Below is a list of questions commonly asked by visitors.
WHAT DENOMINATION IS EFC?
Evangelical Free Church of America. Some distinguishing features of the EFCA as an association are 1) each local church is autonomous and congregationally governed, and 2) adhering in doctrinal matters to the motto “In essentials unity, in non-essentials charity.”
The Evangelical Free Church of America has its own FAQ page as well.
WHEN AND HOW DID EFC START?
Find out more about our history here.
WHAT IS EFC’s CHURCH POLITY?
We are congregational and Pastor-led. The Pastors lead and oversee the ministry while the membership votes on significant decisions regarding church affairs. EFC follows the Biblical model of Pastors and Deacons. Pastors (a.k.a. “Elders”) are responsible for the spiritual shepherding and oversight of the congregation while the Deacons care for physical and practical ministry needs.
WHO HOLDS THE PASTORS ACCOUNTABLE?
The Pastors, the Deacons and the Congregation.
IS THERE AN ELDER BOARD?
Biblically Pastors are Elders and Elders are Pastors. These are two titles for the same office. We do not have a separate group of leaders called “Elders” apart from the Pastors. At EFC we use the term “Pastor.”
WHAT IS EFC’S POSITION ON WOMEN TEACHING MEN OR HOLDING LEADERSHIP POSITIONS?
We are complementarian. We believe men and women are equal image-bearers and equally valuable before God. However, God has assigned different roles in the home and the church. In church only men teach men and hold positions of spiritual authority over men.
HOW DOES EFC VIEW THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
We hold a cessationist position and so we believe that some of the gifts ceased once the Apostles passed away.
WHAT IS EFC’s VIEW OF BAPTISM?
Baptism is a command given by our Lord to be obeyed by all who believe in His Gospel. It is an outward expression of an inward reality of faith and cleansing and new life in Jesus’ name. We believe that faith causes regeneration and not water baptism. Only those who have believed on Jesus should be baptized. We would not baptize babies or young children.
IS EFC A COVENANT OR DISPENSATIONAL CHURCH?
Dispensational. We believe there is a distinction between Israel and the Church and that all the Old Testament promises to national-ethnic Israel will be fulfilled. We also believe Christ will return prior to establishing His 1,000 year kingdom upon the earth.
HOW DOES EFC VIEW THE AGE OF THE EARTH AND THE 6 DAYS OF CREATION?
Six literal, twenty-four hour days.
WHAT PROGRAMS DOES EFC OFFER?
We don’t have a lot of programs but there is a lot going on. Some of what is happening includes: church, adult bible study, Wednesday night prayer meeting, nursery, children’s church, men’s nights, men’s bible studies, women’s bible studies, men’s retreats, summer evangelism, greeter teams, meals ministry, Hopes Outlet food pantry, Hopes Outlet bible study, church parties.
HOW COULD I GET INVOLVED AT EFC?
Be sure to check out our Plug In page. We recommend attending Church regularly to start. Take a Guest Gift if you haven’t yet. We encourage you to refrain from giving an offering until you’ve decided whether to make this your church home. Consider attending Adult Bible Study. Visit the Prayer Meeting on Wednesday nights, or bible studies that may be happening. If the Meals Ministry needs meals for someone consider joining the schedule.
Once you’ve made this your church home and you’d like to serve there are various ways to do so. You could join the nursery or children’s church teams, the greeters, sound, food pantry, join in public evangelism and more.
HOW WOULD I BECOME A MEMBER?
- Attend for at least 6 months
- Attend an “EFC Membership” class
- Schedule an Interview with a Pastor
- Congregation votes to receive you into membership
HOW DID THE PASTOR’S COME TO FAITH IN CHRIST?
You can read Pastor Justin’s here and Pastor Ray’s here.