Attachment ‘A’
PROVISIONAL MINUTES
One-Hundredth Stated Meeting
PRESBYTERY OF THE SOUTHEAST
First Presbyterian Church
Thomasville, Georgia
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017
The 100th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the Southeast began with
multiple opportunities for those presbyters who arrived early. The people
of First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville illustrated the Christian
hospitality and fellowship for which they are well known. Thursday evening
presbyters were entertained at a marvelous seated duck dinner at the home
of Elder Powell Jones, and Friday morning opportunities were offered for skeet
shooting, plantation tours, and downtown shopping. The welcome given
to the Presbytery was an incredible gift to all who arrived early and was
an inspiring prelude to a memorable meeting.
100-01Call to Order - The Presbytery was opened by Moderator-Elect TE Tommy Jordan In the absence of Moderator RE Jeff Guilford who was hospitalized
with a recent malignancy diagnosis.
100-02Welcome and Worship – DT House from the staff of First Presbyterian
welcomed the Presbytery to Thomasville and led in a service of praise.
TE Edward Brouwer opened the meeting with prayer.
Candidate Matt Avery from Cedar Springs Church in Knoxville led the
Presbytery in worship centered on Mark 4:26-29.
100-03Declaration of Quorum – Moderator-Elect Jordan declared after
consultation with the Stated Clerk that a quorum was present.
Later in the meeting the Ministerial Candidates Committee would
present requests for excused absences. The Attendance Report of
Teaching Elders and Churches –
ATTENDANCE REPORT -
CHURCHTEACHING ELDERRULING ELDER
All Souls Fellowship Shayne Wheeler Present
Decatur, GAMark GrapengaterPresent
Mike St. DenisPresent
Bethany ChurchCharles EcholsPresent
Kingsport, TN
Brainerd ChurchJonathan SchwartzPresentJerry GriswoldPresent
Chattanooga, TNTom JohnsonPresent
Charles MillerPresent
Buck Hill ChurchJim HoilmanPresent
Newland, NC
Cedar Springs ChurchJohn WoodPresentGeo HallPresent
Knoxville, TNScott JacksonPresent
David StrunkPresent
Alan EdickExcused
Clay HarringtonExcused
Mark SteimerAbsent
Central ChurchMerle Caudill CPPresent
Hyden, KY
ChristChurchBill Dudley, InterimPresentPalmer GriffinPresent
Dalton, GA
Community EvangelisticBuddy SextonPresentReginald Strong, CPAbsent
Knoxville, TN
Community United WootenGregory Whitaker, CPPresent
Wooten, KY
Cornerstone ChurchTommy JordanPresent
Franklin, NC
Covenant ChurchDane FreemanPresent
Rome, GAFrank RandallPresent
Crosswalk ChurchKirk Werner PresentJames WaldropPresent
Knoxville, TN
Eastminster ChurchSean White PresentMark HastingsPresent
Knoxville, TN Don McLean Present
Faith ChurchJason MinterAbsent
McDonough, GA
Farner Church
Farner, TN
First ChurchJeff ChadwickPresentEd Brewster Present
Rome, GABill ParduePresentJohn Cowan, Sr.Present John Cowan, Jr. Absent Greg Garrett Present Alan Storey Present
First ChurchTim FilstonPresentHarry JonesPresent
Mike JonesPresent
Nelray LilyPresent
Grace ChurchRichard HolmesPresentDick BylandPresent
Franklin, NCJohn SillPresent
Greenbriar ChurchPaul BowlingPresent
Manchester, KY
Hope FellowshipMark GregoryPresentCraig FowlerPresent
Chickamauga, GA
Lookout Valley ChurchGrady DavidsonPresentFred AndersonPresent
Chattanooga, TNSusan FryarPresent
Mars Hill ChurchBryant HarrisExcused
Acworth, GA
Murphy ChurchAlan WildsmithPresent
Murphy, NC
New BeginningLarry MyersPresent
Spring City, TN
New Hope ChurchRichard WillisExcused
