CP66-How to Reform a Church Without Losing the Parishioners w Pastor Scott Pettis - CROSSPOLITIC

In this candid interview, host Toby Sumpter sits down with Pastor Scott Pettis, senior pastor of First Church Artesia, to unpack how a small‑town reformed congregation navigated a dramatic shift in governance and culture while actually growing its attendance. Scott recounts his journey from Marine Corps service to seminary at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, his return to his hometown of Artesia, and the bold decision to lead a former PCUSA congregation that had already moved to the EPC. The conversation dives into the delicate transition from women elders to a male‑led session, describing how the original elders voluntarily stepped down as the church qualified new male leaders. Scott explains the multi‑year, prayer‑filled process that culminated in the church’s admission to the Covenant Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC) council, emphasizing scriptural study, patient governance votes, and a shared conviction that the change honored biblical authority without alienating longtime members.Listeners also hear about the practical challenges of evangelism in a largely nominal‑Christian town of 12,000 residents, where 80‑90 % claim faith but few attend regularly. Scott outlines his “militant minister” strategy: a mix of community outreach, a twice‑weekly talk‑radio show, a Christian concert at the county fair, and the upcoming Fight, Laugh, Feast conference. He draws on military leadership principles—battle plans, armor of God, and protecting the “platoon”—to illustrate how incremental, disciplined steps can reshape a congregation without crushing its soul.The episode closes with actionable advice for pastors facing similar crossroads: prioritize clear vision, move slowly but purposefully, and keep the whole body in the loop. For anyone wrestling with denominational shifts, elder‑board restructuring, or cultural disengagement, Scott’s story offers a roadmap that blends doctrinal fidelity with creative outreach.Find First Church Artesia at artesiareformed.com, stream services on ksvptv.com, and follow Scott’s occasional blog at militantminister.com.

Categories: Faith