First Presbyterian Church - Greeley, Colorado

Behind every face here is a personal story of the Lord’s grace and power – calling us to Jesus, rescuing and forgiving us, restoring His image in us, and sending us in His Name back into a needy world. We are increasingly awed by this great privilege and responsibility.

We are an intergenerational community of imperfect people on the journey of following Jesus. We are Jesus’ disciples (apprentices) learning from him how to live our new life in God’s Kingdom. We believe that Jesus knows the best way to live, and we are seeking to order our lives according to the wisdom of God’s Word in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we learn to yield our lives to His influence, we are slowly being changed into a people who increasingly reflect His character and priorities. We know that we are not smart enough or strong enough to change ourselves. We need the presence of the Holy Spirit in our midst.

We are a community of Presbyterian Christians rooted in the Reformed theological tradition. We desire to embrace and celebrate the best of the Presbyterian Church’s rich, historical heritage while remaining humble and open to the new and creative ways the Holy Spirit is moving today. We are a part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. For more information on the above topics, you may click on the headings below.

To be a Presbyterian is to follow in the Reformed tradition of Protestant Christianity. The Reformation, which began with Martin Luther in 1519, was an effort by the Reformers to “re-form” their faith on the basis of biblical principles rather than church traditions. The three great affirmations of the Protestant Reformation were the watchwords – grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone.

Presbyterians trace their roots back to the life and work of John Calvin (1509-1564). Forced to flee France under Catholic persecution, Calvin lived mostly in Geneva, Switzerland. Calvin mentored John Knox, a Scot, who eventually carried Calvin’s “Reformed” theology back to Scotland and England. The Reformed faith came to America through many different denominational groups. The Rev. Francis Makemie, a Scot immigrant, is often called the “father of American Presbyterians.” He was instrumental in forming the first Presbytery in Philadelphia in 1706 for the purpose of advancing the gospel in the American wilderness.

Generally, the Reformed tradition is distinguished by two characteristics:

1. a particular form of church government (“polity”), and
   
2. a particular system of Scriptural doctrine (“Reformed” theology).

The word “Presbyterian” is derived from the Greek word presbuteros– “presbyter” or “elder.” Scripture gives clear precedent for the office of presbyter or elder (Acts14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; 5:17-22; James 5:14; 1 Peter 5:1-10). There is also precedent for the office of deacon as one of service to those in need (Acts 6:1-6). We believe that the New Testament uses the words “bishop” and “elder” to refer to the same office (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-7). From the church’s beginning, congregations have been led by those who demonstrated spiritual maturity.

Presbyterian churches are elder – led churches. In the Presbyterian form of government, the power does not reside in a single person or in the congregation. Instead, the power resides in the elders (called the “Session”), who are elected by the congregation to lead the church in the humility and wisdom of Christ. Thus, this representative leadership is recognized as a sacred trust from the Lord for which leaders will ultimately give an account to the Lord.

The Presbyterian form of government is also called “connectional.” Each local Presbyterian congregation is connected to a group of Presbyterian churches within a particular geographical region called a “Presbytery.” Each local congregation has certain inalienable rights, privileges, and duties, yet at the same time the unity of the church is maintained through a commitment to certain theological tenets, which are considered essential for all pastors, elders and deacons.

There are certain basic beliefs that Reformed Christians hold with all Christians:

1. The Trinity

God has revealed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit; God in Three persons (Triune God of Grace). Each person of the Trinity has a distinct role. This central doctrine is affirmed by the Church in the Apostle’s Creed.

2. The Incarnation of Jesus Christ

Jesus was God in the flesh – fully God and fully human (John 1:1-18). This central doctrine is affirmed by the Church in the Nicene Creed.

There are certain basic beliefs that Reformed Christians share with all Protestant Christians:

3. Justification by Grace through Faith Alone

We are saved, not by anything we do, but simply by God’s grace to us through Jesus Christ (Rom. 5; Eph. 2:1-10). The essence of grace is God's undeserved favor toward us. In spite of our rebellion away from Him, He has sought us out in love. He has not waited for us to clean ourselves up or to come seeking Him first, but has come calling us. This is the foundation to the Gospel (Luke 15; Ephesians 1&2).

4. Authority of Scripture

Scripture is the inspired written revelation of God, and therefore, it speaks as God’s authoritative and infallible Word on matters of faith and life (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 2:21).

5. The Priesthood of all Believers

Everyone who is a believer in Jesus has been sanctified by the Holy Spirit and gifted for ministry. Everybody is a minister. The purpose of the ordained minister or pastor is to help others grow into the fullness of Jesus so they will be able to minister as well, whether to other believers or to their family, neighbors, coworkers etc (Ephesians 4:11-13; 1 Peter 2:4,9; Revelation 5:10).

There are certain beliefs that Reformed Christians emphasize, because we believe they best express the truth of Scripture:

6. The Sovereignty of God

Central to the Reformed tradition is our affirmation of the majesty, holiness, and providence of God – the conviction that every human being has every moment to do with the living God. God’s glory is the ultimate priority in life (Isaiah 43:6-7; Rom.16: 25-27).

