Our Denominations

First United is a church of 600-plus members that is affiliated with two denominations — the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ. Two Oak Park churches, First Presbyterian Church and First Congregational Church, united in 1975 to form First United Church of Oak Park. We follow the polity of both denominations and also have our own unique approach to governance.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

For over four centuries, Presbyterians have been responding to the call of Jesus Christ, taking the gospel into the world and bearing witness to Christ’s saving love to the ends of the earth. Today the Holy Spirit is still on the move, calling us to share in what God is doing in the world.

Shaped by its Reformed theology, history, and representational form of leadership, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) faithfully works to serve Christ in the world through new and existing communities of faith, hope, love, and witness.

Learn More About the PC(USA)

United Church of Christ

For over 400 years, the United Church of Christ has been the church of firsts, weaving God’s message of hope and extravagant welcome with action for justice and peace. We are a church where Jesus the healer meets Jesus the revolutionary, and where together, we grow a just and peaceful world.

The United Church of Christ is an inclusive and diverse community of Christians connected by faith that calls us to build a just world for all. Our ministries advocate at a national and global level, but our roots are planted firmly in our local churches in communities like yours.

Learn More About the UCC

Church Leadership

Council

Our lay leadership consists of an elected Council of between 13 and 17 members (including two teenagers) to serve as the church’s governing body. Council is chaired by the Church Moderator and has a Clerk (Secretary).

Deacons

Our elected Board of Deacons nurtures a culture of caring within the church community. Deacons embody acts of care, compassion, and service.

Nominating Team

The Nominating Team is the final elected team. The Nominating Team identifies and selects members for service on Church Teams as well as slates of candidates for the Council and the Deacon Board

Church Teams

Much of the day-to-day work of the church is conducted by various ministry teams that meet monthly together with their staff and council liaisons. The Fellowship Team, for example, organizes social events and celebrations for the First United community. The Building and Grounds Team oversees building projects and maintenance.