Our Distinctives
- We are Reformed - we are not only what it has come to mean, Calvinistic and Confessional, but we also go back to the Bible for all of life and practice.
- We are Traditional - we see value and depth in the richness of historical Christian theology and practice.
- We are Spiritual - Filled with the Spirit, yes we pray, but also called to worship the Lord by more than ritual and rite, but really and truly in love in heart, soul, mind, and deed.
- We are Relational - with the nearness of our Lord Jesus Christ being our good and maintaining genuine real connection with one another.
- We are Evangelical - where since we know the truth, that truth will set us free to share the goodness of Christ with others.
Our Ministry
We are thoroughly convinced of the spirituality of the church, namely that the Church of Jesus Christ is a spiritual entity. Bought by His blood, redeemed in His righteousness, and filled with His Spirit, the church is an organization unlike any other. Though she may share some similarities with organizations in this world, to none other has the Lord imparted His word, sacraments, and keys to the kingdom. Neither has He to any other bestowed the declarative and ministerial powers by which His servants help build up and shepherd the flock of God. Therefore, it is upon these matters she should focus, and though the church be evangelistic and full of good works, the primary mission of the church is the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry to the glory of Christ. In this, then, the church is not a hospital nor an outreach center, but rather she is a place where the saints of God gather to worship God, be built up in His Word, fellowship, and love one another that we may all together may attain to the stature of the measure of the body of Christ.
Our Leadership
The Kirk is a Presbyterian church. The term “Presbyterian” originates in the language of the Greek New Testament and describes a church led by presbyters, men nominated and elected by the congregation of the local church. Our leadership consists of two groups: the Session and the Diaconate.
Our Session
Our session is a group of Elders in two roles: a Teaching Elder, who is a staff member of the church, devoted to the teaching and preaching of the Word of God, and to prayer, and Ruling Elders, who stand as overseers of the church of Christ, governing and caring for the souls of her people. Elders serve in like manner after Christ, guarding against “corruption in doctrine and morals”, praying for the flock, visiting the sick, and providing comfort, encouragement, and spiritual direction for the body. *
Our Diaconate
The Deacons are “an office of sympathy and service, after the Lord Jesus”, and are entrusted with the care and stewardship of the spiritual and physical property of the church. They serve the church with a ministry of mercy, caring for those who are sick or in need, encouraging the members to service, and working to “collect and distribute the gifts of the church”. They serve under the supervision of the session, and their ministry enables that of the Elders by allowing them to focus on shepherding and prayer as the Deacons tend to the bodily needs of the church.*
*Cited: The Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America
Our Pastors
Rev. Pete Whitney
Kirk Pastor
A native of Florida and a former military officer, Pete and his wife, Nan, together with their four growing kids, have found a joyous home in Savannah.
Rev. Philip Ryan
Associate Pastor
This Yankee has found new life in the South, together with his wife, Amanda, and two young children. View his writings
Dr. Merle Messer
Assistant Pastor
This Mainer and his wife are exceptional, and we are so glad to have his many years of ministry experience with us.
Our Staff
Ty Donaldson
Youth & Music Coordinator
Kate Dyer
Women's Ministry Coordinator
Jessica Light
Church Office Admin. Assistant
Chris Sather
Music Director
Aubrey Ward
Nursery Coordinator