About Us - FPC

Inwardly Strong, Outwardly Focused

 

VISION STATEMENT: The vision of First Presbyterian Church is to make and mature disciples for Jesus Christ. 

MISSION STATEMENT: First Presbyterian Church responds to God’s grace by praising him and offering Christ-centered worship, Bible-based teachings, and prayerful opportunities for mission and service to all.

 CORE VALUES:

• Christ centered – proclaiming Jesus Christ as God’s Son and humankind’s only savior

• Bible-based – teaching scripture as God’s inspired word

• Worship focused – seeking to glorify God

• Theologically Reformed – standing in the classic Presbyterian tradition

• Mission minded – sharing the love of Christ in word and deed

• People loving – showing respect for and kindness to one another

• Generous stewards – giving of time, talent, and treasure for the glory of God

• Values oriented – striving for personal integrity based on biblical truth

   

How Presbyterians Govern Themselves

The Presbyterian Church is a representative democracy governed by elders elected from and by the congregation of the local church. Session meetings are held monthly to conduct the business and oversee the ministry of the local church. Authority resides with these duly elected members, but the congregation reserves the power to elect officers, call pastors, and make other major decisions. In addition, local congregations are supported by and accountable to higher governing bodies (Presbytery, Synod, General Assembly), constituted of elder representatives of local churches and minister members.

Our connectional relationship to the Presbytery of Tampa Bay is maintained by the Session which is responsible for electing elder Commissioners to Presbytery meetings. Ordinarily, five elders plus the clergy staff are in attendance at these quarterly meetings.

Presbytery – the next highest governing body above the session, made up of elder delegates and the ministers in a particular geographical area and meeting quarterly. Sessions are accountable to Presbytery in matters of property and the calling and dismissing of pastors. First Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay.

Synod – the next highest governing body, above the presbytery and session, made up of elder and minister delegates in a geographical region. This church and the Presbytery of Tampa Bay belong to the Synod of South Atlantic, with offices in Jacksonville, FL.

General Assembly – the highest governing body of the church, made up of elder and minister commissioners sent by the presbyteries, as well as advisory delegates. The Assembly meets biannually in June.