Second P RESBYTERIAN Church … “A People Being Transformed by Christ to Help Transform the World”

 Formed in 1865 as an anti-slavery church by a group of members (7 women and three men) from The First Presbyterian Church  From 1865 to 1915, Second occupied buildings at several downtown locations. Second flourished despite setbacks, including a fire which destroyed the church building located at 13th and Central in Kansas City, MO  Realizing the need to follow the population south, in 1916 Second settled in one of Kansas City's first suburbs at 55th Street  In the 1970s when many churches began moving further out to the suburbs, the leaders of Second made a choice to remain at this crossroads Second P RESBYTERIAN Church …

Second’s narrative… is filled with triumphs, difficult decisions, divided landscapes, miracles… and a commitment to mission, faithful discipleship and transformation in Christ. It is our humble determination to keep God’s calling and mission First. We are Second.

P RESBYTERIAN ?  Martin Luther, a German priest and professor, started the Protestant Reformation when he posted a list of 95 grievances against the Roman Catholic Church in Wittenberg, Germany in  A French/Swiss theologian, John Calvin, further refined this way of thinking about God's relationship with humanity in what came to be known as “Reformed theology.”

 John Knox, a Scotsman who studied with Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland, took Calvin's teachings back to Scotland.  In Scotland, the denomination became known as “Presbyterian” based on the Greek, Biblical word “presbuteros” = elder/deacon/bishop

Presbyterian/Reformed Tenets  Reformed buzz words: “chosen”, “redeemed”, “sovereign”, “covenant”, “sola fide”, “sola gratia”, “sola scriptura”  We believe in a “covenant community.” This is played out in our view and practice of baptism  We believe in the fundamental “fallen nature” of humanity. This finds expression in our governance: committees and presbytery vs. a pope or bishop - our attempt at instituting accountability  We believe in the equal distribution of God’s grace and gifts. We are the only Christian body who ordains lay people to ministry. Pastors are “teaching elders”  We hold to a high view of scripture and education  We believe “the kingdom” should expand on earth

Session Ruling and Teaching Elders Hospitality & Outreach WorshipPersonnel Faith Develop - ment Stewardship 2.0 Finance Buildings & Grounds Social Justice & Peacemaking Cong. Life Family Ministries Endowment Mission Nominating committees Assigned Task Force Second’s “Presbyterian” Governance: Church Members: nominate officers, approve pastoral calls Presbyterian Churches have their own by-laws ex: # of committees, board of deacons, etc. Deacons Pastoral Care/ Service H&W ushers Heartland Presbytery kitchen

The Biblical terms for “Church” refer to the assembly of God, called out. When God thinks of the Church, God thinks of a People Who. Too often, we think of a Place Where As a Place Where, congregations can spend much of their time trying to perpetuate what they have, rather than build what God would have them become As our society becomes less and less “churched,” we must shift our posture from expecting people to come join us “attractional and welcoming”, to living out an engaging faith on the streets = “missional and inviting” Church - “We Are Second”

Choosing to become a member of Second means that you/we make a covenant with Christ and each other: To Be Transformed – By God’s grace and love embodied in the caring and learning Community (breathe in) To Transform – Employ your gifts/desires to care for others and transform the world (breathe out) To Invite – Others into a missional community of hope and purpose To Give Generously - Time, resources and talents to advancing God’s mission

Questions? Thoughts?