque el lugar donde tu estas, tierra santa es). A continuación Dios le revela a Moisés
sus planes y la labor que El le tiene encomendada, aun cuando moisés al principio ofreció
resistencia y empieza por poner objeciones, el vio su propia incapacidad (¿quién soy yo?), lo
imposible de la tarea(saque de Egipto a los hijos de Israel), y es razonable que vacilemos cuando
nos contemplamos a nosotros mismos, pero Dios le responde( yo estaré contigo) cuando Dios
elige a un hombre para su servicio no lo hace sobre la base de las capacidades del hombre, si no,
de su obediencia a la voluntad divina, el llamado de Dios fue firme y Moisés lo obedeció.
La naturaleza de su llamado: como libertador, legislativa, Ejecutiva y judicial
David
2 Samuel 16:7 y Jehová respondió a Samuel: no mires a su parecer, ni a lo grande de du estatura,
porque yo lo desecho; porque Jehová no mira lo que mira el hombre, porque el hombre mira lo
que está delante de sus ojos, pero Jehová mira el corazón.
A menudo el hombre se deja guiar por la apariencia, la estatura, la hermosura, pero Dios mira lo
que está dentro del corazón, y eso es lo que verdaderamente tiene valor para El. Así era el
corazón de David, un corazón que ardía en celo, alabanza y servicio hacia Dios, aun cuando
David pareciera ser el menos capacitado para ocupar el puesto de rey, pero el Espíritu del Señor
descendió sobre David desde ese día en adelante (1 Samuel 16:13) y David fue capacitado para
ser rey sobre Israel por 40 años. Esta ceremonia (su unción) no fue una ceremonia vacía, el
poder Divino vino con esa señal instituida, el se hayo de pronto con gran sabiduría y valor, con
todas las capacidades de un príncipe, aunque su desarrollo no lo debía a circunstancias externas.
Esto confirma que la elección es de Dios, la mejor evidencia de ser predestinado al reino de la
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gloria es el ser llamado por Dios y sellado por el espíritu santo de la promesa y experimentar una
obra de gracia en el corazón.
Naturaleza del llamado de David: Monárquica, un líder de una nación en toda su capacidad.
Jonás
2 Pedro 2:9 el señor no retarda su promesa, según algunos la tienen por tardanza, sino que es
paciente para con nosotros, no queriendo que ninguno perezca, sino que todos procedan al
arrepentimiento.
Cuantas veces nos revelamos en contra de la voluntad de Dios, no entendiendo el porqué El
Señor hace las cosas como El quiere y cuando quiere, cuantas veces nos salimos del camino del
deber y hasta encontramos vientos a favor. El camino fácil no siempre es el camino recto, de
aquí la importancia de tener el Espíritu del Señor para que lleve cautivos nuestros pensamientos
a la obediencia a Cristo. Maravillosa se muestra aquí la paciencia y misericordia de Dios hacia
Jonás, y la sublime gracia divina que no es para que nos la guardemos sino para que la
proclamemos a otros (Mateo 10:7-8)
La naturaleza del llamado de Jonás: profética, proclamar juicio y misericordia
Pedro
1 corintios 1:26-28 pues mirad, hermanos, vuestra vocación, que no sois muchos sabios según la
carne, no muchos poderosos, ni muchos nobles;
Sino que lo necio del mundo escogió Dios, para avergonzar a los sabios, y lo débil del mundo
escogió Dios, para avergonzar a lo fuerte.
Cuando Jesús empezó su ministerio empezar a reunir discípulos que debían ser oyentes y luego
predicadores de su doctrina, debían ser testigos de sus milagros y luego dar testimonio acerca de
ellos. No fue a la corte de Herodes, ni fue a Jerusalén a los sumos sacerdotes ni a los ancianos,
sino al mar de galilea, a los pescadores, el mismo poder que llamo a Pedro y a Andrés podría
haber traído a Anas y a Caifás, porque nada es imposible para Dios. Pero el Señor elige a lo
necio del mundo para confundir a lo sabio. En principio habían seguido a Jesús desde lejos como
discípulos de Juan el bautista (Juan 1:37) pero ahora son llamados a dar un paso de fe hacia
adelante, tiene que dejarlo todo por seguir a Jesús (Mateo 16:24) los que desean seguir a Jesús
deben estar dispuesto a dejarlo todo por seguirlo a Él, esto nos exhorta a depender por completo
de la gracia de Dios. Pedro es una representación de todo ser humanos y el ejemplo a seguir
cuando recibamos el llamado de Dios para nuestras vidas (ellos entonces, dejando al instante las
redes, le siguieron.)
Naturaleza del llamado de Pedro: Apostólico (predicación, enseñanza y administración)
Pablo
Proverbios 14:12
Hay camino que al hombre le parece derecho; pero su fin es camino de muerte.
Pablo creía que ir en contra del nombre de Cristo era hacer un servicio a Dios, pero el mismo
Señor se le aparece en el camino a damasco y le muestra el error que estaba cometiendo (Saulo,
Saulo, porque me persigues) el camino que transitaba le llevaba a un lugar diferente al que él
creía (dura cosa te es dar coces contra el aguijón). Saulo pregunta (¿quién eres Señor?) Y Jesús
se da a conocer (yo soy Jesús a quien tu persigues). Una nueva obra dio comienzo cuando a los
pies del Señor Saulo se dispuso diciendo: ¿Señor, que quieres que yo haga?
Naturaleza del llamado de pablo: Proclamación y extensión
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C- ¿Cuales son los temas centrales de la Teología Reformada?
La reforma fue el esfuerzo de hacer regresar la teología y practica de la iglesia medieval a sus
bases novotestamentarias. Los reformadores solo querían desarrollar una teología bíblica y creían
que la única manera de lograrlo era volviendo a la biblia poniéndola como la única autoridad en
regla de fe. Lo que comenzó como una protesta sincera contra los abusos eclesiásticos con el fin
de reformar la iglesia, término con una verdadera revolución y liberación teológica.
