What is unique about us Presbyterians and what do we believe?
What is unique about us as Presbyterians and what do we believe? Presbyterians are distinctive in two primary ways: adherence to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology and practice of a form of connectional (local, regional, and national) government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both pastors and church members. The basic principles of Presbyterian and Reformed theology, which evolved during the Protestant Reformation are:
- The sovereignty of God – God is the supreme authority throughout the universe.
- The authority of the scripture – the Bible is the inspired record of the revelation of God to humankind and is the authoritative source of faith and practice for all people, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ.
- Justification by grace through faith – our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift (grace) to us and not the result of our own accomplishments.
- And the priesthood of all believers – it is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share the Good News of God’s grace through Jesus Christ with the whole world.
Presbyterians believe in the six Great Ends of the Church as set forth in our Book of Order – "the proclamation of the Gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world." To top
What are your worship services like?
We recognize the importance of offering different styles of worship to help a diverse group of people draw near to God in the way most appropriate for them. FPC has three styles of worship in four services on Sunday mornings. Visit our Worship page for details on these services. To top
Do you have any classes to help me know more about Jesus?
Yes, many. Both on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons & evenings, classes are offered on a variety of topics and studies, for various age groups and life stages. Learn more from our section entitled Grow. To top
Do you have any programs for my children?
Yes, many. Programming for elementary school children is coordinated through our Children & Family Ministry. Jr. and Sr. High school students stay plugged in through our active Youth Ministry. We also have a College Ministry that exists to meet the needs of those Young Adults. All of these FPC ministries have a common goal: to partner with you in helping your children grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ. To top
What do Presbyterians believe about non-members participating in The Lord’s Supper?
Participation in the Lord’s Table is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and their Savior. FPC serves communion on the first Sunday of every month in a 7:45 a.m. service in the Chapel, and about six other times per year in the other worship services. To top
How do I inquire about membership at FPC?
There are members available at the Information Center every Sunday morning to answer any questions you may have. FPC offers a Membership Orientation class several times throughout the year alternating between Sunday morning and Sunday afternoons. Advance registration is helpful but not required and there is no fee to attend these classes. See the Membership link above for registration and current schedule. At the completion of that class, you then decide if membership is right for you, there is no obligation to join if you are not ready. If you are ready to join, you will be introduced to the congregation in worship the following Sunday. You always have the option to call the church and ask to speak to a pastor. To top
Do I have to give money to be a member?
No, you don’t have to. As you grow stronger in your faith and learn about what God wills for your life, and how He has provided for you, giving an offering to Him will be something you will want to do. God loves you so much; that he assures us you cannot give more to him than he will give to you. As you trust him with your tithes and offerings, he will shower blessings on you that will add depth and meaning to every aspect of your life and relationships. To top
Do you have things to offer someone that wants to do volunteer work?
Yes, many. The Volunteer Connection is the best place to start. If you are unsure about just where you would like to plug in, they can help you discern what your gifts, passion and personal style are, and match those to areas in the church that fit you best. They can also help if you know what it is you would like to do. If you are specifically interested in Mission work, contact Mary Floye Federer at our Missions office at 713-620-6485 for information about opportunities locally and/or globally. To top
How big is First Presbyterian, Houston?
As of February 2008, our membership includes over 3,500 people representing 2150 families. Average attendance on Sunday morning is 2000 (includes SS attendance). Average worship attendance is 1400. To top |
