Location: Phoenix, Ariz.

Presbytery: Pacific Coast

Organization: 1960

Membership: 37 communicant; 14 baptized

Pastor: Christopher W. Myers

Website: www.phoenixrpc.com

Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase” (Job 8:7). On Jan. 28, 1960, First (Phoenix, Ariz.) RPC was founded in a humble community in Central Phoenix.

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:12–13).

On Mar. 29, 2019, with a bittersweet farewell to Pastor Jon and Bonnie Maginn, Phoenix RPC welcomed a new pastor. Although change is often hard on congregations, Pastor Chris Myers, his beautiful family, and his profound passion for our Lord and Savior have been a blessed gift. This passion has aroused members who live all over the valley of the sun to commute throughout the week for various opportunities to fellowship and glorify God. Christ’s body is one that is to be in continual prayer, which looms heavy on the heart of Phoenix RPC, and we continue to seek ways to grow our prayer lives throughout the week. We have included an afternoon prayer service each Lord’s Day. Initially meeting once every other week at various members’ and adherents’ homes, we are now blessed to gather every Wednesday.

During the pandemic, Phoenix RPC maintained open doors for all to hear the saving gospel of Jesus Christ through the public worship of His church. During this time, we were blessed to welcome many visitors, some who are now beloved members and some who especially sought to experience our communion season. The session of Phoenix RPC did an in-depth study on what the Scriptures teach concerning the required preparation for the Lord’s supper, particularly in relation to the Westminster Larger Catechism Q. 171, which was written to teach ministers and elders what the Bible says King Jesus requires of His church.

Compelled, the session moved to meet these required preparations by planning special worship services and a spiritual discussion with the intent to increase knowledge, faith, and repentance.

Pastor Chris preaches the week before communion Sunday to bring the congregation into a state of humiliation and contemplation in order to examine themselves of their being in Christ and of their sins and wants. On communion week, we observe a teaching led by a guest pastor, a preparatory service, and a morning service before partaking at Christ’s table with both the elements of wine and bread. We then share a fellowship meal and an evening service to increase our knowledge, cultivate inward desires after Christ, and renew obedience toward Him with all of the graces that flow from His adorable Person. This time together encourages us to consider the Scriptures, praise God for the blessings received, and beg Him to continue these graces in us, while eschewing relapses into sin and the wiles of Satan.

Phoenix RPC has been engaged in evangelism spurred by members’ desire to see the lost come to Christ. It was sporadic at first, with visits, for example, to local areas with high traffic. Our session then saw fit to enable the congregation with teaching toward evangelism in our Sabbath school. We ask for prayer in our efforts to express Christ’s love toward all men through street preaching, neighborhood door-to-door, and lives flowing from a heart growing in conformity to our Lord.

Being a church that has been sustained for many years within the Phoenix area, with lots of warm memories and deep relationships, we are in a period of growth where we feel compelled to expand not only our reach to the community, but our space. We are trusting in the Lord and appreciate prayers, support, and encouragement as we take on this endeavor.

We find comfort in filling our Sabbath with opportunities to focus on our Lord, spending time from morning until evening in worship and fellowship of the saints. Pastor Chris welcomes all who are willing to his home to engage in often lively discussion, invigorated by the day’s sermon, a home-cooked meal, and fresh coffee.