A New Port Richey church's two-year search for a new leader ended in South Africa with a man looking to broaden his horizons.
By EBONY WINDOM
Published February 7, 2004
NEW PORT RICHEY - They searched near and far.
It was in pursuit of a new pastor for Community Congregational Church, after the former one moved to another state. A group of members got involved. They formed a search committee to help find a new leader. And it was no small task.
It took more than two years and even expanded beyond the United States.
Now they can say: mission accomplished.
In January, church members welcomed the Rev. Andre Agenbag of South Africa as their new senior pastor. Agenbag, 35, is one of the youngest leaders this church has had. He's a new face with a fresh perspective.
"He is a perfect fit," said Steve Diller, co-chairman of the search committee. "He just had that certain special, spiritual manner that set him apart from the crowd."
Agenbag was in search of that perfect fit, too.
Although he enjoyed serving as senior pastor of Andrew Murray Dutch Reform Church back home, he says he wanted a new challenge.
He was on the hunt for a new church to lead. The Internet helped Agenbag broaden his own search to include the United States, the Netherlands, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
"I just sensed a desire to expand my horizons," Agenbag said. "I looked all over the world. I liked the vibe in America."
He joined the United Church of Christ denomination, with which Community Congregational is affiliated.
Agenbag traveled to the United States and preached a "candidating" sermon in the fall of 2001 before the 220-member congregation. They gave their stamp of approval.
They liked his style.
He's witty and down to earth. Agenbag says he speaks from the heart, sometimes using his own experiences as an example.
"One has to package the Gospel in a way that people can understand it," Agenbag said. "The world has changed so much. I want to be able to bring the old message in a new way."
Agenbag stays in touch with the Christian world and the secular, he says.
He reads his Bible daily, but he also enjoys pop culture.
"I love soul music," said Agenbag, who likes Aretha Franklin and Luther Vandross. He has also been reading the Lord of the Rings series.
"I like art, literature, TV and newspapers," Agenbag said. "I think that sometimes Christians are very hard on each other with such strict rules. (They) think they can grow and be Christians if they live on Christian islands. I'm completely opposite. I think we should be immersed in art. It doesn't mean we can't have fun."
He takes time to enjoy life, he says. He's a family man who gets a kick out of rolling around on the carpet as he plays with his daughter, Mieke, 4, and son, Ian, 1.
He and his wife, Maria, have been married for six years. They're still getting settled into their two-bedroom home adjacent to the church on Circle Boulevard.
For them, America is a brand new place. There are similarities to South Africa, such as the weather. And there are differences, such as the culture and the language. Agenbag is fluent in English and Afrikaans.
Agenbag says he's ready to do more than just "preaching and teaching." He plans to become a part of the community, not a wallflower, he says.
"We call ourselves a community church," he said. "A lot of pastors just stay in their study and never immerse themselves into their community. I want to put my ear to the heart of the congregation. Together, we will discern God's will. I really see myself as a servant."
If you go
Community Congregational Church is at 6533 Circle Blvd., New Port Richey. Worship is at 10 a.m. Sundays. For more information, call (727) 849-1943.