Kingsport, TN
Parkway ChurchMike AustinPresentMary Mac HarrellPresent
Cumming, GATom HarrellPresent
Plumtree ChurchRyan Bridgeo, CPPresent
Plumtree, NC
Providence ChurchEdward BrouwerPresentPhil InglesPresent
Hazelwood, NCPat InglesPresent
Signal Mountain ChurchScott Bowen ExcusedTom BlockleyPresent
Signal Mountain, TNMargaret FergusonPresentDoug GregoryPresent
Andy CornettPresentJoe McCallPresent
Joey SherrardExcusedDiane MizellPresent
Bruce NovkovPresent
Donna PetersonPresent
Jarrell ReevesPresent
Dan StanleyPresent
Trinity Grace ChurchTully HunterPresentCathy CuttsPresent
Loganville, GAJamie FreyPresent
Trion ChurchBill FlanaganExcusedCharles FradyPresent
Trion, GAStated Supply
Valleybrook ChurchAdel ThalosPresent
Chattanooga, TN
Wilson Station ChurchJarrod Johnson, CPPresent
Englewood, TN
Woodland ChurchMatt MillerPresentKathy YoungPresent
Memphis, TN
ACTIVE – Without Call(Parity)
ARAUJO, AparecidoPresentLOONEY, CharlesPresent
BUSH, DanielAbsentTHOMAS, MichaelAbsent
EMMONS, ScottExcusedWILSON, KevinExcused
HODGE, RobertAbsent
ACTIVE -- OUTSIDE BOUNDS(Parity)
Call approved for a definite period of time. After the expiration of that time, the Minister must receive
further approval to continue. If the nature of this call impedes or prevents regular and/or required
attendance at Presbytery meetings, the Teaching Elder may be granted the status of Associate Member.
FOLEY, JackPresentREESE, JulianAbsent
HUTTON, MarkAbsentROGERS, TimPresent
KUHN, MikeExcusedSWAFFORD, BillAbsent
MURREY, EdwardAbsentTURNER, WalterExcused
ROBINSON, ChrisExcused
RETIRED – Active(Parity)
DUDLEY, BillPresent
RETIRED – InactiveNon-Voting Member
Retired Teaching Elder, who does not participate in the life of the Presbytery by attending at least
one Stated Meeting during a calendar year, may be placed on Inactive Status at the discretion of the
Presbytery
RETIRED - ASSOCIATE MEMBER – Non-voting Member(Not Parity)
Retired or serving in a capacity outside of bounds of presbytery which may impede or prevent
regular and/or required attendance at Presbytery meetings. Must be requested within two years
of change of call to status of Associate Member. After two years of being retired, Presbytery may
place on Associate roll. Voice and vote given on all committees of Presbytery.
Voice but no vote on Commissions. Not eligible to serve as officers of the court.
BAKER, CarltonAbsentKEYSER, DavidAbsent
Retired2/1/03
CALLAHAN, GeorgeAbsent
Retired Inactive2/6/09LANGHAM, EdwardPresent
Associate 2/1/14
FAIRALL, CraigAbsentRAGON, RonaldAbsent
Retired7/1/07
FLANNAGAN, BillExcused
Retired5/107RISER, SteveAbsent
Retired10/1/11
HALEY, PamAbsent
Retired10/6/12SMITH, H. AndrewAbsent
Associate2/2/13Retired
HARRIS, SamAbsentVAN DYKE, JimAbsent
Retired5/4/02Retired4/30/92
Associate10/2/15
WALLACE, AllenAbsent
HOFFMAN, DaveAbsentWARE, CobbAbsent
Retired
HORTON, MichaelAbsentAssociate5/7/11
Retired2/5/16
ZINN, RoyPresent
JENNINGS, WilliamAbsentRetired9/30/11
Retired10/1/11Associate10/16
JONES, SteveAbsent
Retired1/1/06
CANDIDATES UNDER CARE
AVERY, MattCedar Springs Church/Knoxville, TNPresent
BRIERE, MauriceCrosswalk Church/Knoxville, TN
HOUSE, DTFirst Presbyterian Church/Thomasville, GAPresent
JOLLEY, BrandonAll Souls Fellowship/Decatur,GAPresent
KEASLING, AndrewCedar Springs Church/Knoxville, TN
OBSERVERS
Deborah Miller, Brainerd Church/Chattanooga,TN
Dana Hall, Cedar Springs Church/Knoxville, TN
Richard Bowers, Central Church/Hyden, KY
Camille Jordan, Cornerstone Church/Franklin, NC
Karen Jordan
Tommy Jordan, Jr.
