At Faith Free Presbyterian Church (Faith FPC), we believe that what we stand for matters. Our roots run deep in the rich soil of orthodox Presbyterian tradition, and while the world around us may change, our commitment to these foundational beliefs remains steadfast. But why do we hold so firmly to this identity? Let’s explore the reasons behind our unwavering stand as an orthodox Presbyterian church, and why we believe it’s worth it.
Theological Foundations
One of the key reasons Faith FPC identifies as an orthodox Presbyterian church is our commitment to Reformed theology. We adhere to the Westminster Confession of Faith, a historic statement of faith that beautifully encapsulates the core doctrines of Scripture. This isn’t just about holding onto old documents for the sake of tradition—it’s about grounding ourselves in the timeless truths of God’s Word.
At Faith FPC, we emphasize the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, and the doctrines of grace. These theological pillars provide stability in a world where truth often seems fluid. By preserving these confessional standards, we ensure that what we teach and preach remains faithful to the gospel, free from the distortions that can so easily creep in.
However, we do deviate from the Westminster Standards in one important area. In 1951, when the Free Presbyterian Church was established, it departed from usual Presbyterian policy by recognizing that baptism is variously understood by good men equally committed to Scripture. This being so, the Free Presbyterian Church believed that Christians should not be kept apart by their acceptance or rejection of the historic Presbyterian view of infant baptism. As a result, the church established itself not only as a place for those practicing infant baptism, but also as a place for Christians who are convinced of believer’s baptism.
Orthodox Presbyterian Church Worship Practices
When you step into Faith FPC, you’ll notice that our worship has a distinctively traditional feel. This isn’t by accident. We believe that worship should be marked by reverence and order, reflecting the holiness of the God we serve. You may also be surprised to discover that we use the KJV (Authorized Version). Although we are not KJV-Onlyists, we appreciate the underlying Hebrew and Greek texts of the KJV, and we wish to avoid the confusion that arises from the use of many different translations and paraphrases in church services.
At the heart of our worship is the preaching of the Word. We are committed to expository preaching, where the Bible is systematically explained and applied to our lives. This approach allows us to dig deep into Scripture, uncovering its treasures and allowing God’s truth to shape us. It also forces everyone—the preacher included—to think through passages that are often ignored or misunderstood.
And of course, we faithfully observe the sacraments—baptism and the Lord’s Supper—just as Christ commanded. These aren’t mere rituals, but a key aspect of the life of an orthodox Presbyterian church. They are means of grace that draw us closer to God and to one another as His people.
Church Government and Discipline
Another hallmark of orthodox Presbyterianism is our form of church government. At Faith FPC, we are led by a group of elders chosen by the membership to shepherd the congregation with wisdom and care. This Presbyterian structure is deeply rooted in Scripture and reflects a commitment to shared leadership and accountability.
Church discipline is another area where we stand firm. While it’s not always easy, we believe that maintaining discipline is essential to preserving the purity and peace of the church. When sin is dealt with biblically and lovingly, it allows the church to flourish in holiness and unity.
Mission and Evangelism
Faith FPC is passionate about sharing the gospel, both here in Greenville and around the world. We are committed to the Great Commission, taking seriously our Lord’s command to make disciples of all nations. This mission work is not just about numbers; it’s about faithfully proclaiming the truth of the gospel in a way that transforms lives.
In addition to evangelism, we are dedicated to church planting. We believe that planting new churches is one of the most effective ways to spread Reformed theology and orthodox Presbyterian practices. Whether it’s supporting local church plants or partnering with missionaries abroad, Faith FPC is actively involved in this vital work.
Responding to Cultural Pressures
We live in a rapidly changing world, and with that comes pressure to conform to the culture around us. But at Faith FPC, we are committed to standing firm on the truths of Scripture, even when it’s countercultural. Whether it’s moral issues, ethical decisions, or social pressures, we strive to respond in a way that honors God and upholds His Word.
This doesn’t mean we’re isolated or out of touch. On the contrary, we seek to engage the culture with the truth of the gospel, offering hope and clarity in a world often marked by confusion and despair. Our commitment to biblical morality isn’t about being rigid or judgmental—it’s about lovingly holding to the standard that God has given us for our good and His glory.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
So why does Faith FPC maintain its stand as an orthodox Presbyterian church? Because we believe that what we hold to is not only true but life-giving. Our theological foundations, worship practices, church government, and mission work are all anchored in a commitment to the unchanging Word of God.
In a world where so much is uncertain, we invite you to join us in holding fast to the truth. Whether you’re new to the area, looking for a church home, or simply curious about what we believe, we welcome you to visit Faith FPC. Come experience the warmth of our community, the depth of our worship, and the joy of knowing Christ as we walk together in faith.