January 19, 2026

Session is committed to the vision of First Presbyterian Fort Collins as a “big tent” church. While there is no single way to define the “big tent,” we affirm that we are—and that we intend to be—a congregation that welcomes diversity in all its forms. Of particular importance at this time, this commitment includes theological and political diversity. 

We believe this vision is consistent with this church’s historical identity as the “heart of the city” reaching out to all. Today, being a “big tent” is a faithful witness to our broken and divided world, where echo chambers and reactivity often get in the way of finding common ground. We proclaim a very different truth: that all are children of God; that Jesus Christ alone is our center rather than any political tribe or ideology; and that the purpose of God as witnessed by Christ is to bring healing, justice, reconciliation, and joy to all the world, especially “the least of these.” We seek, however imperfectly and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to offer the world an alternative way to live together as a diverse community. 

Being a “big tent” church is not the only way to be church. Nor is it the easiest. It requires living with tension: between the pastoral and prophetic, comforting reassurances and hard questions, generous acceptance and deepest conviction. These are difficult tensions to navigate. While there is no guidebook or recipe for how to do so, there are steps we each can take to make sure our “big tent” works to the greater glory of God. Here are some ways you can participate: 

• Remind yourself of our congregation’s core beliefs and expected behaviors by reviewing our Vision and Mission statement and Behavioral Covenant. Both can be found on our website by visiting the “About Us” page.

• Expect to find at our church not only common purpose and shared concerns but also differences and disagreements. Commit to listening with grace, patience, understanding, and genuine curiosity, so that all are seen and heard and can feel at home.

• Remember that being a big tent church is the responsibility of all of us, not just the pastor or the Session. When you encounter people with whom you may disagree or be in conflict, communicate with them directly and respectfully. Share the truth and wisdom you believe God has given you to share, while prayerfully considering how your words or way of speaking can foster or weaken personal relationships and our sense of community.

• Commit to being generous in giving others the space to be who they are, even when they disappoint you, in humble recognition that all of us fall short of the ideal. This includes occasions where words or ideas are expressed in worship or other parts of our common life with which you may disagree. The big tent asks us to extend the grace to others that we would wish for ourselves.

Our unity as a congregation is both a gift of the Spirit and an obligation that must be earnestly pursued in freedom. In hope and humility, we invite you to participate in this vital witness.