Kathy Hastings, Eastminster Church/Knoxville, TN
Marc Stover, First Church/Thomasville, GA
Ann Byland, Grace Church/Franklin, NC
Cathy Sill, Grace Church/Franklin, NC
Alberta Anderson, Lookout Valley Church/Chattanooga, TN
Suzanne Austin, Parkway Church/Cumming, GA
Ann Hunter, Trinity Grace Church/Loganville, GA
Katherine Frady, Trion Church, Trion, GA
Lynne Thalos, Valleybrook Church, Chattanooga, TN
Angie Johnson, Wilson Station Church, Englewood,TN
Jan Langham
Nathan Turner/Erskine Seminary
Mike Bixler, Thomasville, GA
Diana Cone
Becky Crane
Tom Everett
EPC
Shawn Stewart, EPC World Outreach
Phil Thrash, EPC World Outreach
Ryan Van Horn, Presbytery of the East – to be examined
100-04Approval of the Docket – There being no additions or changes to the
proposed docket, the Moderator-Elect presented the docket.APPROVED
100-05Introductions – Moderator-Elect Jordan welcomed, on behalf of the
Presbytery, a large number of first-time commissioners and guests.
100-06Approval of Minutes of 99th Stated Meeting
Moderator-Elect Jordan entertained corrections or additions to the
printed and distributed minutes.
MOTION: That the Provisional Minutes of the 99th Presbytery be
approved as presented.APPROVED
100-07Special Committee on Thanks
Moderator-Elect Jordan appointed TE Sean White and RE Don McLean
to the special committee.
100-08PRESBYTERY COUNCIL
Former Moderator TE Bill Pardue assumed the role of Moderator for
Moderator-Elect Jordan to present the Council report.
Moderator-Elect Jordan opened his report with prayer. He then presented
two motions from the Council:
MOTION: That Presbytery approve the clarified salary for RE Diane Mizell
as Treasure and Assistant to Stated Clerk. APPROVED
MOTION: That Presbytery accept the invitation of All Souls Fellowship in
Decatur, Georgia to host Presbytery at the fall meeting of 2017.APPROVED
100-09TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasure RE Diane Mizell began her report with prayer.
MOTION: That approval be given by the Presbytery for the presented
2017 Budget (with updates for the positions of Stated Clerk and Assistant
to the Stated Clerk/Treasurer). This is the second reading of the budget.
Attachment ‘A’APPROVED
The following report was made on balances as of January 31, 2017:
Operating Budget113,618.15
Church Development Fund144,196.56
TOTAL257,814.71
ASSET ACCOUNTS
Community United Wooten Trust 21,323.68
Court Attendance Scholarship Fund 6,636.00
TOTAL 27,596.68
OVERALL TOTAL285,774.39
The Church Development account has funds earmarked for several
approved projects with those projects total being $41,500.
The Treasurer reminded Clerks of Session to submit their 2017
Faith Commitments.
This concluded her report.
100-10MINISTERIAL CARE COMMITTEE (MCC)
Chairman, TE Scott Jackson, opened with prayer and presented the
first portion of MCC’s report.
EXAMINATION OF CANDIDATE MATT AVERY FOR ORDINATION
Matt is currently a candidate under care of our Presbytery from Cedar
Springs Church in Knoxville for the past two years. Currently, he serves
as Director/Young Adults at Cedar Springs. Transcripts from Reformed
Theological Seminary (MDiv), PIF, and Statements of Faith have been
received by MCC, as well as his background check. Matt’s written exams
were graded at an average of 94 on each of the three exams. Having
sustained an oral examination by MCC in August, his terms of call were
declared acceptable, and Matt had no exceptions to the WCF.
MOTION – That the ordination examination of Matt Avery be sustained
in all its parts and that he be enrolled as a member of Presbytery as an
Assistant Pastor at Cedar Springs Church in Knoxville pending his
Ordination service.APPROVED
MOTION – That an Administrative Commission be appointed to ordain
and install Matt Avery as a Teaching Elder in the EPC and Assistant
Pastor at Cedar Springs Church. The Commission named was:
TE John Wood (CSPC)RE West Breedlove (CSPC)
TE Kirk Werner (CrossWalk) RE Piers VanderMerwe (CSPC)
RE Thomas Goode (CEC)APPROVED
Matt Avery signed the Ministerial Obligation and Ethical Affirmation.
