Southwood Presbyterian Church

Audio Recording from Town Hall Meeting - Theology

As a member of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), Southwood continues to affirm the inerrancy and infallibility of Holy Scripture as contained in the Old and New Testaments. Further, we continue to embrace the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms as containing the system of doctrine taught therein. We wholeheartedly support those confessional statements and our constitution. As is the case with our individual ministers, if at any time our corporate views were to change in those regards, we would immediately make those changes known to the congregation and our Presbytery. We acknowledge that the PCA is a “big tent” and that within her boundaries there are divergent views on matters of doctrinal emphasis, not the least of which is broadly called “grace.” As a particular congregation having declared our mission to “experience and express grace,” our particular emphasis is clearly stated.

Many of the modern and current discussions regarding these issues are not uniquely modern or current. Church history shows that distinctions have been drawn on these issues for centuries.1 We believe, along with many respected theologians in church history, that mankind is totally depraved, that the work of the Spirit precedes any evidence of conversion, that mortification of sin must be preceded by regeneration and that the free offer of the Gospel goes forth to all men equally without regard for piety. God’s sovereignty in all aspects of the Christian life is emphasized, and sanctification is believed to be “the work of God’s free grace,”2 through the Holy Spirit, manifested in the lives of believers. An emphasis on a God who loves, adopts and perseveres with sinful men based on no merit of their own has been a consistent part of historic Reformed theology and is emphasized in all our ministries as well. All good works, which do necessarily flow from a believer’s life, are consistent with the moral law, which is our rule of life, and our ability to do them is “wholly from the Spirit of Christ.”3 Thus, they spring from a heart transformed by grace as a response to and a resting in the finished work of Christ on our behalf. As John Calvin said, “He who makes the worship of God consist in faith and repentance, by no means loosens the reigns of discipline, but rather compels men to the course they are most afraid to take.”4

Differing views with regard to grace, our mission or other related issues are always welcome in the marketplace of ideas at Southwood, but such views will always be considered in light of our declared mission statement and philosophy of ministry. Disagreement on these views is a matter of emphasis, but either emphasis carried to an extreme would push the bounds of orthodoxy. We warmly embrace other individuals and congregations whose emphases are different from ours and mean to express to them a charity of spirit that honors Christ and portrays the unity of the Body of Christ to the world.

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1. One of the best examples of this is the 18th century Marrow Controversy in Scotland, which surrounded the republication in 1718 of The Marrow of Modern Divinity. This book sought to deal with the gospel of grace in such a way that the errors of both legalism and antinomianism were avoided.

2. Westminster Shorter Catechism Q35: “What is sanctification? Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.”

3. Westminster Confession of Faith XVI.3. Consider the entire chapter on Good Works (XVI).

4. “The Necessity of Reforming the Church” John Calvin, P. 193, Editor: J.K.S. Reid, Westminster John Knox Press, 2000.

What is Southwood’s stance on “Sonship”?

Sonship is a discipleship curriculum produced by World Harvest Mission that has been taught in various forms for almost two decades at Southwood. It must be said that no discipleship material or for that matter any other teaching whether it be from the pulpit, in small groups or Sunday Seminars is endorsed carte blanche by the Session of Southwood. Individual discernment must always be used when evaluating the doctrinal value of a particular teaching at a particular moment. That being said, although we would not endorse every word taught in any curriculum, we do believe that World Harvest Mission curriculum is doctrinally sound, has been helpful to many, is congruous with our mission and as such will remain as an approved curriculum for use at Southwood. It must be noted that opinions about the Sonship material, much like the wide and divergent views on grace in the PCA, are broad, and there are many churches in our “big tent” who feel comfortable using the material and many who feel that it is incomplete.

Do I have to agree with these theological emphases to be a member of Southwood?

No. All who acknowledge themselves to be sinners rescued by the grace of God in Jesus and profess their willingness to uphold their membership vows to this church are gladly welcomed as members. As with many of our particular theological beliefs and emphases, we understand there are Christians who disagree and can do so charitably.

What level of agreement with these theological emphases must I have to be an officer at Southwood?

Accepting men with differing theological emphases is consistent with the historical practice of the PCA with the ordination of teaching elders. Men often take exceptions to areas of the Confession that don’t strike at the vitals of the faith, and they are still allowed to be teaching elders with the constraint of not teaching or promoting their particular personal views. Subsequently, we would not require theological continuity with every belief or emphasis of the church, but endorsement of Southwood’s philosophy of ministry, mission, vision, and theological emphases – including willingness to close ranks when there is disagreement on these issues – is tantamount to an officer’s ordination vows including practicing subjection to their brethren in the Lord and willingness to work for the peace, purity, unity, and edification of the church.

What level of agreement with these theological emphases must I have to be a teacher at Southwood?

All teachers are vetted by either the Christian Education Committee or the Student Ministry Committee to ensure their teaching is in accord with Southwood’s theological commitments and emphases. However, there will be occasions where a teacher will have different perspectives that would not prevent him from teaching altogether. For example, someone who holds to a “believers only” view of baptism could still teach at Southwood, but he wouldn’t be teaching a class on the sacraments. We would never formally endorse or promote views that are inconsistent with our confessional standards, mission statement, or philosophy of ministry. For example, not allowing someone to promote personal divergent views is consistent with the historical practice of the PCA with the ordination of teaching elders. Men often take exceptions to areas of the Confession that don’t strike at the vitals of the faith, and they are still allowed to be teaching elders with the constraint of not teaching or promoting their particular personal views.

Audio Recording from Town Hall Meeting - Conferred Authority

The preface to our Book of Church Order (BCO) states that Jesus Christ alone is the King and head of the church. The first statement in the PCA Book of Church Order says, “The scriptural form of church government, which is representative or presbyterian, is comprehended under five heads: a. The Church; b. Its members; c. Its officers; d. Its courts; e. Its orders.”5 This means that all authority in the church is conferred authority to the church from her king, Jesus. Any authority that we have or exercise as a church is authority that has been conferred to us by Jesus Christ himself.

We are told in our Constitution that “there are some circumstances concerning the worship of God, and government of the church, common to human actions and societies, which are to be ordered by the light of nature, and Christian prudence, according to the general rules of the Word, which are always to be observed.”6 We have the freedom both constitutionally and Biblically to confer or delegate authority to individuals to carry out the work of the church as long as such delegation is “according to the general rules of the Word.”

The concept of conferred or delegated authority has been part of Southwood since its inception because our church government is representative or Presbyterian. The Session of Southwood wishes to clarify its position regarding three issues of conferred authority: 1.) The Session’s intent to continue using conferred or delegated authority, 2.) The Session’s confidence in those to whom that authority has been delegated, 3.) The Session’s commitment to oversight and watchcare in that delegation.

The Session’s intent to continue the practice of conferred or delegated authority

Because we have biblical, constitutional and practical wisdom that dictates a prudent use of delegated authority, we will continue our historic practice of empowering those under our authority to implement decisions of the Session for the prudent and wise stewardship of the church, her property and her people. This practice may also be employed by those to whom we have delegated authority, specifically Sessional commissions, the Senior Pastor, the church staff, the Diaconate, volunteer leaders and congregation members.

The Session’s confidence in those to whom that authority has been delegated

As we have publicly stated and now reiterate, we have confidence in, support for and trust in our senior pastor, our church staff, our committees, and our commissions. They have exercised prudence, submission to authority and a transparent willingness to respond to any inquiry on our part with candor, honesty and humility. They have proactively sought the Session’s leadership and not simply responded to our decisions. The Session has confidence in their willingness to submit to our authority moving forward.

The Session’s commitment to oversight and watchcare in that delegation

Men are fallen and sinful. All leaders, including the members of the Session, are capable of gross failure and sin. The Session submits to the Presbytery and in turn to the General Assembly. Biblical authority comes from being under and not in authority.7 As such, we are committed to oversight, evaluation, watchcare and diligence in the delegation of our authority. Conferred authority without consistent accountability is an abdication of authority and as such a violation of our vows, which is not acceptable.

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5. PCA Book of Church Order 1.1, which entire section is helpful in this regard. Biblical evidence of Jesus conferring authority to his church includes Matthew 28:18-20 and Ephesians 4:4-16.

6. Westminster Confession of Faith I.6.

7. Matthew 8:5-13.

Audio Recording from Town Hall Meeting - Senior Pastor

The Session has voted in a unanimous fashion to support our Senior Pastor and expresses its continued belief that he is the man whom God has called to lead Southwood.8 Support for our pastor is not a carte blanche endorsement of every aspect of his life, history, views and opinions. Trusting in God’s sovereignty, we believe Jean Larroux is the Senior Pastor of Southwood Presbyterian Church because God has placed him in this office. We spoke boldly of a “parade of providence” when he was called to this post, and we do not believe that this parade of providence has come to a halt.

We believe Jean Larroux to be a man who submits to the will of the Session, honors his brothers in the Lord and exercises good, wise and prudent judgment in the administration of his duties and life. We are confident that he desires to see his personality sanctified and refined so that he can be “all things to all men in order to win some.”9 We as a Session agree with our Presbytery that his doctrine is sound and that the character qualities of an elder (I Timothy 3, Titus 1) are evident in his life. We have also witnessed that when he sins, there is deep and specific repentance. This will mean honesty and transparency about giving glory to Christ for his obedience and clinging to Christ in his disobedience.

