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Without a pastor for almost two years, the Community Presbyterian Church, in Celebration, has chosen on their perfect preacher. The congregation was searching for a bible-based, dynamic preacher, with great management skills to lead the congregation in growth. Rev. Dr. William Lewis, from Fremont, Neb. seemed to match all of the criteria set forth by the congregation. He was officially installed on Sunday Oct. 11.
After four years at the Fremont Presbyterian Church, Lewis felt an appointment from God to come to the Community Presbyterian Church, in Celebration.
“God called me to a different opportunity,” said Lewis.
Lewis was happy in Nebraska, but when was contacted by the Community Presbyterian Church, he said he had an inner prompting to respond.
“When I got here, found an amazing potential to reach across the globe for missions, to reach out to the hurting in our 192 corridor, and to take people on a spiritual journey,” Lewis said.
“I felt Him leading me to a new “call” where my skills will be used to carry out the agenda of this church and to introduce people to the love of God,” said Lewis.
Nancy Kousaie, volunteer receptionist, said, “He’s just awesome. We’re so blessed to have him, and he’s going to make some positive changes.”
Among the many goals Lewis has in mind for the church, one already in the primary stages, is building a children’s Christian education wing. This will encompass all kinds of children’s programs.
Dr. Rev. Lewis also hopes for the church to become a regional church, due to the fact that around 40% of the congregation lives outside of Celebration and the surrounding areas.
Lewis wants the church not to be isolated and to instead introduce the love of God to the entire region. Programs that Rev. Lewis would like to create address not only people’s spiritual lives, but also their relationship needs and the other aspects
of their personal lives.
The creation of a dynamic website for the Community Presbyterian Church is already in progress. Lewis said it promises to be an exciting journey, “The whole church is electric.”
Lewis’s sermons are aimed to be relevant to the present-day lifestyle, such as utilizing the story of David and Goliath to teach people that they can face the giant hurdles in their life.
“His sermons are full of illustration,” said Shaun Hartsell, director of youth
ministry.
Hartsell said, “Dr. Reverend Lewis is a no-nonsense, down to earth, casual guy that is easy to know, easy to hear from, and easy to love.”
The Presbyterian process of choosing a new pastor begins when a pastor leaves and an Interim Pastor is assigned. A Pastoral Nominating Committee is elected by the Congregation.
“The Committee includes a good cross-section of individuals from the congregation, to ensure that it is represented by all parts of the congregation,” said George Crippen, office manager of the Community Presbyterian Church.
The Pastoral Nominating Committee included youth, people with children, and those that have retired. The congregation had a meeting to set the criteria for what they were seeking in a pastor.
The committee began the search for a new pastor by reviewing literally hundreds of PIFs (personal information forms).
The Pastoral Nominating Committee went to Neb. to see Rev. Dr. Lewis preach, and watch him interact with the congregation. The committee brought forth their selected candidate, and the congregation voted to accept Rev. Dr. Lewis as the new pastor. Lewis is replacing the senior and founding pastor, Patrick Wrisely.
Crippen said, “Rev. Dr. Lewis is a welcomed addition to the congregation. He is a dynamic person to listen to. We’re happy to have him here. He is a great leader to carry us through this growth we are experiencing.”
Rev. Dr. Lewis has impressive academic credentials: Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Colorado; a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary; a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary; and a Doctorate of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary.
Lewis is married to Michele Lewis, an aspiring writer, and father to Elijah, age 16, and Taylor Grace, age 13.
For more information, contact the Community Presbyterian Church, at 407-566-1633 or visit www.commpres.com.
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