La herencia teológica de la reforma se puede resumir en cinco puntos:
Sola fe (Sola Fide)
ROMANOS 5:1 Justificados, pues, por la fe, tenemos paz para con Dios por medio de nuestro
Señor Jesucristo
Romanos 1:17 El justo por la fe vivirá
La justificación por la fe en los meritos de Cristo y no por las obras de la ley. Esta es la doctrina
y esencia de la reforma y de la teología cristiana. La doctrina de la justificación por la fe es
totalmente opuesta al concepto católico romano de la justificación por las obras y sumisión total
a la iglesia. En esta doctrina ya no había necesidad de sacrificios, penitencias, peregrinaciones o
confesión auricular para recibir absolución sacerdotal.
Sola escritura (sola Scriptura)
La biblia como guía única e infalible en asuntos de fe y conducta.
Este fue el primer objetivo de la reforma, aceptar que la biblia como revelación divina es la única
guía y autoridad en asuntos de fe (teología) y, conducta y conciencia (ética). La iglesia
medieval, se decía, era la madre de la biblia, y por lo tanto las escrituras estaban sujetas a ella, la
iglesia tenía la última palabra en asuntos de interpretación y aplicación por medio de su tradición
y papado.
Para los reformadores, el principio de sola escritura, significaba que solo la biblia podía ser guía
infalible en asuntos de fe y conducta, la voz de la biblia era final, era suficiente como
fundamento teológico y moral. Ya no había necesidad de dogmas y tradiciones de la iglesia. La
biblia había sido un libro exclusivo de los sacerdotes. Ahora todo cristiano, campesino o cura,
podía leer y estudiar la palabra inspirada, a la vez que se podía distribuir libremente.
Sola gracia (Sola Gratia)
En el sentido cristiano, gracia es el amor espontaneo de Dios, aunque inmerecido, para el hombre
pecaminoso, revelada en la vida, muerte y resurrección de Jesucristo, la gracia es un elemento
fundamental del evangelio.
La esencia de la doctrina de la gracia es que, aunque el hombre merece que Dios este en su
contra, el está a su favor y es por medio de la persona de Jesucristo que el hombre rebelde
experimenta el amor inmerecido de Dios e inicia una relación con el, por esta razón el nuevo
testamento siempre relaciona la palabra gracia con Cristo, ya sea implícita o explícitamente. La
vida, el sufrimiento la muerte y la resurrección de Jesús reflejan la acción de la gracia de Dios en
la historia para redimir a la humanidad
Solo Jesús (Solus Chistus)
Juan 14:6 Jesús le dijo: Yo soy el camino, y la verdad, y la vida, nadie viene al padre sino por
mí.
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La Reforma hizo un llamado a la iglesia a regresar a la fe en Cristo como único mediador entre
Dios y el hombre. Mientras la iglesia romana mantuvo que “hay un purgatorio y las almas que
son detenidas allí son ayudadas por las oraciones intercesoras de los feligreses”, “los santos
deben ser invocados y venerados;”, y que, “sus reliquias deberán ser veneradas”, los
reformadores enseñaron que la salvación es solamente a través de la obra de Cristo. Como dijo
Juan Calvino en los Institutos de la Religión Cristiana, “…intervino Cristo, e intercediendo por
nosotros tomó sobre sus espaldas la pena y pagó todo lo que los pecadores habían de pagar por
justo juicio de Dios; que expió con su sangre todos los pecados que eran causa de la enemistad
entre Dios y los hombres; que con esta expiación se satisfizo al Padre… vemos solamente hacia
Cristo para obtener favor divino y amor paternal.”
De la misma manera en el Catecismo de Heidelberg, Pregunta 30, “¿Creen pues también en el
único Salvador Jesús, aquellos que buscan su salvación en los santos, o en sí mismos o en
cualquiera otra parte? No, porque aunque de boca se gloríen de tenerle por Salvador, de hecho
niegan al único Salvador Jesús: pues necesariamente resulta, o que Jesús no es perfecto Salvador
o que aquellos que con verdadera fe le reciben por Salvador tienen que poseer en El todo lo
necesario para su salvación.”
Como dice la Escritura,
“Porque hay un solo Dios, y un solo mediador entre Dios y los hombres, Jesucristo hombre, el
cual se dio a sí mismo en rescate por todos, de lo cual se dio testimonio a su debido tiempo… el
cual nos ha librado de la potestad de las tinieblas, y trasladado al reino de su amado Hijo, en
quien tenemos redención por su sangre, el perdón de pecados. El es la imagen del Dios
invisible, el primogénito de toda creación. Porque en él fueron creadas todas las cosas, las que
hay en los cielos y las que hay en la tierra, visibles e invisibles; sean tronos, sean dominios, sean
principados, sean potestades; todo fue creado por medio de él y para él. Y él es antes de todas las
cosas, y todas las cosas en él subsisten; y él es la cabeza del cuerpo que es la iglesia, él que es el
principio, el primogénito de entre los muertos, para que en todo tenga la
preeminencia;…” (1Timoteo 2:5-6; Colosenses 1:13-18 )
Solo a Dios la Gloria (Soli Deo Gloria)
La Reforma recupero la enseñanza bíblica de la Soberanía de Dios sobre todos los aspectos de la
vida del creyente. Toda la vida deberá ser vivida para la Gloria de Dios. Como pregunta el
Catecismo Menor de Westminster, “¿Cuál es el fin principal del hombre? El fin principal del
hombre es el de glorificar a Dios, y gozar de Él para siempre.” Este gran y apasionado propósito
fue enfatizado por aquellos en el Siglo 16 y 17 que buscaban reformar a la iglesia de acuerdo a la
Palabra de Dios. En contraste a la división monástica de vida de lo sagrado contra lo secular
perpetuado por la Iglesia Romana, los reformadores vieron que toda la vida debe ser vivida bajo
el Señorío de Cristo. Cada actividad del cristiano ha de ser santificado para la gloria de Dios.
D-¿Cuales son los sacramentos de la Iglesia Presbiteriana?
