Membership Class

MEMBERSHIP CLASS

4616 Roswell Rd., NE Marietta, GA 30062 Phone: 770-973-4114; Fax: 770-565-0689 Church office email: [email protected] eastcobbpres.org

Table of Contents

Membership Process ...... 2 Our Philosophy of Ministry at ECPC . . . 3 What We Believe ...... 8 The Presbyterian Church in America . . . . 9 ECPC Membership Essentials . . . . . 10 Membership Covenant ...... 15 Getting Connected at ECPC . . . . . 16 Entering/Updating Profile in myECPC . . . . 19 myECPC Profile - Text Message Preferences . . . 21 Meet the Staff...... 22 Student Ministries ...... 26 Children’s Ministries ...... 28 Early Childhood Education . . . . . 30 Small Groups ...... 32 Women’s Ministry ...... 34 Men’s Ministry ...... 36 Mission Ministry ...... 38 East Cobb Christian School . . . . . 42

EAST COBB PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Membership Process

To become a member of ECPC:

 Attend Membership Class

 Complete a Membership Profile (done online)

 Have an interview with an elder

 Upon recommendation for membership from the interviewing elder, you are voted into membership by the session.

 New members are publicly recognized, usually as a group, at a worship service

If you want to take the next step:

Your next step will be to request a membership interview from any of the class teachers.

Ted Robinson, [email protected] Tim Locke, [email protected] Paul Owens, [email protected]

Our Philosophy of Ministry

Churches can agree on doctrinal beliefs and still differ greatly in their philosophy of ministry. A church’s philosophy of ministry functions much like personality does with people: it colors the way we approach the world and how we react to the opportunities we see. It is not a marketing tool or a statement that we are the “best.” It simply details our strategies in ministry and how we believe God has gifted and called us to engage in that ministry.

The gospel tells us that we are more sinful and broken than we ever imagined; but at the same time, we are more loved and accepted than we ever dared hope. In the gospel Jesus Christ says to us, “Me for you.” It is our intent for the gospel to saturate everything we do. The gospel informs how we worship, raise our children, handle conflict - everything.

Vision Statement EAST COBB PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2014

Purpose: To glorify God though Gospel Community

Glorifying God is the ultimate purpose of all God’s activity. It is the great purpose of the Church to glorify its Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God the Father. The church glorifies Christ by being a community centered on and functioning around the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:20-28, John 17:1-5, Ephesians 1:3-10)

The Gospel references the saving work of Jesus through atonement (1 John 2:1-2) but it also refers to God’s plan, from the foundation of the world, to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ and to make Christ preeminent as the Lord of all things (Colossians 1:15-20).

The church as the assembly of God’s children represents the administration of Christ’s Kingdom until the consummation of all things (Ephesians 4:4-16) That community represents to the world what the Lordship of Christ will be like at the consummation (Ephesians 3:9-10).

God’s intent is that His children would serve him through the works he prepared for them to do (Ephesians 2:10). Those works include the following: worship, evangelism, discipleship, obedience, deeds of mercy, the pursuit of justice, and all the manifest fruit of the Spirit (Matthew 5:2-12, 28:19-20, Galatians 5:16-26).

The community, captured by the grace of God (Titus 2:11-14), follows the pattern of function that is found in the New Testament church by devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the sacraments, to prayer, and to benevolence (Acts 2:42-47).

Vision: Bringing Gospel Reconciliation and Renewal. (Gospel R&R)

God’s vision for his church is bound up in His great work of reconciliation and renewal being accomplished through Jesus Christ. From the founding of the Church, the Apostles

3 understood the mission of the church to declare the Kingdom of the risen Christ and to extend God’s offer of reconciliation and renewal to the world (2 Corinthians 5:11-6:1).

Reconciliation is the work of Christ to establish the basis for mankind to be brought into a relationship with God, being adopted into His family. Born in sin, mankind is alienated from God, being dead in their transgressions and sins (Ephesians 2:1-5, 11-13), but God in love and being rich in mercy, made peace through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:14-16).

The reconciliation between God and man makes reconciliation possible between man and man (Philippians 1:27-28). Thus, the church has been given the ministry of reconciliation, which includes seeking man’s reconciliation to God and to each other (2 Corinthians 5:18-6:13).

Renewal is the work of Christ to bring the power of his resurrected life to bear on mankind and the creation (2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:5, Romans 8:18-25). Christ’s renewal is individual as His Spirit regenerates hearts, enabling them to repent and believe (John 3:1-8, 1 Corinthians 2:10-14). Those regenerated and united to the living Christ are “new creations” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God’s plan of renewal through Christ extends to all the creation. Through Christ, God will undo the corruption of sin and remove His curse. The return of Christ will result in a new heaven and new earth (Romans 8:18-25, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1).

Because the church believes in the reconciling work of Christ, she engages in that work by pursuing mankind’s reconciliation to God and each other. That reconciliation work includes: evangelism, peacemaking, social reconciliation, etc.

Because the church believes in the renewing work of Christ, she engages in that work by pursuing gospel renewal in men’s hearts and in society. That renewal includes: evangelism, social justice, societal work against the culture of death and abandonment, caring for widows and orphans, etc.

Core Values: Covenant The church shares in God’s covenant of grace. That covenant unites us together as a diverse family (Galatians 3:28). The familial relationship is essential to our DNA and governs the decisions we make and the ministry we create.

The heart of God’s covenant of grace is His faithfulness. As members of that covenant family, faithfulness to our responsibilities to God and each other is essential to church life.

As covenant family we take seriously our responsibility to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and to provide them with homes that image the love of Christ for his bride (Ephesians 5:22-6:4).

By God’s grace we will strive to live faithfully as a covenant community.

Redemption The gospel teaches us that no one and nothing is beyond the redeeming work of God in Christ. It is the duty of every Christian to step in to the lives of broken people and institutions and to seek to reclaim them for the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:11, 6:1-13, 10:5).

We will strive by the grace of God to engage the darkness within and without with the redeeming grace of God.

Love Paul teaches us that our religion is empty and powerless if we don’t have love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Love binds all things together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14).

Love requires faithfulness to God and one another. These are the two great commands of the Scripture given by Christ, to love God and to love our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). Love does not shrink back but moves toward brokenness. Love moves us to speak the truth with care (Ephesians 4:15).

By God’s grace we will strive to create and maintain a loving community that engages the world with God’s love.

Courage As people of faith, we believe that God has called us to engage in our ministry with dependence on His power. We know that God uses hardship and trials to train us and cause us to live by faith (James 1:2-3, Hebrews 12:7-18).

God also asks us to do what is beyond our ability so that the glory of accomplishment will be His alone (2 Corinthians 12:9). God asks us to risk for the sake of His Kingdom and we recognize that fruit only comes when the seed dies (John 12:24-26).

With dependence on God’s grace, we will strive to live by faith and be courageous in our service to the Lord. While protecting the congregation, we will strive to advance the Kingdom of Christ.

Humility “We have this treasure in jars of clay,” Paul says (2 Corinthians 4:7). While declared righteous we are sinners saved by grace. It is with this knowledge that we proceed to serve the Lord here on earth.

Sin has affected our hearts, minds, and bodies. Recognizing this we believe that our course often needs correction, that our decisions are often based on our sight at the moment. We recognize that our actions as a church affect others and we open ourselves to receive correction from those we serve and to listen to one another.

While we seek reconciliation and renewal, we are constantly in need of it ourselves. Therefore, with dependence on the grace of God, we will continue to listen, evaluate and be evaluated. We will strive to maintain an accurate view of ourselves and an accurate view of God so that we, like our Savior, can walk humbly before God and Man.

Truth We believe the Word of God to be His inspired revelation and our rule for faith and practice. We will strive by His grace to live our lives and conduct our ministry in submission to it.

We believe the Word of God to be a source of freedom and life to those who receive it and will strive to speak that life into the culture in which we live.

We are convinced that life according to the truth demands that we renounce manipulation and deceit. We will strive to live with integrity together and in the world.

Mission Statement: To move the Gospel beyond our heads and the sanctuary and into Renewing Hearts, Reconciling Relationships, and Serving.

We recognize that the church is easily distracted from her mission of pursuing God’s reconciliation and renewal by enjoying and squandering His gifts. We are committed to pursuing His Mission by evaluating our ministry on the basis of:

Renewing hearts 1. Are people coming to faith in Christ? 2. Are people experiencing the transforming power of God in their lives? 3. Are marriages fulfilling their purpose and roles? 4. Are parents assuming their role to disciple their children? 5. Are God’s people filled with the Spirit and using their gifts? 6. Are we showing generosity in sharing our time, talents, and money? 7. Are we seeing the unity of the Spirit in our midst and flowing out into the world? 8. Are we responding to the Spirit’s call for mercy and justice? 9. Are we supporting the oppressed? 10. Are we bringing the hope of renewal to our community?

Reconciling relationships 1. Are we pursuing peace and purity with one another and our neighbors? 2. Are we peacemakers or peace-breakers and peace-fakers? 3. Are we speaking the truth in love to each other and our culture? 6

4. Are we seeking the peace of the nation and community in which we live? 5. Are we a community that is safe for broken people to experience the peace of God? 6. Are we confronting issues of justice for the oppressed so that they may experience the peace of God?

Serving 1. Are we using the gifts of God to bless others? 2. Are serving the needs of our community in our ministry programs? 3. Are we intentionally engaging the needy through deeds of mercy? 4. Are we caring for the widow and orphan within our church and community? 5. Are we giving ourselves away without thought for a “return”? 6. Are we humbling ourselves as God’s servants?

What We Believe Westminster Confession of Faith

Our Attitude Towards These Beliefs

In the “essentials there must be unity, In the non-essentials there must be liberty. In all things there must be charity (love).”

- Augustine

In order to join East Cobb Presbyterian Church, one must adhere to the essentials of the Christian faith.

These essentials include:

 a Trinitarian belief in God,

 the deity and resurrection of Christ,

 the substitutionary and atoning death of Christ,

 the sinfulness of man,

 salvation through faith in Christ alone,

 the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures.

The Presbyterian Church in America

Our Denomination: The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)

pcanet.org

Founded in 1973

 Roughly 350,000 members and 1700 churches  Total long-term missionaries: 620  Total short-term missionaries: 5,204

Its “constitution”

 The Westminster Confession of Faith  The Larger and Shorter Catechisms  The Book of Church Order

Its major ministry teams

 Mission to the World (MTW)  Mission to North America (MNA)  Committee on Discipleship Ministries (CDM)  Reformed University Ministries (college campus ministry)  Covenant College & Seminary

Reasons why it is good to be a part of a denomination like the PCA

1. It subscribes to a biblical theology and church government.

2. It provides unified direction with great potential.

3. It offers checks and balances to avoid ministerial or church failure/error.

ECPC Membership Essentials

Membership essentials demonstrate a true relationship with Christ

Here are the essentials Scripture lays out for inclusion in Christ’s church, as they are laid out in the five vows you take when joining a PCA church:

1. A Credible Profession of Faith

Membership Question One:

Do you acknowledge yourself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure and without hope except by His gracious mercy?

The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Scripture is quite clear that all of us are rebels against God’s rules and have fallen far short of his standards (Romans 3:23).

Membership Question Two:

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and only Savior of sinners, receiving and depending upon Him alone for salvation as He is offered in the gospel?

Because of our sin, we need a Savior. Jesus lived a perfect life and gave himself as a ransom for sinners (Romans 5:8). By faith, his perfect record is credited to our account.

2. A Life Free From Scandalous Sin

Membership Question Three:

Do you resolve and promise in humble reliance upon the Holy Spirit that you will endeavor to live as becomes a follower of Christ?

Jesus summons us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow him (Luke 9:23). This requires us to live in a way that gives glory to our Savior. Scripture teaches:

 We never reach perfection in this life, but …  We must put aside the kind of immoral behavior that brings discredit to his name (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).  You can’t be a follower of Jesus and live as if you weren’t.

3. A Promise of Church Support and Submission

Membership Question Four:

Do you promise to support the church in its worship and work to the best of your ability?