Prayer was offered by TE John Wood for Matt.
EXAMINATION OF TE RYAN VAN HORN
TE Ryan Van Horn is currently serving as TE-Pastor at Resurrection
Brooklyn in Brooklyn, New York and a member of the Presbytery of
the East. He is being called as Evangelist/Church Planter in Chattanooga,
Tennessee. The MCC has received his transcripts from Covenant
Seminary in St. Louis Missouri; his PIF, and his Statements of Faith, as
well as his background check. The terms of call were declared satisfactory.
Having sustained an oral examination before MCC in February, Ryan was
presented to the Presbytery for examination. Ryan declared exceptions to
Westminster Confession of Faith: 21.8 and the corresponding Larger
Catechism and Shorter Catechism 61 and 62. “The restrictions given in the
Confession are too strict and what the Scriptures intended when they meant
‘rest’.” He declared exception to the Larger Catechism 109. “I think to
restrict mental images or any representations goes beyond the scope of the
commandment and is impossible to do.”
MOTION – That the examination of Ryan Van Horn be sustained in all its
parts and that he be received from the Presbytery of the East and enrolled
as a member of the Presbytery of the Southeast, with call to serve as
Church Planter of the Presbytery in Chattanooga, Tennessee.APPROVED
MOTION – That an Administrative Commission of the following be
appointed to Install Ryan Van Horn as Evangelist to plant a church on
Sunday, March 26, 2017:
TE Shayne Wheeler (All Souls Fellowship) RE Doug Gregory (Signal Mtn)
TE Mark Grapengater (All Souls Fellowship) RE Brad Wier (Signal Mountain)
TE Andy Cornett (Signal Mountain Church)RE Gary Buchanan (Valleybrook)
APPROVED
TE Ryan Van Horn signed the Ministerial Obligation and Ethical Affirmation.
Prayer was offered for Ryan by TE Andy Cornett.
COMMISSIONED PASTOR
RE Jarrod Johnson was presented by MCC for approval as Commissioned
Pastor atWilson Station Church, Englewood, Tennessee. Mr. Johnson is
an educator and teaches locally in the community.
MOTION – To approve RE Jarrod Johnson as Commissioned Pastor at Wilson
Station Church.APPROVED
DISSOLUTIONS
The following dissolutions were approved unanimously by MCC:
TE Alan Wildsmith and Murphy Presbyterian Church, Murphy, NC upon
the retirement of Reverend Wildsmith on April 1, 2017;
TE Charles Looney and Covenant Presbyterian Church, Rome, GA with
Reverend Looney being placed on the roll as Minister Without Call; and
Commissioned Pastor RE Wayne Carter and Farner Presbyterian Church,
Farner, TN after receiving RE Carter’s resignation.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
The MCC received the requests for excused absences and after examination
approved the following:
Scott BowenMike Kuhn
Alan EdickChris Robinson
Scott Emmons (illness)Joey Sherrard
Bill FlanaganWalter Turner
Clay HarringtonRichard Willis
Bryant Harris (death/father)
100-11EVANGELISM and OUTREACH
Former Moderator Bill Pardue assumed the role of Moderator to provide
for Moderator-Elect Jordan to make this report.
Chairman Jordan opened his report with prayer.
The chairman presented TE Phil Thrash (Mid-Atlantic Presbytery) from World
Outreach. Phil spoke to the presbytery on three crucial initiatives. The chairman
then presented TE Grady Davidson, pastor at Lookout Valley Church, who spoke
of their congregation’s ongoing ministry to children ages 4-6, as well as to the
families of these children. Also introduced to the presbytery was TE Shawn Stewart
from World Outreach.
This completed the report of Evangelism and Outreach.
100-12PRAYER TIME
The order of the day was called by the Moderator and Associate TE Ed Langham
led the presbytery in a consecrated time of prayer. TE Langham read from John 15
of Jesus’ teaching on the vine and the branches. Included in the prayers were intercessions for: RE Jeff Guilford (brain tumor); TE Scott Emmons (chemo treatments); Nathan Sexton, son of TE Buddy Sexton (continued bold stand
against cancer); Bryant Harris (death of his father); CP Jarrod Johnson’s father;
and the Farner elders.
