Final pnc brochure

The Pastor Nominating Committee is excited to introduce The Reverend

Kellen A. Smith as our candidate to become First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton’s next Senior Pastor/Head of Staff

LETTER FROM THE PNC Dear Friends in Christ,

In October of 2015 our PNC was entrusted with a very important commission to seek God’s will to find a Senior Pastor/ Head of Staff. With the help of your prayers, the Holy Spirit has truly been at work amongst us.

This might have been an interim time of pulling back; but instead, the faith and dedication of staff and lay people have made our church stronger and more unified during our transition.

Our PNC journey included: reviewing 130 candidates, hundreds of hours of online sermons, over 30 Skype interviews, multiple in-person visits and one neutral pulpit. Additionally, many hours were spent in prayer and discernment. Oh, and we had some fun, too!

Richard Lauber - Chair Shelley Iliff - Co Chair Sharon Carroll Nancy Goodwin Justin Mead Charles Scouten Robbie Spehr Mike Spires Angela Stephenson Mike Spires

“AS QUICKLY AS WE CAN,

AS SLOWLY AS WE MUST ”

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We are unified in the belief our candidate is called to lead our Christ-centered congregation to further God’s kingdom.

It is with great pleasure we present the Reverend Kellen Smith for your consideration today. Kellen comes to us from Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church where he currently serves as Associate Pastor of Youth and Family. Kellen, wife Sarah, and two children Hadley and Hudson agree – this is God’s great call for them to live amongst us.

“Kellen will listen as he leads; both to God and the members of our congregation. He will both challenge and encourage us to trust in God’s faithfulness and further God’s kingdom.”

Richard Lauber

LETTER FROM THE REV. KELLEN A. SMITH Dear First Presbyterian Church, I am humbled and honored to be your Pastor Nominating Committee’s candidate for Senior Pastor. From our first conversation, it was evident that God was up to something in our midst. I truly felt the Holy Spirit at work as we shared stories, prayed together, and even reminisced about the Cubs’ World Series victory. Throughout this journey, the PNC has reflected the love of Jesus in a way that spoke volumes about who you are as a church.

“In an age of bravado, Kellen brings as much passion to his listening as he does to his speaking.

His giftedness will shine to be sure, but not as brightly as his kindness and humility.”

Rev. Dr. Richard Kannwischer, Senior Pastor Peachtree Presbyterian Church

From the time God first called me to ministry, I envisioned leading a congregation like yours. I am deeply drawn to your mission: “Together…We Celebrate, Journey, and Serve.”

For me, one of the hallmarks of ministry is enthusiastically sharing the good news of the gospel whether preaching, teaching, or sharing a cup of coffee. Your welcome spirit and vibrant ministries are a testament to a church that inspires strong and lasting Christ-centered partnerships. I greatly look forward to partnering with you in all that God has in store for us.

There is a refreshing familiarity about this call. While I’m originally from Florida, coming to Wheaton is like coming home. I have a brother and two sisters who live in Chicagoland.

It is a blessing to know that as we become part of the FPCW community, we will have the love and support of our family nearby. My wife Sarah also feels a clear sense of call and we can’t wait to become part of your church family. We joyfully anticipate our children growing up in such a loving and faithful place, among the saints of First Pres.

I am always amazed to witness the way God calls us to new opportunities and new beginnings. In becoming your new senior pastor, I will be committed to lead with excellence, extend grace to all generations, and help steward the vision of your great congregation. As the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah, “I am about to do a new thing.” May the next chapter of FPCW powerfully spring forth.

With gratitude,

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WORDS FROM THE PNC “I feel that God has truly led us through this process to Kellen, and I am so excited to see what God has planned for First Pres. in the future! I believe Kellen’s energy, warmth, leadership and vision will engage and inspire all generations of our church to be the church, inside and outside our walls.”

Nancy Goodwin “Welcome ‘Home’ Kellen and Sarah! You are the ones we have prayed for, planned for and patiently waited for! Our God has richly blessed our congregation! We are overjoyed to have you join us!”

Robbie Spehr “Kellen is intentional about relationship building.

He believes that relationships lead to stronger congregations and deeper spiritual connections with God.”

Sharon Carroll

“Kellen is truly an answer to our prayers. His varied gifts and characteristics reflect the myriad of talents and traits within our congregation.

