Our Values

First Christian Church is a suburban congregation, united in Christ and grounded in the values of diversity, fellowship and witness.

Our Mission

"An inclusive family of God, creating and inspiring Christian discipleship through fellowship, community mission and love of Jesus."

First Christian at a Glance

Welcome to First Christian Church of St. Paul located in the suburb of Roseville, Minnesota.

• We are a congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and part of the Upper Midwest Region of the Christian Church.

• We strive to be a place that is welcoming, loving and nurturing.

• We are an Open and Affirming Congregation openly welcoming LGBTQ people to all aspects of the Christian life.

• First Christian-St. Paul started ministry in 1882 in downtown St. Paul and has had a long and active ministry in the Twin Cities.

• We are a small congregation with a big heart for God and the world.

About the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

First Christian Church of St. Paul is part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

• We are an American-founded movement with its origins on the American frontier during the Second Great Awakening during the early 19th century.

• Beliefs and practices usually associated with the Disciples include:
   

  • Belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  We affirm Jesus Christ as the Messiah, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:15-17, Luke 9:20)

  • The priesthood of all believers.  We believe that all Christians are capable of proclaiming the Christian faith and showing others the goodness of God. (1 Peter 2:4-5)

  • Inclusive, weekly Communion. The Lord’s Supper is celebrated each week and is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah. (Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24)

  • Freedom of belief. Disciples are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  People are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit, reflection, and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others.

  • Baptism by immersion. In baptism, the old self-centered life is set aside, and a new, ever growing life in God begins. We believe baptism is into the whole church--the whole Body of Christ--and so while Disciples practice baptism of believers by immersion, as was practiced by John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, other traditions are also recognized. (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11)

  • The oneness of the church. All Christians are called to be one in Christ and to seek opportunities for common witness, testimony, and service. (Romans 10:12-13, 1 Corinthians 12:13)

  • The ministry of all believers. Both ministers and lay people lead in worship, service, and spiritual growth ministries as a means of expressing their faith. (James 1:22)

  • Covenantal relationships.  Each Disciples congregation is autonomous, and we choose to be related as a distinctive movement in a covenant of passion and compassion to carry the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ to all the world. (Matthew 28:19-20)