It makes no sense to belong to an organization you do not support. This commitment obligates us to be active in worshiping and serving the Lord. It does not mean showing up every time the door is open, but it also does not mean showing up only at Christmas and Easter. The New Testament church modeled a high commitment that changed the world as they worshiped, studied, served and prayed together (Acts 2:42).

Membership Question Five:

Do you submit yourself to the government and discipline of the church, promising to further its purity and peace?

. Our system of government provides for spiritual oversight by elders. These men, nominated and elected by the congregation, seek the Lord’s wisdom in all their decisions. They are sinners and therefore not inerrant. However, they are to be respected and appreciated, as they “keep watch over your souls” (Hebrews 13:17). If you disagree with their actions, there are Scriptural ways to handle that, beginning by talking with the elder assigned to your family.

. Discipline, as used here, is the church leadership’s responsibility to deal with sin in a wise and Scriptural manner. The outline below, taught in Matthew 18:15-18, provides a way to handle both private and public offenses.

“And if your brother sins, go reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax gatherer. ‘Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.’” Matthew: 18:15-18

. If you have a problem with someone, first speak with them privately. By the same token, if you think someone has a problem with you, you should also seek them out (Matthew 5:23, 24).

. If the two of you cannot resolve the issue, you may choose to overlook it in love (Proverbs 17:9), but a serious offense requires that you confront the guilty party with another person who has some knowledge of the situation. 11

. In more serious cases, the Session will need to become involved.

. Finally, in the case of heinous sin and a refusal of the guilty party to repent, excommunication is the final step.

To say it another way, the last thing Christians should do is to gossip about perceived offenses or sweep them under the rug and hope they will go away. When individuals as well as leaders work in this fashion, the church enjoys both purity– freedom from doctrinal error and scandalous sin that is ignored - and peace – harmony among the members.

Remember, the goals of church discipline are:

 the glory of God  the purity of His Church  reclaiming of disobedient sinners

II. ECPC Membership Essentials

Though the Scriptures do not require these essentials in order to be a Christian, they are vital for the spiritual growth and health of individual believers and of our church as a whole. As we expect children to grow into adults, so we seek for all to grow in Christian maturity.

1. Growth as a believer

A. Spending regular time alone with God in prayer and the studying the Bible. You don’t have to be a college graduate to do this. (Colossians 4:2; Acts 17:11; Mark 1:35)

B. Seeking to apply and obey the commands of Scripture

C. Regular partaking in communion, signifying the ongoing acceptance of God’s love, grace, forgiveness and strength and celebrating our spiritual union with Christ and His Body, the Church. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

D. Fellowship with believers, centered upon our commitment to Christ, "spurring one another on to love and good works," especially participating in a small group. (Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:42-47)

2. Protection of the Church's purity and peace

A. Acting in love toward other members, bearing with and forgiving other people, as you would desire them to bear with and forgive you. (John 13:34-35)

B. Refusing to listen to gossip, slander, or malicious talk. Be a peacemaker, not a trouble- maker. (Colossians 3:8; Matthew 18:15-35)

3. Support of the Church's worship and work

A. Regular participation in worship and in at least one other aspect of the church's ministry, especially to the unchurched. (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25)

B. Serving others through the discovery and use of spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:3-8; Luke 22:24-30). Surveys on the church’s online system can help you assess them.

C. Regular prayer for the health and growth of your friends and others in the church (Acts 2:42-47; Acts 4:1- 31)

D. Sharing your faith with unbelievers with respect, love and dependence upon the Holy Spirit, leaving the results to God. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1; Colossians 4:3-6)

E. Inviting the unchurched to attend worship or other church activities with you. (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)

F. Warmly welcoming and getting to know those who attend. (James 2:1-13)

G. Regular financial giving in acknowledgment that God is the true owner of all that I “manage” for Him.

Membership Covenant

I affirm my faith in accordance with the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell.* The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic** church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*grave **that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places

By God’s grace, I am committed to:

1. Living as a follower of Christ 2. Growing through the means of grace (ministry of Scripture, prayer, sacraments, community, discipline, etc.) 3. Protecting the peace and purity of the church (by valuing others over myself and handling conflict biblically, etc.) 4. Supporting the church in its ministry and mission (by stewarding what God has given me) 5. Submitting myself to the shepherding care of the church leadership.

Signature______Date______

Getting Connected at ECPC

We can understand and believe in the theology, mission and philosophy of ministry of ECPC and even attend worship every single week and yet not experience the kind of community that encourages and builds us in our faith and our walk.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul speaks of the church as the “body of Christ,” then, using the analogy of a human body, goes on to emphasize that each member is important to its healthy functioning. When one hurts, all hurt. When one has joy, all have joy. This cannot happen effectively without relationships or community. The gospel works itself into our lives most powerfully as we experience it in the context of spiritual community.

 What characteristics do we see in the life of the “body of Christ?”

 What is one of the primary roles of the staff at ECPC (Ephesians 4:11-16)?

 Where do you fit in?

Ways You Can Connect

While there are many ways to be connected within the body of believers at ECPC, such as Bible studies, playgroups, prayer groups, volunteering in the nursery, etc., we intentionally offer 3 levels of small group life, to help you along your journey as a disciple of Christ. You can contact our church administrator or check on the church web site for more information.

A. Starting Point is a place where guests come to meet the pastor & his family, get answers to their questions, and learn how to connect with the church.

B. Life Groups are the next connection for life at ECPC and are defined by five elements of Acts2:42-47: fellowship, a variety of Bible-based study, worship, ministry and mission. Most groups meet in a home or at the church and take new members throughout the year. Each group handles their own childcare needs. Contact the church office to speak with Pastor Paul at 770-973-4114 or email him at [email protected].

C. Journey Groups include topical Bible study, equipping, prayer, heavier accountability and developing a missional way of life as members come alongside one another to grow as disciples of Christ. They consist of 6-10 men or women that commit for a year at a time. Groups form each fall.

D. Ministry Teams Our ministry teams are typically concerned with one aspect of the overall mission of the church. Here is a partial (and ever-changing) list. If you have an interest in any of these, we can route you to the right person who can explain more about that ministry:

Worship and Arts plans and staffs worship services and encourages music and artistic expression among the congregation.

