The belief that the people of God are called to be leaders is at the heart of the Presbyterian way.

This commitment manifests itself in a style of “representative democracy” that ensures the church is directed, ultimately, by the members of the congregation.

This representative democracy is embodied in the boards of the church: the Session, the Board of Trustees, and the Board of Deacons. The people who serve on these boards have been identified for their gifts of leadership and a commitment to the life and ministry of this congregation and are elected by the congregation to serve terms of specific length. In 2012 the church elected leadership affirmed a philosophy of welcoming all to membership, leadership and worship regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.

First Presbyterian Church is a member of the Presbytery of the Cascades and the Synod of the Pacific, both of which are governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church (USA). As a congregation of the (PCUSA), First Presbyterian Church is organized according to the denomination’s Book of Order.