About Us
For more than 100 years, First Presbyterian Church has been part of the Sebring, FL community. Located in the heart of Downtown Sebring, we're a Christ-centered church where people of all ages can grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve others.
​
Whether you've lived in Highlands County for years or recently made Sebring your home, we'd love to welcome you into our church family.
Serving the Lord & Sebring for over 100 years
A Church with Deep Roots
The First Presbyterian Church of Sebring was organized in 1914, only two years after the founding of the town itself. Founder George Sebring believed that churches were an important part of the quality of life in the town bearing his name, so he donated land on which a lot of churches, including First Presbyterian, got their start.
​
Despite some early struggles, the Lord grew the church so that by 1925 there were enough families to provide the financial support to begin construction of the beautiful sanctuary in which we still worship, adorned by stained glass windows and oak pews. In March of 1926, the congregation called its first full-time pastor.
​
In the 1950s, a new building project was begun, which would include Sunday School classrooms, a fellowship hall, and a church office. With Sunday School classes relocated from the sanctuary, more pews were added to accommodate the growing congregation.
​
The “rose window” at the back of the choir loft was donated in 1975. Elements of its design are reflected in our church logo.
​
The congregation voted to join the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in December of 1981. In its more than 100-year history, the church has been served by 13 different pastors. The longest serving was Rev. George Stulting, D.D. who led the church from 1955-1992.
Our current pastor, Rev. Karl Davis was installed in 2022.
Today, we're grateful to continue serving Sebring, Downtown Sebring, and communities throughout Highlands County.Why We Exist
Our mission is to help people know Jesus Christ, grow in His Word, and live out their faith every day.
​
We desire to be a church where people are equipped to pray, obey God's Word, love one another, and share the hope of the Gospel with our community. Everything we do is centered on helping people grow closer to Christ.
​
Our vision is to bring souls to Jesus Christ by teaching the Word, through baptism and the power of the Holy Spirit, equipping God’s people to pray, obey, and love the Lord.
Our Faith
As a congregation of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC), we believe the Bible is God's inspired Word and the foundation for everything we believe and practice.
​
We believe:
-
Salvation is a gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
-
Every person is loved by God and invited into a relationship with Him.
-
Jesus Christ died and rose again so we can have forgiveness and eternal life.
-
The Bible guides our faith, worship, and daily living.
​
If you'd like to learn more about our beliefs, we'd be happy to answer your questions.
​
In The Bible
The Holy Scripture is inerrant and is the perfect rule of faith and life.
​
In God
We believe God is the Creator and Sovereign Ruler of the universe.
​
In Jesus
God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is the only Savior and Lord of mankind.
​
In the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit enables us to begin and continue to live the Christian life.
​
In Salvation
Salvation is by God’s grace and nis not earned but is received through faith.
​
In Community
The purpose of a congregation is to glorify God by conducting public corporate worship, bringing the lost to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, building them up in the Christian faith, and preparing them for Christian service.
The Form of Government of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (3.2)
​
In Equipping Believers
We equip believers for the work of ministry through Bible studies, fellowship activities, and training experiences.
​
In Membership
Believers may join by professing or reaffirming faith in Jesus Christ or by transfer of membership from another Christian church. Associate membership is available to part-time residents who are members of another Christian Church.
-
Everlasting life is a gift of God
For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Everyone has sinned
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
The consequences of sin
For the wages of sin is death.
Romans 6:23
Jesus paid the penalty of your sin
God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
The Free gift of everlasting life is received through faith in Jesus Christ
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.
Acts 16:30
What do I do now?
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9We are Bible-Based.
The Bible alone dictates what we believe and practice as we REACH OUT with the gospel,
REACH OVER in fellowship and REACH UP in discipleship!Reaching Out
As followers of Jesus, we seek ways to share the good news about Him with our neighbors, in word and deed.
Reaching Over
Vital to the health of our church family is fellowship with one another. We seek to engage with one another and enter into a mutual relationship of service to our church family and our neighbors.
Reaching Up
The gospel is advanced internally through individual and group Bible study, participation in worship and communion, commitment to individual and corporate prayer, and submission to the discipline of the church.
Our Pastors & Leadership
Pastor Karl Davis
Rev. Karl Davis has served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church since 2022 and is passionate about helping people know Christ and grow in their faith.
​
Whether you're exploring Christianity or looking for a church home, Pastor Karl would love the opportunity to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
Jack Breed
Elder
Jimmy Seay
Elder
Roger Warrick
Elder
Pat Villere
Deacon
Janine Hart
Deacon
Dennis Green
Deacon
Robert Harderwijk
Deacon
Serving Our Community
Loving Our Neighbors
Being part of Downtown Sebring means more than simply gathering for worship on Sundays.
​
We believe God has called us to love and serve our neighbors throughout Sebring and Highlands County with compassion, generosity, and the hope of the Gospel.
​
We are thankful to be part of this community and look forward to seeing how God continues to work through our church for generations to come.
Why Choose Us?
A Church That Feels Like Home
When you visit, you'll find:
​
• Friendly people who genuinely care
• Biblical preaching and teaching
• Traditional worship centered on God's Word
• Opportunities for every generation to grow
• A welcoming church family serving Sebring and Highlands County
​
Whether you're visiting for the first time or searching for a church home, there's a place for you here.