Children’s Ministries conducts Gospel Kids during part of worship. Children are excused prior to the sermon.

Finance – stewardship, budgeting and planning or the church’s finances

Nursery – care for our infants and toddlers

Life Groups – develops relationships & leaders’ nurturing care ministry of our church

Student Ministries – middle and high school activities

Assimilation Ministry – welcoming and follow-up with guests 17

Missions Ministry - encourages and supports missions work at home and abroad

Women’s Ministry – women’s Bible studies and outreach events

Kingdom Men – activities and fellowship for men

School Ministry Team (SMT) - supervises and oversees East Cobb Christian School (K-8)

TBA – events such as: seminars/conferences, church dinners, picnics and outings

Entering/Updating Your Profile in myECPC myECPC is ECPC’s secure online church management system. Staff, officers and members use it to facilitate ministry and to connect with each other. By the time you attend the Membership Class, your contact information has been entered. To Request Your Personal Logon  Go to the church web site: eastcobbpres.org  Click the myECPC login link at the top right  Right under the username and password square, find and click Sign Up  Complete the necessary information and your login information will be emailed to you shortly Once you receive a login ID and password you will be able to sign onto myECPC and update your personal information, or profile, see what groups you belong to, and join new groups. In order to ensure your information is correct, we ask that you update your personal and family information. This should only take a few minutes. Please follow these guidelines: How to Login and Get to Your Profile  Go to the church web site: eastcobbpres.org  Click the myECPC login link at the top right On the login window,  Type your user name that was emailed to you  Enter your myECPC password  Click Login If you do not know your password, click the Forgot Password? link. You will then be prompted for your email user ID. If this is in the database, you will receive an email with your user ID and password. (Your user ID does not have to be your email address forever. You can change it later.) Once you successfully login, you are on the Home page.  At the top right, you will see your picture or photo icon if you don’t have a photo. Click on it to go to your profile.  Select Edit (in the blue banner header) – Your profile contains all of your information that is in the data base. You will see your name, basic contact info.  To update/add a photo of yourself or family member – Click on the photo you want to update or the photo icon. From there you will have options to: replace, download or delete.  If your family members attend ECPC, they will appear in the column to the right. You can update their profiles by clicking on their name and going through the same steps that you would to update your information. You can add a family member from your own profile page. 19

 Check and update any other information that is incomplete or incorrect. Note: your changes are not saved to the data base until you click the Save button at the bottom. Once you are satisfied with your information, be sure to click Save so your changes are stored. If at any time you have any questions, you can email Donna Minday, Church Admin at [email protected] or Debbie Serro, Finance and IT Manager at [email protected].

myECPC Text Alerts

1. Log into myECPC. 2. From the Welcome page, click on your profile picture or the photo icon in the top right corner. 3. In the blue banner box select “. . .” Select communication preferences 4. This screen displays your communication settings for all groups you are a member of. 5. Locate the column titled; Send me text messages from group leaders, on the far right. 6. Locate the box titled Mobile Carrier. This box is where you will select your mobile carrier from the drop down selection. Click on the arrow and select your mobile carrier that provides service to your cell phone. 7. Your mobile phone number may automatically populate in the Mobile Phone box. If it does, the phone number will be formatted correctly and you can skip to Step 8. 8. If your mobile phone number does not populate continue with these instructions. 9. In the box titled Mobile Phone, enter your mobile (cell) phone number and press the tab key. Enter numbers only; do not enter any spaces, dashes, or parenthesis when entering your phone number. Example: 2223334444. The system will automatically format your phone number after saving your changes. 10. Groups are listed down the left side of the screen. Look for the group titled ECPC Family. 11. On the ECPC Family group line, click on the box in the column that is titled Send me text messages from group leaders. 12. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Save Settings button. 13. You have now completed the setup for allowing the ECPC Family group to send text messages to your mobile phone. 14. You can allow other groups to send text messages to your mobile phone by repeating Step 9, and checking the appropriate box beside the preferred group. 15. Remember when changing mobile carriers, you must update your profile in myECPC to continue to receive texts.

Meet the Staff Our church is faithfully served by several full-time*, part-time and non-compensated staff members.

Pastor: Tim Locke* Tim accepted the call of pastor at ECPC in December 2013, and assumed his position in February 2, 2014. Tim grew up in nearby Roswell and then went to South Carolina for college and seminary. He and Debbie met in college and married in 1995. He began in the pastoral ministry in 1994 serving as Youth Pastor and overseeing College and Children's ministry. From there he served as Lead Pastor of a church in Adrian, Michigan, and then he pastored a church for six years in New Jersey. He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando. Tim & Debbie have four children: David, Rebecca, Matthew, and Jonathan. As a family, they love spending time together creating memories.

Assistant Pastor, Shepherding & Small Groups: Paul Owens* Paul joined our staff in 2013. He and his wife, Rhoda, are native Georgians. When their children, Daniel and Anne, were very young, Paul moved his family to Jackson MS. There, he studied & received his Master of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary. Paul has served as a church planter, pastored house churches, rural churches, served as a missionary in Budapest, Hungary and short term missionary in Russia. Most recently, Paul has been taking Clinical Pastoral Education courses of study to hone his skills in pastoral care. He is the proud father-in-law of Justin Reynolds and Vanessa Owens, and he is Papi to Kadence, Riley, Wyatt, Chase and Branch.

Worship & Arts Director: Lee Kizer Lee came on staff at ECPC in August 2019. He started leading worship in church at the age of 15. Lee played music professionally for 10 years in New York (in a Christian-ish band called Spinoza) and ran a recording studio. His wife, Jennifer, was NOT a groupie, but she did meet him during that time in his life. The Kizers have been living in East Cobb since 2010. Lee works at ADP in data analytics, and Jennifer is a writer and preschool teacher. Their daughters, Isabel and Lily, are 13 and almost 15. Isabel is a freshman at Pope. Lily is a 7th grader at ECCS.

