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| Frequently
Asked Questions: What is the Evangelical Free Church of America? The Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) is an association of over 1300 local churches in the USA who hold a common evangelical Statement of Faith. As a denomination of interdependent and autonomous churches, we also work together for common purposes such as church planting, Christian higher education and seminary training, world missions, evangelism, fellowship, and other ministries which promote the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The EFCA is a charter member of the National Association of Evangelicals. What are the distinctives of the Evangelical Free Church? The EFCA is inclusive not exclusive. Fellowship and active membership in the local Evangelical Free Church are based solely on one's personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Within the EFCA there is room beyond the EFCA Statement of Faith for legitimate differences in areas of evangelical doctrine. The EFCA is evangelical not separatistic. While we have deep convictions based on the authority and inerrancy of God's Word, we do not draw battle lines over minor points, nor do we make minor issues of doctrine a test of fellowship in the local church. We are evangelical and believe in separated living and personal holiness for the believer, but we are not separatistic. The EFCA is ecumenical in spirit though not in structure. We believe in the spiritual unity of the church though not necessarily in structural union. We join with other Christians and like-minded denominations and organizations that share common goals and ministries to accomplish the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. The EFCA believes in liberty with responsibility and accountability. We desire to preserve the great doctrine of grace and Christian liberty in Christ. But we also encourage and teach godly living and service under the control of the Holy Spirit, in obedience to God's Word, and in harmony with God's will for life as revealed in the Scriptures. The EFCA believes in both the rational and relational dimensions of Christianity. We believe that sound Christian doctrine must be coupled with dynamic Christian experience. Experiencing God goes hand in hand with belief in God and the great doctrines of the faith. The EFCA affirms the right of each local church to govern its own affairs. We are congregational in government and in ministry. While affirming strong spiritual leadership and structure in the local church, we hold that the highest human authority under God rests in the congregation. How does an existing church become a member of the Evangelical Free Church? Like-minded independent or autonomous evangelical churches in our district area are encouraged to consider the benefits of joining the EFCA through the Allegheny District. The process for affiliation with the EFCA through the Allegheny District begins with an initial contact with our District Superintendent. A meeting with the church leadership and/or the congregation generally follows this by the Superintendent. Should the church desire to proceed, a church vote is taken to enter a minimum six-month working agreement or "engagement" period. During this time both the church and the district leadership exchange communication and information to insure a good "fit" within the EFCA. At the end of the working agreement period, both the congregation and the district board vote on accepting the church into the Allegheny District. If both parties are favorable, the District Board recommends the "adoption" of the church into district membership and a final vote is taken at the next annual District Conference. Interested churches may request information about the affiliation process by e-mail: at alleghenydistrict@verizon.net What are the expectations of a local Evangelical Free Church? We expect that the local church will passionately pursue the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. This pursuit will usually be reflected in the church's mission, vision, and values statements and in its priorities as a local body of believers. As a result, we expect that evangelism, missions, church planting, congregational health and unity will be top priorities. Local Evangelical Free Churches are also encouraged to support through regular prayer and giving the ministries of the denominational family. This includes the Allegheny District, the EFCA and Evangelical Free Church Missions, and our denominationally sponsored schools: Trinity International University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Trinity Western University, and Trinity Western Seminary. It is expected that the local Evangelical Free Church will regularly send delegates to district and national conferences and will remain faithful to the doctrine and distinctives of the EFCA. It is also expected that the local church will encourage and support its pastor(s) in a manner that demonstrates integrity, love, and a positive testimony to the gospel of Christ in the community.
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