God is the reigning King over His creation and nothing can ultimately thwart His purposes. He initiates everything including creation, our redemption and sanctification (Ps. 24; Isaiah 43:10-15; 45:5, 18-25). Jesus came to earth to initiate God's kingdom on earth and to reveal what life in God's kingdom looks like. He will return again to consummate his kingdom (Matthew 4:17; Ephesians 1:7-10; Revelation 1:12; 12:10; 15:3-4).

God uses human means to accomplish His purposes, but His means do not involve coercion. Humanity is still responsible for its decisions and actions. God’s sovereignty and human freedom are equally taught and a paradox of Scripture.

7. Election

By His own initiative and without any consideration of our worthiness, God elects or chooses a people to be in covenant relationship with Him. We did not choose God, but He chose us. The purpose of election is to experience the favor of God as well as to reflect the character and purposes of God and to be a blessing to the world (Genesis 12:1-3; Exodus 19:3-6; Ephesians 1: 3-6).

8. Covenant

God relates to humanity by a covenant of grace. A covenant was/is a binding promise or blood oath (oath made on penalty of death). The heart of God's covenant promise is that He will be our God and we will be His people. God made His covenant with Abraham, renewed it with the Israelites (Abraham's descendants), renewed it with King David, promised a renewed covenant through the Prophets, and finally renewed it for good in Jesus (Genesis 15; 17; Revelation 21: 1-5).

9. Sin of Idolatry

Every human being has been personally affected by the Fall and now experiences the effect of sin totally, i.e. sin has affected our minds, wills and emotions. The root of our sin is not so much our lack of faith as idolatry (we are self-centered as opposed to God-centered). It is this sin nature that Jesus now changes in every believer by his Holy Spirit. We have tended to emphasize this sin nature as opposed to the individual acts of sin, which flow out of our sinful hearts (Genesis 3; Mark 7:20-23; Romans 3:21-22).

10. Stewardship

Grace motivates us to live a life of gratitude and obedience. Everything we have, including our talent, health, relationships, material possessions etc, has been entrusted to us by God. We are to enjoy them and use them wisely to bring blessing to others and glory to God (Genesis 2:15; Matthew 25:14-30; James 1:16-18).

Your gifts of time and talent ARE needed! Take a look at all the opportunities available and give an Elder or Staff member a call for more information.

WE PRAISE: Facilitating and Leading the congregation into worship experiences that allow us to experience God’s heart. Marvin Easter (352-3030)

ADULT SPIRITUAL FORMATION: To lead, develop and oversee spiritually formative opportunities for people to become growing disciples of Jesus. Ken Wiggers (352-6883)

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES: Partnering with the Lord in drawing students to Him and to our church and ministering to them in ways that will bring glory to God and growth in their faith. Gary Cassedays (381-1253) Jennie Camp (785-9143)

YOUTH: Introducing and connecting students to the best possible life and the reality of following Jesus. Donny Butkus (352-3030 ext. 105)

CHILDREN: Together with parents, spiritually forming children to grow towards a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Zoe Adamson (352-3030) ext. 104

WE PRAY: To provide practical opportunities to individually and collectively know the Father’s character; grow spiritually and experience His power through the sacred gift of prayer. Gail Holmes (356-2491)

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS: Furthering the call to take Christ to all nations and to engage and equip our congregation in these endeavors. Marilyn Beattie (330-9787) John Trull (339-9038)

LOCAL OUTREACH: To follow Jesus in His call to be salt and light in our community. Jeff Evans (330-2118)

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Formed to enhance the first visual, physical, emotional and spiritual impression experienced by those who enter our doors. Randy McSwain (330-2188)

HOSPITALITY: Helping to organize and facilitate community events with meal and kitchen ministries. Linda Randolph (352-3030, ext. 103)

MEN’S MINISTRY: The mission of the Men’s Ministry is to be leading Greeley and the nations to experience God’s heart in Jesus Christ. Randy Adamson (356-5243)

WOMEN’S MINISTRY: To provide opportunities for women to cooperate with God so that Christ may be fully formed in every woman of the church. Linda Randolph (352-3030, ext. 103)

“By Appointment”

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP: Oversees the finances of First Presbyterian Church, under the supervision of the Session (Elders) Don Wittnam (352-8020)

PERSONNEL: Facilitating the vision of FPC by working with the Session in their encouragement of staff in developing the full use of their gifts and talents allowing shared ministry to evolve. Sandy Jack (356-0458)

NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Facilitating the vision of FPC by providing for the vote of the congregation a slate of individuals to serve on the session or board of deacons for a term of one, two or three years. Sandy Jack (356-0458)

DEACONS: Allowing the Lord to direct service to His church and its members as needs present themselves, with a focus on the sick, the lonely or those in distress and then to follow His leading with action. Kay Stein (506-0262)