Los sacramentos de la iglesia presbiteriana son dos:
Bautismo
Su definición:
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Cristo instituye el bautismo después de su resurrección y encargo a sus discípulos bautizar a los
que se hicieran discípulos en el nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo.
La escritura ensena claramente que la idea esencial en el símbolo del bautismo es la purificación.
Y esto puede ser simbolizado tanto en la inmersión como por la aspersión.
¿Quiénes son aptos para el bautismo?:
Los creyentes adultos: el propósito del bautismo fue para los adultos como símbolo de muerte al
viejo ser y nacimiento al nuevo hombre que es en Cristo, a la vez como señal de la purificación
que el Espíritu Santo opera en los creyentes.
Los niños: el bautismo infantil no se basa en ningún pasaje de las escrituras, sino en una serie de
consideraciones. El pacto hecho con Abraham era un pacto espiritual, aunque también tenía un
aspecto nacional. Este pacto todavía está en vigor y es esencialmente el mismo pacto que el
nuevo pacto de la dispensación presente. Los niños participan de las bendiciones del pacto,
reciben el signo de la circuncisión y eran reconocidos como parte de la congregación de Israel.
En el nuevo testamento la circuncisión es sustituida por el bautismo, como signo de señal de
entrada en el pacto.
Santa cena
Su definición
La cena del señor fue instituida en la pascua poco antes de la muerte de Jesús. El nuevo
sacramento estaba unido en su parte esencial con la comida de la pascua. El pan que se comía
juntamente con el cordero, fue consagrado a un nuevo uso y así mismo el vino la cual era
llamada la copa de bendición.
Las cosas que significan y sellan en la cena del señor:
1- La cena es una representación simbólica de la muerte del señor.
2- También simboliza la participación del creyente con el Cristo crucificado
3- Representa no solo la muerte de Cristo como objeto de fe, sino también el efecto de este
acto, en el sentido que da vida, gozo y fuerza al alma.
4- Sella para el participante el gran amor de Cristo
5- Sella las promesas del pacto para el creyente
6- Sella y asegura que las bendiciones de la salvación son para el
E-¿Qué es Adoración reformada, y cuáles son sus elementos?
La adoración reformada es: toda alabanza y honor, gloria honra y poder que se debe dar al Dios
de toda la creación, esto es al Dios trino. Como ofrenda de amor, el creyente se ofrece en
sacrificio vivo, agradable a Dios en diversas expresiones, que son nuestra respuesta a la
revelación que Dios nos ha dado a través de Jesucristo.
Sus elementos son:
La lectura de la palabra de Dios y su proclamación es el centro vital de nuestra adoración
La respuesta del pueblo a la predicación
El pueblo de Dios dando testimonio de Cristo al mundo
Bautismo y La Cena del Señor (sacramentos)
La oración. Diferentes expresiones como la música y otro tipo de artes y aun en la entrega de
ofrendas y diezmos.
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Parte 2
La Iglesia Presbiteriana
A-¿Que forma la constitución de la iglesia presbiteriana USA? ¿Dar una
descripción de cada uno?
La constitución de la Iglesia Presbiteriana consta de dos libros:
1-Libro de orden. Este libro costa de tres secciones:
Forma de gobierno (G)
Directorio para la Adoración (W)
Reglas de Disciplina (D)
2-Libro de confesiones. Este libro incluye:
El Credo Niceno- en el año 325 en el concilio de Nicea y en el 381 en el concilio de
Constantinopla. Se convirtió en el credo básico de la iglesia del este.
El Credo de los Apóstoles- el credo más temprano de la iglesia, 160-180 en Roma, con autor
desconocido. Credo básico de la Iglesia del oeste.
La Confesión Escocesa- En Escocia y escrita por Juan Knox y otros en 1560
El Catecismo de Heidelberg- Heidelberg, Alemania en 1563 por Zacarías Ursino y Gaspar
Oleviano
La Segunda Confesión Helvética- escrita en Zúrich, Suiza por Henry bullinger en 1566.
La Confesión de Fe Westminster- Esta confesión fue redactada en un espacio de 4 anos, desde
1645 al 1649 en Londres, Inglaterra en la catedral de Westminster por los divinos de
Westminster
El Catecismo Mayor
El Catecismo Menor
La Declaración Teológica de Barnen- Esta declaración fue escrita en su mayoría por Karl Barth
en Alemania del 19 al 31 de mayo de 1934.
La Confesión de 1967- Adoptada por la asamblea general de la Iglesia Presbiteriana unida de los
Estados Unidos en 1967
Una Breve Declaración de Fe de la Iglesia Presbiteriana (E.U.A). Se redacto en 1983 por un
comité compuesto por pastores-as, ancianos-as de las dos iglesias presbiterianas más grandes de
los estados unidos.
B- Describe el gobierno de la iglesia presbiteriana usa
El gobierno de la iglesia presbiteriana es representativo, esto es: el pueblo (la congregación)
elige de entre sus miembros a sus representantes (pastores, ancianos y diáconos) que los
representen en asuntos de enseñanza y gobierno.
C- ¿Cuáles son las ordenes de la iglesia presbiteriana usa? Da una definición de
cada una.
Las órdenes de la Iglesia Presbiteriana son tres:
1- Ministros de la Palabra y Sacramentos.
Los ministros de la palabra y sacramentos (tanto hombres como mujeres) son llamados a cuidar
del rebano de Cristo en sus variados deberes. Son llamados a declarar la palabra de Dios, a
buscar la reconciliación de los hombres- mujeres con Dios por medio de Cristo y dispensar la
multiforme gracia de Dios y las ordenanzas instituidas por Cristo.
2- Ancianos
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Los ancianos son elegidos por el pueblo (congregación) y son los encargados de ejercer el
liderazgo, gobierno y disciplina de una iglesia local y su responsabilidad es tanto en una Iglesia
local como en la Iglesia en general.
3- Diáconos
Los diáconos son llamados a ejercer un oficio de compasión, testimonio y servicio.
Parte 3
La práctica del ministerio
A- Conteste brevemente las siguientes preguntas.
1- ¿Qué es la congregación?
