FAQ

Why a new denomination?

The idea of a new denomination was troubling for many of us. We did not want to be seen as just another micro-Presbyterian denomination. Yet, as we looked at the existing denominations, we could not find one that endorsed the core distinctives held by the founding churches.

We were looking for a home that believed the Scriptures without compromise, supported Presbyterian government, endorsed the complementarian view of family, unapologetically endorsed Christian education, and worked to see the church grow by God’s methods rather than man’s marketing. After a futile search, we were faced with either living in independency, which we believe to be an unbiblical model, splitting up and going into different denominations, or starting a new work.

Since launching the CPC, we have received numerous requests from other churches to join. This is an exciting trend which may actually bring more unity than division.

 

What led you to start the Covenant Presbyterian Church?

Our founding churches left an existing denomination (two of these churches actually left in unison, choosing not to leave into independency) due to what we believed to be a lack of Presbyterian polity. Presbyterianism has at its core a belief in the parity and plurality of elders, which means that all elders, regardless of giftedness, have equal authority and position. All decisions of substance are decided by an act of Presbytery, which is the congregation of all its elders. We found this basic tenant of Presbyterian polity absent, and could not, in good conscience, stay in that association. Thus we set out and, in God’s providence, were led to start a new work based on not only true polity but key distinctives which held us together in one accord.

 

Do you have a confession of faith?

The Covenant Presbyterian Church subscribes to the Westminster Standards, 1647, which we believe to be the most succinct and complete summary of biblical thought. These include the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Westminster Larger Catechism and the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

 

Do you maintain any fraternal relations? 

At this point, the Covenant Presbyterian Church does not maintain fraternal relations with any other denomination. However, we do look forward to these relations and are open to discussions as the Lord opens doors.

 

What does it take to join the Covenant Presbyterian Church?

A church can join the Covenant Presbyterian Church by seeking a sponsoring church from within the CPC. The sponsoring church will guide the candidate church through the examination process. A candidate church must have at least two elders and three heads of household. Unorganized works, called mission churches, will receive help directly from a sponsoring church and Presbytery.

For more information on this process, contact us.