MINUTES
102ndStated Meeting
PRESBYTERY OF THE SOUTHEAST
All Souls Fellowship
Decatur, Georgia
FRIDAY, October 6, 2017
102-01Call to Order - The Presbytery was opened with prayer at 3:00 by Moderator TE Bill Pardue.
102-02Welcome and Worship – A service of praise and worship opened the meeting and
Nathan Holloway, to be examined as Pastor for New Beginning Church in Spring City,
Tennessee, preached a sermon from Psalm 2. The worship time was closed with prayer.
102-03Declaration of Quorum – Moderator Pardue declared afterconsultation with the Stated Clerk that a quorum was present.
Stated Clerk, Bill Dudley, presented in written form the Attendance Report for this
meeting. That report is as follows.
CHURCHTEACHING ELDERRULING ELDER
All Souls Fellowship Shayne Wheeler Present Chet Burge
Decatur, GAMark GrapengatorPresentPaul Hummel
Mike St. DenisPresent
Bethany ChurchCharles EcholsExcused
Kingsport, TN
Brainerd ChurchCharles MillerPresent
Chattanooga, TNPaul WaltersPresent
Buck Hill ChurchJim HoilmanExcused
Newland, NC
Cedar Springs ChurchJohn WoodExcusedGeo HallPresent
Knoxville, TNMatt AveryAbsent
Alan EdickPresent
Clay HarringtonPresent
Andrew KeaslingAbsent
Mark SteimerAbsent
David StrunkExcused
Central ChurchMerle Caudill CPPresent
Hyden, KY
ChristChurch Eric Geil (to be examined)PresentLee Ann BrownPresent
Dalton, GABill DudleyPresentBuddy KingPresent
James LessliePresent
Community EvangelisticBuddy SextonPresentReginald Strong, CPAbsent
Knoxville, TNThomas GoodePresent
Community United WootenGregory Whitaker, CPPresent
Wooten, KY
Cornerstone ChurchTommy JordanPresentMax RiddlePresent
Franklin, NC
Covenant ChurchWalter TurnerPresentDave FreemanPresent
Rome, GADuke MayPresent Jane Palmer Present
Crosswalk ChurchKirk Werner PresentGreg WaldropPresent
Knoxville, TN
Eastminster ChurchSean White ExcusedBrad HaysePresent
Knoxville, TNJeff PetrikPresent
Faith ChurchJason MinterAbsent
McDonough, GA
Farner Church Adel Thalos (Interim)PresentKathleen HearlPresent Rebecca Stone Present
First ChurchJeff ChadwickPresentKing Askew Present
Rome, GABill ParduePresentRob DavisPresent Jonathan Schwartz Present Alan Storey Present
First ChurchTim FilstonPresentRebecca CranePresent
Thomasville, GAMicajah JonesPresent
Nelray LilyPresent
Grace ChurchRick HolmesAbsentDavid DennisPresent
Franklin, NC
Greenbriar Church
Manchester, KY
Hope FellowshipMark GregoryExcused
Chickamauga, GA
Lookout Valley ChurchGrady DavidsonPresentFred AndersonPresent
Chattanooga, TNSusan FryarPresent
Mars Hill ChurchBryant HarrisPresent
Acworth, GA
Murphy ChurchChristopher FlickPresentLynette GrayPresent
Murphy, NC(to be examined)Susan SpaldingPresent
Ted ThistlePresent
New BeginningNathan HollowayPresentLarry MyersPresent
Spring City, TN(to be examined)Christina AndersonPresent
New Hope ChurchRichard WillisAbsent
Kingsport, TN
New Life GatheringScott JacksonPresentAustin LancePresent
Knoxville, TNBob BirdPresent
Parkway ChurchMike AustinPresentTom HarrellPresent
Cumming, GAChuck KaucherPresent
Plumtree ChurchRyan Bridgeo, CPAbsent
Plumtree, NC
Providence ChurchEdward BrouwerPresentPhil InglisPresent
Hazelwood, NCPat InglisPresent
Resurrection ChurchRyan Van HornExcused
Chattanooga, TN
Signal Mountain ChurchScott Bowen AbsentDiane MizellPresent
