Historically we Presbyterians belong to a family of faith that can be described in two ways. If you talk about how we govern ourselves, we are called "Presbyterian" which means "rule by Elders." Our form of government is different from the episcopal form with a hierarchy, or the congregational form where government is by the congregation, for we have a representative form of church government.

     If you talk about what we believe, we are called "Reformed." This means that our belief grows out of the Christian faith as it was "reformed" during the Protestant Reformation, particularly through John Calvin and John Knox.

     The Presbyterian "family" has within it members which are unique and distinctive. In particular, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church has some features that set it apart from the rest of the Reformed and Presbyterian denominations.

Distinctives of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

... have developed and follow a document called, "The Essentials of the Faith."

... have adopted to use a modern language version of Westminster Confession of Faith.

... believe strongly in all three persons in the Godhead.

... adher to the Presbyterianism role of the Ruling Elder, the layman, in the government of the church.

... believe that the decision to elect women as Ruling Elders or Deacons is left to the discretion of the local congregation.

... recognizes that many things change over time. However, there are certain features of Presbyterianism that are unique and distinctive and should never change.

... believe that the first duty of the Church is to evangelize by extending the Gospel both at home and abroad, leading others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior"

... as a particular church we have reserved rights as detailed in our Book of Government, many of which are guaranteed in perpetuity.

... support the administrative and benevolence work of the Presbytery and General Assembly through voluntary contributions.

... have a system whereby the denomination can speak clearly and decisively to member congregations on issues facing our society.