Es un grupo de personas que se reúnen como creyentes en Jesucristo como su Señor y
Salvador, que han hecho su profesión de fe y que han sido recibidos como miembros por
la iglesia..
2-¿Quién y cómo se puede hacer miembro?
¿Quién? Toda persona que ha sido bautizada y ha hecho una publica profesión de fe en
Jesucristo como su salvador y la aceptación de su señorío en toda su forma de vida.
¿Cómo? Bautismo y profesión de fe, certificado de transferencia, reafirmación de fe.
3-¿Quién puede ser bautizado?
Todos los creyentes como sus hijos
4-¿Quién puede participar de la santa cena?
Todos los que hayan sido bautizados, esto incluye tanto a adultos como niños
B- De una descripción de su preparación para predicar y el propósito de
la predicación.
2 Timoteo 3:16-17, 4:1-2
Toda la escritura es inspirada por Dios, y útil para ensenar, para redargüir, para corregir, para
instruir en justicia, a fin de que el hombre de Dios sea perfecto, enteramente preparado para toda
buena obra.
Te encarezco delante de Dios y del Señor Jesucristo, que juzgara a los vivos y a los muertos en
su manifestación y en su reino, que prediques la palabra,; que instes a tiempo y fuera de tiempo;
redarguye, reprende, exhorta con toda paciencia y doctrina.
La preparación para la predicación debe estar formada sobre las bases de la oración, el
conocimiento de la palabra de Dios y la comunión intima con el Espíritu Santo.
Objetivo
Cada predicación debe tener un objetivo, ¿qué valor tendría una predicación sin ninguna meta?
en cuanto al objetivo John Hall escribió: “tenga un objetivo en cada sermón, no empiece a
prepararse por el simple hecho de que hay que predicar sobre algo, si alguien le pregunta cuál es
el objetivo que persigue, debe contestar sin vacilación, hay que dirigir las flechas al blanco sin
tocar a ciertas personas en particular, el dardo debe llegar cerca de los oyentes, no vale la pena
enviar cartas sin dirección”.
Page 10 of 11
Variedad.
Puesto que un predicador vive con seres humanos diversos, en diversos ambientes, la variedad se
hace necesaria. La predicación es la obra más importante que Dios le ha dado a los hombres,
pues de ella depende tanto los beneficios temporales como los eternos, así que el predicador debe
hacer la mejor presentación cada vez que suba al pulpito, es por eso la importancia de predicar la
palabra de Dios mediante una gran variedad de métodos y de esta manera proveer una dieta
espiritual correcta y atractiva
Algunos métodos de preparación para un sermón: exhortatoria, expositivo, alegórico, textual,
Estructura del sermón
a) Introducción
b) texto clave
c) Divisiones y subdivisiones
d) Conclusión
Titulo
Texto
Objetivo
Introducción
Comentarios
Conclusión
Oración
El propósito de la predicación (del griego kerigma, anuncio, Hechos 8:4) la proclamación de la
obra redentora de Jesucristo su vida, muerte y resurrección) y el llamado al arrepentimiento, a la
vez que a la edificación y fortalecimiento en la fe del cuerpo de Cristo.
Page 11 of 11
Laura Neely
Statement of Faith
August 2012
I believe in one triune God—creator, redeemer, and sustainer of life. To God alone, I
belong. And to God alone, I must cleave, serve, and worship.
I believe in God, our creator and who Jesus called Father. God spoke creation into being,
out of nothing, proclaiming all of creation as good. In God’s image, humans were created both
male and female. God made a covenant with Israel, blessing them as people of God and God
bestows this covenant upon us. God gave humans free will, but humans turned from God and fell
to sin. Through God’s free gift of grace, we are forgiven of our sins.
I believe in Jesus Christ, Mary’s child, the Son of God, the Word of God incarnate. Both
fully human and fully divine; he walked this earth proclaiming the good news, seeking out the
oppressed, healing the sick and teaching us how to live as faithful disciples. He was persecuted
and crucified on the cross, and was resurrected. We proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and
Savior; redeemer of all people of God.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, who unites us with Christ through the Lord’s Supper and who
cleanses and claims us as God’s own through Baptism. The Spirit blows through our lives
renewing us, revealing God’s will in and for our lives, and reconciling us to the triune God and
to one another.
I believe in the authority of scripture as God’s Word revealed to us. Scripture tells us of
God’s activity in the world, of the people of God, and of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus
Christ. The Holy Spirit guides us as we come to know the triune God revealed to us through
scripture.
As a visible sign of an invisible grace, God instituted the two sacraments of Baptism and
the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is the sign and seal that we are claimed as God’s own and welcomed
into newness of life with Christ—a mark of God’s covenant with us and our commitment to God
and all creation. Through the Lord’s Supper, in partaking of the bread and cup, we are lifted up
by the Spirit to Christ; we remember the sacrifice Christ made for us and the promise of the
kingdom to come.
The Church is the communion of believers giving glory to God together. With Christ as
the Head of the Church, we are the body of Christ. Seeing Christ in all that we meet, we are
called to be the church to a suffering and broken world by loving God and our neighbors through
serving others, seeking justice and peace for all people and spreading the good news of the
Gospel as a witness to God’s love.
In life and in death, our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy God forever. We cannot do this
perfectly because of sin, but by the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and by the power of
the Holy Spirit we are forgiven, enabled, and welcomed into new life with the Risen Lord. In
thankful praise, for this gift freely given, we give ourselves in humble worship to God.
Specified Statements of Faith
Mary Rogers-Ellsworth
The Trinity
God is one Being made up of three distinct Persons who exist in co-equal essence and
co-eternal communion. God the Father is the first Person of the Trinity, which also includes his
Son, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This is part of the mystery of faith that cannot be fully
understood by the human mind.
The word Trinity does not appear in the Bible, but Scripture reveals the activity of each
person and their intra- and inter-personal relationship. Matthew 3:16-17 reports one episode
of simultaneous appearance of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, at the baptism of Jesus by John the
Baptist.
