We believe that Jesus Christ is the only Head of His Church, both throughout the world and in every local congregation. He rules His Church by His Word and Spirit and provides for its care through elders
Leadership
Christ the Head of the Church
​
We believe that Jesus Christ is the only Head of His Church, both throughout the world and in every local congregation (Ephesians 1:22–23; Colossians 1:18). He rules His Church by His Word and Spirit and provides for its care through elders (Acts 20:17–31; 1 Peter 5:1–4).
​
Our Leadership
​
At First OPC, we follow the biblical, Presbyterian form of government. This means the church is led by a body of elders rather than by one individual.
-
The Pastor is a teaching elder, called to preach and teach God’s Word.
-
The Ruling Elders are chosen from the congregation to shepherd and guide. Together with the pastor, they form the Session, which provides spiritual oversight for the church.
-
The Deacons serve in practical ways by caring for physical needs and showing Christ’s mercy.
Pastor Vincent C. Lam
​​Vince was born in Michigan to immigrant parents and grew up in a non-denominational church in the suburbs of Detroit, where his dad served as a deacon.
After high school, Vince attended the University of Michigan and later transferred to the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a BM in piano performance. Afterward, he completed graduate studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music and then earned a doctorate at the University of Minnesota, where he met his violinist wife, Eri.
During COVID, Vince decided to pursue an MDiv at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, graduating in 2024. He then served as a year-long intern at his home church, South Austin Presbyterian Church (OPC).
​
On October 31st, 2025, Vince was ordained and installed as pastor of First OPC of San Francisco.
They are now empty nesters as their children, Eliot and Mia, are enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin.
Vince enjoy people, coffee, running, sports, music, and theology.