Signal Mountain, TNMargaret FergusonExcusedBruce NovkovPresent
Andy CornettPresent
Joey SherrardPresent
Trinity Grace ChurchTully HunterPresentCathy CuttsPresent
Loganville, GASteve RowePresent
Trion ChurchBill FlanaganExcused
Trion, GAStated Supply
Valleybrook ChurchGary BuchananPresent
Chattanooga, TNBen BrychtaPresent
Wilson Station ChurchJarrod Johnson, CPAbsent
Englewood, TN
Woodland ChurchMatt MillerExcusedMichael PughPresent
Memphis, TN
ACTIVE – Without Call(Parity)
ARAUJO, AparecidoPresent
BUSH, DanielAbsent
HODGE, RobertAbsent
LOONEY, CharlesPresent
THOMAS, Michael Absent
WILSON, KevinAbsent
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, JackExcused
HUTTON, MarkExcused
KILGORE, JimAbsent
KUHN, MikeExcused
MITCHELL, GeorgePresent
MURREY, EdwardExcused
REESE, JulianPresent
ROBINSON, ChrisExcused
ROGERS, TimExcused
SWAFFORD, BillPresent
WOODWORTH, StevenExcused
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, CarltonAbsent
CALLAHAN, GeorgeAbsent
Retired Inactive2/6/09
Associate 2/1/14
FAIRALL, CraigAbsent
FLANNAGAN, BillExcused
Retired5/1/07
HALEY, PamAbsent
Retired10/6/12
HARRIS, SamAbsent
Retired5/4/02
Associate10/2/15
HOFFMAN, DaveAbsent
HORTON, MichaelAbsent
Retired2/5/16
JENNINGS, WilliamAbsent
Retired10/1/11
JONES, SteveAbsent
Retired1/1/06
KEYSER, DavidAbsent
Retired2/103
LANGHAM, EdwardPresent
Retired
RAGON, RonaldAbsent
Retired
RISER, SteveAbsent
Retired10/1/11
SMITH, H.AndrewAbsent
Retired
VAN DYKE, JimAbsent
Retired4/30/92
WALLACE, AllenAbsent
WARE, CobbAbsent
Retired 5/7/11
WILDSMITH, AlanPresent
Retired5/17
ZINN, RoyPresent
Retired9/30/11
CANDIDATES UNDER CARE
BRIERE, MauriceCrosswalk Church/Knoxville, TNAbsent
HOUSE, DTFirst Presbyterian Church/Thomasville, GAAbsent
JOLLEY, BrandonAll Souls Fellowship/Decatur,GAAbsent
OBSERVERS
Deborah Miller, Brainerd Church/Chattanooga,TNShari Freeman, Bridge to Grace Church/RCA
Nathan Turner, Erskine SeminaryDavid Bonselaar, Bridge to Grace Church/RCA
William T. Johnson, Jr.Vernita Herod, Bridge to Grace Church/RCA
Connie Rowe, Trinity Grace ChurchSusan Shaw, Bridge to Grace Church/RCA
Elaine King, ChristChurch/Dalton, GAAnn Hunter
Skeeter Pierce, ChristChurch/Dalton, GAJohn Clark, First Pres/Catlettsburg, KY
Trisha Bethel, ChristChurch/Dalton, GARichard Brown, First Pres/Catlettsburg, KY
Jim Bethel, ChristChurch/Dalton, GA
John Brown, ChristChurch/Dalton, GA
Palmer Griffin, ChristChurch/Dalton, GA
Mike O’Neill, ChristChurch/Dalton, GA
Harvey Wages, ChristChurch/Dalton, GA
Celeste Creswell,ChristChurch/Dalton, GA
Jamie Jones, ChristChurch/Dalton, GA
Dana Hall, Cedar Springs Church/Knoxville, TN
Dorothy Myer, New Beginning Church/Spring City, TN
Sandra Dennis, Grace EPC, Franklin, NC
Jim Thistle, Murphy Church/Murphy, NC
Frances Wildsmith, Murphy, NC
Audriana Johnson, All Souls Fellowship/Decatur, GA
Alberta Anderson, Lookout Valley Church, TN
102-04Approval of the Docket – There being no additions or changes to the
proposed docket, the Moderator presented the docket.
Motion was made, seconded, and APPROVED
102-05Introductions – Moderator Pardue welcomed, on behalf of the
Presbytery, a large number of first-time commissioners and guests,
including leaders from First Presbyterian, Catlettsburg, Kentucky and
Bridge to Grace Church (RCA), Roswell, Georgia.
