Written by Maria McDeavitt for The Reformed Presbyterian Witness.
“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way” (Heb. 10:19–20).
Living Way began as an idea in 2006 when our family moved from Lafayette, Ind., to Texas, where there were no RP churches. With the encouragement of Rev. Bob McFarland, the regional home missionary at the time, we hosted various Bible studies in our home. Over the next several years, as our communication with the Midwest Presbytery deepened, they began to provide quarterly preaching for our core group.
In 2012, God led us to form the Living Way Reformed Presbyterian Mission Church. Several elders from churches in the Midwest Presbytery came together to provide temporary oversight. We leased a facility in a strip mall and began meeting regularly on Sundays and Wednesdays. It was our desire to have a stable structure that others could join.
The early days of the church were marked by many late nights and weekends of remodeling (and pizza!). In fact, our very first baptism as a mission church was held in a space with dusty, unfinished drywall.
During this time, many pastors visited and preached for us. For much of these first years, military chaplain Rev. Jonathan B. Leach graciously made the almost three-hour drive from San Antonio to preach for us three Sundays a month. This was a huge blessing from God to have his regular preaching and fellowship. Also, in 2014, Rev. Jim Pennington and his wife came for three months as stated supply. This was also a great joy.
Then, in 2017, after a season of searching for a pastor, we called Rev. Steve Rockhill. God laid this church on his heart, and he agreed to move his family all the way from New York to the warm land of Texas. His preaching, leadership, and presence have been such a blessing for the church. The church was organized with a total of 28 members.