Dear Woodlands Reformed Family,
On April 19, 2026, The Woodlands Reformed Church (TWRC) will reach a milestone that, by its very nature, happens only once in the life of a church: we will be formally constituted as a particular church in the Presbyterian Church in America. TWRC began as a Bible study and was then planted in the PCA under the nurture, care, and oversight of Christ Presbyterian Church in Huntsville. Particularization marks the moment when stewardship is formally handed off to the leaders whom the members of TWRC have elected. On April 19, TWRC will stand on its own as a self-governing, covenant community—with its own Session installed, its pastor formally called and installed, and its diaconate commissioned to serve. It is, in every sense, a birth—and we only get one.
We would love for every member and regular attender to be present for this historic service. It will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 5 pm at Collins Intermediate School. Come ready to worship, to witness, and to rejoice together in what the Lord has done. To help you understand exactly what is happening and why, we’ve put together answers to the questions we anticipate most. Please read through them, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have others.
Particularization FAQs
What does “particularization” mean?
Particularization is the formal process by which a mission church transitions from temporary outside oversight into a permanent, self-governing congregation. In Presbyterian terms, a “particular church” is a covenant community of professing Christians and their children, gathered
for worship and discipleship. This process does two things: it permanently lodges governing authority in the church’s own local Session (its pastor and elected ruling elders), and it formally constitutes the congregation through a solemn covenant and an official pronouncement by a Presbytery commission.
What is a “particularization service”?
This is a sanctioned gathering of the Houston Metro Presbytery—the formal event at which TWRC is permanently constituted as a particular church. The service includes four parts:
- Ordination and Installation of Officers
- Installation of the Pastor
- The Congregational Covenant
- The Formal Pronouncement—the Presbytery commission officially declares TWRC a fully constituted church.
What are the major changes for TWRC at particularization?
The most significant change is governance: TWRC will no longer operate under temporary outside oversight, but will be governed by its own local Session — Pastor Juan Carlos Martínez and Ruling Elders Todd Stollberg and Lincoln Steele. Our deacon, Duke Kilgore, will also be formally installed at
this service. Additionally, the congregation will exercise its formal authority to call its own pastor, and Pastor Juan Carlos will be installed as TWRC’s Pastor at this service.
What does NOT change at particularization?
Everything that matters most stays the same. Our commitment to faithfully walk out the calling the Lord has placed on this congregation—expressed in our Vision, Mission, Markers, and Means— does not change. The same gospel. The same congregation. The same passionate call to glorify God
by making disciples of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, so that the knowledge of the glory of God will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.
Who makes up the TWRC Session?
- Teaching Elder / Pastor: Juan Carlos Martínez
- Ruling Elder: Lincoln Steele
- Ruling Elder: Todd Stollberg
- Pastoral Intern Julio Rodriguez will also participate in Session meetings in a non-voting, advisory capacity.
What is the role of the Diaconate?
Under the authority and direction of the Session, the Diaconate serves in five areas: Care (Ministry of Mercy), Finances (Stewardship and Financial Management), Property (Care of Church Facilities), Hospitality (organizing gatherings after Sunday worship), and Safety (Safety and Security).
Who makes up the TWRC Diaconate?
Deacon Duke Kilgore will serve as TWRC’s deacon. To assist him, the Session has approved a Diaconal Ministry Team consisting of: Austin Baker, Chris Kilgore, Scott Oliver, James McKissick, and James Gutierrez.
Who do I contact for prayer, counsel, or concerns about the church?
Please reach out to Pastor Juan Carlos Martínez or to the Ruling Elders, Lincoln Steele or Todd Stollberg. You may also contact the full Session at session@woodlandsreformed.org.
Who do I contact for a physical or financial need?
Please reach out to Deacon Duke Kilgore at deaconate@woodlandsreformed.org.
How do I give to TWRC going forward?
Checks should be made payable to The Woodlands Reformed Church. For online giving, visit woodlandsreformed.churchcenter.com/giving or use the Church Center app.
Important: We are no longer using the Aplos platform. If you have been giving through Aplos, please discontinue and close your account for security purposes. For giving or financial questions, contact our Treasurer at treasurer@woodlandsreformed.org.
For all other questions, contact the Session at session@woodlandsreformed.org.
Warmly in Christ
Juan Carlos Martínez
Pastor, The Woodlands Reformed Church