Welcome to First Pres!
We’re so glad you’ve found our website and are interested in learning more about us. With a 125-year legacy located in downtown Bakersfield, we are a church and community that is passionately committed to knowing Christ, loving one another and blessing the world. We invite you to take a moment and browse our site to learn more about who we are and how you might become involved in this vibrant community. Click here to view our annual report. Click here to view our by-laws.
Our Structure
First Pres is governed by a body of 18 ordained Elders, called Session, and 8 committees. Our Elders are men and women who meet monthly for three years, with six elders rotating on and off each year. Our committees include a minimum of 2 Elders, one of which is the committee chair, at least one staff representative, and other volunteer members of the congregation. The committees are: Discipleship, Finance, Membership & Fellowship, Missions, Outreach, Personnel, Property & Maintenance, and Worship.
Our Leadership
Our Elders provide wisdom and spiritual leadership for our community. Our Deacons embody Christ’s love in serving the sick, the friendless, and those is need within our church family. They also serve three-year terms. You can find our current leaders here.
Evangelical Presbyterian Church
Our name describes us well. The EPC is both evangelical and Presbyterian. We are evangelical in our zeal for the Gospel, as well as, evangelism, missions and living obediently as followers of Jesus. At the same time, we are rooted deeply in the Protestant Reformation and especially the theological and pastoral work of John Calvin. We embrace the Westminster Confession of Faith as our doctrinal standard and the rule of spiritually mature elders linked together regionally as the best way to guide local congregations.
Vist the EPC website www.epc.org/
Weddings at First Pres
We believe marriage is a covenant between a woman and a man who, before God, make a lifelong commitment to each other. In our wedding ceremonies, we rejoice that marriage is a gift given by God, blessed by Jesus Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit. For information regarding holding your wedding at First Pres, please contact the church office to make an appointment. To make a payment, click here