Director of Student Ministries: Jordan Ross* Jordan Ross joined ECPC as the Director of Student Ministries in August of 2017, and he oversees the Jr. and Sr. High Youth Ministries. He has been in Youth Ministry since 2005 and served at two churches in Baltimore, Maryland before moving to Marietta. He graduated from Covenant College in 2002 and is close to finishing his Master of Arts in Religion from Reformed Theological Seminary. Both he and his wife, Jessica, are originally from Chattanooga, TN, were married in 2006, and have three children, Cameron, Ella, and Claire. When not spending time with family or students, Jordan enjoys any athletic activity, being outdoors, traveling the world, and reading history books.

22 Head of School: Billy Creech* Billy joined the staff at ECCS in August 2019. He has lived most of his life in Winston- Salem, NC where he most recently served as the Headmaster at Redeemer School. Billy is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill (BS in Industrial Relations), Fuller Seminary (MA in Christian Leadership) and Covenant College (Masters in Education- Administrative Leadership). Billy is married to Carrie (26 years) and they have three adult children. Billy enjoys sports, plays guitar and loves spending time with his family. Billy and Carrie bring a passion for partnering with parents in the education of their children through the Christ-centered and child-honoring philosophy that is followed in the ChildLight Schools Association. They look forward to joining in the mission of East Cobb Christian School in the years ahead. Church Administrator: Donna Minday* Donna joined our staff in 2001 as Nursery Director. She and Mark (ECPC elder) moved from Greenville, SC in 1990, and have been members of East Cobb Presbyterian Church almost that entire time. Donna served on the Women’s Ministry Team at ECPC for five years, Director of Nurseries for ten years, and assumed the responsibilities of Church Administrator in November 2010. She loves being able to utilize her gifts and abilities to serve others. Donna graduated with a B.S. in Business from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She and Mark have four adult daughters: Emily, Rachel, Laura Kate and Hannah, a German Shepherd, and one adorable grandson, Rowan.

Director of Children's Ministries: Marjorie Swierenga Marj joined our staff in July 1999. She uses her love for children, her teaching background and her spiritual gifts of teaching and administration to lead and develop our ministry to children from age 0 through fifth grade. Her educational experience includes a B. A. in Secondary Education and a major in English from Calvin College. Her teaching experience includes teaching high school and middle school students in Florida and Georgia. She has taught students with a variety of gifts and needs, including students in an ESOL program (English for Speakers of Other Languages), students with special learning needs and adult learners. Marj and her husband, Jon, have four children: Rachel, Deena, Andrew and Matthew.

Early Education Coordinator: Christina Fisher Christina joined our staff in 2017. Christina and her husband, Justin, grew up in Northeast Georgia where they met in high school and married after college. They have been members of ECPC since moving to the Marietta area in 2011 and have four young kids. Christina has served in ministry to children through Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), Community Bible Study, and in homeschooling her own children. She has a passion for helping kids see the gospel in fun and exciting ways, and feels most at home talking about Jesus in outrageous costumes, crazy wigs, and through silly games.

Finance and Information Technology Manager: Debbie Serro In October of 2009 Debbie accepted the position of Finance and Information Technology Manager. In this role, she provides financial services to ECPC including the church and school, as well as, administrative oversight for the church management software. She has over 20 years of accounting and information technology experience with an A.S. in Computer Management. She came to ECPC from Christ Church Presbyterian in Atlanta, where she was the Finance Manager for over eight years. She lives in Marietta with her husband Marty, and two daughters, Melissa and Lauren. They are members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Maintenance Manager: Jeremy Terry Jeremy is a Cobb County native and a graduate of Southern Poly State University (now Kennesaw State University). He holds a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management as well as an HVAC Certification from Atlanta Technical College. Besides working at ECPC, he is also a Building Manager/Project Manager at Georgia Tech. Jeremy joined our staff in 2019. He and his wife Sonya are members of Oasis Family Life Church in Dallas, Georgia. They are avid world travelers and love to learn about and experience the many different cultures of the world. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys watching and participating in sports, going to museums, car detailing, and spending time with friends and family.

Assimilation Coordinator: Ted Robinson Ted joined our staff in January 2009 as a volunteer member after retirement allowed more time for leading our welcoming and greeting ministry with his wife, Patty. Ted worked 28 years with IBM in marketing support and education, then 10 years as a contractor, before a 5-year stint in landscaping. Ted holds a B.A. in Math from Vanderbilt University and a diploma in Landscape Management from North Metro Technical College. An Elder at ECPC since 1992, Ted also assists in other areas of shepherding and administration. He and Patty have three adult children and eight grandchildren.

The Student Ministry of East Cobb Presbyterian Church

HIGH LIFE (The Student Ministry at ECPC) is led by our Student Ministry Director but supported by the active participation of parents, as well as other adult and college aged volunteers. Activities are designed to help students actively grow in three primary areas: 1. A GROWING Commitment to Christ (John 15:7-11) 2. A GROWING Commitment to the Body of Christ (John 15:12-13, 15b) 3. A GROWING Commitment to the Work of Christ in the World (John 15: 18-19, 21, 26-27)

Our Student Ministry serves two groups, Junior High for grades 6 through 8 and Senior High for grades 9 through 12.

While the task of discipling children is primarily the duty of Christian parents, the individual family is not called to bear this responsibility alone. The Body of Christ is called to come alongside and assist Christian parents in their calling. We have vowed that we "as a congregation undertake the responsibility of assisting the parents in the Christian nurture of this child" (from the PCA Book of Church Order). Therefore, It is our privilege, honor and duty here at ECPC to partner with parents in this endeavor and high calling.

Meeting Times / What We Do Tuesday Morning Prayer is a time high schoolers can come and pray together before school. We pray for God’s honor, that his kingdom would come here, and anything else that’s on our hearts.

