EPC and the Presbyterian Church
Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
Calvin did much of his writing from Geneva, Switzerland. From there, the Reformed movement spread to other parts of Europe and the British Isles. Many of the early Presbyterians in America came from England, Scotland and Ireland. The first American Presbytery was organized at Philadelphia in 1706. The first General Assembly was held in the same city in 1789. The first Assembly was convened by the Rev. John Witherspoon, the only minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.
What is distinctive about the Presbyterian Church?
Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: they adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology and a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members.
Westminster is a member of the EPC denomination. As evangelicals we tend to emphasize aspects of our faith like the need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to have a life of faith that is marked by actions and words in service to Christ as He calls and equips us. As a part of our membership in the EPC, we hold to a set of Essentials of Faith. You can learn more about the EPC by clicking here.