What is a free church?

The term free church typically refers to a Christian congregation that operates independently of government control or state sponsorship. Unlike state churches—such as the Church of England or certain Lutheran churches historically connected to European governments—a free church governs itself and relies on the voluntary support of its members. At the heart of the free church concept is the conviction that the church should be led by the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ, rather than by political institutions or secular authorities. This principle reflects the pattern seen in the New Testament, where the early church was led by elders and apostles, not by civil rulers (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Free churches emphasize local church autonomy, the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9), and voluntary cooperation among congregations for encouragement and doctrinal accountability.

The mission of a free church aligns with the broader calling of the body of Christ, rooted in Jesus’ command to His followers in the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations . . . teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20, ESV). Free churches aim to carry out this mission by preaching the gospel, nurturing believers in their faith, and equipping them for service. They place strong emphasis on personal faith in Christ, the authority of the Bible, and the active work of the Holy Spirit in both individual lives and the church community. Unity among believers is also a key value, grounded not in institutional control but in shared faith and love (see John 17:21).

One of the most well-known examples of the free church tradition is the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), which was established in 1950 through the merger of the Swedish Evangelical Free Church and the Norwegian-Danish Evangelical Free Church Association. The word evangelical in its name reflects a deep commitment to the authority and inerrancy of Scripture, the necessity of personal conversion, and the central role of Christ’s death and resurrection in salvation.

Free churches are generally marked by several key characteristics. They are independent from state control or funding and are governed congregationally, meaning decisions are made by the local body of believers. They uphold the authority and reliability of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17), affirm salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9), and practice believer’s baptism and the Lord’s Supper as ordinances. Evangelism, discipleship, and missions are central to their purpose, and they often partner voluntarily with other churches for mutual support and ministry.

At their core, free churches strive to follow the biblical model of church life and leadership—free from external interference and centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their purpose is to glorify God, strengthen believers, and share the message of salvation with the world. As Ephesians 4:11–13 reminds us, the church exists to equip the saints for ministry, to grow in spiritual maturity, and to reflect Christ’s truth and love to a watching world.