01/16/2019
Having moved to the Panhandle of Florida in January of 2013, I soon realized that there were not many churches in the immediate area that held to the same Reformed Baptist beliefs and practices that I so long have embraced. I imagine that I am not the only one in the area who has experienced this. It is for this reason that I have decided to launch a new church planting endeavor in the Destin/Fort Walton Beach area, one that will center around Reformed Baptist doctrine. It is my hope and prayer that through this plant, the Lord will find it pleasing to establish a more permanent, self-sustaining Reformed Baptist presence in this area.
Just to let you know a little bit about myself, my name is Jeff Warda, and as stated, I have lived in the area for six years. Prior to my move to Florida, I lived in San Diego, California, where I pastored a very ethnically diverse congregation. My congregation numbered around 200. I am a graduate of The Masters Seminary in Los Angeles, having been privileged to sit under the teaching ministry of Pastor John MacArthur. I have a wonderful wife named Dalia, and we have one son, Daniel, who is 15 years old.
My philosophy of ministry can best be understood through the following 8 points of commitment.
1. I am committed to Reformed Baptist doctrines, the same doctrines held by men like Charles Spurgeon. My own doctrinal convictions can best be summarized in the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith.
2. I am committed to God-Centered, Reverent, and Family Integrated worship. I believe the biblical model is for the 'entire' family to worship together.
3. I am committed to Expository preaching
4. I am committed to the Great Commission, and the mandate to preach the gospel to the whole world.
5. I am committed to being a support to home-school parents and children. As a home-school parent myself, I understand the challenges that accompany home-schooling.
6. I am committed to training up our children with sound biblical doctrine and theology. What our young ones need from the church is less entertainment and games, and more serious instruction.
7. I am committed to a Biblical view of manhood and womanhood. Sadly, I had to resign from my previous church ministry in San Diego due to the leaderships insistence on hiring a 'woman' pastor. The Bible's teaching on male and female roles, both at home and in the church, is an issue that both my wife and I are extremely passionate about.
8. I am committed to the encouraging of Christians to be 'salt and light' to our society. For this reason, I will not shy away from addressing current issues that often affect our culture and our society, including things political.
If you are looking to be part of a church that holds to the above mentioned commitments, and would be interested in participating in a ground-level church plant, please feel free to contact me. Thank you, and may God's favor shine upon this new endeavor.
In His Service,
Jeff Warda
(850) 585-1853