High Life Meetings (Youth Group) meets during the week in the Student Ministries room during the school year. High Life is a high energy event each week designed to give students a safe and fun place to come and encounter Christ through worship, Biblical teaching, and small groups, as well as engage their friends in fellowship through games and other activities.  Junior High Life (grades 6-8) meets on Sunday evenings, 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Senior High Life (grades 9-12) meets on Wednesday evenings, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Retreats & Special Events are planned throughout the year to further promote the building of healthy relationships and experiential learning of the Gospel. You can find all pertinent Youth Ministry news, registration and calendar items at: www.eastcobbyouthministry.com

Meet our Youth Director, Jordan Ross Jordan Ross joined ECPC as the Director of Student Ministries in August of 2017, and he oversees the Jr. and Sr. High Youth Ministries. He has been in Youth Ministry since 2005 and served at two churches in Baltimore, Maryland before moving to Marietta. He graduated from Covenant College in 2002 and is close to finishing his Master of Arts in Religion from Reformed Theological Seminary. Both he and his wife, Jessica, are originally from Chattanooga, TN, were married in 2006, and have three children, Cameron, Ella & Claire. When not spending time with family or students, Jordan enjoys any athletic activity, being outdoors, traveling the world, and reading history books.

Student Ministry Intern This position is currently in transition and a couple candidates are being considered for the student ministry intern position. We hope to have someone in place for the 2017-2018 school year.

Elementary (4PreK through 5th grade) ECPC Children’s Ministries exists to show Jesus to children so that they and their families might be drawn to trust, worship, and obey Him.

We work to do so in a way that highlights the redemptive story in Scripture, while using strategies that are geared to the spiritual, educational, physical and social- emotional needs of our students.

Children’s Bulletin (suggested ages 6 — 10)

 Available from the ushers  Helps students to identify the different parts of worship, to better listen and understand the worship and the sermon that Sunday, and to facilitate family discussion later during the week  Created each week by our pastor and the Director of Children’s Ministries

Gospel Kids (4PreK — 5th grade)

 Our school year children’s program available during the worship hour; the children are dismissed from the sanctuary during the offering time.  Uses a large group / small group format, beginning in the Building B Youth Room and then held in different classrooms  Uses the Gospel Story Bible curriculum written by Marty Machowski and published by New Growth Press.

Teach Me to Worship (5K — 3rd grade)

 Our summertime Sunday morning program for children; dismissed from the sanctuary during the offering time.  Uses a new curriculum designed by the PCA Committee on Discipleship Min- istries, this class teaches about worshipping God while we worship Him.  Each month students learn about a different element of worship—and learn Scripture, Children’s Catechism, and hymns that connect with that element.

28 Summer Adventure (4PreK — 5th grade and their families)

 Our summertime program designed to encourage growing in learning, thinking and serving throughout the week—and all summer long.  Uses booklets (Field Guides) which set weekly goals for Scripture memorization, catechism memorization, acts of service, and activities designed to encourage thinking about what we are doing.  Connects our children with other members of our church through our Memory Verse Recitation times (after worship).  Based on our summer sermon series.

How could I serve in Children’s Ministries now? And how could I serve in Children’s Ministries after I become a member? 1. Pray to ask God where He would use you. 2. Pray for the children, teachers and parents who are all working together in teaching our covenant children. 3. Consider asking our Children’s Ministries’ Director or Assistant about our “nontraditional needs” such as preparing a special snack or doing nursery laundry or making activity samples. You can help in this way even before you become a member! 4. After membership, begin the Security process (fill out the online form, email your reference forms, ask for an interview), and contact Marj Swierenga or Christina Fisher for possible areas in which to serve.

Marj Swierenga Director of Children’s Ministries

29 Early Education (Birth — age 4) The youngest among us are warmly welcomed at East Cobb Presbyterian Church! We know that when parents understand their children are being lovingly cared for, they can focus their hearts and minds more fully on worship. We take seriously the responsibility of nurturing and instructing these little children in our nurseries and classrooms, seeking to show them Jesus as we play and learn.

Purple Lambs (birth — age 1) Our infant nursery is for holding, rocking, changing, singing, and loving. Before they can walk, we are making sure that our littlest ones are hearing God’s truth as we sing hymns and rehearse the children’s catechism for their young ears. We believe that helping them hide these truths in their heart at the earliest opportunity provides a springboard for later understanding.

Yellow Lambs (walking — age 2) Our toddler nursery is for playing, comforting, teaching, and laughing. Using a Play-n-Worship curriculum, our one– and two-year-olds learn familiar Bible stories from a variety of children’s Bibles to help introduce them to some foundational truths in new and exciting ways. Even as they are learning new words, we are helping them to memorize scripture and apply it to their lives.

Green Lambs (2 years old by Sept. 1) After graduating from the toddler nursery in the fall, our two-year-olds are promoted to a more structured classroom that features story time, craft time, snack time, play time, and more. While they learn fundamental skills like sharing, taking turns, and helping clean up after themselves, they’re also walking through the Bible from beginning to end, learning familiar hymns, and memorizing scripture.

Blue Lambs (3 years old by Sept. 1) Our three-year-olds continue to walk through the Old and New Testaments during story time, building on what they began in the Green Lambs class. They enjoy music time with some familiar hymns and praise songs, scripture memory and application, catechism memorization, and more. These kids are hungry to learn, and our team of volunteer teachers are delighted to share the truths of scripture with them.

Our team More than 100 adult members and teens volunteer to care for and teach our youngest worshippers. In order to provide a safe environment for our children and guests, our Child Security Policy requires that each adult working with children must complete an application, provide references, be interviewed, and submit to a background security check. The safety of all children in our care is of paramount importance.

Do you like to tell Bible stories? Love rocking babies? Once you join the church, we’d love to have you serve in one of our early education classes. There are plenty of other ways you may help out as well. I’d love to tell you more and answer any questions you may have! Christina Fisher Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 540-538-9237. Children’s Ministries’ Assistant 30 31 Small Group Ministries

The primary goal of the small group ministry is to help our members and regular attenders find a group to connect with for fellowship and spiritual growth outside of Sunday morning worship. There are currently three types of small groups that you can get involved with at ECPC: Starting Point, Life Groups and Journey Groups. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey or phase of life, there is a group for you to be involved with.

1. Starting Point is a one-time event considered as the entry level into small group life at ECPC. This group is hosted by Pastor Tim Locke and his wife, Debbie, and is offered throughout the year. Childcare is provided for infants through 5th grade. Contact the church office for more information at 770-973-4114 x100.