Enthusiasm with maturity, intellect with personal connections, and a focus for today with a vision toward the future.”

Justin Mead

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“I am so full of hope and excitement to introduce you to Kellen and his family. I have confidence that Kellen’s gifts, his personality, and his leadership will help us all grow together to be the church God is calling us to be. With much joy, I look forward to Kellen’s ministry together with us.”

Shelley Iliff

“Kellen is a truly gifted preacher. I was thrilled to watch the congregation as he preached his “neutral pulpit” sermon in a local church. At the beginning, many – including most children and youth - were interested in other things. Gradually Kellen caught their interest, and he finished with rapt attention from all present. Afterward, I heard several worshipers thank Kellen for words that touched them.”

Charles Scouten

“Kellen brings a balance to ministry; head and heart, youth and experience, ambitious goals and meticulous planning. He is intentional in his approach to ministry and relationships. His level of preparation will ensure he connects to people in all groups across the congregation.”

“Kellen’s gifts include preaching, listening, thoughtfulness, a deep love of Christ, strategy and vision, wisdom, patience and a sense of calmness, a hearty laugh, and a desire to get know people on a personal level. Each gift seemed to meet a need of our body of believers.”

Mike Spires

Angela Stephenson

LOVE OF CHRIST A loving relationship with Christ helps Kellen build authentic relationships with those around him and, in turn, strengthen those he knows to grow with Christ themselves.

COLLABORATION

“To know Kellen is to hear him preach.”

Sarah Smith, Wife of Kellen Smith

Strong leadership and a desire to find value in those around him provide excellent volunteer and working environments.

PREACHING AND WORSHIP LEADERSHIP The Holy Spirit is clearly evident in his ability to speak the Word and present a message in a unique and powerful way.

TRANSFORMATIONAL AND MISSIONAL Kellen sees high value in small group ministry and its ability to bring people together for the transformational betterment of God’s kingdom.

INTERPERSONAL ENGAGEMENT Kellen has the ability to connect with all ages in a heartfelt, engaging manner.

STRATEGY AND VISION Kellen has an innate ability to see spiritual gifts of others and help them find their value in God’s kingdom. This allows all to participate in the vision of the congregation.

GIFTS AND STRENGTHS

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HISTORY EDUCATION Emory University, Candler School of Theology Doctor of Ministry (Expected 2019) Princeton Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity Award for Excellence in Expository Preaching Florida State University, Bachelor of Arts Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Bryn Mawr, PA Associate Pastor Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, Lawrenceville, NJ Intern First Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, TX Director of Y0uth Ministries First Presbyterian Church, Delray Beach, FL Intern

CHURCH AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Presbytery of Philadelphia, Commission Moderator

NEXT Church, Leadership Team

Tennent College of Christian Education, Board of Trustees Nepal Foundation, Board of Directors

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AN EXCERPT FROM

KELLEN’S STATEMENT OF FAITH

God is the one supreme power and eternal Creator of the universe existing in the three persons of the divine Trinity. God the Father is the loving parent of humanity, who belongs to God through a covenant relationship. In the beginning, humanity turned from God and sinned, falling short of the glory of God. However, out of mercy and grace, God offers forgiveness and reconciliation to humanity.

Because of God’s love for humanity, God’s Son came into the world. As the Word that became flesh, Jesus became human in order to redeem humanity. He lived a sinless life, teaching the disciples and others how to live righteously. In an act of ultimate sacrifice, Jesus gave His life on the cross for the sins of all people.

Through God’s power, the stone was rolled away; and Jesus was raised from the grave, thus defeating death.

We who trust and believe in Christ have new life – not because of our own merits, but because of His saving work of crucifixion and resurrection.

From the beginning, the Holy Spirit has been the manifestation of God’s presence with all creation.

Following Christ’s work in the world, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon God’s people afresh. The Holy Spirit dwells with humanity and guides the faith and prayer of believers. While guiding the work of the church, the Holy Spirit also bestows the gifts of ministry.

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WORDS OF OTHERS “HIS WORDS ARE VERY INSPIRATIONAL AND UPLIFTING...HIS WORK IS A REFLECTION OF HIS LIFE.” James P. McConchie, Former employer, mentor, family friend

“Kellen and I have formed a very special bond and share often. We met Sarah early on in their relationship and knew she was the one for Kellen. Sarah is an amazing woman, wife and mother. We love them both. Hadley and Hudson are very lucky children and we pray for a blessed life for them in their new home in Wheaton.

