Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church and He governs the Church through Elders. The very name Presbyterian comes from a Greek word, presbuteros, which means “elder,” and thus refers to our form of church government. Presbyterianism stands for a representative form of government, in which Elders from local churches meet together (such as in regional presbyteries) to conduct church business.
Locally, the Elders meet on a regular basis as a Session (also known as the congregational presbytery). Jesus Christ exercises authority though the Session for the spiritual welfare of the local church. All church officers are appointed by Jesus Christ by nomination of the Session and approval of the Congregation. The Pastor is part of the Eldership and is sometimes referred to as “teaching elder,” and the other Elders as “ruling elders.”
Deacons are men whom Jesus Christ appoints to oversee the physical welfare of the Church. Deacons are called to serve by managing financial and mercy matters of the local church, under the oversight of the Elders.
The following men serve KRPC in these offices:
Rev. Rudy Poettcker (Pastor), Royston Burrell (Elder), and David Card (Deacon).
About Our Pastor
Rev. Rudy Poettcker was born in Canada and was blessed to be raised in a Christian family. From an early age he became aware of his sin and need of having salvation in Jesus Christ. Over time and through studies he came to an understanding of covenant theology and a biblical world-and-life view. In God’s time he and his family became members of a Reformed Church in Calgary, Alberta, but soon faced various unbiblical teachings and practices.
After completing his studies at the University of Calgary, with a B.A. degree in history (and a Minor in Education), he went on to study theology at different seminaries and, after some time, completed his theological training (M.Div.) at Mid-America Reformed Seminary (at that time located in Orange City, Iowa). Upon graduation, he served as pastoral supply in a Christian Reformed Church and was later ordained in the Orthodox Christian Reformed Church.
After many life experiences in business and ministry the Lord brought an opportunity to gain missions experience in Suriname, South America, and he was called to pastor First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in Paramaribo while working at Christian Liberty Academy (CLA).
In 1998, First Presbyterian Church joined the Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church (CRPC). During Rev. Poettcker’s supply trips to the US he assisted Rev. G. W. Donnan in the planting of King’s Reformed Presbyterian Church (KRPC) in Florida (also in the CRPC). He also assisted in the training and subsequent ordination and installation of Rev. Asgar Hamid as Pastor in FPC. In 2006 the Poettckers moved to Florida, while he continued to assist as Elder in FPC in Suriname.
In addition to his pastoral ministry at KRPC (along with Elder Royston Burrell), Rev. Poettcker serves with Reformation Christian Ministries (RCM) through Scriptural Advanced Leadership Training (SALT).
This ministry includes:
- Director of RITS & RIC (Reformation International Theological Seminary & Reformation International College).
- As Dean of Studies for RITS & RIC he works with students in College studies (especially teacher training for a Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree). He also works with students in Seminary studies (especially training for ministry and eldership in the M.Div. degree program).
- Rev. Poettcker serves with Rev. Hamid, in the administration of CLA in Suriname. Rev. Poettcker serves as Headmaster, and Rev. Hamid is Administrator.