Leadership
Shared Leadership
In the Presbyterian Church (USA), leadership is shared between Pastors and Elders. Together, they have responsibilities for governance and ministry of the congregation they serve as well as in the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. The body of Elders, elected and ordained by the congregation, is called the Session. The Board of Deacons, also elected and ordained by the congregation, extends the ministry of Christ’s compassion for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the friendless, the grieving, the oppressed, and all who are in distress.
Co-Pastor
We are blessed to have TWO ministers, both equally sharing the position of Head Pastor. Kira and John Anderson are Princeton Theological seminary graduates and each brings a wealth of unique experience to our church. Kira most recently comes to us from Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver, CO where she was the Associate Pastor of Christian Education. During that time John was serving a much smaller but still thriving congregation as solo pastor in Milliken, CO. This young couple loves dancing, gardening, cooking, board games, fantasy literature, and sci-fi movies. They have two dogs (a golden retriever named Kingsley Shacklebolt and a chocolate lab named Lando Calrissian). Together all four of them are raising the 2 youngest members of the family, Kaylee & Lillian Anderson, John and Kira’s absolutely adorable daughters.
Our Church Staff
Music Director: Jung Hee Lee
Director of KidsStuff Preschool: Dustiey Smith
Office Administrator: Toni Allender
Finance Administrator: Leann Tomlin
Custodian: Lamar Reed
First Presbyterian Church of Joplin
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
I was hungry and you gave me food, I was
thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.
~ Matthew 25:35
Our Purpose Statement
At First Presbyterian Church, our mission is to work for the reconciliation of all people to God and one another. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we seek to know Jesus Christ, make His love known, and share His compassion through education, worship, and service. Rooted in faith, we strive to transform lives—both near and far—by addressing hurt and suffering, spreading God’s Word, and working toward the vision of Heaven on Earth.
A Spiritual Family for All
We believe in creating a welcoming community where everyone can find belonging. No matter who you are or where you come from, you are embraced as part of our spiritual family. Together, we grow in faith, support one another, and seek to live out God’s love through worship, service, and justice. Here, questions are welcomed, differences are celebrated, and grace abounds. Come as you are—you have a place with us.
Embracing Diversity, Celebrating Unity
We are a community that honors the beauty of diversity and finds strength in our shared faith. We believe that everyone is created in God’s image and bring unique gifts to the table. Together, we celebrate our differences while uniting in worship and service. In Christ, we are one family, called to love, learn from, and uplift one another.
Faith in Action, Serving Together
There are many other ways, though, that our church is active in mission. We provide continuing support for local agencies like Crosslines food and clothing bank. Our First Tuesday Lunches, sponsored by the Deacons, raise funds for these agencies and others, such as Children’s Haven and Bright Futures Joplin. We invite and encourage you to involve yourselves in service in our church! Come to a First Tuesday Lunch. Sign up for the Mission Work Trip. Give freely to our special mission offerings. Join our Mission Committee.