The Transforming Spirit

BY THE REV. PETER REYNEN

A baptism at the First Presbyterian Church in Sisseton, S.D. Photo by The Rev. Peter Reynen

Sisseton, South Dakota, with a population of 3,000, is located in the northeast corner of the state, just west of I-29. During the past three years, the First Presbyterian Church of Sisseton has witnessed a transformation.

In May 2005, the attendance averaged 15 to 20 per Sunday. Today, attendance averages about 80. In 2005 there were about three youngsters attending Sunday school. Today there are multiple classes serving young people and adults.

What has contributed to this transformation?

After a period of time when it was served by pulpit supplies, in May 2005 the congregation called a part-time tentmaker (bi-vocational) pastor, Peter Reynen. Peter serves the congregation 20 hours per week from Friday through Sunday.  During the rest of the week Peter is a family physician in Milbank, S.D., 51 miles away from Sisseton.  The church, medical practice and hospital respect this schedule.

Today members of this revitalized congregation talk eagerly about their congregation and invite others to join them in worship and other church activities. 

Worship has become the transforming experience for this congregation, they have realized that whatever a congregation does in ministry and mission grows out of worship.  Change has occurred during these three years, a traditional service has become a blended service. A screen has been added to the sanctuary to project images, readings, and information. Music now includes traditional hymns, praise music, and even a bit of bluegrass. 

The congregation is more aware that evangelism is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ as well as people’s encounters with God. Such sharing is now an integral part of worship at First Church. During each worship service, time is allocated for the Witness of Sharing when people have the opportunity to tell how they encountered God during the past week. 

Calling a tentmaker pastor required the members of the congregation to assume leadership roles and they have risen to the occasion.  Now they have good news to share about their congregation and are more eager to participate in congregational life. 

Engaging with the community is an important part of First Church’s mission.  They participate in the community food bank, and the congregation’s Presbyterian Women’s group sponsors several events including a Christmas Cookie Sale and an annual bazaar that is very popular and known throughout the community.

At one time, First Church was yoked with the Presbyterian Church in Veblen, S.D., located 21 miles from Sisseton.  Pastor Reynen’s schedule did not allow him to serve both congregations and this left a heavy burden on the smaller Veblen congregation.  The revitalization of First Church in Sisseton however has provided financial resources that have allowed the two churches to now share a new ministry.  On January 1, Holly Smith, a seminary intern from Austin Theological Seminary, began to serve the church in Veblen.  Her ministry is shared between the two churches.  The two churches see this as yet another exciting ministry model they have been given.

Other mission opportunities beckon the congregation — enhanced connections with the Native American community as well as potential outreach to Hispanic farm workers working on dairy farms in the area are being considered.

Not many of us have visited Sisseton, S.D., but we are assured that the Spirit is working through the people at First Presbyterian Church.  They are being transformed and sharing the power of that transformation with others.