Denomination

We belong to the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO). Please visit their site for more details on their story.

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Essential Tenets

Our Essential Tenets affirm that the Old and New Testaments are infallible and authoritative, containing everything necessary for faith and life. In common with other Christians, ECO believes in the doctrine of the Trinity and the Incarnation—the "two central Christian mysteries"—and that the only hope of salvation and adoption as children of God is God's grace in Jesus Christ. Reflecting its Reformed heritage, ECO believes that, as a consequence of the Fall of Man, humans lost free will and are incapable of turning towards God. Salvation is made possible by only the irresistible grace of God, who chose the elect before the world was created.

 

Our Essential Tenets explain that within the church, God's grace is received through the preaching of the Word of God, the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and church discipline. The offices of teaching elder, deacon, and ruling elder correspond to Christ's three-fold office of prophet, priest, and king. All church members are to embody the three-fold offices in their daily lives by sharing and enacting the Gospel and extending the lordship of Jesus Christ. According to our Essential Tenets, progressive sanctification is an expected characteristic of a Christian life. This includes a life of prayer, regular self-examination (especially guided by the Ten Commandments), and sincere confession of sin. According to our Essential Tenets, Christians are to maintain lives of chastity either through celibacy or marriage between a man and a woman.

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Creeds

We affirm the Nicene Creed, Apostles' Creed Heidelberg Catechism, Westminster Confession of Faith, Westminster Shorter Catechism, Westminster Larger Catechism, and Barmen Declaration.  

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Practices

ECO believes that baptism joins an individual to the Christian Church. It practices infant baptism and recognizes the validity of all Christian baptisms. It practices open communion for all "who put their trust in Jesus Christ". Full members, or "covenant partners", are able to vote in congregational meetings and hold leadership roles. To become a covenant partner, a person must make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as savior and lord.