102-06Approval of Minutes of 101st Stated Meeting
Moderator Pardue entertained corrections or additions to the
printed and distributed minutes.
MOTION: That the Provisional Minutes of the 101st Presbytery be
approved as amended indicating RE Fred Anderson of Lookout Valley
Church was present. Seconded.APPROVED
102-07Special Committee on Thanks
Moderator Pardue appointed TE Tully Hunter and RE Steve Rowe
to the special committee.
102-07Report of Stated Clerk
Stated Clerk Bill Dudley led the presbytery in a service of remembrance for
TE Scott Emmons who died since the last presbytery meeting. Scott has been
a faithful presbyter and has demonstrated his love for the presbytery by his
personal contact and prayer ministry for our pastors and congregations. The
Presbytery shared in a time of thanksgiving for his life and ministry and giving
thanks and praise for the Lord’s healing and raising Scott to glory. Amazing Grace
was sung a capella by the Presbytery. The Stated Clerk announced that the
offering at the Friday evening worship service would be designated for the
family of Scott Emmons for personal support and need.
102-09PRESBYTERY COUNCIL – TE Tommy Jordan
Moderator-Elect Tommy Jordan opened his report with prayer. He then presented
The following motions from the Council:
1. MOTION – To approve the following as Chairman of Committees:
(a)TE Jonathan Schwartz for Church Health/Growth
(b)TE Jeff Chadwick for Evangelism/Outreach
APPROVED
2. MOTION - To elect and install TE Tommy Jordan as Presbytery Moderator for 2018 to take office January 1, 2018.
APPROVED
Moderator Pardue presented questions to TE Jordan and then requested
Presbytery Council members to stand with TE Jordan for a prayer of
installation.
3. MOTION - To elect RE Palmer Griffin from ChristChurch of Dalton as Moderator-Elect for 2018.
APPROVED
4. INFORMATION - Presbytery Council has approved members for Committees for 2018
MINISTERIAL CARE (12 members: 6 RE/6 TE in 3 classes)
CLASS/2018CLASS/2019CLASS/2020 TE Scott Jackson (2) TE Margaret Ferguson (2) TE Adel Thalos (2)
TE Bill Pardue (1)TE Alan Wildsmith (1)TE Shayne Wheeler (1)
RE RE Celeste CreswellRE Ben Brychta (2)
RERE Bruce NovkovRE Phil Inglis (2)
EVANGELISM & OUTREACH(9 members in 3 classes with 6 RE and 3TE)
CLASS/2018CLASS/2019CLASS/2020
TE Chuck Echols (1)TETE Jeff Chadwick
RE Gary Buchanan (2)RE Kathleen Hearl (1)RE
RE Harvey Wages (1)RE John Henning (1)RE
CHURCH HEALTH & GROWTH(9 members in 3 classes)
CLASS/2018CLASS/2019CLASS/2020
TE Buddy Sexton (2)TE Jonathan Schwartz (1)TE Mark Steimer (1) RE Geo Hall (1) RE RE Tom Reesor (1)
RE Ryan Bridgeo (1)RE Dan Stanley (1)RE Mike Jones (1)
CHURCH PLANTING-RECEIVING(9 members in 3 classes)
CLASS/2018CLASS/2019CLASS/2020
TE Andy Cornett (2)TE Mark Grapengater (2)TE Bryant Harris (2)
RE Jim Bethel (1)TE Dave Strunk (1)TE Ryan Van Horn (1)
RE Thomas Goode (1)RE Diane Mizell (2)RE
RECORDS & SESSION MINUTES(6 members in 2 classes without term restrictions)
CLASS/2018CLASS/2019
TE Grady Davidson (1)TE Tim Rogers (3)
RE Palmer Griffin (2) RE Max Riddle (4)
RE Alan Storey (1)RE Tom Harrell (2)
TRUSTEES(with Moderator, Stated Clerk, and Treasurer)
CLASS/2018CLASS/2019CLASS/2020
RE Jeff HollingsworthRE Ross SchramRE John Graham
MODERATORTE Tommy Jordan
MODERATOR-ELECT RE Palmer Griffin
5. MOTION -To accept the invitation from Community Evangelistic Church of Knoxville
for the Winter Presbytery Meeting February 2-3, 2018
APPROVED
6. MOTION - To approve appointing a two-member committee, namely RE Palmer Griffin
and RE Max Riddle to review and make recommendationsof Presbytery’s
By-Laws to the Presbytery.
