First Apostolic Church — Carthage, MS
First Apostolic Church of Carthage has been a beacon of faith in Leake County, Mississippi for generations. We are a Spirit-filled, Apostolic congregation rooted in the Word of God and the Acts 2:38 message of salvation. Whether you're a lifelong believer or just beginning to ask questions, you're welcome here.
In 1975, Carthage Pentecostal Church welcomed Rev. J. E. Burgess as their new pastor. Bro. Burgess and his family became part of a congregation whose existence dates back to the 1950s. They hit the ground running with expansion and growth in every aspect of the church. Buildings were built, revival was experienced, and souls were saved. With a burden for the youth of the church and community, they established Carthage Christian Academy, which remains strong to this day.
Along the way, CPC changed its name to First Apostolic Church in a greater effort to express its identity as followers of the apostles’ doctrine—beginning with repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. For 30 years, Bro. and Sis. Burgess led the congregation in love and truth, and much was accomplished. Upon their retirement in 2006, their son, Joe Burgess, became pastor.
Pastor Burgess, along with his wife, Robin, and their children, Brooklyn and Blake, has been leading the congregation for the past 20 years. Expansion and growth have continued as FAC has progressed in the same ways it did under previous leadership. Souls have been added to the church, and to the glory of God, a new sanctuary was completed in 2024.
Today, in a new building with some new faces in the crowd, FAC still preaches, lives, and loves the old path wherein is the good way. This good way is the tried-and-true biblical doctrine of salvation first preached in the book of Acts when, on the day of Pentecost, the church was born. Living a godly life, separated from the world, is done to please God while serving as a living testimony to that same world. FAC remains steadfast in its purpose to live godly in this present world while reaching this world with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Joe Burgess has been a part of First Apostolic Church of Carthage since he was seven years old. Though he had opportunities elsewhere, he felt a deep call to remain in Carthage — to serve the community where he was raised and to build on the foundation his father laid.
In August 2006, he stepped into the role of Senior Pastor, succeeding his father Elder J.E. Burgess. Under his leadership, FAC Carthage has continued to grow in faith, community, and outreach.
Pastor Joe is married to Sister Robin (Hair) Burgess, originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana. Together they have two children: daughter Brooklyn and son Blake. He is known for being deeply involved in the life of the church at every level — not just from the platform, but in the day-to-day lives of his congregation across every age group.
In 1975, Elder J.E. Burgess and his wife, Sister Gloria Burgess, came to Carthage, Mississippi to pastor what was then known as Carthage Pentecostal Church. For thirty years, he served this congregation with faithfulness, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the Apostolic message.
In 2006, at the age of 80, Elder Burgess transitioned to semi-retirement and endorsed his son Joe as the next pastor. He remained a beloved presence in the life of the church for years to come — a faithful witness and living testimony to the grace of God.
Elder Burgess went home to be with the Lord in 2025 at the age of 99. His legacy lives on in every life that was touched through the ministry he gave his life to build.
We believe in the absolute oneness of God, manifested in the flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ (Deuteronomy 6:4; Colossians 2:9).
We believe that genuine repentance — a turning from sin to God — is the first step in the plan of salvation (Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3).
We baptize in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, as commanded in Acts 2:38 and practiced throughout the book of Acts.
We believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance (Acts 2:4; John 3:5).
We believe in a lifestyle of holiness, reflecting the character of God in our daily walk (1 Peter 1:15–16; Romans 12:1–2).
We hold the Bible as the inspired, infallible Word of God — our final authority in all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
We'd love to meet you. Join us any Sunday and experience the warmth of our church family for yourself.
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