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, Elder J.E. Burgess and his wife, Sister Gloria Burgess, arrived in Carthage, Mississippi to pastor what was then known as Carthage Pentecostal Church. What began as a small, faithful congregation grew into a thriving community of believers rooted in the Apostolic message of repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
Elder Burgess faithfully led this church for thirty years — through seasons of growth, revival, and change — planting deep roots in Leake County. In 2006, at the age of 80, he endorsed his youngest son, Joe Burgess, as the next pastor of First Apostolic Church of Carthage. Though semi-retired, Elder Burgess remained a faithful presence, continuing to serve alongside the congregation he loved.
Under Pastor Joe Burgess, FAC Carthage has continued that legacy: a welcoming, Spirit-filled church where generations of families have been baptized, filled with the Holy Ghost, and sent out to live changed lives.
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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