ABOUT US

Who We Are

St. John the Divine is a mission that was founded under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Our Church is unique in that it is not strictly evangelical, charismatic, or sacramental; rather, it incorporates all three of these streams and they flow into a mighty river. Just as God exists in the Trinity and cannot be separated, we feel that when we break up the streams we only get a “slice” of what God wants for us. We will break this out further below:

Evangelical: We beleive that the Bible is the Word of God. We beleive that it contains everything necessary for our salvation. We beleive one of the great cornerstones of the Reformation was the ability to read the Bible in our own language. The Bible shapes our Worship. We only practise that which is in the Bible or can be derived from it.

Charismatic: The New Testament speaks about the Gifts of the Spirit. We see evidenced in the Book of Acts as well as in the epistles such as I Corinthians that spiritual gifts were evidenced in the Early Church. We believe that these gifts have carried on into the Church today. You should come expectant to hear God each day. We do not fill in gaps or spaces, we wait to see what God will say. In other words, we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Sacramental: The Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spirtual graces. We believe that these gifts are given to the Church to edify it. We believe in the historical seven sacraments:

Baptism

Eucharist

Holy Orders

Confession

Unction

Holy Matrimony

Confirmation

In each of the streams we see that God imparts to us. In the Evangelical He imparts His very Word. In the Charismatic, He gives us the Gifts of the Spirit to edify us and in the Sacramental He gives us graces that the Church has been doing for centuries.

We believe in the Leading of the Holy Spirit. In governance, we believe in Consensus Government. This means that we do not have a board or vestry but we ask God to be in our conversations in our meetings. We, then, discern the Will of God.

If you are looking for a warm and welcoming community to connect with and grow in your faith, we invite you to visit us. Our doors are open to everyone, and we look forward to getting to know you and sharing the love of God with you.

Common Questions

Do you use a particular translation?

This is a great question. We use the New King James Version (NKJV) for services.

We use other translations in Bible Studies. We want you to use the translation you are most comfortable in using.

Why do we use a Prayerbook?

We are liturgical so that involves using a liturgy. However it is more than that. The Liturgy connects us with the Early Church. Christians have been using a liturgy since the Early Church. These same components that are in the Prayerbook have been used by Christians for centuries.

The prayerbook is derived from the Bible.

How is your Church governed?

At the top level, we are governed by bishops who oversee the group of churches.

At the church level, the rector (pastor) with the Rector’s Council (Clergy and men selected by the Rector) determine temporal concerns. In addition, the ministry heads meet with the Rector at Parish Councils.

Do I need to be Conservative politically to be part of the church?

No, we never ask to know your political affiliation. We think all people are children of God. This does not matter.

Pro-Life and a traditional view of marriage are non-negotiable issues.

What is meant by Consensus Government?

In Acts 15, we read that the Holy Spirit directed the Apostles in the way that they should go.

In the same way, we believe that the Holy Spirit directs our councils. It is not that we all agree, but it is a clear feeling that this is what God wants to do. The Rector has final say, but if there is not a clear sense the rector should say we need to wait.

Can I attend if I am not comfortable with the Charismatic?

Yes, you should plan to attend!

We understand that all people are on a journey. We understand you may have doubts. This is alright. We just ask that you would open your hearts and minds to what God is doing.

Can I receive Communion?

This is a good question.

If you are visiting and you are a baptized adult member of your home church, who believes in the Real Presence you are welcome to receive.

If you would like to become part of St. John the Divine CEC, you should be confirmed; however, you may come to communion as long as it is your desire to be confirmed.

Holy Baptism

In the waters of baptism, we are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church, and given God’s own life to share and reminded that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ. Holy Baptism, which can be performed through pouring of water or immersion in it, marks a formal entrance to the congregation and wider Church; the candidates for the sacrament make a series of vows, including an affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant, and are baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are marked as Christ’s own for ever, having “clothed [themselves] with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

All people of any age are welcome to baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).

From the National Church

Communion

It goes by several names: Holy Communion, the Eucharist (which literally means “thanksgiving”), the Lord’s Supper, the Mass. But whatever its formal name, this is the family meal for Christians and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. As such, all persons who have been baptized, and are therefore part of the extended family that is the Church, are welcome to receive the bread and wine, and be in communion with God and each other.

Before we come to take Communion together, “we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 859).

From the National Church

Clergy and Staff

As the clergy and staff of this church, we are dedicated to serving the needs of our community. We are ordained religious leaders who have been trained in theology and ministry, and we are here to provide spiritual guidance and support. Our staff members are an integral part of the church, working behind the scenes to manage the day-to-day operations and provide assistance to our members. We are here to support you on your spiritual journey, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for being a part of our church community!

Bishop David Simpson

Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of Florida and the Carribean

DIOCESE oF FLORIDA WEBPAGE

Fr. Robert Massey

Vicar

CONTACT

Fr. Brandon Cribbs

Associate Vicar/ Director of Children’s Ministry

Contact

Fr. Robert Mills

Vicar Emeritus

For more help

please contact one of the clergy. You can email a member of the clergy by clicking the contact button. Alternatively, you can email the parish with the email at the bottom or via the app.