What is the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC)?

The Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) is a Protestant denomination that began in 1936 in the United States under the leadership of theologian J. Gresham Machen (1881—1937). At the time, like-minded pastors and congregations left the Presbyterian Church in the USA (PCUSA) because they believed it no longer faithfully upheld the authority of Scripture. Today, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church teaches that the Bible is the final authority for faith and life and holds to the Westminster Confession of Faith, a summary of Reformed teaching. The denomination is known for expository preaching, traditional worship, and missions work in the U.S. and around the world.

Theologically, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church affirms the central teachings of the Reformed tradition. These are reflected in the core tenets of the Protestant Reformation. It teaches that Scripture alone is the highest authority in faith and practice, and that salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9; Acts 4:12). It also teaches that all is done for the glory of God alone and upholds the priesthood of all believers. Guided by these beliefs, it practices two sacraments: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

In practice, the denomination is known for its strong community among its churches. Each local church is led by its own elders. However, churches also join in groups called presbyteries. Presbyteries watch over pastors, examine new ministers, and help churches in their work. Once a year, leaders from all the presbyteries meet in a general assembly to deal with issues affecting the whole denomination. This structure is intended to keep a balance between freedom and responsibility.

As part of the Reformed tradition, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church practices infant baptism. Believing that “God has given baptism as a sign, a seal, and a means of confirming his gospel promises,” the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, as with other Presbyterians, teaches that “baptism is to the New Testament what circumcision was to the Old Testament” (Wilson, L., “Why Does the Orthodox Presbyterian Church Baptize Infants?” https://opc.org/cce/tracts/WhyInfantBaptism.html, accessed 10/6/25).

The Orthodox Presbyterian Church has a traditional approach to worship. It teaches that public worship must follow the principles found in Scripture rather than human tradition. This view, called the regulative principle of worship, holds that whatever is not prescribed in Scripture for worship is prohibited. As a result, worship in OPC churches centers on the reading and preaching of Scripture. It also prioritizes prayer, the singing of psalms and hymns, and the sacraments.

The Orthodox Presbyterian Church also places a strong focus on training leaders for ministry. Many of its pastors have studied at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Westminster has close ties to the denomination. There students learn the Bible, theology, preaching, and how to care for people. Graduates often serve in OPC churches or in other Reformed ministries in the U.S. and overseas. In its training of pastors and missionaries, the OPC champions sound teaching, carrying on the legacy of Machen’s commitment to Scripture.

The denomination regards spreading the gospel as central to its mission. Its churches support home missions by planting new churches in the United States and foreign missions by sending missionaries overseas to share the gospel. Two groups, the Committee on Foreign Missions and the Committee on Home Missions and Church Extension, guide this work.

These efforts focus on preaching, teaching, and establishing local congregations. Members believe missions work fulfills Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations. He said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20).

As a whole, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church maintains a clear witness to the gospel through strong teaching, traditional worship, and a commitment to missions. The denomination shows that even a small group of believers can have a lasting impact when centered on the Bible and empowered by the Holy Spirit.