God created that which is. God's love motivates everything God does. God is filled with
grace and mercy, but his most outstanding quality is love (1 John 4:8). Justice and redemption
are fruits of that love. Throughout Scripture and time a plethora of words have been used, but
none can communicate the immense complexity of the Being God.
Though difficult to understand, Jesus is God, Immanuel. Jesus has always existed and
has always been God (John 8:58 and 10:30). Jesus, truly divine and truly human, stepped into
time and place to witness to the human experience. Through his birth, life, death and
resurrection Jesus offer a new hope for all humanity.
The Holy Spirit, the third person for the Trinity, but is often the least regarded. Yet,
God’s Spirit continues to provoke the spirit of humans, challenging them with their need for
reconciliation and redemption. It is through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit that faith
is stirred and lives are submitted to Christ and the eternal will of God.
The Church
Most simply said, the church is a body of believers who have been called out from the
world by God to live as God’s people under the authority of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23).
Regardless of location or number, those who are called by Christ for his purposes are bound to
Christ in Spirit and Word. Christ is, and will continue to be, present with such believers
preparing for his return.
The purpose of the church is essentially two-fold. The church comes together for the
purpose of maturing each person spiritually (Ephesians 4:13). The church reaches out to spread
the love of Christ and the gospel message (Matthew 28:18-20). So, the purpose of the church is
to minister to believers and unbelievers.
The church, both in the universal and local sense, is one of the main vehicles through
which God carries out God’s purposes on earth. The universal church is made up of every single
person who has exercised faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, including members of every local
church throughout the earth (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:22-23).
The Sacraments
Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are “the Word enacted and sealed, [they] bear testimony
to Jesus Christ, the living Word” (W-1.1004). The sacraments are not only symbolic acts of
remembering, though the elements are common and symbolic. The sacraments are infused by
the Holy Spirit which binds the participant to the Triune God. Each bears witness to God’s
creative and restorative love, and the redeeming grace of Christ. Through creation and baptism
waters – through bloodshed and the cup shared, we are one with Christ, we are the body of
Christ.
Jeffrey B. Saddington – Faith Statement
August 2012
The mystery of faith is centered in the one triune God. The good news of God’s unlimited and total
love, equally to all people, is made manifest to the world through the eternal Word of God in Jesus
Christ. God’s love continues to work in the world and in me through the Holy Spirit. God is one
essence and three persons; each acts not alone, but every act of God is an act of the triune God.
I belong to the Creator God, who is in control of all our lives. We are still living out the story found
in the Scriptures. I trust, worship, and serve one God alone, a God of mercy, justice, and
righteousness. I am to love my neighbor as God loves each person completely and perfectly for who
they are.
Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, my Redeemer, my mediator, fully divine and fully human but
without sin. I have been condemned by the law, but God came to me in Jesus Christ, incarnate; and
through his death and resurrection, I was redeemed. This is the Good News, that I am saved and
given eternal life through Christ. This restores my relationship with God, which is continuously
broken through my sin. Despite these human weaknesses, failings, and sins, I have been saved by
His grace alone.
The Holy Spirit, God’s very breath, initiates, nurtures, and enables my faith to be confessed. The
Spirit inspired Scripture and interprets Scripture today. The Spirit opens my eyes and enables me to
recognize Scripture as the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is active today in the church and with
individual believers. The Spirit is with me in my work each day, helping me with words of prayer of
which I am not capable alone. Through the work of the Holy Spirit I am continuously transformed
and sanctified.
The Scripture of the Old and New Testaments is the Word of God, with Christ at the center, and it
reveals who God is. When the Word is proclaimed, Jesus Christ is present through the Holy Spirit.
Scripture is the unique and authoritative witness of God in Jesus Christ, and God will continue to
speak to us in every culture and every age.
Baptism is the sign and seal of my unity with Christ, and through baptism I participate in Jesus’ death
and resurrection by the washing away of my sins. This sacrament points backwards toward Christ’s
grace for me and points forward to the future that God has promised me. The Lord’s Supper is the
sign and seal of being in communion with the resurrected Christ. Through this sacrament, I can
express how thankful I am for how God has been working and is still working in me and the world,
and I am renewed, sustained, and sealed in the covenant of grace made available by Christ’s sacrifice.
The church reformed is always being reformed by the Word of God, and I pray to be open to that
reforming. I believe that we have not yet grasped all that God is teaching us.
Finally, my faith has led me to want to do the work of Christ and to be where He is working here on
earth. His life, death, and resurrection is the Good News which must be shared with all, and I want to
live a life worthy of this calling, running with perseverance the race set before me.
Saddington Submission to Mission Presbytery Committee on Ministry, Examinations Sub-committee, 8/21/12 Page 1
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Statement of Faith, Traci M. Smith
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THE NATURE OF GOD: I believe in one God who is manifested in three distinct persons traditionally called
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe this one God has loved humanity with an unfathomable, unfailing and
relentless love since before there was time. I believe God created the universe and everything in it out of
nothing to demonstrate how high and wide and long and deep God's love truly is. I believe God will continue
to pursue human beings forever.
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SIN AND EVIL: I believe there is evil in the world because human beings have turned away from God, both
individually and corporately. This rejection of God is called sin, and the consequences of sin are seen in the
form of injustice, war, death, and pain. I believe the worst consequence of sin is utter estrangement from God
and that this estrangement is the greatest form of suffering that exists.
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GOD THE SON: I believe that God the Son has always been with the Creator and Holy Spirit, but that for a
time, God the Son lived and dwelt among us in the fully human person of Jesus Christ. During Jesus' brief
time on earth, he showed human beings how to be testimonies to God's great mercy and love by following
the greatest commandments: To love God with our whole heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as
ourselves. I believe that Jesus was both fully human and fully divine.
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CHRISTOLOGY AND ATONEMENT: I believe that Jesus Christ was more than simply a prophet, or a good
teacher. I believe that Jesus Christ came to earth to reconcile humanity and all creation to God and that
through his life, death, and resurrection, human beings are fully and completely restored to God. I believe
that Jesus' life and work are of life-saving importance.
