Our History
University Presbyterian Church was founded in 1959 by a small group of faithful families who felt a calling to minister to the university and the surrounding neighborhoods of Las Cruces. With New Mexico State University just across the street, these founding families believed the campus was not only nearby, but central to their mission.
From the very beginning, UPC has been shaped by a call to discipleship, hospitality, and the steady proclamation of the gospel. What began as a modest gathering has grown into a multi-generational church family,.
UPC was received into the Presbyterian Church in America in 1983.
From the very beginning, UPC has been shaped by a call to discipleship, hospitality, and the steady proclamation of the gospel. What began as a modest gathering has grown into a multi-generational church family,.
UPC was received into the Presbyterian Church in America in 1983.
Expanding in the Present
For over six decades, God has faithfully sustained this church, guiding us through change while keeping us grounded in the same calling we began with: growing in faith, teaching God’s Word, and sharing Christ through fellowship. Our desire is to continue being shaped in community, sustained by prayer, and committed to making disciples in and around the city of Las Cruces. We are still growing, still learning, and still seeking to join the Lord in the good work He is doing in Las Cruces and beyond.
"We aim to be a hospitable people rooted in The Word, in worship, and prayer committed to cultivating God’s Disciples in our homes, our church and the world around us."
University Presbyterian Church (UPC) is part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a nationwide family of churches.
Being part of the PCA means we are rooted in historic Christian faith, guided by Scripture, and connected to other churches for accountability, encouragement, and shared mission. While we are led locally here in our community, we are also part of something bigger—learning, serving, and growing together with churches across the country.
Being part of the PCA means we are rooted in historic Christian faith, guided by Scripture, and connected to other churches for accountability, encouragement, and shared mission. While we are led locally here in our community, we are also part of something bigger—learning, serving, and growing together with churches across the country.
WHAT SHAPES THE LIFE OF UPC
1. Rooted in Biblical principles
We believe faithful ministry grows out of being rooted in the Word, renewed in worship, and upheld in prayer – everything we desire to do begins here. (Acts 2:42)
2. Formation happens in the family of God—across generations.
We believe Faith grows best in community: around the table, in the home, and through generations who practice ordinary, Christ-centered hospitality.
3. God is already at work in our city—and we’re called to join Him.
Surrounded by the borderlands, NMSU’s campus life, military families, longtime locals, and new transplants, Las Cruces is uniquely positioned for gospel impact.
We believe God is moving here: opening doors for ministry across cultures, ages, and stories. (Ephesians 2:10)
We believe God is moving here: opening doors for ministry across cultures, ages, and stories. (Ephesians 2:10)
WHAT WE BELIEVE
ABOUT GOD
We believe in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who created all things and governs them according to His holy and sovereign will.
ABOUT THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST
We believe Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, fully God and fully man. For our salvation, He lived in perfect obedience, died for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, reigns at the right hand of the Father, and will come again in glory.
ABOUT THE SPIRIT
We believe the Holy Spirit gives life, speaks through the Scriptures, and applies the saving work of Christ to His people.
ROOTED IN HISTORIC CHRISTIAN FAITH
University Presbyterian Church is a Reformed Christian church rooted in historic Christianity. As a member of the Presbyterian Church in America, UPC is committed to the authority of Scripture and the core beliefs of the Christian faith.
UPC affirms the historic Christian faith as confessed in the Ecumenical Creeds and holds to the Westminster Confession of Faith.
UPC affirms the historic Christian faith as confessed in the Ecumenical Creeds and holds to the Westminster Confession of Faith.