Particularization FAQs

Jan 25

On Sunday, February 5th, Trinity will become a fully independent (particularized) church! It is a momentous benchmark in the life of any church plant. It is a testimony to God's faithfulness through the challenging early years of planting. And it's a day of celebration for the members of Trinity who have invested so generously.

We hope the following FAQs will answer any questions you have about this process, if not you can email jeff@trinitysd.org and we will reply shortly!

FAQs on Particularization

Particularization describes the process of a church plant becoming a "particular" or independent church in the PCA (our denomination).
For a church to become particular, it needs to be:
SELF-SUSTAINING Healthy leadership dynamics
SELF-FUNDING Financially independent
SELF-PROPAGATING Evidenced by fruitfulness and grow
The purpose of particularization is to further the Great Commission. Particularization exists to help church plants grow in a healthy way so they, Lord willing, would have longevity and health within their community. Trinity has been grateful for this process.
Prior to particularization, we were a church plant of Redeemer, San Diego. As a result, the staff at Trinity were technically staff members of Redeemer as were members of Trinity technically members of Redeemer. When we particularize the staff and members will immediately be staff and members of Trinity (no further action needed). Trinity’s relationship with Redeemer is healthy and strong and we anticipate that we will continue to learn from them and share resources. If we think about Trinity’s relationship as a family, Trinity is moving from a daughter church of Redeemer to a sister church.
The staff team will remain the same, as will their responsibilities and titles. There are no changes within the staff when we particularize.
No, a building is not a requirement of particularization.
No, our financial picture will not change when we particularize. Trinity was given a one-time financial gift from Redeemer when we planted the church in 2019. Since then we have been financially independent from Redeemer (we have not received any financial support since our launch day).

FAQs about Elders

The office of elder is one of spiritual leadership and responsibility. Elders are called and charged by Jesus, through the Spirit and the election of the church to exercise their leadership by teaching, managing and shepherding the people of God.
At Trinity elders will be elected to serve within two consecutive 2-year terms. Evaluation of personal circumstances and continued availability is encouraged between each term.
In order for a man to serve in the office of elder, he must meet the biblical qualifications for the office with regard to his character, availability and sense of call (BCO 8.2-3). He must be a member of Trinity for at least one year.
1. CHARACTER - He knows and exhibits the biblical character qualifications of an elder. He is aware of sin that he is prone to and has identified the sin beneath the sin. He is growing in holiness by preaching the gospel to himself and being accountable to others.
2. AVAILABILITY - He manages his time well and follows through on commitments. He has a supportive wife/family (if married). He is approachable, gentle and can give people undivided attention.
3. SENSE OF CALL - He has a general but clear sense that God has called him to ministry. People have benefitted from his ministry and see him as a leader. He has an internal desire to be an elder.
Click here for the full list of elder characteristics and process for election.