ABOUT
Meet the dedicated individuals who help lead our church, gain a deeper understanding of First Miami’s core values and foundations, and learn about our Church’s history.
ABOUT US
Welcome!
Whether you’re exploring faith, looking for a church home, or simply curious about who we are, this page is here to help you get to know us. You’ll find information about our mission, leadership, values, and the people who help make First Miami a welcoming place each week.
Quick Links
Use these links below to quickly navigate to a specific section.
Our Staff
Get to know our staff and the individuals who serve our congregations and support our ministries.
Three Covenant Values and Five Foundations
Gain a deeper understanding of First Miami's core and the values we aim to uphold in all our ministries.
Our Denomination
Discover the Presbyterian tradition that shapes our faith, worship, and life together.
History
Learn about our roots dating back to 1896 and how it came to be in the center of a bustling city.
Contact Us
Have any questions or concerns? Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
LEADERSHIP
Leadership Team
Our staff is here to serve, support, and help our church community grow. Get to know some of our leaders below.
Have any questions? Our team would love to connect with you and help you find the right ministry, resource, or next step. Email us at [email protected] for more information.
Rev. Dr. Christopher Benek
Pastor & Head of Staff
Lamont Hiebert
Worship
Jeannelle Benek
Discipleship, Missions and Care
Martin Mola
Stewardship
Ana Silva
Discipleship and Stewardship
Yohana Espinosa
Discipleship and Missions
LEADERSHIP
Staff Directory
Worship Ministry
- Rev. Dr. Christopher Benek
- Lamont Hiebert
Discipleship Ministry
- Jeannelle Benek
- Yohana Espinosa
Stewardship Ministry
- Ana Silva
- Martin Mola
- Gerard Jean
Care Ministry
- Mike Mahan
WHAT SHAPES US AND HOW WE LIVE IT
Our Values and Foundations
At First Miami Presbyterian Church, our mission is expressed through the way we worship, serve, and care for one another. Our Three Covenant Values shape the culture of our church community, guiding how we interact with one another and engage with our city.
This begins with no drama. As a congregation representing more than 40 nationalities and ethnicities and collectively speaking a variety of languages, we also seek to play well with others. And because our life together is ultimately about extending the welcome we have received in Jesus Christ, our third value is to get everyone in the boat.
At First Miami, we often explain this value through a simple parable about Jesus and a boat. Imagine that Jesus is in a boat and we are in the water drowning. Jesus pulls us into the boat, but there are still people in the water. Having been pulled to safety ourselves, our goal is now to help get everyone in the boat. Every program, every service, and every communication should move people closer to belonging.
Our Five Foundations of Ministry build upon these Three Covenant Values by providing a practical framework for how we live them out day to day. We connect through Worship, grow through Discipleship, serve through Missions, give through Stewardship, and love through Care. Together, our Covenant Values shape who we are, and our Foundations of Ministry guide how we put those values into practice.
OUR DENOMINATION
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
First Miami Presbyterian Church is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), or PC(USA), a Christian denomination rooted in the Reformed tradition. We look to Scripture as our primary guide for faith and life and understand our beliefs through the historic confessions of the church. At the heart of our faith is the good news of God’s grace revealed through Jesus Christ, and our calling to live that faith through worship, discipleship, service, and love for our neighbors.
As Presbyterians, we affirm one Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; salvation by God’s grace through faith; the authority of Scripture; and the calling of the Church to participate in God’s work in the world. Our tradition also emphasizes thoughtful engagement with faith, shared leadership, generous stewardship, and seeking justice and reconciliation. These beliefs are expressed through the PC(USA)’s Book of Confessions, which brings together statements of faith from across the history of the Christian church.
OUR STORY
First Miami's History: A Brief Introduction
Founded before the City of Miami’s incorporation in 1896, First Miami Presbyterian Church has faithfully served South Florida for well over a century, growing alongside the city while remaining rooted in its mission to share the love of Christ through worship, discipleship, service, and care. As Miami’s oldest congregation, our historic campus on Brickell Avenue has witnessed generations of change while continuing to welcome people of every age, background, and stage of faith.
Our history is an important part of who we are, but it is only one chapter of an ongoing story. Today, First Miami is a vibrant, multicultural church committed to serving our community, investing in the next generation, and sharing the hope of the Gospel in meaningful ways. As we look toward the future, we continue to build on this legacy through ministry, outreach, and faithful stewardship-ensuring that First Miami remains a place where people can belong, grow, and serve for generations to come.
CONTACT US
Contact & Service Information
Sunday Worship
Services are held in-person.
- 9:00 AM – Classical Worship
- 10:00 AM – Fusión en Español
- 11:00 AM – Contemporary Worship
Wednesday Worship
- 7:00 PM – Worship
- 7:30 PM – Bible Study Groups in English & Español
Contact Info
- Address – 609 Brickell Ave. | Miami, FL 33131
- Phone – (305) 371.3439
- Fax – (305) 375.9398
- Email – [email protected]
- Open
- Weekdays 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Weekends 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM