Location: Bryan, Texas

Presbytery: Midwest

Organization: Sept. 5, 2018

Membership: 32 communicant; 22 baptized

Pastor: Steve Rockhill

Website: www.lwrpc.org

“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.

We gather on Sunday mornings and evenings to worship our God. Before morning worship, the men, women, and children meet for Bible studies, which are a great encouragement for us in our walks with God and relationships with each other. On Wednesday nights we enjoy a Bible study all together.

One of the things that makes the church unique is that, from the beginning, we have had a fellowship meal every Sunday and Wednesday. We really consider this a ministry of the church. It enables us to get to know one another and to share in each other’s lives. We feel like we are one big family.

Although we are a relatively small congregation, God has given us wonderful opportunities for mercy ministry in our area. We have a small food pantry in our church facility. It has been an excellent way to connect with and minister to people in the neighborhood around the church. For the past few years, we have had the privilege of hosting a clothing giveaway. People can come and find free clothes, and we are able to talk and pray with them.

We have also enjoyed working with a ministry called Family Promise that helps families without a home find a fresh start. Our job is to take a week periodically to provide food and fellowship. It is a delight to be able to work together in God’s kingdom.

Over the years, many people have come and gone from the congregation, and many visitors have passed through. It has been a joy to get to know and to serve so many different people. Please pray that God would continue to grow this congregation and enable us to minister to more people. Also, please pray for us as we are searching for a new facility. God is faithful!

Psalm 127:1 says, “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain.” It is God who builds His church both in Bryan and in any other place. May He grow His people everywhere in knowledge and faithfulness.