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Who We Are

Our Team & Leadership

First Presbyterian Church is led collaboratively by a team of called leaders who work together to ensure we are doing our best to “cultivate hearts for Jesus from the heart of downtown.” We believe that all ministry (paid and lay ministry) is a calling that comes from God, who empowers each of us to unique service according to our gifts and personalities. By working together, we maximize the potential of these gifts for Kingdom-building effort!

The Staff are paid individuals with unique gifts who work together to maintain the day-to-day operations of the church. The staff works together on everything from planning events to keeping the building maintained to organizing worship services & classes to all the behind-the-scenes tasks that keep our congregation moving.

The Session is a group of twelve elected lay leaders who represent the church as a spiritual “board of directors.” Each of these elders work on a three-year term within a specific ministry team to ensure our mission and vision goals are being met and implemented. All ministry teams report to the Session via the work of these leaders. The Session meets monthly (or more frequently, if needed), and has the ultimate authority on all church decisions.

Doreen Hawkins

Financial Administrator

Doreen started working for First Presbyterian In April of 2019. She really enjoys the people of First Presbyterian as well as her responsibilities. Doreen grew up in Bradenton and married her high school sweetheart, Emery. She comes to us with over 20 years of experience as an Office Manager/Bookkeeper where she worked for DeSoto Electric until they closed. Doreen has also worked a few years in Children’s Ministry, but her love of numbers and administrative gifting has drawn her back to the office. Doreen and Emery have raised 4 children, Paul, Gavin, Noah and Rebekah. All in fields they love, Rebekah still in school, working on a double Master’s in Mental Health and School Counseling. When not working, Doreen enjoys cooking, reading and camping.