Marco Presbyterian congregation says goodbye to youth pastor

Dynamic, young and inspirational are the words that members of Marco Presbyterian Church used to describe their assistant pastor, the Reverend Jonathan Loerop at the pizza and salad party given in his honor Nov. 16.

Loerop will leave Marco Presbyterian to accept the position of solo pastor of Cypress Wood Presbyterian Church in Golden Gate Estates. Members were both happy for his new position and sad that he and his wife and son were leaving.

The youthful pastor began full-time ministry as Youth and Children’s Director of Marco Presbyterian Church in September 2003. He was later ordained and installed as the assistant pastor to Youth and Children at Marco Presbyterian in November 2004.

Loerop grew up in Delray Beach, Florida. He became a Christian at the age of 19 and received the call to ministry while attending Florida Atlantic University where he graduated with a bachelors degree in fine arts in 1999. He attended Knox Theological Seminary and graduated, with honors and a master of divinity in 2003.

He met his wife Jessica Hughey, another native Floridian, at church. They were married in 2003 and they have a two-year-old son, Nathan.

His ministerial experience includes: Outreach coordinator with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and pastoral intern at Coral Ridge Presbyterian under the late Dr. D. James Kennedy.

While at Marco Presbyterian, Loerop instituted some creative programs and outreach events: Ignite on Wednesday evenings, Insomnia, Spring Breakaway, Back to School Bash, Ski Mission trips, mission trips to Cherokee, North Carolina, Kingdom Kids, and paintball.

“My greatest passion is preaching the gospel, teaching God’s Word, and sharing the gospel one on one, said Loerop.

He also enjoys spending time with his wife and son, surfing, and art.

His wife Jessica was very active at the church and looks forward to her involvement at Cypress Woods. While at Marco she sang on the praise team, participated in both the vocal and bell choirs, was vice president of the Women In the Church, taught Sunday School, mentored teenage girls, and assisted with the Youth Group.

Fifteen years ago Marco Presbyterian and Covenant Presbyterian in Naples were instrumental in the startup of Cypress Wood Presbyterian. The churches have enjoyed close relationships over the years and their relations will only deepen as a son of Marco Presbyterian goes to pastor Cypress Wood.

Loerop will be installed as pastor at Cypress Wood Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m., Dec. 7. He will be the second pastor at Cypress Wood.

Cypress Wood Presbyterian Church is located at 3380 Golden Gate Boulevard West in Naples beside Max Hasse Community Park.

Welcoming Loerop to Cypress Wood are guest pastors, the Rev. Dr. Bruce Fiol, who pastored Marco Presbyterian for 25 years, the Rev. Bill Lyle, current pastor of Marco Presbyterian, the Rev. Dann Cecil, of North Fort Myers Presbyterian Church and other pastors and elders from the Suncoast Florida Presbytery.

“This is a bitter-sweet transition for us. We are very exited to see how the Lord will use us at Cypress Wood, but we will greatly miss serving side by side, week by week with our loving church family at Marco Presbyterian. It is like leaving home as a newly wed to start one’s own church family,” said Loerop.

“Jonathan will be missed here at Marco Presbyterian Church. The Lord has called Jonathan to fulfill his passion to preach the Word to God’s people. Our loss, will be Cypress Wood’s gain,” said Senior Pastor the Rev. Bill Lyle.

For additional information on Marco Presbyterian Church, 875 West Elkcam Circle call 394-8186 or go to marcochurch.com. For information on Cypress Wood Presbyterian Church and their new pastor call 353-8444 or go to cypresswoodpca.com.

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