Choosing which church to visit . . .

[Kim G]

I've been thinking recently that I would like to visit a presbyterian church sometime. I'm not presbyterian and don't know that I'll be "converting" anytime soon , but I really enjoy the emphasis on the doctrines of grace, sovereignty of God, covenant theology, singing inspired Psalms, etc. So next time my hubby and I are out of town, we might visit a church we're not exactly used to.

That being said, how can this born-and-bred baptist decode all the presbyterian code words to choose the right church to visit? To my mind growing up, all Presbyterians were lukewarm social-gospel baptismal regenerationists (I don't know where I got that idea). . . and I don't really want an experience in a church like that.

So, what should hubby and I look for when choosing a church to visit?

 

[blhowes]

To my mind growing up, all Presbyterians were lukewarm social-gospel baptismal regenerationists...

You mean, that's not true?

 

[ColdSilverMoon]

Just about any PCA or OPC church is a good bet as far as Presbyterian churches go. PCA churches tend to be more modern, are more likely to have contemporary services, casual dress, etc. OPC are much more traditional. Doctrinally they are indistinguishable as far as I can tell. The PCA is bigger, so you're more likely find a PCA church than an OPC.

 

[jaybird0827]

You're in Greenville?

If you come to the Charlotte area, visit us (links below, in my signature).

 

[Kim G]

To my mind growing up, all Presbyterians were lukewarm social-gospel baptismal regenerationists...

You mean, that's not true?

I think I had an experience with one "presbyterian" who did not evidence any fruits of salvation, and my young mind associated baptism of infants with the Catholic church , so I had a very skewed view of the denomination.

 

[blhowes]

I think I had an experience with one "presbyterian" who did not evidence any fruits of salvation, and my young mind associated baptism of infants with the Catholic church , so I had a very skewed view of the denomination.

As a baptist, I'd always been taught in a way that any church that baptized infants was associated with the Catholic church. It was guilt by association. Interesting how things change when you meet people who can defend their paedobaptist position biblically (and can run circles around you while doing so).

 

[blhowes]

You're in Greenville?

If you come to the Charlotte area, visit us (links below, in my signature).

...which reminds me:

Rule of Thumb: Whenver you visit a different area and are looking for a church, be sure to post your destination on the PB. You may have the privilege of meeting some fellow PBers. I've had the privilege of meeting one so far, and came close to meeting two others.

 

[Galatians220]

In Greenville, I would invite you to visit the Greenville Presbyterian Church, pastored by Rev. Robert McCurley: SermonAudio.com - Greenville Presbyterian Church

I have heard Rev. McCurley preach many times, both here and in VA, and if you're into the doctrines of grace, covenant theology, the sovereignty of God and singing inspired psalms, then you would probably be very happy with your visit to that church. Rev. McCurley's congregation is thriving; he preaches the Gospel and Christ exalted. In my humble opinion, he is a wonderful Gospel preacher.

Margaret

P. S. (I know, I said I wouldn't post anymore, but this isn't about me... I'm just trying to help Kim. )

 

[Coram Deo]

You might look for the following churches

RPCNA - Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
RPCGA - Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly
PRC - Protestant Reformed Church
WPCUS - Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States
Free Church of Scotland


All Those churches will hold to a strict view of the regulative principle and be exclusive psalmody.

You can also try the URCNA - United Reformed Church of North America, they hold to the 3 forms of unity which includes the Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort and Heidelberg Catechism. They I believe are not exclusive psalmody but inspired song only i.e Song of Mary, etc. But they would use alot of the Psalter.

 

[tcalbrecht]

I've been thinking recently that I would like to visit a presbyterian church sometime. I'm not presbyterian and don't know that I'll be "converting" anytime soon , but I really enjoy the emphasis on the doctrines of grace, sovereignty of God, covenant theology, singing inspired Psalms, etc. So next time my hubby and I are out of town, we might visit a church we're not exactly used to.

That being said, how can this born-and-bred baptist decode all the presbyterian code words to choose the right church to visit? To my mind growing up, all Presbyterians were lukewarm social-gospel baptismal regenerationists (I don't know where I got that idea). . . and I don't really want an experience in a church like that.

So, what should hubby and I look for when choosing a church to visit?

There aren't many consistent Psalm singers in the PCA or OPC, but it's more likely you'll find them in the OPC. The Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) are Psalm singers.

You might also consider a United Reformed Churches in North America (URCNA) or Reformed Church in the United States (RCUS) church depending on your destination.

