Abingdon Presbytery
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| Since 1772, Presbyterian congregations throughout the southwestern region of Virginia have provided mission outreach and service to Jesus Christ. Today 55 congregations with 4,697 members continue to faithfully serve Jesus Christ in ministry and mission. During its recent interim period Abingdon Presbytery moved toward clarifying its strengths in mission and discovered in that process new means of supporting and strengthening its smaller membership congregations. Support of its congregations can be seen most concretely in how the commissioned lay pastor (CLP) program has enabled several smaller membership congregations to secure trained and certified lay pastors to provide worship opportunities and pastoral care. During its November 2004 presbytery meeting, the presbytery celebrated the commissioning of seven CLPs to serve its congregations. In addition, six women and men are preparing to be ordained ministers.
Several churches have worked in partnership to sponsor a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico. The presbytery also sponsored a mission fair at which several mission workers taught an enthusiastic gathering about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission work throughout the world. Abingdon Presbytery provides support for the Presbyterian institutions that are within its geographic boundaries. The Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands, in Wytheville, provides a place for children and youth to live and learn together in a safe, loving, Christian environment. King College, a Presbyterian-related educational institution in Bristol, Tennessee, provides an educational and spiritual environment to many young adults. Since the formation of the first churches in southwestern Virginia in the late eighteenth century, the presbytery has taken seriously Christ’s commandment to make disciples—disciples who are dedicated to serving Christ through local worship, foreign mission, and local mission outreach. |
 Rev. George M. Conn, Jr., member, GAC Elder Isaac St. Clair Freeman, member, GAC Presbytery Staff Rev. Dr. William A. dePrater, interim executive presbyter, stated clerk, and treasurer Barbara Bass, administrative assistant Davina Wingate, administrative assistant Phyllis Canter, hunger action enabler PC(USA) General Assembly Staff Mark J. McCabe, WMD Elder Timothy McCallister, NMD Mary McCarthy, PPC |
 Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matt. 28:18). |
 Ps. 63, 100, 122, 149 Judg. 5:19–31 Acts 2:22–36; Matt. 28:11–20 |
