Missions

Missions at First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church is committed to advancing the Gospel through words and deeds, addressing the needs of under-resourced individuals within our communities, region, nation, and world. Our commitment to serving a diverse cross-section of our community is reflected in our support of 40+ local ministries in areas such as housing, hunger alleviation, elder care, addiction issues, homelessness, youth development, and spiritual growth. FPC supports domestic and global service organizations, supporting missionaries in Kenya, Taiwan, and Mozambique, and international service projects in countries like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Church members actively volunteer their time and talents to support partner organizations both domestically and internationally.

Local Opportunities

The church’s Local and Adult Missions Committees work together to offer a variety of mission service opportunities right here in our local community and even on the church’s own campus. These service opportunities provide an inspiring way to advance the Gospel in deed. There is a need and an opportunity for all ages to serve. Contact the Missions Ministry for more information about upcoming activities. Below are upcoming opportunities to serve, listed soonest to furthest. 

Blood Drive | April 16, 2025

First Presbyterian Church is known to the Red Cross as a generous and reliable source of blood donations. With your support at our quarterly blood drives, we can continue to aid in their life-giving work, which is especially vital while blood donations have decreased locally. Sign up here.

Habitat for Humanity Build | Fall 2025

First Presbyterian Church partners with Habitat for Humanity to help a deserving family build a home. All skill levels are invited! Adults and youth over age 16 are able to serve (ages 16 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult). Work days will be published when provided by Habitat.

Room In The Inn | November 2025-March 2026

Every year from November through March, First Presbyterian Church houses homeless men through Room in the Inn. There are a number of volunteer opportunities available: overnight hosts, van drivers, breakfast donors, lunch donors, and laundry volunteers. Volunteer sign-ups for the season are made available in October of each year.

Pack a Meal for Rise Against Hunger | November 24, 2025

Each year on the Monday before Thanksgiving, 200 FPC members and friends come together to pack over 20,000 meals for t hose needing essential nourishment at our annual Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event. Rise Against Hunger events provide a fun, educational way for groups to lend a hand to people facing hunger across the globe. Over the years, FPC Rise Against Hunger events have packed over 330,000 meals.

Burnt Offerings Grill Team

FPC’s Burnt Offerings Grill Team is a group of dedicated volunteers who use our 84-inch smoker and grill to serve those in need. From providing hot meals to victims of natural disasters to cooking on-site for our local mission partners, this team turns barbecue into a ministry of care and connection. We’re looking for volunteers to help with smoking, grilling, serving food, and coordinating events. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just eager to lend a hand, there’s a place for you on the team!

Supply Drives for Mission Partners

Throughout the year, we hold various drives to support our mission partners, including collections for school supplies, food, and cold-weather clothing. When a drive is active, we’ll share specific needs—please wait for those announcements before donating items.

Mission Partners Volunteer Opportunities

Click below for a list of Nashville area non-profits and organizations supported by First Presbyterian Church for other volunteer opportunities offered by these organizations.

Disaster Response

When disaster strikes, our hearts are moved to help those in need. As God’s people, we are called to respond with compassion and generosity.

In the past, our church served as a pass-through for disaster relief funds. However, to ensure that aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible, we now encourage direct giving. If you wish to contribute financially to disaster relief efforts, we recommend donating directly to organizations that are actively responding on the ground.

One trusted option is Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), the emergency and refugee program of the PC(USA). PDA provides immediate and long-term aid to communities affected by disasters. You can give directly to PDA here. Supporting local churches in the impacted area is another meaningful way to help.

Our Church’s Response

When disasters affect our local and regional communities, we step in directly. Through our Burnt Offerings Grill Team, we provide meals to first responders, volunteers, and those impacted by disasters. Our Handyman Crew, organized through our Congregational Care Committee, assists with cleanup and minor repairs for those in need.

In 2025, our Disaster Response Designated Fund has supported:

• Hurricane relief in North Carolina
• Wildfire recovery in California
• Assistance for victims of the Covenant School shooting
• Earthquake relief in Syria and Turkey
• Aid for Ukrainian refugees in Nashville navigating immigration paperwork
• Support for the Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary
• Reimbursement for FPC’s direct support of a Maui food bank following the wildfires
• Recovery efforts for the tornado in Madison, Tennessee