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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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 | What is a Presbyterian?
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has approximately 2.5 million members, 11,200 congregations and 21,000 ordained ministers. Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
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| | | What exactly do Presbyterians believe?
Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: they adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology and a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members.
Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.
Above all else, we believe that the grace of God in Jesus Christ saves us, the Bible or God's Word informs and directs us, and the confessions of the church guide us as we seek to be faithful to Jesus Christ.
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| | | What is an "evangelical" Presbyterian church?
Among other things, we believe in the importance of the following:
1. That Jesus Christ alone is Lord of all and the way of salvation, and sharing that "Good News" with others.
2. That holy Scripture is the Triune God's revealed Word, the Church's only infallible rule of faith and life.
3. That God's people, while not perfect, are called to striving, with God's help, to live a life of holiness in all aspects of life. This includes honoring the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, the only relationship within which sexual activity is appropriate.
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| | | What is First Presbyterain of Pine Bluff like?
As a congregation of the PCUSA, we strive to share good news within the community we live in as we extend God's grace throughout the world through a passion for mission and service.
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| | | What does it take to become a member?
We believe that salvation comes as the Apostle Paul once said, by believing in the heart and declaring on the lips that Jesus Christ is Lord. In grateful response to that truth, we believe that church membership begins with a desire to express that reality in daily living. Therefore, like Jesus and the earliest disciples, we believe that any who trust in Jesus Christ are invited to become a part of our family of faith. It is only then that a life of true discipleship, or learning, can begin.
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| | | Who joins the First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff?
All who trust Jesus, love God the Father, and seek to live, by the power of the Holy Spirit, a life in shared and mutual love with others, where we respect all people no matter their race, economic status, or condition of life. In accordance with our baptismal covenant, we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We strive to include all persons without regard to race, nationality, gender, family configuration, ethnic background, economic circumstances, difference in ability, culture or age. Our love and acceptance of each other embody our commitment to unity with God and each other in Christ.
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The Membership of First Pledges to...
Membership at First Presbyterian Church is both a privilege and a joy! We have joined together to worship, study, and serve our Lord Jesus Christ. To join our church means to unite with others in committed Christian discipleship; to enjoy the benefits of Christian community, worship, and fellowship; and to serve together for the Kingdom of God. Specifically membership in our church means the following:
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Making a Christian Confession of Faith
Do you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Will you be Christ's faithful disciple, obeying His Word and showing His love? Will you serve the Church of Jesus Christ with your love, intelligence, gifts, and dedication? All church members are expected to be able to answer these questions in the affirmative.
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Regular Worship and Attendance
Members make a commitment to attend worship services regularly. Regular worship attendance is essential to Christian growth and nurture, and is a vital part of a member's service to the church.
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Service
Members serve the Church of Jesus Christ by joyfully using their gifts and talents in ministry as God directs. All church members are expected to put their talents to good use - serving in the program and mission of the church as it reaches out to the community and to the world.
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Study
Members make a commitment to study the Bible and the teachings of the Christian faith. Members are expected to participate in the educational ministry of the church (e.g. Sunday classes, small group meetings, etc.), as well as to read their Bibles at home.
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Regular Financial Giving
Members are expected to support the ministry and mission of the church through their financial giving. During the annual Stewardship Campaign, members are asked to make a Pledge for the upcoming year. We give our money joyfully and with thanksgiving, as God has blessed us and as we are able.
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Prayer
Members are requested to pray for the church, its ministries and missions, its staff and members.
If you are interested in joining our church, please speak to one of the elders. New members are received at Session meetings held immediately following worship on Sunday mornings. New members are received either by Profession of Faith, Reaffirmation of Faith, or Transfer of Letter. New member classes (which are not required to join the church) are usually conducted once a year.
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God is good, all the time!
First Presbyterian Church
717 West 32nd Avenue
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603
Phone: 870 534-7831
Email: staff1stchurch@sbcglobal.net
Ministry Opportunties Every Day of the Week
But our office hours:
Open 9-5, Monday thru Thursday; 9-12 Friday
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