Particularization 

SRVC Particularization Process

In February of 2026, our hope for Seven Rivers Villages Church is to become a fully independent [particularized] church. This has been the goal from the very beginning of the church planting process and it is an exciting milestone in the life of our church. It is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the generosity of our members.

**CONGREGATIONAL MEETING [January 11. 2026]

On January 11, our members will meet to do 3 things:

  • Sign a Petition to Request becoming a Particular Church

  • Vote on our 3 Ruling Elder Nominees [Bob Blaise, Brad Hough, Dick Nangle]

  • Vote on Pastor Stephen Speaks as the Official Senior Pastor of this Particular Church

While only members can vote, we encourage whoever wants to come to be a part of this important milestone in the life of our church.

**PARTICULARIZATION SERVICE [February 8, 2026]

Pending the results of our Congregational meeting, and approval by the Central Florida Presbytery, we will hold a worship service to celebrate all that God has done to bring our church to this place, and to officially install our Senior Pastor and first class of Ruling Elders. We will have pastors and elders from around the area participate in this exciting step in our church’s life. We are looking forward to it and hope you will plan on being a part of it too. Plan on staying for a Celebratory Lunch afterwards!

What does particularization mean and what is required?

Particularization describes the process of becoming a “particular” or independent church in the PCA. Typically, it requires being 1) Self-sustaining 2) Self-funding 3) Self-propagating. SRVC has been training qualified elder candidates, has been sustaining itself financially for most of the church’s life, and has been growing steadily in membership and fruitful ministry.

Will things at SRVC change after our particularization?

The worship and ministries of SRVC will not change. Our pastors and staff will not change either. Practically, we will become more independent from our planting church, Seven Rivers Church in Lecanto, FL as we are led by our own congregationally elected elders.

What qualifies someone to be an elder and who will ours be?

We will be sharing more information over the next few weeks about our elder candidates and their qualifications for ministry in our church.

What is our timeline for particularization?

With a goal of particularizing in February 2026, below is a tentative timeline.

  • December 9: Elder Candidate Interviews and Exams [DONE]

  • December 11: Announcement of Elder Candidates [DONE]

  • January 11: Congregational Meeting to Elect Elders and Sign a Petition to Become a Particular Church [DONE]

  • January 13: Our Pastors Meet with Presbytery Committee for Approval to Particularize [DONE]

  • January 20: Presbytery Meeting where Our Particularization is Approved

  • February 8: Official Particularization Service and Celebration Lunch