We have been fortunate to hear Kellen preach on several occasions and his words are very inspirational and uplifting...his work is a reflection of his life.”

James P. McConchie, Former employer in Deerfield Beach, FL, Now mentor and family friend

“He....is filled with promise and potential for this new venture in ministry.”

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Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet, Senior Pastor, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

"In his six years at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Kellen has made a significant impact.

He is gifted for ministry, has a wonderful presence leading worship, good instincts for pastoral care, a heart for mission and is filled with promise and potential for this new venture in ministry."

Rev. Dr. Agnes Norfleet Senior Pastor Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

“Kellen is the sort of fellow traveler people of all ages need as a spiritual guide in their faith journeys.”

Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant, Pastoral Colleague

“Kellen is a gifted teacher and preacher who lives a faith mature beyond his years. He is one of the emerging voices that would lead the Church as we seek to bring the gospel to the current generation. Kellen is the sort of fellow traveler people of all ages need as a spiritual guide in their faith journeys.”

Rev. Dr. R. Charles Grant, Former Pastoral Colleague Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church

“ONE WOULD BE HARD PRESSED TO SUGGEST BETTER TRAITS FOR A CONGREGATION’S SENIOR PASTOR. ” Steven J. Kraftchick, Professor at Emory University

“As a member of our Doctor of Ministry cohort, Kellen displays a blend of intellectual curiosity, hard thinking, and gentle care for his fellow students, which the rest of us seek to emulate.

One would be hard pressed to suggest better traits for a congregation’s senior pastor. Add to that a spirit of generosity, good will, and a desire to see the Church fulfill its mission in the world, and you can see why we applaud your call of Kellen to this ministry.”

Steven J. Kraftchick, PhD

Professor of New Testament Interpretation Candler School of Theology, Emory University

“Kellen will be a blessing to the saints at Wheaton in this new ministry. His Christlike spirit of generosity and thoughtfulness enriches all he does. His awareness of the unique challenges of our culture informs and shapes how he proclaims the Gospel and leads others. His service to the larger church reflects his understanding of the importance of our witness as a covenant people of faith beyond the immediacy of our context. Above all, Kellen will bring a relevant and unifying message of Christ’s redemptive love at a time when division and polarization is our temptation.”

The Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace Executive Presbyter Presbytery of Philadelphia

“HIS CHRIST-LIKE SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY AND THOUGHTFULNESS ENRICHES ALL HE DOES.” Rev. Ruth Faith Santana - Grace, Presbytery of Philadephia

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Dear First Pres, Our family is thrilled to be making this move to Wheaton. We are eager to get to know you and become a part of your faith community. We have long anticipated Kellen’s call to lead a church that puts “faith into action,” and are excited about our new chapter with you. FPCW has a great legacy and we believe the future is bright with promises of God. Thank you for graciously welcoming us and we look forward to sitting down for some Chicago-style pizza with you.

Sincerely, 9

THE SMITH FAMILY TOP 10 THINGS TO KNOW 1. Kellen is from Delray Beach, FL and Sarah is from Fairfax, VA. 2. Kellen and Sarah were both raised in the Presbyterian Church (USA). They met in San Antonio, Texas where they were serving as team leaders for AmeriCorps.

3. The Smith Family enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking and biking.

4. Hadley (2 years) loves playgrounds and Hudson (3 months) loves to smile.

5. Sarah served as a volunteer firefighter and was deployed following Hurricane Katrina as part of a search and rescue team.

6. The Smiths are big sports fans and hope to see all the Chicago sports teams in action.

7. The perfect date night for Kellen and Sarah is dinner and a movie.

8. Kellen enjoys playing golf. He is a PGA fan and looks forward to playing the Chicago links.

9. Sarah has 10 years of teaching and school administration experience, most recently working for 3 years as a principal of a special needs school.

10. Kellen and Sarah are excited to have Hudson baptized at First Pres!

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schedule of events

APRIL 30TH, 2017 9:00-9:45 EDUCATION HOUR

10:00 WORSHIP WITH THE CANDIDATE PREACHING 11:15 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING 11:45 RECEPTION

7 1 5 N. Carlton Ave ,Wheaton, IL 60187