We affirm the reality that we sought after and called a man whose primary gifting was in preaching/teaching and leadership. We see both the importance of the exercise of these gifts in a pastoral manner and an openness, willingness and desire on the part of Jean Larroux to do so.

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8. The ballot was taken in secret on January 25, 2012, so that each man would have the ability to vote his conscience, and every man voted in support of Jean Larroux.

9. I Corinthians 9:22.

How do I get an appointment with Jean?

Contact Melissa Patterson (256-882-3085 or melissa.patterson@southwood.org). Jean has scheduled time on his calendar for breakfast and lunch appointments as well as meetings in his office. This does sometimes take some lead time to arrange, but a scheduling delay does not indicate a lack of desire on Jean’s part to meet with people.

What specific plans are in place for Jean to be more accessible to the congregation?

In addition to being available for breakfast, lunch, and other scheduled appointments, Jean will be accessible in several other forums. He will continue to greet people following each worship service in the sanctuary and in the connecting spaces. Several “Pastors on the Patio” events are already on the calendar for the coming months.

Will Jean participate in weddings, baptisms, or funerals?

All of our pastors do weddings, baptisms, and funerals as a function of their ordained office and a part of their pastoral roles at our church. The performance of these ministerial duties often flows from relationships and/or their assistance in worship services. If someone has a relationship with one of our pastors, then that pastor will likely assist in that capacity for those families. If there is a member of Southwood who has developed no particular relationship with a pastor during his membership, then these pastoral duties will likely be performed by Rev. Will Spink, our shepherding pastor, or another one of our teaching elders. By virtue of his personal relationships, Rev. Larroux has participated and will continue to participate in the performance of these duties but not simply as a function of his office as Senior Pastor.

Audio Recording from Town Hall Meeting - Finances

The Book of Church Order (BCO) 8-3 says of elders, “They must exercise government and discipline, and take oversight not only of the spiritual interests of the particular church, but also the Church generally when called thereunto.” The BCO states, “The church Session is charged … to approve and adopt the budget; to approve actions of special importance affecting church property; to order collections for pious uses” (BCO 9-2). Further, the deacons are charged with care of property and collection and accounting for funds (BCO 9-2 and 9-3) “under the supervision and authority of the Session” (BCO 9-2). Certain Diaconal and Sessional responsibilities can be carried out through the agency of other bodies or through delegated authority.1

The Finance Committee is made up of 2 Elders, 3 Deacons (including Chairman and Treasurer), one layman and chaired by the Executive Director. It meets at least once every three months to execute the duties of its charter.2 Committees in the PCA and at Southwood meet and make recommendations; they do not have ruling authority for final approval of any issues. The budget is developed through a process involving the ministry committees of Student Ministries, Shepherding and Community Development; the Long Range Planning committee; the staff through ministry directors, teaching elders and the Senior Pastor; the Administrative Commission of the Session. The Finance Committee recommends the budget to the Session for final review and approval (In the final approval process for the 2012 budget, the Session acted as a committee of the whole to make prudent adjustments and reductions reflecting the decrease in tithes and offerings).

Our statement on Financial Stewardship says, “Southwood Presbyterian Church has for most of its history used debt as a financial tool in advancing the church’s purposes. Southwood Presbyterian Church will continue to prudently and prayerfully consider the use of debt, as one financial instrument among many, in the advancement of our heavenly Father’s kingdom.”

We recognize the need for increased accountability and communication to the congregation regarding financial stewardship. Although Southwood presently has no by-laws specifying congregational approval for the use of debt and/or borrowing limits, the development of such by-laws is a high priority for the Session.

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1. Examples of this include outside accounting, bookkeeping, collection of offerings by ushers, and financial audits.

2. “The Finance Committee exists to oversee the financial health of Southwood, both in long term planning, budget preparation and approval, and audit readiness. The committee will work closely with the Senior Pastor, Executive Director and Long Range Planning committee to develop and present appropriate budgetary and financial data to the Administrative Commission of the Session, and the Session for financial stewardship of the church. Additionally, the committee will be responsible for ensuring the audit readiness of the church and provide oversight in the resolution of any identified financial audit concerns or actions.”

Who can borrow money?

Our constitution currently only allows for designated Trustees to borrow money. Presently Southwood has two Elders elected to be our Trustees, Vinit Mahesh and Bob Greenman. The Session has asked the Finance Committee to research and recommend if there may need to be additional appropriate enhancements and safeguards to this process.

Who were the trustees when the present $1.6 million was borrowed?

Kirby Parks and Crawford Dillon, acting under the authority of the entire Session. Both were members of the Session and Long Range Planning Committee at that time, and Crawford Dillon was a member of the Finance Committee.

Who are the trustees presently?

Vinit Mahesh and Bob Greenman; both are members of the Session and Finance Committee.

Have construction costs caused us to reduce benevolence giving?

No. Southwood has always had a heart for missions, not the least of which is the poor. For many years Southwood was blessed to be able to allocate approximately 20% of its operating budget to benevolence (includes missions). In response to a reduction in attendance and tithe (not construction costs), our 2012 operating budget was significantly reduced (including cuts to all salaries and reduced staff), with 10% of its operating budget allocated to benevolence, and 100% of all monies collected over $2.4M allocated to benevolence.

Have we eliminated our commitment to Lincoln Village?

No. The Village Church and Lincoln Village Ministries (two separate organizations) continue to be missions we support through our benevolence budget. Over the past six years, Southwood has been able to provide in excess of $ 1,750,000.00 to Lincoln Village. We believe God has worked through these ministries in mighty and amazing ways and look forward to how he will continue to bless them.

Did we cancel things like the Peru trip because of construction costs?

No. All reductions in expenses in 2012 are directly a result of the reduction in tithe dollars. Current tithe estimates for 2012 are down over $700,000 from our previous year.

What is Southwood’s position on the use of debt?

Since its inception Southwood has prudently used debt for certain capital projects. For example, debt was used to build the original church building and subsequently to build the Lodge.

Is our current indebtedness making us a slave to the lender?

No. Our current interest payment is 3% of our past four-year average tithe. This is a .16 debt to asset ratio. This would be equivalent to a family earning $50,000 per year, owning their home (no mortgage) worth $155,000, and taking out a $25,000 (.16 debt to asset ratio) home equity loan to update the house. The interest payment on this home equity loan would be approximately $94 per month or 3% of income.

What are the detailed costs of the renovations?

The following are approximate amounts by major category:
General Contracting - $ 1,220,000
Architectural/Surveyor - $ 75,000
Furniture & Fixtures - $ 175,000
Technology - $ 40,000
Sanctuary - $ 25,000
Curbs/Parking lot/misc - $ 25,000

Is it true that some officers of the church have stopped tithing?

All tithe data is personal and private with access protected and restricted to only our Treasurer and Bookkeeper. You would need to ask each Elder or Deacon individually.

When and by whom will financial by-laws be developed?

The Finance Committee is already in process on these and will submit these to the Session for approval.

Audio Recording from Town Hall Meeting - Facilities

Although closely related to questions regarding finances, facility questions also encompass topics under the heading of decorating, aesthetics and long-range planning, hereafter generally called “facilities.” Regarding the construction projects completed in September 2011, the Session stated that the scope of that project was done under their authority and within approved budget constraints.3 Officers, staff members and lay people populated all committees tasked with implementation of that project. Decisions regarding decorating specifics were entrusted to the Aesthetics and Environments Sub-committee of the Administrative Commission. This sub-committee, having no authority of their own, implemented the Session-approved plans and decorating decisions within budget constraints. Facility changes, improvements and renovations were evaluated in light of their benefit to the mission and vision of the church.

Reliance upon the valuable work of the Long-range Planning Committee and the Aesthetics and Environments Sub-committee will continue to be a practice of this Session. Deference to judgment of the responsible committees will normally be the practice of the Session. That being said, final authority and responsibility for all decisions rests solely with the Session.

In our Constitution it is stated, “Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now, under the Gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable any place in which it is performed or toward which it is directed: but God is to be worshipped everywhere, in spirit and truth…”4 As a Reformed church, our worldview avoids a sharp distinction between the secular and the sacred. Historically, Reformed churches have rejected the veneration of any man-made object, building, tradition or preference. As it was with Israel, the New Testament Church and churches throughout the ages, the hearts of men are prone to embrace the traditions of men and the forms of religion rather than the substance of such.5 Shepherding our people against such error is our spiritual duty as elders. We take the importance and responsibility of determining these issues seriously, and the implications of this are reflected in the questions and answers that follow this statement.

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3. "The Session of Southwood Presbyterian Church would like to clarify our position with regard to the financial management of Southwood and our staff as it relates to the professionalism and prudence in which they have executed their responsibilities with regard to Construction Phases 1, 2a, and 2b. We the Session declare the following four truths: 1) Everything was done under the authority of the Session, 2) All construction in Phases 1, 2a, 2b were completed within the scope of the Session-approved projects, 3) The Session, adhering to the BCO and in accord with its Financial Stewardship Position Paper (February 2007) stand by their authority and decision in utilizing the current debt instrument in financing these construction phases, 4) We do thank and commend the work of the Long Range Planning Committee, the Aesthetics and Environment Subcommittee, the Finance Committee, and our staff" (November 30, 2011 Session Meeting).

4. Westminster Confession of Faith XXI, 6.

5. Isaiah 1:14; Amos 5:21, Isaiah 29:13; 2 Corinthians 5:12; Matthew 23:23; Mark 7:6.

What will happen to the painting over the Scripture verse?

The Session has determined to remove the painting and relocate it. Additionally, the Session has passed the following resolution: “Whereas the Aesthetics and Environments Sub-committee was acting under the authority of the Session of Southwood in decorating the atrium connecting space; whereas the final authority and accountability for all decisions rests with the Session and whereas the beauty of the space and purpose of the space has been seen and enjoyed by the church; therefore the Session does hereby express its deep and heartfelt thanks for the work of the committee; our repentance for the misplaced blame set upon them and our commitment to pursue more protective shepherding in the future. We do resolve now to remove the painting covering the Scripture engraving for the sake of the peace, unity and purity of the church. Furthermore, the Session does hereby declare that the initial placement of the painting, nor its remaining in place for a season in no way reflected a view of the Word of God that was diminished from our historical commitments to the inerrancy, infallibility and sufficiency of the Word of God. Finally, careful deliberation in this matter was done for the sake of the body of Christ that we might neither hastily remove the painting and misrepresent the Word of God as something that could actually be silenced by canvas and ink, nor did we feel it prudent to persist in its display lest we continue to offend the brethren whose consciences were affected by its presence. We are grieved by the pain this issue has caused our brothers and sisters.”

Are there aesthetic items in the church that may change, either permanently or seasonally?

While there is always some amount of change in minor ways, there will almost certainly be some changes in the church that will feel “minor” to some and “major” to others. Again, the issue of personal preference, varying levels of familiarity and sentimental affection will almost always be what determines someone’s designation of an issue as major or minor. There will be certain Sundays when the arrangement and display of flowers or new items created for the sanctuary may or may not be used. For example, the flower guild considered the use of banners at Christmas this year to add to the sanctuary décor, but also considered whether or not the use of those for one particular year would obligate them to reuse that banner perpetually. Such strategic thinking is balanced and healthy.

What is the line item cost of each and every item in the construction project?

As we listed in the financial section above the categorical costs were as follows:
General Contracting - $ 1,220,000
Architectural/Surveyor - $ 75,000
Furniture & Fixtures - $ 175,000
Technology - $ 40,000
Sanctuary - $ 25,000
Curbs/Parking lot/misc - $ 25,000

The Session mandated that all decisions be made in keeping with the specifically approved budget but not according to specific brands, styles or price points on each item.

Audio Recording from Town Hall Meeting - Christian Education

Practical, biblical teaching and vibrant, intimate fellowship both continue to be priorities in the life of our church. It is widely accepted both in Southwood and in the broader Christian community that people who are connected at their church through more intimate relationships with smaller groups of people are more deeply connected to their church.

The goal of the recent decision to transition from affinity-based Sunday School to topically-based Sunday Seminars6 was to increase the emphasis on Small Groups for relational needs while at the same time providing a more structured approach to didactic education. The Session further recognizes the desire by some of Southwood’s congregation to see a model of affinity Sunday School offered on Sunday mornings. This approach will be reconsidered in the coming months in keeping with the recently passed Session motion that asked “the Christian Education Committee and Shepherding Committee to engage others to help them evaluate and return to the Session with feedback and recommendations regarding Christian Education and Assimilation models, including reconsideration of Affinity Groups.”7

The present landscape of Southwood brings with it many challenges and opportunities. Any future changes to Christian education or reversions to earlier practices must be carefully considered in light of the needs of our flock and the broader mission and vision of the church. The question we are wrestling through is how best to address Christian educational needs of members and guests, and how best to fit these plans within our mission, vision, and facilities.

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6. Session Retreat, February 2011.

7. Session Meeting, February 13, 2012.

Session Commission Meetings March 5, 2012 - Town Hall March 11, 2012 - Pastors on the Patio March 15, 2012

Session Commission Meetings March 5, 2012 - Town Hall March 11, 2012 - Pastors on the Patio March 15, 2012

Session Commission Meetings March 5, 2012 - Town Hall March 11, 2012 - Pastors on the Patio March 15, 2012