What is the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC)?

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) is a Protestant denomination in the United States. It started in 1981 when like-minded pastors and churches formed the network, combining Reformed theology with an evangelical approach to ministry. For example, as Reformed, the denomination champions the doctrine of predestination. Yet, as evangelical, it emphasizes the necessity of personal conversion and evangelism.

Theologically, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church affirms the Westminster Confession of Faith of 1647. It also holds to the Larger and Shorter Catechisms as its official doctrinal standards. Like other Reformed denominations, the EPC believes the Westminster Confession faithfully summarizes biblical teaching.

At the same time, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church emphasizes unity in the gospel through its document “Essentials of Our Faith,” which allows freedom in non-essential matters. Examples include the timing of Jesus’ second coming and the age of the earth. Thus, Evangelical Presbyterian Church members may be amillennial or premillennial. They may also be young-earth or old-earth creationists.

At the center of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church’s theology is the conviction that the Bible is true, trustworthy, and clear in all it teaches. It affirms the inspiration of Scripture, holding that the Holy Spirit guided the Bible’s authors. The Evangelical Presbyterian Church also believes in the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture. This means it believes that the Bible contains no errors and cannot mislead in what it teaches. Thus, based on the Bible’s teaching, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church believes that sinners are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus alone.

From the start, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church has used “Essentials of Our Faith” to point to the main truths that unite its churches. This statement is a tool for teaching and guarding sound doctrine. It also helps keep the churches united. It shows the difference between the gospel’s core truths and other issues where members may disagree.

An important distinction of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church is its flexibility in church practice. This sets it apart from other Reformed denominations such as the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Each local church is led by a group of elders who help care for the congregation. The group includes teaching elders (i.e., pastors) and ruling elders, who together form a governing body called the session. Beyond the local church, Evangelical Presbyterian Church churches belong to regional groups called presbyteries. These churches work together for ministry, missions, and accountability in alignment with the tradition’s beliefs and values.

Another distinction of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church from some other Reformed and evangelical churches is its view of women in ministry. In the EPC, women may serve as both teaching elders (i.e., pastors) and ruling elders. This commitment was a key factor in the denomination’s formation. Not all Evangelical Presbyterian Church congregations ordain women, but each has the freedom to do so if they choose.

True to the “Evangelical” part of its name, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church also supports mission work and church planting in the United States and around the world. It encourages churches to spread the gospel through preaching, service, and discipleship. The Evangelical Presbyterian Church believes that all Christians should share the good news of Jesus Christ. It provides resources, training, and support to churches and individuals who want to serve in missions.

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church sees itself as a middle way between denominations like the PCA and the PCUSA. Doctrinally, it aligns more closely with the PCA, holding firmly to Reformed confessions and the authority of Scripture. At the same time, it allows greater flexibility in ministry practice, like the PCUSA, but without that denomination’s theological liberalism.

In summary, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church combines Reformed theology with evangelical passion. It sees itself as a tradition committed to biblical doctrine yet willing to show flexibility in non-essential matters for the sake of unity and outreach.