What Does Free Presbyterian Mean?

Free

The “Free” in our name refers to the fact that when our denomination was formed we broke free from a Presbyterian denomination which was heavily influenced by liberal theology and had left their historic stand. The “Free” emphasises our liberty to stand without compromise for Christ in a day when there is a lot of compromise on important truths. Being “Free” we seek to stand resolutely for Christ, in proclaiming the gospel. For us freedom is freedom to be holy, observing both personal and ecclesiastical separation unto the Lord.

Presbyterian

“Presbyterian” may seem like a strange word but it simply refers to a church governed by elders (who are spiritually qualified men chosen by the Lord to shepherd the congregations). “Presbyterian” churches are interdependent meaning that each of our local congregations are closely connected and dependent upon each other. Elders of each congregation regularly gather to address the spiritual and practical needs of the denomination. The beauty of Presbyterian government is that no one individual is beyond oversight, but each congregation, or individual, inclusive of elders, is is under the authority of the Church as governed by Christ, our sole Head.

Distinctives of the Free Presbyterian Church

Reformed in Doctrine,

Believing in the divine authority and verbal inspiration of the Bible and the great fundamental doctrines of grace it contains.  In keeping with the position of the reformed confessions, the Free Presbyterian Church holds that the Scriptures alone are the supreme authority in matters of faith and practice.  Believing it to be the most reliable translation, the Free Presbyterian Church uses only the Authorized Version (KJV) of the Bible. The Free Presbyterian Church subscribes the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Articles of Faith.

Protestant in Conviction,

Gladly taking its stand alongside the great Christian leaders of the Reformation in their militant witness against the antichristian system of the Papacy. The twin pillars of Protestantism, namely, a positive witness for Christ and a protest against all spiritual error, are cherished and defended.

Separatist in Practice,

Believing in the Biblical doctrine of separation in the area of ecclesiastical and personal fellowship. In accordance with this, the Free Presbyterian Church has no association with the modern Ecumenical or Charismatic movements, nor will it fellowship with any church which has departed from the fundamental doctrines of the Word of God.

Presbyterian in Government,

Being overseen by elders and deacons chosen by each congregation from its communicant membership. The Free Presbyterian Church stands for a born-again membership and seeks for men genuinely born-again by the Spirit of God and dedicated to the extension of the Kingdom of Christ, to be its ministers, elders, and deacons.

Biblical in Worship,

Believing that worship must be reverent, God-glorifying and Christ-exalting.  Therefore, we repudiate the modern trends towards minimizing the preaching of the Word, the incorporation of contemporary worship and song, dress that is immodest and inappropriate, and rejection of the head covering for women.

Sanctified in Behaviour,

Requiring its members to lead godly lives in obedience to the Scriptures which call on God’s people to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.  Testimonies of holiness and righteousness are vital to the life and witness of Christ’s Church in a world increasingly plagued by the pleasure crazes of this generation, such as drinking, dancing, and gambling.

Evangelistic in Outreach,

In obedience to the great commission of Christ to “go ye into all the world and preach the gospel”.  A vigorous programme of evangelistic preaching, missionary endeavour, and media ministry is actively pursued with the great objective of leading sinners to an experimental knowledge of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.