traditional church · modern worship

What does this mean?

At FPC Greenville, we honor our rich Presbyterian heritage while embracing contemporary expressions of faith. This approach allows us to honor the past, engage the present, and look forward to a vibrant future in Christ. Our "Traditional Church, Modern Worship" philosophy reflects a commitment to:

Historic Foundations

Rooted in over a century of ministry, our beautiful sanctuary, established in 1889, stands as a testament to our enduring legacy.

Contemporary Engagement

While we cherish tradition, our worship services incorporate modern elements to connect with today's congregation, ensuring relevance without compromising depth.

Inclusive Community

We strive to create an environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds feel welcomed and valued, fostering a multi-generational church family.

Authentic Worship

Our services blend timeless hymns with contemporary music, offering a space where the gospel is proclaimed with clarity and passion.

Our Values

Christ-Centered

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith and life together (Eph. 2:20). Our preaching and teaching are not simply moral lessons or abstract studies, but proclaim Christ from all of Scripture. Every passage ultimately points us to His redeeming work, the hope of the gospel, and the grace that transforms lives. Our worship, discipleship, and service flow from Him, for “in Christ all things hold together” (Col. 1:17).

Bible-Based

We stand on the conviction that Scripture is God’s inspired and inerrant Word, our only infallible rule for faith and life (2 Tim. 3:16). As heirs of the Reformation, we believe Sola Scriptura—that the Bible is our final authority, above tradition or opinion. God’s Word shapes our preaching, teaching, and decision-making as we seek to live in obedience to Him.

Elder-Led

Christ is the Head of His Church, and He has appointed elders to shepherd His people (1 Pet. 5:1–4). Following the New Testament pattern, our church is led by a session of elders who guide with humility, wisdom, and accountability. This Presbyterian form of government reflects the Reformed conviction that leadership is shared, Christ-centered, and rooted in servanthood.

Family-Focused

God calls His people to pass down the faith from one generation to the next (Deut. 6:6–7; Ps. 78:4–7). In the Reformed tradition, we affirm that children are part of God’s covenant community and are to be nurtured in the promises of the gospel. Our ministries seek to equip parents, encourage families, and engage all ages in growing together as disciples of Christ.

MEET OUR MINISTRY STAFF

Andrew Gilman

Senior Pastor

Andrew Gilman (Rev. MDiv) has served as FPC's pastor since 2019. He and his wife, Jenna, cultivate life with their two children. Pastor Andrew has spent time in vocational ministry since the mid-1990s. He was lead pastor of an English-speaking congregation in South Korea for 5 years. His hobbies include playing the guitar, playing baseball, gaming, and traveling. Pastor Andrew enjoys reading and talking about church history and reformed theology.

Paige Ervin

Director of Ministry Operations

Paige Ervin has served on staff since 2018. She is a proud Buckeye alum and is currently raising two future little Buckeyes with her husband Jared. Paige and Jared love spending time with family and friends over food and sports. Among other things, Paige enjoys reading in her hammock, playing outside with Jared and her kids, and exploring new places.

Brandon & Kelsey Ervin

Youth Leaders

Brandon and Kelsey Ervin started volunteering with our youth in 2023 and joined as part-time staff in 2024. Brandon and Kelsey work full-time as a main street director and art teacher. They both enjoy building relationships with the youth through their jobs, coaching, and ministry. They enjoy exploring new places together and trying new foods. Their favorite place they have been together is Zion National Park. Brandon and Kelsey are excited to host people at their home regularly after their renovations are complete!

ADDITIONAL STAFF MEMBERS

Elaine Hawley

Volunteer Coordinator

Elaine grew up near Arcanum and came to faith in Christ while studying at the University of Toledo, where she earned her bachelor’s in education in 2004. She later received a Master of Arts in Family Ministry from Winebrenner Theological Seminary in 2008. Grateful for how the Lord has transformed her life, she praises Him for the chance to love little ones through teaching. Since 2021, she has served as Houses of Study Administrator at United Theological Seminary in Trotwood. Elaine enjoys time with her husband Dan, their dog Kia, crafting, and cooking.

Marnelise van der Walt

Financial Secretary

Marnelise van der Walt and her husband, Hendrik, moved from South Africa with their two boys in 1999 and she has served on staff with FPC since 2002. She began her time on staff leading our children’s ministry but made the decision in 2017 to leave that position and volunteer instead. Marnelise is currently our financial secretary and has served us in that position since 2013. She finds great joy while gardening, taking walks and traveling.

Lori Conway

Custodian

Lori has been part of the FPC staff family since 2019, serving as our custodian. Caring for the church is truly a family affair—her husband, and kids often pitch in to help keep our building welcoming and well cared for. Lori is a full-time teacher yet still gives her extra time and energy to bless our church in this way. She and her husband are enjoying their empty-nest years, surrounded by the joy of four children, two in-laws, and several grandchildren who light up their lives.

Our Elders

The Session is the governing body of the church made up of elders elected by the congregation. Our staff members, listed above, are overseen by the session.

Our Deacons

Our deacons lead our church in the ministry of compassion. They financially support Community Unity and serve lunches at GRCC. They also tend to the needs in our own church family.

What We Believe

FAQ's

Why do we recite things aloud?

The church is a community of shared faith. We affirm our most fundamental beliefs through corporate recitation of creeds and prayers. Each month highlights a different affirmation: Psalm 23, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer.

Why are we singing these songs?

Music, as part of God’s creation, is beautiful, good, and full of variety. People made in God’s image enjoy many different styles. Singing helps the congregation focus on what God has done in Christ. At FPC you’ll hear a blend of old and new—treasured hymns and contemporary songs—chosen for thoughtful, gospel-rich lyrics that engage both mind and heart.

What is a Presbyterian?

A Presbyterian church is governed by elders selected from the congregation. Elders are under-shepherds of Christ, the head of the church. Our pastor is a teaching elder who moderates the session, FPC’s governing board.

What is FPC’s purpose?

FPC strives to be a Great Commission church—a place where people can come as they are to worship and learn Christ. Learning Christ is a once-for-all surrender at conversion and a lifelong journey of denying self and taking up His cross in humble repentance, faith, and obedience. We provide opportunities to grow in grace and pray that many will become ambassadors of the gospel, carrying the good news of forgiveness to the world.

What is liturgical worship?

Liturgical worship follows a gospel-shaped pattern: the Lord calls us to worship, to confess, to pray, to profess, to give, to hear His Word, and to respond in faith. Explore the elements of liturgy here: