The Presbytery of Wabash Valley
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| The Presbytery of Wabash Valley is doing a new thing that is as old as the church itself. Reaching out to share the gospel with those who have neither sought nor found a church home, it has launched Life Path, its first new church development (NCD) since 1996. Recognizing that this presbytery fans the fire of its enthusiasm for evangelism best through planting new congregations, it has sought to follow the success of Zionsville Presbyterian Church, which was the Presbytery of Wabash Valley’s last successful effort in new church development.
Located in Lafayette, Life Path has been designed as a church without a building, flexible enough to grow and move with its congregation. Built on a model of small group ministry, youth programming, and celebration worship, its core team includes elders Sue Lawrence, Bill Fall, Dennis Dunn, and Sara Stallings, and pastors Bruce Hurley, Ronald Hawkins, and Robert Leach. The planting of Life Path resulted from a connectional funding partnership of the General Assembly, the Synod of Lincoln Trails, and the Presbytery of Wabash Valley. In order to turn hope into reality, the presbytery launched a campaign to raise funds for new church development and congregation redevelopment. Never forgetting that the future is built on the past, a portion of the funds raised from the 96 congregations and 19,371 members will assist long-established congregations to reenergize, renew, and regain the strength that made Presbyterian congregations the hubs of community life and ministry. New life for its existing congregations and Life Path NCD make the Presbytery of Wabash Valley a vital body with its feet firmly planted in the best of the past and its eyes set on the future. From age to age, its faithful people glorify God and bear witness to their communities of God’s hope and promise. |
 Rev. Nancy Kahaian, chair, GAC Presbytery Staff Rev. Sue Berry, general presbyter Rev. Greg Albert, associate presbyter for church development Elder Paul Fogg, associate presbyter for Geneva Center Rev. David Smook, pastor to pastors Rev. Thomas O’Brien, stated clerk Gladys Sargent, office manager Elder Cathy Hahn, recording clerk Elder Harold Gray, treasurer Shelly Gibson, receptionist, secretary Douglas Capper, bookkeeper PC(USA) General Assembly Staff Rev. Kenneth J. Ross, OGA Greg Rousos, FDN Anita Rowe, MSS |
 Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great (Ps. 104:1). |
 Ps. 98, 104, 138, 149 Hos. 10:1–15 Acts 25:13–27; Luke 8:16–25 |