 

[Contra_Mundum]

{EDIT} I see this post of mine really doesn't fit the nature of the inquiry. I will just leave it here anyway. Find an OPC or PCA or ARP or URC or RPC--pretty much anything except a PCUSA mainline. I wouldn't recommend an Evangelical Presbyterian either, because they were too "progressive" to join the PCA, and formed their own denomination in the 1980s to include women pastors. {/EDIT}

There is an OPC in Greenville. I think it still meets in the GPTS facilities, or (rather) the OLD GPTS facilities, in Taylors. (The school has moved about 1/4 mile up the same street). As a lifelong (almost) OPC member, I felt this should be my church home while I lived in Greenville and went to seminary.

418 E. Main St.
Taylors, SC

Now, there are MORE, and some quite FINE, and usually LARGER PCA churches. Different ones have different strengths. I will mention 4 I have worshiped at:

1)Woodruff Road Presbyterian
2519 Woodruff Road
Simpsonville, SC 29681
P: (864) 297-5257
Woodruff Road Presbyterian Church

2) Second Presbyterian Church
105 River Street
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 232-7621
Second Presbyterian Church

3) Calvary Presbyterian Church
9201 Old White Horse Road
Greenville, South Carolina
(864) 294-0895
http://www.calvarypca.com/

4) Fellowship Presbyterian Church
1105 Old Spartanburg Road
Greer, South Carolina 29650
(864) 877-3267
Fellowship Presbyterian Church

 

[toddpedlar]

You might look for the following churches

RPCNA - Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
RPCGA - Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly
PRC - Protestant Reformed Church
WPCUS - Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States
Free Church of Scotland


All Those churches will hold to a strict view of the regulative principle and be exclusive psalmody.

You can also try the URCNA - United Reformed Church of North America, they hold to the 3 forms of unity which includes the Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort and Heidelberg Catechism. They I believe are not exclusive psalmody but inspired song only i.e Song of Mary, etc. But they would use alot of the Psalter.

This latter isn't true. The URCNA sing plenty of hymns... (and psalms)...

 

[Coram Deo]

I did say "I Believe", so I did qualified that answer about the URCNA, but I did thought they only sang hymns that are sometimes considered new testament hymns, or the Lukan Hymns, song of mary, etc..

You might look for the following churches

RPCNA - Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America
RPCGA - Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly
PRC - Protestant Reformed Church
WPCUS - Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States
Free Church of Scotland


All Those churches will hold to a strict view of the regulative principle and be exclusive psalmody.

You can also try the URCNA - United Reformed Church of North America, they hold to the 3 forms of unity which includes the Belgic Confession, Canons of Dort and Heidelberg Catechism. They I believe are not exclusive psalmody but inspired song only i.e Song of Mary, etc. But they would use alot of the Psalter.

This latter isn't true. The URCNA sing plenty of hymns... (and psalms)...

 

[ServantofGod]

The Free Presbyterians sing exclusively from the Psalter.

Dr. Alan Cairns
Faith Free Presbyterian Church
1207 Haywood Road
Greenville, SC 29615
1-888-483-2408

 

[Guido's Brother]

I did say "I Believe", so I did qualified that answer about the URCNA, but I did thought they only sang hymns that are sometimes considered new testament hymns, or the Lukan Hymns, song of mary, etc..

Perhaps you received that impression from some of the early Dutch Synods. For instance, the Synod of Dort 1618-19: "In the churches only the 150 Psalms of David shall be sung. The 10 Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the Articles of Faith, the Songs of Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon, the hymn 'O God who is our Father', and so on, shall be left in the freedom of the Church, whether they want to use them or not, as they see fit. The rest of the songs shall be taken out of the church, and similarly any which have previously been imported into the church shall be omitted in the most decent way possible."

However, that decision is not considered binding on any contemporary churches descended from Dort. As far as I'm aware the only Reformed churches of Dutch ancestry that practice nearly- or exclusive psalmody are the Free Reformed, the Protestant Reformed and the Netherlands Reformed.

As for the Canadian Reformed, we have 150 Psalms and 65 hymns, arguably closer to the Dort decision than the URCNA with 150 Psalms (in various styles/rhymings, etc.) and 182 hymns.

 

[py3ak]

The Free Presbyterians sing exclusively from the Psalter.

Dr. Alan Cairns
Faith Free Presbyterian Church
1207 Haywood Road
Greenville, SC 29615
1-888-483-2408

Ian, that is not actually true. They have made a hymnal of their own Hymns of Grace and Glory, which has a small Psalter selection in the back (no imprecatory Psalms, I'm sad to say). And they have Easter cantatas and special music most Sunday mornings, etc. I don't know that in some congregations you could even count on singing at least one Psalm every service.

 

[Ivan]

The Free Presbyterians sing exclusively from the Psalter.

Dr. Alan Cairns
Faith Free Presbyterian Church
1207 Haywood Road
Greenville, SC 29615
1-888-483-2408

Ian, that is not actually true. They have made a hymnal of their own Hymns of Grace and Glory, which has a small Psalter selection in the back (no imprecatory Psalms, I'm sad to say). And they have Easter cantatas and special music most Sunday mornings, etc. I don't know that you could even count on singing at least one Psalm every service.

