What is an EFCA Church?

Although many people have attended an EFCA church for many years there are still some who struggle trying to explain what an EFCA church is to others.  Why the use of the tree in their logo?  What is the history of the EFCA church and where are they going? 

I am currently at the EFCA National Conference in California.  I love to network with other pastors and the leadership of the EFCA in talking about the vision of the EFCA.  The Evangelical Free Church of America does not identify themselves as a denomination, but a movement of churches centered around common beliefs and a common vision who can do much more together for the glory of God.  I support the doctrinal statement of the EFCA without reservation as each point is centered around the Gospel and founded upon Scripture.  I truly encourage each church member to take the time to read this statement as it is on our own website and it serves as the foundation for all we do in ministry at Maywood.    The vision of the EFCA is to glorify God by multiplying healthy churches that produce fully devoted Christ followers of ALL people (race and ethnicity), who share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost world without Him.  The logo of the Free Church represents the broad work of the EFCA.  It is a picture of the diversity welcomed in the Free Church, such as color and style of churches that make up the richness of this movement. 

The name EFCA identifies various characteristics of the movement and its history.  The term Evangelical comes from the word evangelize.  An Evangelical Christian is one whose life is built upon taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the lost world.  Evangelicals are those who embrace inerrancy and the authority of God's Word.  Many are confused when it comes to the word Free.  Are we Free to do what we want to do?  Is it Free to attend our church?  Are we Evangelical Free (like sugar free)?  What it does mean is that the church will remain Free from state control.  While started in Sweden, the Evangelical Free Church was pressured by the state for how they would function and the church refused to be ruled and regulated by anyone but Jesus Christ.  The word Church means a called out assembly of believers and the term America identifies where our group of churches exist (there are also the Evangelical Free Churches of Canada and Africa). 

While visiting various EFCA churches (there are about 1500) you will find diversity and liberty to worship as that church deems acceptable based upon God's Word--all are welcomed and all can be right.  The mantra of the Free Church is, "In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, charity. In all things, Jesus Christ."  Within the Free Church there is room for legitimate differences in some areas of doctrine.  Personal holiness and separated living is part of our Christian duty, but we are not separatist--we must reach the world for Christ.  EFCA churches are congregational in government, meaning they are free (autonomous) to regulate their daily affairs under the authority of God's Word for His glory.  Church leadership serves to feed the flock, lead the flock, protect the flock, and free the flock of God to worship their GREAT God.  Christians are to be responsible, godly men, women and young people who desire to live under the control of the Holy Spirit in obedience to the principles and precepts of God’s Word, and in harmony with God’s will for life as revealed in the Scriptures.

The future of the EFCA is bright with the new president, Kevin Kompelein, being voted upon today (June 18, 2015).  He is a humble servant who has served as a pastor, missionary, and in key roles within the EFCA (missions in all of Africa).  Kevin is very committed to the proclamation of the Gospel, discipleship, and moving forward together for His glory.  You can take great confidence in what God is doing within the EFCA.