Our Story

In 1989, a steady surge of growth in Hollywood convinced the elders at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in America that the Lord Jesus Christ was leading them to develop the “Corridor Vision.” This vision focused on establishing new congregations in nearby communities, rather than expanding the current facility in Hollywood to a mega-complex.

The Weston community was one of the fastest-growing areas in South Florida. Many young families were settling into their new homes and jobs, with an open and even desirous need to find a church to call “home”. Many of these families were traveling to Hollywood to attend worship services. For this reason, the elders established the first congregation in Weston, where the need was so obvious.

In March 1990, the first worship service was held in a newly-leased facility in the Weston area. The Presbyterian Church at Weston was born, The Church in the Marketplace.

The Church leased 4,800 square feet of rental space to adequately conduct worship services and perform a full range of ministries and programs for all ages, such as Sunday School, children’s and cherub church, nursery, Adventure Club, children’s and adult choirs, Wednesday Night Suppers, adult home groups, Precept Bible Study groups, Men’s Discipleship groups and special ministry projects.

On September 23, 1991, it was decided by a joint session of the elders from both congregations, to begin the process of Weston becoming the new church in the PCA. The first step was to become a mission church. The motion was made and approved at the October meeting of the South Florid Presbytery, with St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at temporary governing body of the Presbyterian Church at Weston in a “mother-daughter” relationship, and with Licentiate Brian Kelso as student supply. The church grew and flourished, and by the end of 1991, the membership had grown by 42% and the financial giving had grown by 19%. Many of the families ho joined the church were hearing the Gospel for the first time. Fellowship among the members was fast and firm. A church “family” had been born.

In May 1992, the Presbyterian Church at Weston became a “particular church” within the PCA. The Sunday morning worship service was a special organizational service with various members of Presbytery participating. The message was preached by Dr. William Iverson. A “particular church” was born.

In May 1994, PCW called, ordained, and installed Brian L. Kelso as their senior pastor. This was a momentous occasion for the church because they had prayerfully and financially supported Brian while he was obtaining his M. Div. degree from Knox Theological Seminary in Ft. Lauderdale. Even though Brian was functioning as pastor prior to this time in the function of student supply, the ordination and installation was a real milestone for the church. A “ministry” was born!

As the congregation continued to grow, the facility at the shopping center was straining to meet the needs placed upon it by the church. In June 1995, PCW purchased 2.5 acres, with an existing house, for $100,000. The church’s vision for the property was to position PCW in a 5,600 square foot, permanent facility in 1999, which would enable the congregation to perform its ministries with greater effectiveness.

The congregation diligently began working on renovating the house for worship and site preparation for a parking lot and modular building. The first worship service was conducted on the property in October 1995.

Following extensive planning, permitting, and prayer, the congregation celebrated the commencement of the Church Building Project in August 1998, by dedicating the foundation to God with the placement of two Bibles. A copy of God’s Word, turned to Psalm 84:10 was placed in the entrance area of the foundation to symbolize the desires of the leadership and members of the church, that everything done in this building would have its basis in the Word of God.

For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God, than dwell in the tents of wickedness.                                     
~ Psalm 84:10

A copy of God’s Word, turned to 2 Timothy 4:1-5, was placed in the pulpit area of the foundation to symbolize the charge given to every man who preaches from the pulpit to “preach the Word.”

The form of church government we believe is most biblical is called “Presbyterian.” This means the local churches are governed by “presbyters”, or elders, who are elected by the people. There are two kinds of elders: teaching elders, commonly called pastors, and ruling elders, who are ordained laymen.
           
Deacons are also elected by the congregation to assist the elders in the practical areas of ministry. This was the kind of government the New Testament Church enjoyed (for instance, see Acts 20:17 and Titus 1:5-7).
           
Each elder is assigned a group of members, which is called a Adult Small Group. These groups meet on Sunday evenings for small group discussion and relationship building. These groups are also utilized to involve the congregation in church ministry activities.

We believe there is one God who exists eternally in three persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, the same substance, equal in power and glory.

We believe the Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error in the original manuscripts. The Bible is our infallible and divine authority in all manners of faith and life.

We believe all men are sinners and are unable to save themselves or do anything to earn their salvation.

We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became man and lived and died and rose again to provide forgiveness for sin through His finished work on the cross. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man.

We believe salvation is a supernatural act of God in the heart of undeserving sinners. God saves people by drawing them to Jesus by His Holy Spirit. He convinces them of their sin and enlightens them so they can ask for forgiveness and trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

We believe God’s Holy Spirit gives Christians the daily strength and wisdom they need to walk according to His will and to grow in holiness.

We believe the Church is the community of faith which God has established as a witness of His grace to the world. The Church includes people of all ages and from every nation and language. God has established elders and deacons to provide leadership in the local church so the peace and purity of the church can be advanced.

We believe Jesus Christ will return – personally, visibly, and bodily – in power and glory to receive His people unto Himself for all eternity.