2. Life Groups are the next connection for small group life at ECPC and are defined by five elements of Acts 2:42-47: fellowship, a variety of Bible-based study, worship, ministry and mission. Groups meet in homes and handle their own childcare needs. Contact the church office to speak with Pastor Paul at 770-973-4114 or email him at [email protected].

LIFE Group Leaders Description Child Care Meeting Details Paul & Rhoda Owens International group, great group of diversity NO Thursday, 7-9pm, weekly 770-375-0426 and perspectives. Mixed singles & couples Meets near Eastlake Shopping [email protected] Center area at Elphick home. Bob Edwards Mixed - older singles & couples NO Sundays, 4-6pm, weekly 770-640-9661 Meets in Chimney Springs [email protected] subdiv area. Jonathan & Becky Jackson Couples NO Sundays, time TBD, bi-monthly 404-386-9619 Meets near Leita Thompson [email protected] Memorial Park at the Foxs’. Francois & Lisa Longeiret Couples NO Sundays, 4-6pm, weekly 770-366-6736 Meets near Pine Mtn Middle [email protected] School at the Longeirets’. David and Anna Noren Mixed - young married couples and couples NO Mondays, 8-9:30pm, weekly 404-579-0153 with young children Meets near Piedmont & [email protected] Canton Rds at the Ashleys’ Mark & Donna Minday Mixed – singles & couples with children NO Sundays, 5:30-7:30pm, weekly 678-641-2873 college age or older Rotates meeting in homes in [email protected] the Lassiter HS area Jon & Christine Houk Young families YES Sundays, 5-7pm, weekly 770-265-4210 Meets near Wood Acres [email protected] School area at the Houks’ Dan & Millie Miles Young families YES Friday, 5-7pm, weekly 404-606-2111 Meets in Chestnut Springs [email protected] subdiv at the Miles’ Tim & Debbie Locke Mixed YES Sundays, 6-7:30pm, bi-monthly 770-545-1077 Meets near the church at the [email protected] Lockes’ Paul & Katie McElvy Young families YES Sundays, 5-7pm, weekly 770-789-8092 Meets Roswell Elementary [email protected] School area at the McElvys’. James & Dawn Roach Married – with school aged through college LTD Sundays after worship, bi- 770-283-4373 aged children monthly. Meets near the [email protected] church at the DeMoss’.

32 3. Journey Groups (JG) are defined by intense Bible study, prayer, accountability and a missional way of life as members come alongside one another for the purpose of growing as a disciple of Christ. A Journey Group is a small group of men or women that covenant with one another for a year at a time. If you would like to learn more about Journey Groups and how to get involved in one, contact Lee Bates at 404-790-3468.

33 The Women’s Ministry at ECPC exists to help women think biblically and live in Christian community with one another. Our vision is for every woman in the church to know Christ personally and be committed to extending His kingdom in her life, home, church, community, and throughout the world.

We offer many opportunities to not only fellowship and have fun, but also to serve and use our gifts. We want every woman to become involved at whatever level God calls her.

If you are looking for a place to fit in, a place to learn more about Christ, a place to have fellowship with other women, the women’s ministry of East Cobb Presbyterian Church has much to offer you!

BIBLE STUDIES: Our women’s Bible studies are a great way to connect with other women while growing in your relationship with Jesus. Fall and Winter/Spring studies are offered on Tuesday evenings and Thursday mornings at East Cobb Presbyterian Church. Preschool childcare is available for Thursday morning classes only. We also have a light evening summer series.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Each year we plan a couple large gatherings with speakers to train, equip, and encourage our ladies These are great opportunity to meet all of our women while hearing Christian perspectives on topics applicable to women. 2018-2019 Calendar includes Souper Supper dinner and speaker in October and weekend conference in March

REGULAR FELLOWSHIP: We also have smaller, more intimate gatherings designed to get to know ladies that share your same interests, called “Life Together” activities. They may be a chance learn something new, serve our community, or just fellowship. Additionally there are regular playgroup events for moms of preschoolers and young homeschoolers. These activities are announced at the beginning of each month, so watch our website for upcoming dates.

Please visit us online at ecpcwomen.com or email us at [email protected] to find out more about our ministry and upcoming events.

34 35 EAST COBB PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2019.-20

MISSION MINISTRY TEAM

Sid Ghasemi Becky Jackson David Haburchak David Robinson

Purpose  Grow and send missionaries from ECPC  Care/encouragement of missionary families - Serve physical, spiritual and emotional needs  Expand the mission vision at ECPC  Be the best “sending church” we can be  Educate the church body about missions  Ensure good stewardship and management of the Mission budget

Highlights  Cross cultural missionaries East Cobb Presbyterian Church supports: Chuck & Debbie Emerson (RUF-l Ga Tech, ELI) Dan and Rebecca Gregoire (MTW, Slovakia) Aaron and Alexis Gurkin (CRU) Trey and Heather Nation (China Partnership, Boston, MA) Marc and Sam Summers (MTW, Panama) Bruce and Barbara Wannemacher (MTW, South Africa) Tracey & Suzanne West (RUF-I Ga Tech)

Norman & Julie Beck (MTW, Cherokee Indian Reservation, NC)

 Short Term Team - A team went to Slovakia this summer. Sent teams to support the Summers in Panama in 2015, 2016 and 2017. These were very beneficial to the Summers in making con- tacts and helping them grow their church.

 Missions Emphasis Month in Jan/Feb 2020 with mission-focused sermons across four Sundays, kingdom connections with many of our missionaries during worship, special times of prayer prior to each missions Sunday and an international street fair in our gym where care teams and missionaries shared the culture and food of countries where our missionaries serve.

 Mission care teams to work with mission families -- serving as senders.

38 Our ECPC Missionaries

Chuck and Debbie Emerson Chuck and Debbie serve with RUF-II Georgia Georgia Tech Tech and and with Equipping Leaders International. They are based here in the US.

Dan and Rebecca Gregoire, Isabel, Ezra, Rosie, Eliza, Mazzy, Hosannah, Zoya & Linzi The Gregoires have served in Slovakia since Feb. 2007 with a church-planting team with Mission to the World. They returned to Slovakia in the summer of 2017 for their 3rd term.