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GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT: I believe the Holy Spirit is God moving among us. I have experienced the Holy Spirit
as I have felt led and inspired to pray, seek God's face, and work for justice in the world. I believe the Holy
Spirit can be found in even the most unlikely of places, and can be called upon by anyone, everywhere.
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THE BIBLE: I believe the Bible is a holy book that tells the story of God's love. I believe that the writing of
the Bible was both inspired by the Holy Spirit and written with human hands that were firmly rooted in a
specific cultural context. I believe that good Biblical Scholarship recognizes both of these truths. I believe that
wise people of faith will seek to understand the Bible in light of other knowledge of natural and social science,
economic and political theory, the arts, and the vast wisdom of people from all cultures and backgrounds.
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THE SACRAMENTS: I believe there are two sacraments, baptism and communion, both of which were given to
the church by Jesus Christ, and both of which are deeply rooted in Old Testament tradition. In baptism, we
are marked as God's own, chosen to love and serve God. I believe in the baptism of infants as a sign and seal
of the covenant promise that God has made with God's people. In the sacrament of communion we come
together around a common table, acknowledging that we have received God's grace and mercy through Jesus
Christ. I believe the Holy Spirit is mysteriously and miraculously present in both communion and baptism and
both sacraments are great gifts to the community of faith.
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THE CHURCH: I believe the church is a worldwide community of people who have faith in Jesus Christ. I
believe the church has been fragmented and fractured throughout the years because of misunderstanding and
sin, and that Christians should be working toward unity. I believe the mission of the church is clear: to bear
witness to the great love of God. We do this as we minister to others in the name of Jesus Christ, ever seeking
peace and justice on earth. To this end, we are called to listen to human beings of all faiths, and to engage in
respectful dialogue.
MARY SWIERENGA’S STATEMENT OF FAITH
I believe that I am a person created like all people with a restless yearning for God my
Creator, and I believe this signifies I am created for both time and eternity. I believe,
also, that, like all others, I am a person who cannot not sin. I believe that the loving grace
and forgiveness of God provided in the atoning death of Jesus Christ, God’s full selfrevelation, has reconciled me with God. My comfort in life and in death is that, body
and soul, I belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ now and forever.
I believe in one God in three persons, confessionally known as Father, Son and Holy
Spirit—all the same God expressed simultaneously in different ways, each with the same
nature or being. I believe that in Christ, the incarnate Redeemer, God is with us; that in
the Holy Spirit, the powerful Sanctifier, God is in us; that in the Creator, the origin and
source of all things, God never ceases to be over us. Through all three persons, God
comes to us as holy love, ever inviting us into a relationship of fellowship and service.
I believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is fully human, fully divine. Were he anything less,
humans would be bereft of both prophetic example and of salvation. Jesus’ humanity—
compassionate, just, humble, obedient to God, healing, and forgiving—models the full
potential of our humanity and points up our biblical mandate to seek justice and establish
peace in his name. Jesus’ divinity—whose very name means “God saves”, who speaks
with God’s authority and does God’s mighty works—provides salvation from sin and the
promise of a new creation through his death, resurrection, and return in glory.
I believe that scripture—the written Word—is the authoritative, inspired, primary witness
to God’s ultimate self-revelation, Jesus Christ, the living Word. It is the source to which
all must refer for the content of God’s self-disclosure. Scripture’s words give genuine
guidance and mediate the believer’s encounter with God in Christ through the Spirit. The
discipline of Scripture is not to make it relevant to us but ourselves relevant to it.
I believe the church is Christ’s worldwide, reconciling body comprised of God’s people
throughout the ages. The sacraments—the enacted Word—are at the heart of the
community’s life together. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper convey to believers the reality
of God’s loving presence by welcoming them into God’s family and nourishing them in
the unity of Christ’s fellowship. They are visible signs of an invisible grace. By them,
Christians are empowered to bear the cross and the resurrection into the world.
I believe the church’s mission, like Israel’s, is inherent in its very nature as a covenant
community. It is called out of the world in order to go back into it, calling the world back
into relationship with God. Its mission has both an inner- and outer-directed task. Its
inner-directed task is “the equipping of the saints for ministry” through communal
worship, the sacraments, education, and fellowship. And just as Jesus was in the world
but not wholly of it, so is the church in its outer-directed task. Believers at work in the
world respond to human needs as they live out, in proclamatory Word and deed, what it
means to be “in Christ”, for they are constructing a new reality in the midst of the old
one: God’s Kingdom, which will come. Thanks be to God!
Rev. Ted Thulin
Statement of Faith
Personal Information:
My wife, Tara, and I have been married for 16 years. We have one son Kyle (14), and two daughters,
Peyton (12) and Holland (9). Tara is the secretary at Bush Elementary School where all our children have
attended. We have learned that we are best able to enjoy our faith and glorify God when we take care of
our marriage and family relationships, and find a balance in life that nourishes our physical, emotional
and spiritual needs. Our family enjoys swimming, boating, soccer, basketball, camping, bicycling,
traveling and visiting extended family. Tara has a love for photography, reading and visiting her friends.
While I enjoy almost all outdoor activities and sports, including water-skiing, golf, and working out
(P90X).
Personal Beliefs and Theological Perspectives:
My beliefs are grounded in a personal, growing relationship with Jesus Christ, my Lord and
Savior, and they are rooted in the Reformed Tradition. I believe in the one triune God who eternally
exists as three distinct persons – Father, Son and Spirit – who are fully and equally God in eternal relation
with each other (Matthew 3:16-17). God is relational and welcomes us into relationship with himself.
God is sovereign and holy. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. God is also the righteous
judge who holds all humanity accountable for its sinfulness.
I believe that God’s free gift of salvation is only received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
We cannot do anything to earn this undeserved gift, for we, as humans, have a sinful nature. Our
salvation is the result of Jesus Christ’s redemptive sacrifice on the cross. Christ was fully human and
fully divine. Christ lived a sinless life, and was offered as the perfect sacrifice for the sin of humanity.
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him, we might become the righteousness of
God” (2 Cor. 5:21).
