March 2020 New Horizons

White Fields and Sandy Beaches

by Eric R. Hausler

“When he saw the crowds, [Jesus] had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest’” (Matt. 9:36–38). Crowds? Crowds, we have here in Naples, Florida. But laborers? Laborers, we need. For about four months every year, the population of our fair city triples—or even quadruples. Snowbirds from the north, vacationers from around the world, seasonal workers to staff the hospitality industry, and hopeful investors descend on Naples for winter and part of the spring. The influx is obvious everywhere you turn: in the traffic, parking lots, restaurants, checkout lines, and even churches. This past Sunday (as I pen this article), Christ the King Presbyterian Church saw nearly a fourfold increase in our attendance from just a few months ago. Seven Years in the Making On a ... Read more

A Pastor Across the Presbytery

by Judith M. Dinsmore

Regional home missionaries are bestowed with a three-word title. They’re also funded jointly by the denomination and the presbytery, not by a congregation, and they spend an inordinate amount of time in their cars. But, at bottom, their role is still intensely pastoral. Just look at Lacy Andrews. In his service for the Presbytery of the Southeast, Andrews meets with interested groups, shepherds new groups, encourages tired groups, and transitions mature groups. This means not only pulpit supply and leading Bible studies, but counseling sessions and sick visits. He is “pastor” to congregants stretched across the bounds of the presbytery. And, as a good friend chuckled, each congregation knows that it is his favorite. First Impressions Andrews’s is the first voice, booming and southern, that you would hear if you contacted the presbytery about starting an OP church. As regional home missionary—one of only six in the denomination (see page 16)—Andrews meets with and presents the OPC to ... Read more

A Social Media Guide for Churches

by Kerri Ann Cruse

It has been said, and rightly so, that the new front door of a church is its website and social media pages. Before setting foot inside a sanctuary, the majority of guests will first visit online, looking to see if this particular congregation meets their expectations of what makes a good church. Having a lively social media or online presence should not be seen as distracting from the work or the mission of the church. In actuality, it complements it. I am not advocating that social media replace the necessary, in-person work of evangelism. Rather, view these platforms as tools in outreach. When properly utilized, they can help create contacts and connections where the gospel can then be shared. With that in mind, here are some tips to help guide your church as it looks to participate in one or more of the major social networks. Know Where to Be The big three social media platforms are Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You don’t have to be on each one. Choose what is best for the demographic ... Read more