What We Believe

At First Presbyterian Church, our beliefs are rooted in the transformative power of God’s love and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

God as Creator: We believe in a loving and compassionate God who is the Creator of the Universe, the source of all life and goodness.

Jesus Christ: We believe that Jesus Christ is the perfect embodiment of God’s love, and through his life, death, and resurrection, he offers us abundant and everlasting life.

The Bible: We believe that the Bible, through study and prayer, is God’s word to us. We seek to understand its teachings and apply them to our lives.

Mission and Service: We believe that we are called to make a difference in the world by addressing human needs and inviting people into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Through acts of compassion and service, we strive to reflect God’s love and bring hope to those in need.

Governance: We embrace a form of governance rooted in the biblical model of shared leadership. Our church is governed by ordained elders, who are elected by the congregation to provide spiritual guidance and oversight.

These elders, along with our minister, form the Session, which is responsible for the overall direction and spiritual well-being of the church. Through prayerful discernment and collaboration, the Session seeks to discern God’s will and lead our congregation in faith and service.

We believe in the priesthood of all believers, meaning that every member of the church has a vital role to play in its ministry. Together, we strive to create a community where all voices are heard and valued, and decisions are made in accordance with God’s guidance and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

At First Presbyterian Church of Garland, our beliefs are not just statements of faith—they are a call to action. We invite you to live these beliefs with us and join us in our journey of faith, service, and love.

Creeds & Confessions

First Presbyterian Church is rooted in a confessional faith. Confessions serve as guiding principles that shape our understanding of God, Jesus Christ, and the teachings of the Bible.

These historic confessions, such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Westminster Confession of Faith, provide a framework for our beliefs and practices. They help us interpret scripture and articulate our faith in a way that is consistent with the teachings of the Bible.

While we hold these confessions in high regard, we also recognize that our faith is dynamic and evolving. We value theological inquiry and open dialogue, seeking to engage with the teachings of the past while also discerning how they apply to our present context.

We embrace the rich heritage of Presbyterianism while remaining open to new insights and understandings. Our commitment to a confessional faith guides us in our journey of faith, helping us to deepen our relationship with God and live out our beliefs in the world.