First Presbyterian Church of Orlando — Church Directory

Quick Facts

Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Rev. Dr. David D. Swanson (Senior Pastor)

Founded Historic congregation (over 135 years in downtown Orlando)

Denomination Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC)

Service Times Sunday services (check website)

Men's Ministry Yes

Kids Ministry Yes

Website www.fpco.org

Pastor Credentials Master of Divinity, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary

10-Point Theological Scorecard

Christology

Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)

EPC affirms Westminster Confession — Trinitarian orthodoxy.

Strong

Scripture

Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?

EPC affirms biblical authority.

Strong

Men's Discipleship

Intentional formation for men?

Men's ministry section ('Men' under Engage menu) confirmed on site.

Strong

Soteriology

Faith alone? How is salvation presented?

Westminster Reformed salvation by grace through faith.

Strong

Gender / Biblical Design

Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?

EPC allows presbyteries to decide women-elder policy; verify Central Florida Presbytery and local First Pres stance.

Caution

Leadership Structure

Male elders/pastors? Accountability?

Male senior pastor Rev. Dr. Swanson; verify local elder board composition.

Caution

Preaching Style

Expository or topical/therapeutic?

Rev. Dr. David Swanson confirmed as primary Sunday preacher (James 4:1-10 sermon verified); 'KNOW TRUTH / LIVE TRUTH' teaching posture.

Strong

Mission Clarity

Great Commission central?

Long-established downtown Orlando congregation with community outreach.

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Cultural Alignment

DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?

Voted to join EPC in 2012 — left progressive PCUSA denomination.

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Accountability Structure

Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?

Evangelical Presbyterian Church — joined 2012 after leaving PCUSA.

Strong

Assessment

First Presbyterian Church of Orlando is a 135+ year historic congregation that voted to join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) in 2012, departing the progressive PCUSA. Rev. Dr. David D. Swanson (M.Div., Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary) has served as Senior Pastor for over 20 years. Located at 106 E Church Street in downtown Orlando, the church maintains a visible downtown ministry presence. The EPC is Westminster-lite — confessionally Reformed but more moderate than the PCA on some issues, notably allowing presbyteries to set their own policy on women as elders. For green-eligibility, verify the local elder board composition and the Central Florida Presbytery stance. Overall a solidly orthodox Reformed option in central Florida.