About Us

Who we are. Where we've come from. Where we're headed.

WHO WE ARE

It’s simple. First Church seeks to make a difference in our world for Jesus Christ by connecting people to God and letting God transform lives. First Church believes it’s important to be a bridge to each other, our community and the world.

First Church is committed to igniting Christ’s passion in everyday people to restore God’s ideal.

First Church is a multi-generational church. Jesus is our focus and our source is the Bible. First Church is far more concerned about faithfully living out the call of the Gospel, being a bridge to our community than we are about being a club.

First Church actively seeks to serve our community, not just attract the community to come to church. The Church is who we are, not a Sunday event we attend.

WHERE WE COME FROM

First Church was founded in 1906 when a small group began meeting in homes. As the size of the group grew, lots were purchased near the St. Joseph River (the present site of the Berrien County Courthouse) and construction began on the First Church building, called Faith Home. Worship services began in Faith Home in 1909 and continued there until the present site of First Church – Saint Joseph Campus was constructed in 1952.

In 2010, First Church officially became a Multi-Site Church with the beginning of its second campus at 990 N. Euclid Ave. in Benton Heights.

In April 2013, First Church purchased a building at 5767 Red Arrow Hwy. in Stevensville and, after extensive renovations, opened the First Church – Stevensville Campus in the autumn of 2013.

In 2022, Friends in Faith Church of Eau Claire, MI approached First Church about the possibility of becoming a campus of First Church.  In May 2023, First Church Association voted to adopt Friends in Faith, making them our 4th campus – First Church – Eau Claire.

WHERE WE'RE HEADED

What’s the bottom line? When Christ is at the center of people’s lives, homes, neighborhoods and communities; the world will be transformed.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

What does this mean for you? Most importantly, you’re always welcome at First Church. We’re saving a seat for you. Wherever you’re at in your faith journey, you’ll always be accepted as part of the First Church family.

FIRST CHURCH CORE VALUES

Core values help us determine who we are and where we want to go.