Two New Reasons To Cheer At Faith Evangelical

"Great Expectations." That's the title of a book that describes the news at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

After an 18-month search, a new minister was just installed. The Rev. Matthew Everhard is only 31, a youthful senior pastor of the 9-year-old, family-oriented church.

Each Thursday night at 7 p.m., throngs of area youth energize the Youth Rally, whose timely lesson theme is young people who work hard to serve God.

"Work hard as in back-to-school studies," said Greg Gunn, youth director. "We do have great expectations for students. Youth Rally lessons will illuminate the work ethics of Jeremiah, Joshua, Timothy, Elisha and Isaiah. This is important as kids head back to their school work and studies."

He described the summer missions trips taken by youth. A large bulletin board is crowded with dozens of photos of the kids taken at the church, retreats and on mission travels. One mission trip was to Nassau to help outreach poor children. Another was to Lake Huron for dramas, music and other active evangelizing in helping at a Vacation Bible School there. Gunn is especially proud of the trip to Baltimore, where the youth team helped with more outreach. Andrew Boyer, the youth pastor at the host church there, graduated from Hernando County and was a youth member at Faith. "Andrew went to work there as an interim. They liked him so much they kept him, so that's like our church here has made a big impact in succeeding in evangelism and outreach."

Gunn's assistant John Cleveland described the Thursday rallies calendar. "At 6 p.m. the gym is open for kids to gather and shoot baskets, hang out, play football outside," he said. "Then they meet for welcoming, announcements, games, music, the lesson and devotions. Last week we had 99 youth, ages sixth grade through 12."

Gunn also has a black belt in karate and teaches it at Living World Church in New Port Richey. He plays the piano at Faith for praise and worship.

He is excited to have the new senior pastor on board. "Pastor Everhard is a perfect fit for this church. He is a great team player and I only hear praise for his work, especially for his sermons and their inspiration."

Behind his pastoral desk, Matthew Everhard, the new senior pastor, has a large framed photograph of a group of hands being laid on him at his installation July 31. It's the first thing one sees in entering his orderly and spare office. It symbolizes his philosophy of ministry and commitment to his new position.

"I believe that a biblical, evangelical ministry is founded upon the faithful study and interpretation of God's Holy Word, the Bible," he wrote in his application resume. "My objective is to use my spiritual gifts to lead worship, deepen fellowship, advance the gospel, disciple believers, and minister to the needs of a local Christian congregation and its community. We want to be continue to be 'intentional' in our local teaching preaching and reaching, our evangelism mission and outreach."

Everhard emphasizes the word "community," and is eager to help keep the church focus on helping to serve local needs and outreach. His experience includes a variety of mission post help, including time spent in developing countries like Guinea, El Salvador, Mexico and stateside evangelism. He thought as a younger man that he would become a missionary. "God used that time on the mission field to shape me," he recalled. "I was in Africa, engaged to my wife, missing her. I came down with a host of maladies from malaria and infections. Some of my most-prayed-for work there fizzled; especially involving soccer ... one weary ball imploded and the one my fiancee mailed got lost. Some of our best laid plans often work out that way."

Born in Ohio, Everhard felt called by God while visiting a friend's church at the age of 13. His best friend, who he stays in touch with almost daily, is a lifelong influence. "Jon Marko and I... Our mothers were pregnant with us at the same time. That's how they met, so we're as lifelong as you can get," Everhard said. "We attended the same schools and seminary and we both became ministers."

Everhard's education includes a bachelor's degree in Bible and Theology, cum laude, from Malone College in Ohio and a master of arts in Practical Theology from Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio.

Everhard is writing his third book, "Spiritual Reformation: The Westminster Confession of Faith and the Spiritual Disciplines." Two others published: "Rock Solid: Helping Teens Discover the Truth of Christianity," and "Abortion: The Evangelical Perspective."

He and wife Kelly have two children "Soriah is 6 and is a thoughtful and excellent student. She could become an astronaut or lawyer. Elijah has the energy of a rambunctious 4-year-old, which is great considering he had a major lung surgery a year ago. We're waiting to discover Florida's sunshine since our recent arrival in the rainy season."

Member Gail Brooks is a retired dean of Pasco-Hernando Community College. A charter member of the church, she headed the Faith EC pastoral search committee. She told of the lengthy process. "Matthew Everhard sent us a 13-page resume. We called churches to check his references and got outstanding affirmations. Several clergy of other Faith Evangelical Presbyterian churches 'tested' him and grilled him in our faith history and theology and he is simply the man God wants in this church. God selected him to be here. I hear nothing but raves about him and his messages touch every heart."

Everhard is excited about his new post and feels deep gratitude to God and the church. "Members pitched in to get the house and yard ready. They brought so many meals. They have welcomed us heartily. We love it here and know this is where God called us to be," he said. "And please feel welcome to drop in any time and worship with us as we praise Christ together.

Faith Evangelical Presbyterian

YOUTH RALLY: 7 p.m. each Thursday

Sunday Connections all ages: 9 a.m.

Sunday worship: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible studies: 6 p.m.

A variety of classes and small groups: call church