A Church in the Heart of Morristown: Lakeway Pres Particularizes

On March 1, Lakeway Presbyterian celebrated the milestone of particularization, the moment a church plant enters its new “adult” stage. The joyous celebration was, in the words of planting pastor Chris Talley, a remembrance of God’s faithfulness. “It wasn’t to celebrate ourselves but to worship Jesus and tell the story of what He’s done among ordinary people.”

Over the last 6.5 years since the Talleys hit the ground running in September 2019, Chris has witnessed Jesus’ steady faithfulness to the church. “When I started, I had a timeline in my head of how quickly things would grow and how soon certain pieces would lock into place. But planting in a smaller place is a lot like farming: Healthy things grow slow.”

Then came COVID-19, but the Lord sustained the planting work. “He kept people connected,” recalls Chirs. “He kept the Word central. He kept us praying.”

The Lakeway congregation and other friends celebrated the particularization by feasting together.

Early on, Lakeway had an older core group with just a few families with small children. By the time they particularized, the church had grown to about 40 adults and 40 kids, ranging from newborns to high school students.

The church has witnessed almost a dozen baptisms and professions of faith since it was planted.

Other tangible ways the church is experiencing God’s grace and kindness in this season:

• Pastoral Apprentices: From Tyler Majors to Thomas Callen, the Lord provided the right apprentices at the right time.

• A Team of Elders: The church ordained and installed three elders at the particularization service after beginning the nomination process last summer. “In a church plant, you feel the need for shepherds pretty acutely,” says Chris, “and God has been kind to provide them. These are men who have never served as elders before, and it’s evidence of God’s quiet, steady work: forming leaders. These are men of gospel grace, prayer, and hospitality who embody the values and vision of the church.” Over the rest of 2026, Lakeway will work to establish its first deacon team.

• A Growing Youth and Children Ministry: Chris says, “I’m watching friendships form, faith take root, and families find real support.”

• Missional Opportunities: Lakeway is building a connection with Luke 14 Ministries (serving people with disabilities and their families) and renewing a partnership with Reformed University Fellowship (RUF).

• Learning to Carry One Another’s Burdens: Chris says, “This past year has been heavy for many in our church. It’s been painful. And it’s also been one of the most telling signs of maturity: watching our people learn to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.”

• Provision for the Talleys: The Lord is providing for the Talley family through Chris’s bi-vocational work at Lakeway Christian Academy. In 2025, he transitioned from teaching Bible to working as the study hall supervisor. This new role gives him more space and attention to focus on church work while still providing financially for the family.

Installation of Lakeway's new elders

“Christ loves to build His Church through ordinary people and limited resources so nobody gets confused about where the credit belongs,” reflects Chris. “Lakeway is in a really healthy place relationally, missionally, financially, and spiritually.”

Read more about the history of Lakeway and God’s sustaining hand over the church here.