First Presbyterian Church is the oldest Presbyterian denomination in the United States

First Presbyterian Church refers to the Presbyterian Church (USA), formed in 1983 when the Presbyterian Church in the United States (Southern) and the United Presbyterian Church in the USA (Northern) reunited after 122 years of separation. It is the largest Presbyterian body in America, with roughly 1.3 million members across more than 9,000 congregations. When you see a church building labeled "First Presbyterian," it typically means that congregation is part of this national denomination, though "First" usually indicates it was the earliest Presbyterian church established in that town or city.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) operates through a representative system where local congregations send delegates to regional bodies called presbyteries, which in turn send representatives to synods (state-level bodies) and the General Assembly (the national governing body). This structure means decisions about doctrine, worship, and church discipline flow both upward from congregations and downward from national leadership, rather than being set by a single central authority.

Key Takeaways

  • The Presbyterian Church (USA) is the largest Presbyterian denomination in America, formed when Northern and Southern Presbyterian churches reunited in 1983.
  • A congregation called "First Presbyterian" is usually the oldest Presbyterian church in its town, and it belongs to the Presbyterian Church (USA) unless it explicitly states otherwise.
  • Presbyterian governance is representative: local congregations elect elders and send delegates to presbyteries, synods, and the General Assembly.
  • The Presbyterian Church (USA) differs from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church in America, which are separate denominations with different theological positions and governance structures.

How First Presbyterian congregations are governed

Each First Presbyterian congregation is led by a session, which is a board of elders elected by church members. The session handles day-to-day decisions about worship, finances, and church discipline. Congregations also elect deacons, who focus on pastoral care and service to the community, though deacons do not have voting power in the session.

Above the local level sits the presbytery, a regional body made up of all the ministers and elder representatives from congregations in a geographic area (typically a few counties). The presbytery ordains ministers, handles disputes between congregations, and oversees the health of churches in its region. Presbyteries send representatives to the synod (covering a state or multi-state region), and synods send commissioners to the General Assembly, which meets annually and sets churchwide policy.

This layered system means that a local First Presbyterian congregation has real authority over its own affairs—who it hires, how it spends money, what it teaches—but also answers to larger bodies on matters of doctrine and discipline. A congregation cannot straightforward leave the denomination without going through a formal process that involves the presbytery.

Theological positions of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

The Presbyterian Church (USA) describes itself as Reformed in theology, meaning it traces its roots to the Protestant Reformation and emphasizes the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and salvation through faith in Christ. The denomination affirms the historic creeds of Christianity—the Nicene Creed, the Apostles' Creed, and the Athanasian Creed—as summaries of biblical teaching.

On specific issues, the Presbyterian Church (USA) takes positions that differ from some other Presbyterian bodies. In 2011, the General Assembly voted to allow congregations to ordain openly gay and lesbian ministers and elders. In 2015, it approved the ordination of transgender people. The denomination also permits women in all ordained roles, a position it adopted in 1964. These decisions reflect the denomination's understanding that Scripture should be interpreted in light of contemporary knowledge and experience.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) also emphasizes social witness—the idea that Christian faith calls believers to work for justice in society. The denomination has taken public positions on issues including poverty, racism, immigration, and war. Individual congregations and members are not required to agree with every General Assembly statement, and the denomination does not discipline members for differing political views.

How First Presbyterian differs from other Presbyterian bodies

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is not the only Presbyterian denomination in America. The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), formed in 1973, is theologically conservative and does not ordain women. The Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), formed in 1981, takes a middle position—it ordains women but is more conservative on some social issues than the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and several smaller bodies also exist.

The key differences come down to theology and governance. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is the most inclusive on LGBTQ ordination and tends toward progressive positions on social issues. The PCA is explicitly complementarian (believing men and women have different roles in church leadership) and more conservative on biblical interpretation. The EPC tries to hold a middle ground. All three denominations use representative governance, but they differ on who can be ordained and how strictly they interpret Scripture.

