Our Four Pillars

First Congo is a community with four important pillars of purpose…

Nurture Diverse & Inclusive Community

Our community strives to makes room for people of a wide variety of races, sexualities, gender expressions, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, citizenship statuses and more. We also embrace theological diversity as a core value, prioritizing belonging over belief.

Work & Advocate for Justice

From feeding hungry neighbors through our vital Food Justice Ministry to housing nonprofit organizations in our building - First Congo has a past, present, and future commitment to supporting and leading social justice efforts throughout our Memphis community.

Affirm & Celebrate LQBTQ+ Spiritual Seekers

First Congo has been an Open and Affirming congregation since 1991. This means that First Congo is both welcoming of all of us LGBTQ+ spiritual seekers and, also affirming of the fact that God loves US, in all the ways that we love each other. It’s who we are!

Worship God with Creativity and Curiosity

There isn’t one right way to think about, talk about, or experience God. First Congo holds a commitment to being both grace-driven and intellectually open. We make intentional space for art and beauty in our sanctuary, our worship, and our community building.