First Presbyterian Church

Thank you for taking the time to find out more about First Presbyterian Church and our community. First Presbyterian Church was established in Pascagoula, Mississippi in 1890. We hope that after you look through our website and attend a worship service, you will consider becoming a more active part of our growing community of faith.

Lead by the Reverend Clint Regen, First Presbyterian Church offers many ministries for people of all ages and walks of life who are looking to strengthen their relationship with Christ.

 

We exist to glorify God, make disciples, and meet human needs.

 

 

First Presbyterian Church of Pascagoula, Mississippi, is a community of faith called to present the truth and comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ in a way relevant to a diverse and changing society.

What is Unique About the Presbyterian Church?

Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: we 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.

Reformed Theology: Theology is a way of thinking about God and God's relation to the world. Reformed theology evolved during the 16th century religious movement known as the Protestant Reformation. It emphasizes God's supremacy over everything and humanity's chief purpose as being to glorify and enjoy God forever.

A major contributor to Reformed theology was John Calvin, who converted from Roman Catholicism after training for the priesthood and in the law. 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. 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.

Church government: Calvin also developed the Presbyterian pattern of church government, which vests governing authority primarily in elected laypersons known as elders (the Session). The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word for elder. 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.

 

The Sacraments: Presbyterians observe two sacraments - Baptism & Holy Communion (to which ALL baptized Christians are invited). Click here for our Communion schedule.

Information from pcusa.org.