A congregation that calls itself "First Presbyterian" without further qualification is almost certainly part of the Presbyterian Church (USA). If it belongs to the PCA or EPC, the building sign or website will usually say so explicitly. If you are visiting a First Presbyterian church and want to know its exact position on a particular issue, the pastor or church office can tell you whether that congregation follows the denomination's general stance or has taken a different local position.

What happens at a First Presbyterian service

Presbyterian worship tends to be liturgical but not highly formal. A typical Sunday service includes hymns (often from the Presbyterian hymnal), Scripture readings, a sermon, and the recitation of creeds or prayers. Many First Presbyterian churches use a lectionary—a three-year cycle of assigned Bible passages—to structure their preaching, though some pastors choose their own texts.

The Lord's Supper (also called Communion or the Eucharist) is central to Presbyterian theology, though most congregations celebrate it monthly rather than weekly. Presbyterians believe that Christ is spiritually present in Communion but do not teach transubstantiation (the Catholic belief that bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ). Many First Presbyterian churches practice open Communion, meaning visitors of any Christian faith are invited to participate, though some congregations restrict it to members.

Baptism in First Presbyterian churches is typically performed on infants (whose parents or sponsors make faith commitments on their behalf) and on adults who profess faith in Christ. The mode is usually sprinkling or pouring rather than immersion, though some congregations offer immersion as an option.

Membership and participation in a First Presbyterian church

To become a member of a First Presbyterian congregation, you typically meet with a pastor or elder, discuss your faith, and then are received by the session. Some congregations require a formal membership class; others do not. Membership means you are part of the congregation's decision-making body and can vote on matters like the church budget and the calling of a new pastor.

You do not have to be a member to attend worship or participate in most church activities. Many First Presbyterian churches have Sunday school classes, Bible studies, youth groups, and community service projects open to anyone. Some congregations are more welcoming to visitors than others, so if you are considering attending, calling ahead or visiting the church's website can give you a sense of what to expect.

First Presbyterian congregations vary widely in size, style, and emphasis. A First Presbyterian church in a rural area might have 50 members and one pastor; a First Presbyterian church in a major city might have 2,000 members and a staff of a dozen. Some emphasize traditional hymn-based worship; others use contemporary music. Some are deeply involved in social justice work; others focus primarily on spiritual formation. The Presbyterian Church (USA) as a whole sets broad theological boundaries, but individual congregations have considerable freedom in how they live out their faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is First Presbyterian the same as the Presbyterian Church (USA)?

Not exactly. The Presbyterian Church (USA) is the denomination. "First Presbyterian" is usually the name of a local congregation that belongs to that denomination. It is like the difference between "Methodist" (the denomination) and "First United Methodist Church" (a specific congregation). However, the terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation.

Can I visit a First Presbyterian church if I am not Presbyterian?

Yes. First Presbyterian churches welcome visitors of any faith background. You are not required to be a member to attend worship, and you do not have to participate in anything you are uncomfortable with. If you have questions about what to expect, the church office can answer them before you visit.

What is the difference between First Presbyterian and the Presbyterian Church in America?

The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is a separate denomination formed in 1973. It does not ordain women and takes more conservative positions on biblical interpretation and social issues. The Presbyterian Church (USA) ordains women and LGBTQ people and tends toward progressive social positions. Both use representative governance, but they differ significantly on theology and who can lead.

Do First Presbyterian churches have to follow decisions made by the General Assembly?

Congregations must follow General Assembly decisions on matters of doctrine and church discipline, but they have freedom on how to implement them locally. For example, if the General Assembly says LGBTQ people can be ordained, a congregation cannot refuse to ordain someone solely on that basis, but it still controls who it calls as its own pastor.

What does "Reformed" theology mean?

Reformed theology traces back to the Protestant Reformation and emphasizes the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and salvation through faith in Christ. Presbyterians are part of the Reformed tradition, along with some Congregationalists and the Reformed Church in America. It is distinct from Lutheran theology and from Pentecostal or Holiness traditions.