I believe in the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers, comforts and convicts. The Holy Spirit
gives gifts to every member of Christ’s body for service to and for the church. I believe that through
Christ Jesus we are given a spirit of adoption, thus making us children in the family of God (Rom. 8:15).
We are only able to choose God because God chose us in Jesus Christ and loved us first.
I trust the Bible to be the divinely inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), and in all aspects of
faith, life and action, the Bible is authoritative and trustworthy. I believe it is imperative to preach the
Gospel to the entire world, making disciples of all nations, and that we, as Christians, are responsible for
telling people about Jesus Christ, the gift of grace through faith, and calling them to repentance and a life
of discipleship, service, and fellowship.
The sacraments are God’s gracious gift to the Church to claim and sustain us. They are visible
presentations of the gospel administered regularly by the church. In baptism, we affirm God’s covenant
and His seal on our lives, calling us to repentance and new life. In communion, we remember the person
and the work of the Lord, Jesus, until He comes again. These are the signs and seals of God’s covenant of
grace He has promised to fulfill. Jesus ordained the sacraments for his church when the Word is spoken
and made visible. We are called to worship God and enjoy Him forever.
I believe that Christ is the head of the Church, and that we, as a church, are reformed and always
being reformed. We get a biblical definition of the church as God meant it to be in Acts 2:42-47. Though
we are Presbyterian, we are only one part of the Church Universal, proclaiming the good news of God
with believers of every tongue, tribe, and nation. All glory and honor belong to God alone.
Laura Walters
COM/June 2012
STATEMENT OF FAITH
I trust in the one holy, loving, personal triune God who is Creator, Redeemer, and
Sanctifier. The oneness of God is the unity of a community of persons existing in perfect
love with one another. God as Creator of the universe and everything within is
sovereign. God is mysterious to us except through God’s revelation. God is always at
work in the world. In our dependence, God invites us to join in this creative work.
I trust that God loves us intimately. God’s immense love is shown to us through the life,
death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, fully human and fully divine. In Christ, we
receive reconciliation with God and others and freedom to live a new life in God’s
kingdom here on Earth. When God became incarnate in Jesus Christ, humanity was
lifted up and affirmed; Jesus’ humanity is forever a part of God’s nature. Jesus Christ
shows us a new humanity in relationship to God and others – which includes seeing our
enemies as friends, loving our neighbors, and serving the poor and marginalized in
unconditional love.
I trust that the Holy Spirit is the advocate for humanity sent by God; wherever life is
respected, preserved, and defended there we may recognize the creative, life-giving Spirit
of God at work. The Holy Spirit is the power by which God makes Godself present and
known to human beings. Through the presence of the Holy Spirit, God resides in us. The
Holy Spirit helps us to take on a pattern of life that reflects God’s pattern of self-giving,
community building, other-affirming love shown to us through Christ.
I trust that we know God through revelation. Holy Scripture reveals God’s presence to us
in the world through nature, history, and human life. It witnesses to the living history of
the triune God and God’s people. As we, individually and communality, faithfully and
critically study scriptures, we are able to hear God’s word for our lives through the power
of the Holy Spirit.
I trust that the church is the Body of Christ both visible and invisible in the world. The
church is known through preaching of the Word and administration of the sacraments signs and seals of God’s redeeming love at work in our lives. Our sacraments join us
together as the Body of Christ and empower us to serve others as unique members with
unique gifts and talents. As we enter into communion with God through Jesus Christ and
the Holy Spirit, we are better able to express our faith in love and in justice throughout
our everyday lives. It is God’s grace with our efforts. We love because God first loves
us.
RETIRING MINISTER’S BIO
John Terrell Bozarth
Date of Ordination: June 7, 1987
Date of Retirement: September 1, 2012
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing), Texas A&M University
Master of Business Administration, Pan American University
Master of Education (Counseling and Guidance), Pan American University
Master of Divinity, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Doctor of Ministry, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Congregations and Positions served:
First Presbyterian Church, Walnut Ridge Arkansas 1987-1989
First Presbyterian Church, Lockhart, Texas 1989-2002
Edna Presbyterian Church, Edna, Texas 2002-2012
Personal/Family Information: Married to Cynthia – 30 years this coming June 30th.
Hobbies and Future Plans:
I am an incorrigible gun trader, hunter, and birder. I have already begun my third career as
a property manager and agent for BAI Real Estate Management in Brownsville , Texas .
Address: 449 Champions Drive, Brownsville, TX 78520
Email: texansattic@gmail.com Phone 361.781.2267
RETIRING MINISTER’S BIO
Rev. Richard H. Lounsbery
1968 Grad of Warner Pacific College, Portland, Oregon and
1973 Grad of Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, California
Ordination date: October 21, 1973
Retirement date: September 1, 2012
Married to Ann with one daughter, Joy Jasper, and one son, Jeff Lounsbery
Two grandchildren, Amanda Jasper and Ashton Ingalls
First call as Pastor at Community Presbyterian Church, Terry, MT
Second call as Pastor at FPC, Miller, SD
Clinical Pastoral Education chaplain training, Community Hospitals
of Central California, Fresno, CA
Third call as Pastor at FPC, Grants, NM
Fourth call as Pastor at FPC, Silsbee, TX
Fifth call as Interim Pastor at FPC, Freeport, TX
Sixth call as Interim Pastor at FPC, Texas City, TX
Seventh call as Pastor at FPC, Llano, TX
Current call as part-time Parish Associate for Congregational Care at FPC
San Antonio.
Hobbies are bowling, weather forecasting, walking on the track and playing
with grandchildren.
Future plans include pastoral care, volunteering where the opportunities
arise, time with family and grandkids.