Aaron and Alexis Gurkin Caleb, Luke & Susanna Aaron and Alexis serve with CRU, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ. They are located in the Atlanta office of CRU.

Trey and Hannah Nation Verity Hannah serves with China Partnership. She works to bring the voice of the Chinese house church to the English-speaking world. Trey is a PhD student at Harvard studying Assyriology and adjuncts at Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary. They have a daughter, Verity.

39 Norman and Julie Beck Ivy Norman and Julie Beck have recently started their ministry to the Cherokee Indians on the Cherokee Indian reservation in Cherokee, NC with MTW. They have a daughter, Ivy.

Marc and Sam Summers After spending a few years in Belize with Mission to the World, the Summers returned to Atlanta in Jan. 2009. While here, Marc was able to complete the requirements for ordination in the PCA. They are currently planting a church in Panama.

Bruce and Barbara Wannemacher The Wannemachers served with Mission to the World in South Africa for many years. They recently relocated to Augusta, GA where they still serve with MTW.

Tracey and Suzanne West Charlie Tracey is the director of RUF International at Ga. Tech. We have been supporting this ministry serving international students for several years. They have 2 sons: Charlie and Hudson.

Samantha Mathews Sam has served with the Navigators on the KSU campus for 2 years. She left early in 2016 to go to New Zealand for 3 years to serve with the Navigators on college campuses. Sam recently returned home from the field, and is considering pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling.

40 41

EAST COBB CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

East Cobb Christian School (ECCS) operates as a ministry of East Cobb Presbyterian Church (ECPC) to children of Christian parents in the church and community. ECCS is directed by the School Ministry Team, made up of members of ECPC who also have children who attend ECCS, and a school principal. As a ministry of the church, ECCS is under the oversight of the officers of the church.

The mission statement of ECCS is: “As a ministry of East Cobb Presbyterian Church, our mission is to covenant with Christian parents not only to teach the minds of their children, but also to reach their hearts with the love, grace, and wonder of God. Students are challenged to think deeply and develop a distinctly Christian world and life view. ECCS desires all students to reach their God-given potential in order to be valuable servants in Christ's kingdom, thus emphasis is placed on both godly character and academics.

We believe young children need to spend most of their time at home in order to internalize family values, to learn by working, experimenting and observing and to spend time outdoors. At ECCS children in kindergarten, first and second grades attend school for a half day, except on Tuesdays when they have a full day. Children in third grade have three half days a week and two full days. However, many factors make it difficult for parents to be able to have their children at home in the afternoons such as the need to work, the distance traveled to and from school and the time spent in the car for small children. An optional extended day enrichment program, Explore More, is offered for students in kindergarten through third grade on Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays. Grades four through eight attend classes 8:15 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

How it Works

Focus on Prayer: Prayer is vitally important to under-gird the oneness we have in Christ as an ECCS family. Parents meet regularly with the teachers and other parents in their child's class for the purpose of praying for the teachers, students and school.

Curriculum: ECCS does not use one set curriculum. Teaching materials are selected from a variety of resources. We believe that all truth is God's truth, and God has inerrantly and infallibly revealed His truth in the Bible. The ultimate goal of ECCS is to teach students to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. We believe that the study of history, science and math, as well as all other areas of knowledge is to be pursued from a perspective that gives reverence to the Creator. We follow many of the practices of Charlotte Mason, founder of the PNEU school in England in the 1900s whose ideas included composer, art, and nature studies, narration, and the reading of "Living Books". More information about Miss Mason's philosophies can be found in the book, For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay. Other recommended reading: Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp.

Academic Excellence: We give praise to God that our students on the whole consistently score well above national averages in standardized testing. Every effort is made to work with children who have academic challenges in order to help them reach their God-given potential. We believe that much of our academic excellence is a result of the close relationship between the school and families as they work together to nurture the development of the child's godly character.

The Classroom

Class Size: We believe that God gives different gifts and even the same gifts in different measure. Since every child is different, individual attention should be given to each student based on spirituality, maturity and intellectual capacity. Classroom size is small, with classes in the lower grades ranging from 8-12 students, with usually no more than 16 per class placed in upper grades.

Parental Involvement: Parents of children in grades 1 and 2 participate in their children's education by teaching the class approximately 4-6 times a year. Parents of children in other grade levels assist in classroom projects and chaperone field trips. Parental involvement allows children to see Christian parenting modeled before them. Parents become well acquainted with all students, widening the opportunity for relationships to develop and grow.

Teacher Qualifications: Our classroom teachers are degreed educators who have been certified by the state of Georgia or have ability be become certified. Many hold master's degrees. Some exploratory classes are taught by people who are skilled and/or degreed in what they teach (art, music, PE, and computer). We believe that the teacher represents parental authority at school and should direct the students to submit to the truth and love of Christ. The teacher is a role model and should demonstrate the lordship of Christ in every area of life. Teachers must genuinely love children and seek to continually grow in ability to teach creatively.

ECCS is a member of the ChildLight Schools Association. The ChildLight Schools Association exists to build community by fostering edifying relationships among school educators through an intentional commitment to the belief that children are persons and image bearers of Jesus Christ. The member schools are committed to the truth contained in the educational philosophy of Charlotte M. Mason as understood and applied from her writings. By their inclusion, educators become fellow pilgrims that support one another in falling under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit in a continued quest of learning, embracing, and practicing the living ideas that enable us to enjoy Him forever. There are fifteen schools in the US including five in the Atlanta area and one in Nicaragua that work together to provide support for the administrators and training for teachers.

ECCS is fully accredited through Christian Schools International. Grades 4-8 are also accredited through Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC). ECCS is also a member of Atlanta Christian Schools Association.

We offer classes from kindergarten through eighth grades, serving approximately 120 students.

Billy Creech, Head of School Paige Preece, Office Manager

School Ministry Team (2019-2020 School Year)

Brian Retzlaff, Chairman Billy Creech Alexis Gurkin Matthew Harper Cindy Hunt Amy Masters