Second Presbyterian Church, Nashville, TN and Middle Tennessee Chapter

Second Presbyterian Church of Nashville has a message of welcome on their website not unlike others you might have read on other church websites:

We welcome you to join us in our journey of faith, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, economic or family status, ethnic background, and mental or physical abilities.

And here’s the effect - over a two year period, Second Presbyterian has seen a growth of membership of 11%.  This has been an increase primarily of couples and singles in their 20's and 30's, “millenials” and younger who begin their search for a church home by studying church websites and are drawn to Second, a congregation where 74% of members are now under the age of 55.Second Presbyterian could probably best be described as a “new-old church.”   There have been four Second Presbyterian churches in Nashville, beginning in 1843. The current church was dedicated on December 3, 2006, following a catastrophic fire in 2003 which destroyed the sanctuary, fellowship hall, educational spaces, choir room and offices.   Second Presbyterian is a church home for their community, hosting numerous organizations on a regular basis including a homeless shelter, a non-profit tutoring company, Meals on Wheels and adult daycare services, various self-help organizations, and a community chorus.Rev. Jim Kitchens*, Pastor, explained that Second Presbyterian has been a member of Covenant Network for many years and supports our allied organizations as well, including hosting of a conference about GLBT persons and the Church.   Family ministry is at the heart of Second’s commitment as a Covenant Network congregation.   GLBT members include singles, committed couples and couples with children.   Committed couples' retreats have been lead and enjoyed by both straight and gay/lesbian couples.Rev. Kitchens joins other pastors and lay persons from about ten congregations in the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee in a Covenant Network chapter that has been meeting since prior to the General Assembly in Birmingham (2006).    What these ten congregations provide for the presbytery is described as a “ministry of presence.”  They have information tables at presbytery meetings; have hosted a More Light Presbyterians Conference; and participate during PRIDE week by welcoming GLBT Christians and seekers.The Call to Covenant Community is answered by a congregation - Second Presbyterian - and by a group of congregations in the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee  - for study, prayer, mutual support and attention to church polity.  The church we wish to strengthen is built upon the hospitality of Jesus - you will find that message on a website - www.secondpresbyterian.net - someone is probably reading it now.*As of this posting, Rev. Kitchens has accepted the invitation of the Session of Calvary Presbyterian in San Francisco to serve as its interim pastor and will begin work there mid-May.