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Cell phone:
213 Beverly Drive; Schertz, TX 78154
lounsberys@verizon.net
210-233-1951
325-248-4395 (temporarily)
RETIRING MINISTER’S BIO
Name: The Rev. David Reed
Address: 2609 Highland Ct, McAllen, TX 78501
Email: pastordavidreed@me.com  Phone: 956-607-9111
Ordination: July 1997  Retirement: October 2012
Ordained Ministry: interim senior pastor, New Braunfels Presbyterian Church, New Braunfels,
TX, co-pastor, First Presbyterian Church of McAllen, interim pastor, Central Presbyterian
Church, Waco, TX, organizing pastor, Community Presbyterian Church, Corinth, TX, organizing
pastor, Church of the Redeemer, Alabaster, AL, pastor, Blackshear Presbyterian Church,
Blackshear, GA
Family: The Rev. Linda Whitworth-Reed, pastor, First Presbyterian Church of McAllen
Service to the Church: nominating committee, Mission Presbytery, council member, Grace
Presbytery & moderator of the Presbytery Life committee, member of the New Church
Development committee, Shephards & Lapsley Presbytery & Savanah Presbytery
Continuing Education: Interim training, various adventures in family systems theory through
the years to sharpen my relational skills, a couple stewardship training events, several biblical
studies continuing education offerings at Austin Seminary, Acts 16:5 training, a Renovaré
conference, San Antonio, “emotional intelligence” training with Roy Oswald of the Alban Institute
Formal Education: Master of Divinity, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Master of
Business Administration, University of Dallas Graduate School of Management, Bachelors
Degree, Music, Vocal Performance, Austin College
Hobbies and/or Special Interests: singing, jazz piano, computers, woodworking, reading
Coda: I would also like my colleagues in ministry to know that I served seven years in the
United States Air Force, worked for Apple Computer (1978 – 1985) and was on the original
Macintosh launch team in 1984 (we used to say, “the only difference between Apple & the Boy
Scouts is that the Boy Scouts have adult supervision!”). I spent ten years at IBM before I started
seminary at 46. My business card at Apple & IBM used to say, “right-brain adrift in a left brain
world.” I’m a bit geeky. I love the wonderful way God prepared me for full-time ministry, I love
the writings of Frederick Buechner, and I have enjoyed being a change-agent in the PC(USA).
Now, I build mission style furniture and help where I’m needed in the RGV.
RETIRING MINISTER’S BIO
Rev. Lou Snead
Date of Ordination: November 5, 1978
Date of Retirement: August 1, 2012
Education:
B. A. degree in Humanities from Central Florida University.
MDiv from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in New York.
Congregations and positions served:
1978-1982 – Pastor – Hodges Ferry Presbyterian Church, Chesapeake, VA
1982-1988 - Associate Pastor – Ridgeview Presbyterian Church, Dallas, TX
1988 – 1995 – Pastor – Braeburn Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX
1995 – 2012 – Pastor – Faith Presbyterian Church, Austin, TX
Personal/Family and future plans:
Married to Michelle Augustine – 2 children and 2 step-children - 6 grandchildren.
Retired to Sun City in Georgetown in July, 2012. Hobbies include bike riding, wood burning,
golf, drinking, dancing, and indulging in other sinful practices.
I plan to do more of these with dedication and conviction.
Address: 419 Sheldon Lane Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633
E-mail: lsma5700@gmail.com Phone: 512-350-4751
P
Trustees of Mission Presbytery
Report to Mission Presbytery October 26-27, 2012
Meeting First Presbyterian Church
McAllen, Texas
The Trustees of Mission Presbytery report the following activity on behalf of
Mission Presbytery during the year 2012:
 Approved petition from First Presbyterian Church, Harlingen to sell their
manse.
 Approved the sale of the former Trinity Presbyterian Church, Robstown,
Texas.
 Approved the contract for sale of the former Jerusalem Presbyterian Church,
San Antonio, Texas.
 Approved the petition from First Presbyterian Church, Elgin, Texas to sell
their manse.
 Approved the sale of the former First Presbyterian Church of Donna, Texas.
 Approved “Nesting Agreement” between St. John’s Presbyterian Church in
Manchaca, Texas and Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Austin,
Texas.
 Approved listing price for the former First Presbyterian Church,
Raymondville, Texas for sale to Global Outreach.
 Approved request of First Presbyterian, Harlingen, Texas to sell their
Church Building.
 Approved petition of First Presbyterian Church Junction, Texas to purchase
a manse.
Submitted:
Joe Moreno, Chair of Trustees
¿Entiende usted sus beneficios?
Comprenez-vous vos prestations?
Verstehen Sie Ihre Vorteile?
Do you understand your benefits?
Does the Treasurer/ Financial Administrator of your Church understand the Benefits Plan?
Does the Pastor have any idea of the extent of the Benefits provided by the Board of Pensions?
Does the Treasurer/ Financial Secretary ever have questions about the Pension forms?
Do you always understand how medical claims are processed by Highmark BC/BS?
Are you aware of all the services offered through the EAP?
If you answered “NO” to any of these questions …
plan to attend the Pre-Presbytery Workshops that will be offered
on Friday, October 26
10:00 – 10:45 am
Board of Pensions Overview – Sanctuary
Managing the Details of the Benefits Plan of the PC(USA)
For Treasurers / Financial Administrators / Teaching Elders
10:45 – 11:30 am
Board of Pensions Overview – Sanctuary
Overview for all Churches and Plan Beneficiaries
Q&A
Please join the Immigration Task Force of Mission Presbytery
for Dinner and a Program
Human Trafficking:
Modern Day Slavery of citizens and immigrants
in our own communities
*Who are the victims of human trafficking in the US?
*Who are the people who are committing this crime?
*How does human trafficking relate to the immigration system?
*What can we do to respond?
Special Guest Speaker
Sister Norma Pimentel
Executive Director of Catholic Charities in the Rio Grande Valley
Long engaged in immigration, refugee, issues, disaster response and professional
counseling, she will help us look at the question of human trafficking in our own
communities.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Puentes de Cristo
103 E. Datil Ave.
Hidalgo, TX 78557
(956) 843-7277
our hosts: Gloria and Andres Garcia
Beginning at the conclusion of presbytery business
approximately 6:45 p.m. and ending by 8:15
(Puentes de Cristo is about a 10 minute drive from the presbytery meeting location)
Mexican Dinner $10 suggested donation
Please RSVP to Rev. Kelly Allen by October 24
at 210-732-9927 or allenkelly3@gmail.com