100-13Recess for Supper
100-14FRIDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE
A most-inspiring service of worship was provided for the community of the
Presbytery and the members of First Presbyterian Church, Thomasville in the
church’s historic sanctuary. The Sanctuary Choir and music staff led the
congregation in worship with TE Shayne Wheeler as preacher and TE Tim
Filston and the ruling elders of First Church celebrating the Communion
Service.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2017
100-15Presbytery reconvened Saturday morning promptly at 8:30 with Moderator-
Elect Tommy Jordan continuing to provide quality leadership. He called on
TE Ryan Van Horn to lead the presbytery in a devotional time and opening
prayer for the day.
100-16MORNING DEVOTIONAL was given by TE Van Horn from John 8:58-59 on confronting the world with Jesus. He concluded his devotional with prayer.
100-17STATED CLERK’S REPORT
TE Bill Dudley, Stated Clerk, opened with prayer and presented as the only
item an introduction to Will Johnson, new WebHost for the new presbytery
website. Will shared briefly on accessing the site.
100-18CHURCH HEALTH and GROWTH
Chairman, TE Tim Filston, opened with prayer and presented several items
of interest and action.
The Church Revitalization Seminar led by Ken Priddy and Bob Stauffer of the
GoCenter will be hosted for the presbytery at Cedar Springs Church in
Knoxville March 31 – April 1.
The Chairman spoke of Pastoral Cohorts and Clusters and the intent of the
CHG to actively encourage every pastor to join a cohort. Our geographical
spread makes it challenging for pastors to get together face-to-face, but
pastors can meet regularly through Google hangouts, Zoon, or Goto Meeting.
The committee’s goal is to address the isolation of pastors.
TE Matt Miller shared his story of developing a cohort among a small group
of pastors who meet weekly. His testimony was encouraging and affirming
forthis proposal.
CHG Committee allocated $4,000 to the Spring City (TN) Church as they seek
to draw a full-time pastor to sustain recent membership growth, and $2,000
allocated to Plumtree Church to help underwrite a mission trip to Brazil which
has become an important mark of their vitality.
100-19CHURCH PLANTING and RECEIVING COMMITTEE
RE Diane Mizell as Chairman opened with prayer.
TE Mark Grapengater presented the report and motions.
CHURCH PLANT at CHATTANOOGA
Church Planting and Receiving voted unanimously to fund TE Ryan Van Horn as
approved Evangelist – Church Planter in the Southside neighborhood of
Chattanooga. Funding is in the amount of $20,000 for2017 and $10,000 for
2018 all coming from the committee’s yearly discretionary fund of $25,000.
No action was to be taken --- only an enthusiastic announcement to Presbytery.
Additionally, First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville funded $4,000 which will be giv given to the Van Horns for moving expenses to Chattanooga.
Book of Order – Government 5-4.A.3 states: “A presbytery or a session may appoint
an administrative commission to serve as a temporary governing body of the mission
church.”
MOTION – To appoint the following as an oversight committee to serve as a
governing body for the Chattanooga, TN church plant:
TE Shayne Wheeler – All Souls Fellowship, Decatur, GA
TE Mark Grapengater – All Souls Fellowship, Decatur, GA
TE Andy Cornett – Signal Mountain Church, Signal Mountain, TN
RE Brad Wier – Signal Mountain Church, Signal Mountain, TNAPPROVED
Chairman Mizell expressed the following for the committee and the
Presbytery: “It is with gratitude to God alone that we welcome Ryan
Van Horn to this presbytery and to the mission of planting a church to
witness to those in the southside neighborhood of Chattanooga. We
pray for God’s protection and guidance for Ryan, Erin, and their children:
Seth, Isaac, and Abby as they labor together to make Christ known.”
MOTION – To rescind the motion of the 97th Stated Meeting of Presbytery
that read: “moved to designate $25,000 from 2016 Church Development
Fund toward the second year ASF Resident Program. Funds will be held by
POSE until resident is chosen and has committed to the program.”
All Souls Fellowship has made the decision not to be a Residency Training
Church. APPROVED
This concluded the report of the committee.
100-20COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW OF SESSION MINUTES
RE Palmer Griffin, Chairman, opened his report with prayer. The following
report was presented from the committee:
SESSION MINUTES REVIEWEDSTATUS
Buck Hill PCApproved without Exception with Notations requiring response
Cedar Springs PCApproved without Exception with Notations requiring response