I am sitting at the Fall meeting of the Committee on Theological Education, and we were just showed a video of a fantastic program, For Such a Time as This.
For Such a Time as This: A Small Church Residency — Growing Leaders, Growing Churches is a timely and innovative program that pairs small, underserved congregations with recent seminary graduates in a two-year pastoral residency relationship during which they are supported and guided by a network of pastor/mentors, presbytery, seminary, and national church leaders.
One of our member presbyteries, Heartland Presbytery, is already significantly invested in this new venture, with two different pastors participating. One of those, Rev. Jason Ku, is serving First Presbyterian in Holden, MO. The Holden church has seen significant success in growing Christ’s church both deep and wide.
Click here to watch the promotional video (featuring both Rev. Ku and Heartland’s Executive Presbyter, Rev. Charles Spencer).
If you or your church is interested in either participating in or giving to the program visit the For Such a Time as This website.
Heartland Presbytery now has 2 additional pastors along with the Rev. Jason Ku who are a part of the “For Such a Time as This” program. The Rev. Mari Lyn Jones was ordained and installed on 8/28 and Sarah Ross will be ordained and installed this Sunday 9/18. We are excited for not only these new pastors, but also for the churches they are serving. Please keep each of them and the program in your prayers.
Blessings,
Bev Barr
Moderator Heartland Presbytery 2011
It is exciting for me to be at national denominational meetings, and hear Heartland Presbytery lauded as an amazing partner and leader in this program. I am so proud!