Presbyterian Church in America: Difference between revisions
Replaced content with "{{Infobox denomination | | website = [https://pcanet.org pcanet.org] }} The '''Presbyterian Church in America''' ('''PCA''') is the second-largest Presbyterian church body in the United States (behind the Presbyterian Church (USA)) and the largest conservative Calvinist denomination in the country. The PCA is Reformed in theology and presbyterian in government. == History == === Background === Presbyteri..." Tag: Replaced |
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The '''Presbyterian Church in America''' ('''PCA''') is the second-largest [[Presbyterian]] church body in the [[wikipedia:United States|United States]] (behind the [[Presbyterian Church (USA | The '''Presbyterian Church in America''' ('''PCA''') is the second-largest [[Presbyterian]] church body in the [[wikipedia:United States|United States]] (behind the [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]]) and the largest conservative [[Calvinist]] denomination in the country. The PCA is [[Reformed]] in theology and [[presbyterian]] in government. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
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The PCA has its roots in theological controversies over liberalism and neo-orthodoxy in the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS), which had split from the mainline Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. along regional lines at the beginning of the Civil War. | The PCA has its roots in theological controversies over liberalism and neo-orthodoxy in the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS), which had split from the mainline Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. along regional lines at the beginning of the Civil War. | ||
Beginning in 1942, as the PCUS began to experiment with confessional revision and neo-orthodoxy/liberalism became influential in its seminaries, renewal groups formed, including Presbyterian Churchmen United, Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship, and Concerned Presbyterians.<ref>Wallace, W Jason. "Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)." Encyclopedia of Alabama, October 3, 2011. http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1626</ref> | Beginning in 1942, as the PCUS began to experiment with confessional revision and neo-orthodoxy/liberalism became influential in its seminaries, renewal groups formed, including [[Presbyterian Churchmen United]], [[Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship]], and [[Concerned Presbyterians]].<ref>Wallace, W Jason. "Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)." Encyclopedia of Alabama, October 3, 2011. http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1626</ref> | ||
Conservatives sought to reaffirm the Westminster Confession of Faith, biblical inerrancy, and traditional sexual ethics, and opposed women's ordination and certain ecumenical efforts. | Conservatives sought to reaffirm the [[Westminster Confession of Faith]], biblical inerrancy, and traditional sexual ethics, and opposed women's ordination and certain ecumenical efforts. | ||
In December 1973, delegates from about 260 congregations met at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and organized the National Presbyterian Church (later renamed the Presbyterian Church in America after a name conflict).<ref>Donald K. McKim, David F. Wright, Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith, Westminster John Knox Press, 1992, p. 298</ref> | In December 1973, delegates from about 260 congregations met at [[Briarwood Presbyterian Church (Birmingham, Alabama)|Briarwood Presbyterian Church]] in [[wikipedia:Birmingham, Alabama|Birmingham, Alabama]], and organized the "National Presbyterian Church" (later renamed the Presbyterian Church in America after a name conflict).<ref>Donald K. McKim, David F. Wright, Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith, Westminster John Knox Press, 1992, p. 298</ref> | ||
=== Growth === | === Growth === | ||
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==== Early expansion ==== | ==== Early expansion ==== | ||
In the mid-1970s several UPCUSA churches in Ohio and Pennsylvania joined after controversies surrounding women's ordination (notably the Kenyon Case).<ref>Reformation Anglicanism blog, July 29, 2014. http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.hu/2014/07/29-july-1975-ad-ascension-presbytery.html</ref> | In the mid-1970s several UPCUSA churches in Ohio and Pennsylvania joined after controversies surrounding women's ordination (notably the [[Kenyon Case]]).<ref>Reformation Anglicanism blog, July 29, 2014. http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.hu/2014/07/29-july-1975-ad-ascension-presbytery.html</ref> | ||
In 1982 the PCA merged with the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod (RPCES) in a "Joining and Receiving" process, adding Covenant College and Covenant Theological Seminary to the denomination.<ref>Johnson, William “Bill”. "Joining and Receiving." ByFaith, June 11, 2012. http://byfaithonline.com/joining-and-receiving-a-fading-footnote-or-a-summons-to-more</ref> | In 1982 the PCA merged with the [[Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod]] (RPCES) in a "Joining and Receiving" process, adding [[Covenant College]] and [[Covenant Theological Seminary]] to the denomination.<ref>Johnson, William “Bill”. "Joining and Receiving." ByFaith, June 11, 2012. http://byfaithonline.com/joining-and-receiving-a-fading-footnote-or-a-summons-to-more</ref> | ||
