I served for 16 years as a teaching elder in the EPC. For me, it was an “ecclesiastical bridge” to a more a more confessional position. I was never asked to compromise my position as one on the Reformed and confessional fringes of the denomination. [BTW: When I met my wife she said, “You are the fringe of the EPC.”]

The EPC is a composite of different degrees of Reformed and Presbyterian congregations. The theological culture differs much from one presbytery to another. Central South, which includes Second Presbyterian in Memphis, is the most conservative. The Presbytery of the West has been one of the less Reformed and more “Essentialist” presbyteries. The denomination still has conservative men like Rob Norris of Fourth Presbyterian Church, Bethesda.

The EPC serves an important purpose for the present. Where else would “conservative” congregations departing the PCUSA go? Few of them would fit into the PCA or OPC. We don’t need another EPC like denomination. The EPC may serve as a “bridge” for some of them in transition. Some PCA congregations moving in the other direction may also find a home there. I certainly don’t understand why some departing the PCA have opted for the RCA over the EPC.

The EPC has created an inescapable handicap for themselves. Their constitution includes an non amendable provision allowing local congregations to decide if they will ordain women officers and presbyteries the option of ordaining or receiving women teaching elders. They can’t get out of this as the EPC. Their only option is for congregations to leave as congregations and join a more conservative denomination. This provision is a time bomb for them. When a denomination makes women’s ordination a mere culturally conditioned matter, Scripture is no longer unique and authoritative.

I value the many friends and fine Christians I knew in the EPC. They were supportive of me in some dark days when my late wife was dying and I was involved in a difficult ministry. I’m glad for my time spent with them. I’m sorry to see them becoming more “egalitarian” and “essentialist” rather than Reformed and confessional. But, many individuals and a few congregations may yet find themselves moving in that direction.

I’m content to be where I am presently in the OPC. I believe I’m the first and to this date only EPC teaching elder to move to the OPC.

I’m also disappointed to see leadership publicizing their meeting with the Anti-Christ. I was asked if I wanted to meet with the Dalai Lama when he came to Idaho a couple years ago. I responded, “I use to raise milk goats; but I don’t know much about llamas.”

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Glenn Ferrell
Pastor, Sovereign Redeemer Presbyterian Church
OPC
Boise, Idaho