A Brief History
The Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis (PCLT) began in early 2000 as a New Church Development with a small group of dedicated believers who committed to founding a new Presbyterian church within the Lakeway/Bee Cave area; a church that worshipped in the reformed tradition and that participated in God’s mission in the community. The church quickly grew as the members met regularly for devotions, faith sharing, education and administrative actions. In the summer of 2001 the first pastor was called and on November 4, 2001 the first public worship service was held in Bee Cave Elementary School.
God continued to build up this community of believers through the generosity and commitment of members, friends, other churches and Mission Presbytery. On November 4, 2007, the Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis joyfully became a chartered church in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
During those first years the church worshiped at many different locations; however, from the beginning its members dreamed of building their own church home from which to share the message of God’s amazing love.
Early in 2011, following a period of turmoil and membership decline, God’s Spirit led the Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis to “step out in faith”. The church bought property and proceeded with building a permanent home. Two years later on April 21, 2013, the congregation joyfully worshiped in its new home.
The church has welcomed four called pastors, several interim pastors and numerous supply pastors. We have been blessed with the faithful service and commitment of many who have provided their time and resources to building up God’s church at the Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis. PCLT continues to value worshiping in the reformed tradition and being God’s servants in the world. We have sought to be faithful through our worship, our mission and outreach, our care for one another and our spiritual development. God’s steadfast love has never wavered and we continue to feel the leading of God’s Spirit.
PC(USA)
Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis is a member of the Presbyterian Church USA, which is organized into 171 presbyteries. We belong to Mission Presbytery, which meets three times a year and does much of its work through committees, along with Presbytery staff support. There are about 150 congregations in our Mission Presbytery, which extends from the Rio Grande Valley to north of Austin, Texas.
The Synod is the next-level governing body in the PC(USA). Synods are made up of multiple presbyteries and conduct business in the same way as a presbytery, yet have fewer functions. Our synod is the Synod of the Sun.
The highest governing body in the PC(USA) is the General Assembly which meets every two years. The General Assembly offices are located in Louisville, Kentucky and the General Assembly sets policies, formulates statements of faith, publishes curriculum and worship resources, helps start new churches, and coordinates the global mission of the denomination.
Reformed Theology
Reformed and PC(USA) are not synonyms. Reformed theology is typically considered synonymous with Calvinism and the confessions of the Westminster Confession of Faith. In the 16th century, the Reformers believed the church had become corrupt, so change was needed. But it was a change in the interest of preservation and restoration of more authentic faith and life—a church reformed and always to be reformed according to the Word of God.
For more information on reformed theology from the Presbyterian Mission Agency, please visit Ecclesia Reformata.
