In the heart of San Diego, First Presbyterian Church, established in 1850, has remained committed to its mission amid changing times.
With an active membership of about 300, Pastor Jeff Myers leads the church with a vision that intertwines historical traditions with contemporary needs.
At 40 years of age, Pastor Myers emphasizes the importance of the gospel, stating that all sermons ultimately lead back to the message of Jesus Christ’s deliverance from sin and death.
He believes that each sermon is an opportunity to connect with the congregation’s spiritual needs, ultimately bringing forth a transformative experience rooted in faith.
As a clergyman, Myers tirelessly questions what God is calling the church to change and how to present the good news in innovative ways that resonate with today’s audience.
Interestingly, he finds that sometimes this innovation involves a return to historical practices.
First Presbyterian Church has embraced a revival of age-old traditions, such as confessions from historic church catechisms, finding that these elements answer many contemporary spiritual inquiries.
Moreover, the classic hymnody of the church’s history has found renewed appreciation among worshippers, providing a unique and engaging way to express biblical faith in a modern context.
The core mission of First Presbyterian Church aligns closely with the teachings of the Great Commission, focusing on making disciples through worship, mercy, and education.
The church’s community outreach includes Ladle Fellowship, which serves up to 300 people every Sunday, providing meals to those in need, particularly the unhoused and underprivileged individuals in the area.
Their mercy ministries extend beyond food, offering services like medical care, haircuts, Bible study, and prayer for community members grappling with various challenges.
Additionally, the church runs City Tree Christian School for infants through eighth graders, ensuring that the next generation has a solid foundation in Christian teachings that can help guide them.
Myers notes that many new members are introduced to the church through one of these primary avenues: engaging in corporate worship, participating in mercy ministries, or enrolling in the Christian school.
Reflecting on his ministry, Pastor Myers cites C.S. Lewis’s ‘Mere Christianity’ as a significant influence.
He reads this work every five years, appreciating how it distills Christianity to its essence, underpinning the common beliefs shared among all historic Christians.
Myers finds Lewis’s insights incredibly profound, demonstrating that the essence of Christianity, while described as “mere,” carries great beauty and significance.
In today’s world, First Presbyterian Church, under the leadership of Pastor Myers, exemplifies how the new can often emerge from returning to the tried-and-true traditions of the past, embracing a journey of faith that remains relevant amid present-day challenges.
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