==== Later growth ==== | ==== Later growth ==== | ||
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As of the end of 2024 the PCA reported: | As of the end of 2024 the PCA reported: | ||
* 1,964 congregations | * 1,964 congregations | ||
* 400,751 members | * 400,751 members | ||
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A summary of core beliefs includes: | A summary of core beliefs includes: | ||
* The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. | * The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. | ||
* One God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). | * One God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). | ||
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The PCA is a member of: | The PCA is a member of: | ||
* North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council (NAPARC) | * [[North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council]] (NAPARC) | ||
* World Reformed Fellowship | * [[World Reformed Fellowship]] (WRF) | ||
It has fraternal relations with several Reformed bodies in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. | It has fraternal relations with several Reformed bodies in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. | ||
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== Notable churches == | == Notable churches == | ||
* Briarwood Presbyterian Church (Birmingham, | * [[Briarwood Presbyterian Church (Birmingham, Alabama)|Briarwood Presbyterian Church]] | ||
* Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale, | * [[Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)|Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church]] | ||
* Korean Central Presbyterian Church (Centreville, | * [[Korean Central Presbyterian Church (Centreville, Virginia)|Korean Central Presbyterian Church]] | ||
* Park Cities Presbyterian Church (Dallas, | * [[Park Cities Presbyterian Church (Dallas, Texas)|Park Cities Presbyterian Church]] | ||
* Perimeter Church (Johns Creek, | * [[Perimeter Church (Johns Creek, Georgia)|Perimeter Church]] | ||
* Redeemer Presbyterian Church (New York, | * [[Redeemer Presbyterian Church (New York, New York)|Redeemer Presbyterian Church]] | ||
* Sarang Community Church of Southern California (Anaheim, | * [[Sarang Community Church of Southern California (Anaheim, California)|Sarang Community Church of Southern California]] | ||
* Tenth Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, | * [[Tenth Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)|Tenth Presbyterian Church]] | ||
== Notable people == | == Notable people == | ||
* Tim Keller — founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church | * [[Tim Keller]] — founding pastor of [[Redeemer Presbyterian Church (New York City, New York)|Redeemer Presbyterian Church]] | ||
* Kevin DeYoung — pastor and author | * [[Kevin DeYoung]] — pastor of [[Christ Covenant Church (Matthews, North Carolina)|Christ Covenant Church]] and author | ||
* Ligon Duncan — theologian and | * [[Ligon Duncan]] — theologian and [[Reformed Theological Seminary]] chancellor | ||
* D. James Kennedy — Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church founder | * [[D. James Kennedy]] — [[Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)|Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church]] founder | ||
* R. C. Sproul — theologian and Ligonier Ministries founder | * [[R. C. Sproul]] — theologian and [[Ligonier Ministries]] founder | ||
* C. Everett Koop — former U.S. Surgeon General | * [[C. Everett Koop]] — former [[wikipedia:U.S. Surgeon General|U.S. Surgeon General]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
Latest revision as of 01:07, 18 March 2026
| Website | pcanet.org |
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The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is the second-largest Presbyterian church body in the United States (behind the Presbyterian Church (USA)) and the largest conservative Calvinist denomination in the country. The PCA is Reformed in theology and presbyterian in government.
History
Background
Presbyterians trace their history to the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. The Presbyterian heritage and much of its theology began with the French theologian and lawyer John Calvin (1509–1564). From Calvin's headquarters in Geneva, the Reformed movement spread to other parts of Europe. John Knox took Calvin's teachings to Scotland and led the Scottish Reformation of 1560. Immigrants from Scotland and Ireland brought Presbyterianism to America as early as 1640.
The PCA has its roots in theological controversies over liberalism and neo-orthodoxy in the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS), which had split from the mainline Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. along regional lines at the beginning of the Civil War.
Beginning in 1942, as the PCUS began to experiment with confessional revision and neo-orthodoxy/liberalism became influential in its seminaries, renewal groups formed, including Presbyterian Churchmen United, Presbyterian Evangelistic Fellowship, and Concerned Presbyterians.[1]
Conservatives sought to reaffirm the Westminster Confession of Faith, biblical inerrancy, and traditional sexual ethics, and opposed women's ordination and certain ecumenical efforts.
In December 1973, delegates from about 260 congregations met at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and organized the "National Presbyterian Church" (later renamed the Presbyterian Church in America after a name conflict).[2]
Growth
Early expansion
In the mid-1970s several UPCUSA churches in Ohio and Pennsylvania joined after controversies surrounding women's ordination (notably the Kenyon Case).[3]
In 1982 the PCA merged with the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod (RPCES) in a "Joining and Receiving" process, adding Covenant College and Covenant Theological Seminary to the denomination.[4]
Later growth
Growth since the 1990s has come mainly through church planting, local outreach, and some congregations leaving the PC(USA), RCA, and other bodies.
As of the end of 2024 the PCA reported:
- 1,964 congregations
- 400,751 members
- 5,347 ministers[5]
Doctrine and practice
The PCA adheres to the Westminster Confession of Faith, Westminster Larger Catechism, and Westminster Shorter Catechism as subordinate standards, with Scripture as the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
A summary of core beliefs includes:
- The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God.
- One God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
- Total depravity through Adam's fall.
- Unconditional election, particular redemption, irresistible grace, perseverance of the saints.
- Justification by faith alone.
- Infant baptism as a sign of the covenant.
- Future bodily return of Christ.
- Great Commission obligation.[6]
The PCA does not ordain women as elders or ministers.
Demographics
The PCA is strongest in the Southeast (especially Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina). It also has significant presence in Texas, the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and growing Korean-American and Hispanic ministries.
Approximately 15–20% of members are non-white; Korean congregations make up about 15% of churches.[7]
Agencies and ministries
- Mission to the World (MTW) — international missions
- Mission to North America (MNA) — domestic church planting and mercy ministries
- Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) — college campus ministry
- Covenant College (Lookout Mountain, Georgia)
- Covenant Theological Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri)
- Ridge Haven Conference and Retreat Center (Brevard, North Carolina)
- byFaith magazine
Headquarters are in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Relations with other denominations
The PCA is a member of:
It has fraternal relations with several Reformed bodies in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Notable churches
- Briarwood Presbyterian Church
- Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
- Korean Central Presbyterian Church
- Park Cities Presbyterian Church
- Perimeter Church
- Redeemer Presbyterian Church
- Sarang Community Church of Southern California
- Tenth Presbyterian Church
Notable people
- Tim Keller — founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church
- Kevin DeYoung — pastor of Christ Covenant Church and author
- Ligon Duncan — theologian and Reformed Theological Seminary chancellor
- D. James Kennedy — Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church founder
- R. C. Sproul — theologian and Ligonier Ministries founder
- C. Everett Koop — former U.S. Surgeon General
References
- ↑ Wallace, W Jason. "Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)." Encyclopedia of Alabama, October 3, 2011. http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/face/Article.jsp?id=h-1626
- ↑ Donald K. McKim, David F. Wright, Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith, Westminster John Knox Press, 1992, p. 298
- ↑ Reformation Anglicanism blog, July 29, 2014. http://reformationanglicanism.blogspot.hu/2014/07/29-july-1975-ad-ascension-presbytery.html
- ↑ Johnson, William “Bill”. "Joining and Receiving." ByFaith, June 11, 2012. http://byfaithonline.com/joining-and-receiving-a-fading-footnote-or-a-summons-to-more
- ↑ PCA Administrative Committee. "Statistics of the Presbyterian Church in America 2010-2024." https://www.pcaac.org/resources/pca-statistics-five-year-summary/
- ↑ Astoria Community Church. "A Synopsis of the Beliefs of the Presbyterian Church in America." http://www.astoriachurch.org/synopsis-beliefs-presbyterian-church-america
- ↑ ByFaith Online. "The Quiet 15 Percent." http://byfaithonline.com/the-quiet-15-percent/
