About Us
First Presbyterian Church of St. Louis is a multi-generational, multicultural, social justice–seeking church with a big heart. As a vibrant, active, intergenerational congregation, we continuously grow in understanding and spirituality to confront the world’s challenges with love. We are committed to striving to live by the teachings of Christ while sharing Christ's love with our community. Our doors are open to all who seek to know God and grow in their faith. We have been a More Light congregation, welcoming LGBTQ+ people into the full life of our community, for over 20 years.
Our Mission
We are an inclusive community inspired by Jesus’ way of love and justice, called to grow, transform, and serve all.
Our Vision
By deepening our love for God and neighbor, we will build an intentionally inclusive and visible community to make a lasting difference in our lives and in the world.
Our Core Values
These Core Values hold a deep significance to our congregation. Each Core Value has a corresponding Bible passage.
Community
God created us with a deep longing for connection. Our passion is to create a loving, magnetic, and transformational community.
Justice
We will not be silent in the face of injustice. We believe everyone has a place at the table.
Service
We follow the example of Jesus by offering compassionate service to our local and global community.
Spiritual Growth
We commit to deepening our connection to God by
providing spiritual growth opportunities for all ages.
Meet Rev. Bill Perman
Bill came to First Presbyterian as Pastor in August 2010, but his association with the church began many years ago. His wife, Deborah Krause, was a student pastor here at First Presbyterian in the 1980s. Bill and Deb were married at First Presbyterian, and their adult daughters, Isabel and Rebekah, remain members.
A native of Washington State, Bill spent most of his early years in and around Seattle. Baptized in the Roman Catholic faith, his upbringing was an ecumenical journey from the Episcopal tradition to the Swedish Covenant Church. Bill graduated from Seattle Pacific University, a Free Methodist school, with a degree in Religion/Greek. Feeling the call to ministry, he began his theological education at Eden Seminary in Webster Groves, at which time he joined and became a candidate in the PCUSA. Bill graduated from Columbia Seminary (of the PCUSA) in Decatur, Georgia, with a Master of Divinity with academic distinction.
In 1992, Bill and Deb [also a PC(USA) minister] moved from Decatur to Webster Groves to start their respective ministries – Bill as a solo Pastor and Deb as Assistant Professor of New Testament at Eden Seminary.
The Krause-Permans live in Webster Groves on the Eden Seminary campus, where Deb is now the president. Bill is a potter, bakes sourdough bread and pizza regularly, and enjoys cooking, CrossFit, and sailing.
Contact: bill@firstpres-stl.org
First Presbyterian Church of St. Louis is a PC(USA) Church.
The PC(USA) is the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States. Embracing a commitment to evangelical feminism and recognizing same-sex marriages, our church warmly welcomes individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community to serve in leadership roles, including ministers, deacons and elders.
As an active member of the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery within the Synod of Mid-America, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and affirming spiritual community.
This church teaches, preaches, shares, and works for God’s justice and love for all!
Deborah K.