APPROVED
7. INFORMATION - Vote on Descending Overtures from General Assembly will occur at the Winter Presbyterymeeting. Pastors and Ruling Elders were encouraged to
review these overtures with their Sessions and to prepare and educate
their commissioners for the next presbytery meeting.
102-10MINISTERIAL CARE COMMITTEE (MCC) – TE Scott Jackson
Chairman, TE Scott Jackson, opened with prayer and presented the
first portion of MCC’s report.
1. EXAMINATION OF CANDIDATE CHRISTOPHER FLICK FOR ORDINATION
Chris currently is a candidate under care of the Presbytery of the East (EPC) and
has been under the care of the Session of North Point in Danvers, Massachusetts for the past
three years. He has served as intern at Eastminster Presbyterian (EPC) in Wichita,
Kansas. He is being called as Pastor of Murphy Presbyterian Church, Murphy,
North Carolina.
The MCC has received his transcripts from Gordon Conwell Seminary (Master
of Divinity), his PIF, and his statement of faith. The required background check has
been received and noted as acceptable. Chris successfully has passed his written
exams and has sustained an oral examination before our MCC in October. The
terms of call are satisfactory. Chris has taken one exception to Westminster
Confession of Faith.
Chris was examined on the floor of presbytery beginning with his sharing his
Christian experience of the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ and his walk and
progressing growth in the Lord. Chris was examined by MCC on the areas of
Theology and Sacraments, English Bible, Book of Order, History of the Church and
the Reformed tradition, and the nature of the office of Teaching Elder.
TE Alan Wildsmith offered prayer for Chris.
Chris was scheduled to preach before Presbytery on Saturday morning.
2. EXAMINATION of TE NATHAN HOLLOWAY
Nathan was ordained in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and has been a member
of Great Plains Presbytery. He is currently serving as a Military Chaplain. Nathan is
being called as Pastor of New Beginning Church in Spring City, Tennessee. The MCC
has received his transcripts from Pensacola Bible College and Seminary, his PIF, and
his Statement of Faith. He has passed the required background check.
Having sustained an oral examination before the MCC in October, Nathan was presented
by MCC to the Presbytery. The terms of call have been declared satisfactory, and Nathan
has no exceptions to the Westminster Confession.
Nathan was examined by the Presbytery on his views of Theology and Sacraments, Bible,
Book of Order, history of the Church and the reformed tradition.
While not required, Nathan preached a sermon for the opening of Presbytery.
MOTION - That the examination of TE Nathan Holloway be sustained in all its parts and
that he be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery of the Southeast with an approved
call to serve as Pastor of New Beginning Church in Spring City, Tennessee.
Motion was made, seconded, and APPROVED.
Prayer was offered by TE Ed Langham for TE Nathan Holloway as members of New
Beginning Church stoodalongside Nathan. Nathan signed his ministerial obligation form.
MOTION – That an Administrative Commission be appointed to install Nathan Holloway
on Sunday, November 5, 2017:
Teaching EldersMargaret Ferguson (Signal Mountain Church)
Ed Langham (ChristChurch)
Ruling EldersLarry Myers (New Beginning Church)
Donna Peterson (Signal Mountain Church)
Bob Smith
Christina Anderson
Motion was made, seconded, and APPROVED.
3. EXAMINATION of TE ERIC GEIL
Eric Geil is an ordained minister in the EPC and is transferring from Rivers and Lakes
Presbytery. He has served out of bounds as Pastor of Westhigh Evangelical Covenant
Church, Cary, North Carolina. Eric is being called as Pastor/Head of Staff at ChristChurch
Presbyterian in Dalton, Georgia.
The MCC has reviewed his transcripts from the University of North Carolina/Chapel
Hill and Princeton Theological Seminary. MCC also has received his PIF and his
statement of faith; his required background check has been declared clear and
acceptable. Having sustained an oral examination by the MCC in August, Eric was
presented to Presbytery for examination.
The terms of call have been declared satisfactory, and Eric has no exceptions to the
Westminster Confession.
Eric was examined by the Presbytery on his views of Theology and Sacraments, Bible,
Book of Order, history of the Church and the reformed tradition.
While not required, Eric agreed to preach the sermon for the Presbytery on Friday
evening.
MOTION - That the examination of TE Eric Geil be sustained in all its parts and
that he be enrolled as a member of the Presbytery of the Southeast with an approved
call to serve as Pastor of ChristChurch Presbyterian of Dalton, Georgia.
Motion was made, seconded, and APPROVED.
Prayer was offered by TE Bill Dudley for TE Eric Geil as members of ChristChurch in
Dalton stoodalongside Eric. Eric then signed his ministerial obligation form.
MOTION – That an Administrative Commission be appointed by Presbytery to
install TE Eric Geil as Pastor of ChristChurch Presbyterian in Dalton, Georgia on
Sunday, October 15, 2017. The persons to serve include:
Teaching EldersWilliam Dudley (ChristChurch)
Scott Jackson (New Life Gathering, Knoxville, Tennessee)
Jonathan Schwartz (First Church, Rome, Georgia)
Ruling EldersJames Lesslie (ChristChurch)
Sara (Skeeter) Pierce (ChristChurch)
Bruce Novkov (Signal Mountain Church)
Invited as GuestsTE Carmen Fowler-LaBerge
TE Jay Martin
RE Robert Prusator
MOTION was made, seconded, andAPPROVED.
4. SPECIAL PRAYER
TE Scott Jackson shared with the Presbytery that RE Jeff Guilford, who was
very active in presbytery and had been elected as Moderator, has nowbeen
placed in respite care. Scott asked for prayers for Jeff and his wife, Cheryl,
and then led the presbytery in praying for this favorite leader.
5. EXCUSED ABSENCES
The MCC received requests to be excused from this meeting and after deliberation
approved the following to be excused:
Chuck Echols, Margaret Ferguson, Jack Foley, Mark Hutton, Matt Miller, Edward
Murrey, Chris Robinson, Dave Strunk, Ryan Van Horn, and Steven Woodworth.
6. CALL CHANGES
MOTION – That the following changes in call be approved:
TE Bill Dudley as Executive Pastor of ChristChurch Presbyterian, Dalton, Georgia,
TE Scott Jackson as Lead Pastor of NewLife Gathering, Knoxville, Tennessee, and
TE Andrew Keasling as Associate Pastor of Cedar Springs Church, Knoxville.
MOTION made, seconded, andAPPROVED.
7. INTERIM SUPPLY
MOTION – That TE Adel Thalos be approved as Interim Stated Supply at Farner
Presbyterian Church, Farner, Tennessee.
MOTION made, seconded, andAPPROVED.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMISSION REPORT – TE Jeff Chadwick
Jeff Chadwick, Chairman of the Administrative Commission appointed by
Presbytery at the May meeting, reported for the Commission that TE Charles
Looney’s previous out-of-bounds request has been rescinded. After consideration
of the request for out-of-bounds call for TE Daniel Bush, the Commission’s
approval for one year was recommended.
MOTION made, seconded, andAPPROVED
Ministerial Committee concluded this portion of their report.
102-11PRAYER TIME – TE Edward Brouwer
The order of the day was called by the Moderator and TE Edward Brouwer
led the presbytery in a consecrated time of prayer. Edward led in directed
prayers with presbyters sharing personally the names and situations for which
the Presbytery would pray.
102-12Recess for Supper
102-13FRIDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICE
The Friday evening service was opened by the worship team of All Souls Church.
A highlight of the worship service was Presbytery’s commemoration of the
ministry of TE Alan Wildsmith who was retired at the past presbytery meeting.
Members of Murphy Presbyterian Church, Murphy, North Carolina were present
to express appreciation and loving encouragement to Alan and his wife, Frances.
Stated Clerk Bill Dudley presented words of affirmation for Alan’s ministry and
for the distinction of having served only the Murphy Church and community for
his years of ministry. Prayer was offered for Alan and Frances with their loving
friends from Murphy Church surrounding them.’
An inspiring sermon was preached by TE Eric Geil followed by TE Mark Grapengater
whocelebrated the Sacrament of Holy Communion alongside the Elders of All Souls
Church.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2017
102-14Presbytery reconvened Saturday morning promptly at 8:30 with Moderator
Bill Pardue continuing to provide quality leadership. He called on Candidate for
Ordination, Chris Flick, to lead the presbytery in opening worship for the day.
102-15Saturday morning worship was led by Chris Flick from Genesis 11:12-29.
He concluded his sermon and opened the presbytery with prayer.
102-16REPORT OF ASST/STATED CLERK – RE Diane Mizell
There was no report presented.