Our core values are the deep truths of First Pres. They are evidence of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of our church over the last 150 years (and beyond)! These values matter to us because they matter to Jesus, and have become markers of our identity. Our desire is to exhibit these characteristics in our everyday rhythms as we aspire to—and are formed into—the likeness of Christ.
We believe in the authority of the Bible, and align our lives to what God says. We filter culture, experience and decisions through a biblical lens. We acknowledge we live in the tension between grace and truth, mercy and justice, hope for the present and eternal life.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Our identity is deeply rooted in Orlando. Our Christlike leadership in the city matters. We stay and we serve without expectation or condition, because we are part of the social fabric of the city.
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. Jeremiah 29:7
We are the people you call in a crisis. Our covenant relationship matters to us, and we joyfully surround our brokenhearted.
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you the interests of the others. Philippians 2:1-4
We give extravagantly, beyond what is expected. We give because God was generous to us first. We give responsibly, cheerfully, and without guilt, championing the future forward.
See what great love the father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1
God has been faithful to this church for many generations, and we are stewards of this inheritance, building on what He began. We value and embrace all ages, and through them, celebrate the past, present, and future church.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1
We acknowledge our broken humanity, and still bring our wholehearted best to every endeavor, no matter how small. We get excited about making things even better (always being Reformed!). Our best is not perfect; but it is an authentic expression of our flawed, human gifts intended to delight a holy God.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17
Strategic Priorities are established by our Session through prayer, data analysis, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit to direct the expectations and operations of our community. They describe the way we belong together:
We foster deep belonging through relationships of radical affection and accountability.
We strengthen and equip each other to Live Missionally in family, neighborhood, and vocation while readily pursuing the global mission of Christ.
We invite and engage every Covenant Partner toward full participation in and ownership of our mission.
Our mission reflects the spiritual rhythm we seek to embody as a church family. “Be Loved / Love the City. Know Truth / Live Truth.” It is just like breathing, in and out. Come in and be filled with the goodness of community, the nourishment of the Word, and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. As you go, love the city, seek goodness, and be an encouragement to those with whom you live, work and play.
