Missions

Members of First Church proclaim adamantly their passion for mission work. Jesus calls his disciples not to talk about him in the safety of church walls but to proclaim the Good News to the world. “They will know we are Christians by our love” the hymn says, and the best way to show that love is to do something for another person, sacrificing for others just as Christ sacrificed for us. Surely, as people saved through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus, we can sacrifice some of ourselves in order to gain a greater understanding of God’s amazing compassion and love.

Local Missions

Being an urban congregation in the heart of a revitalized downtown, First Presbyterian has many opportunities to serve our neighbors in the community. Listed below are some of the ways in which the congregation serves others in the name of Jesus Christ. New volunteers are always welcome to join the many First Presbyterians currently involved in programs that serve the Knoxville community. Read below to learn more about these local ministries. Click on the images to go to the each individual ministry website. Click on the ministry name to learn more about how each ministry relates to First Presbyterian. Check the Church News link to the right under References for upcoming events related to these ministries.

It must be understood that our good works are not done because we desire a “better seat in heaven,” for our salvation was secured in the death and resurrection of Jesus, but as Martin Luther states, “a Christian man (or woman) is the most free lord of all, and subject to none,” however “a Christian man (or woman) is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one.”

Global Missions

The disciples at First Presbyterian Church (FPC) in Knoxville, as members of the worldwide body of Christ, are working to spread the good news of Jesus Christ through ministries of justice, reconciliation and compassion as well as through healing, evangelism and teaching. In the following Global Mission links below you will read stories of the Spirit at work in and through the lives of our partners and our members, both young and old, as together we see
visions and dream dreams of God’s reign on earth.

“Here is the truly Christian life…when a man (or woman) applies himself (or herself) with joy and love to the works of that freest servitude, in which he (or she) serves others voluntarily and for nought; himself (or herself) abundantly satisfied in the fullness and riches of his own faith.”

Church Missions

There are many opportunities for us to minister to those families or members of our congregation who are in need. Part of our call as ministers of Jesus Christ is to preserve and strengthen Christ’s body by taking care of the church community. First Presbyterians put their faith into action for each other by answering the call when needs are identified. Learn more about these oppotuntuies below.