On WVCY 107.7 out of Milwaukee, the Free Presbyterian Church has their radio program on air. I know I've heard songs other than Pslams and I assumed that would be the case in their local church services.

I know some have issues with this denomination but I must say that I have a lot of respect for Dr. Cairns on his stand on many issues.

 

[ServantofGod]

The Free Presbyterians sing exclusively from the Psalter.

Dr. Alan Cairns
Faith Free Presbyterian Church
1207 Haywood Road
Greenville, SC 29615
1-888-483-2408

Ian, that is not actually true. They have made a hymnal of their own Hymns of Grace and Glory, which has a small Psalter selection in the back (no imprecatory Psalms, I'm sad to say). And they have Easter cantatas and special music most Sunday mornings, etc. I don't know that in some congregations you could even count on singing at least one Psalm every service.

My mistake. I judged it off the two in my area.

 

[VirginiaHuguenot]

The Free Presbyterians sing exclusively from the Psalter.

Just for clarification, there is the Free Presbyterian Church [of Ulster / Worldwide] (non-EP) and the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland (EP). This particular congregation in Greenville (which I have visited) is part of the former.

 

[ADKing]

In Greenville, I would invite you to visit the Greenville Presbyterian Church, pastored by Rev. Robert McCurley: SermonAudio.com - Greenville Presbyterian Church

I have heard Rev. McCurley preach many times, both here and in VA, and if you're into the doctrines of grace, covenant theology, the sovereignty of God and singing inspired psalms, then you would probably be very happy with your visit to that church. Rev. McCurley's congregation is thriving; he preaches the Gospel and Christ exalted. In my humble opinion, he is a wonderful Gospel preacher.

Margaret

P. S. (I know, I said I wouldn't post anymore, but this isn't about me... I'm just trying to help Kim. )

If you are in Greenville, the Free Church of Scotland Continuing with Rev. McCurley is definitely the church to check out. His preaching is very good!

 

[VirginiaHuguenot]

In Greenville, I would invite you to visit the Greenville Presbyterian Church, pastored by Rev. Robert McCurley: SermonAudio.com - Greenville Presbyterian Church

I have heard Rev. McCurley preach many times, both here and in VA, and if you're into the doctrines of grace, covenant theology, the sovereignty of God and singing inspired psalms, then you would probably be very happy with your visit to that church. Rev. McCurley's congregation is thriving; he preaches the Gospel and Christ exalted. In my humble opinion, he is a wonderful Gospel preacher.

Margaret

P. S. (I know, I said I wouldn't post anymore, but this isn't about me... I'm just trying to help Kim. )

If you are in Greenville, the Free Church of Scotland Continuing with Rev. McCurley is definitely the church to check out. His preaching is very good!

I attended this church for years under the former pastor from the very beginning of its founding. Many of my friends are at the current congregation now, including at least one member of the PB that I know of.

 

[Pilgrim]

Needless to say, there are a lot more choices in Greenville than you will typically find elsewhere.

 

[JBaldwin]

I have attended nearly every PCA church in the upstate at one time or another. If you are looking for a more traditional type presbyterian church, I would suggest the ones already listed. If you are looking for something a little more laid back, but still solid in theology, you might want to try:

Horizon Church (PCA)
1070 East Bulter Road
Greenville, SC
286-9911

Pastor Jim Stephenson and his wife are long time friends of mine. (They came out of the Baptist tradition)

Another traditional PCA church is:

Mitchell Road Presbyterian (PCA)
207 Mitchell Road
Greenville, SC
268-2218

If you are interested in the ARP (Associate Reformed Presbyterian), there is a small, but very good church off I-185 in Easley

Unity Presbyterian Church
2215 Highway 86
Piedmont, SC 29617
864-845-7109


Hope this is helpful. All these PCA churches are in my presbytery, and if you ever want to take a drive and have a blessed time with a small group of believers, you can come visit my church:

Keowee Presbyterian Church
Hwy 133
Six Mile, SC

 

[Backwoods Presbyterian]

Needless to say, there are a lot more choices in Greenville than you will typically find elsewhere.

 

[TimV]

I think I had an experience with one "presbyterian" who did not evidence any fruits of salvation, and my young mind associated baptism of infants with the Catholic church , so I had a very skewed view of the denomination.

It's not a denomination, but rather a form of government, just like Baptist isn't a denomination but rather a description of the way one of the sacraments is carried out.

Best

 

[Kim G]

I think I had an experience with one "presbyterian" who did not evidence any fruits of salvation, and my young mind associated baptism of infants with the Catholic church , so I had a very skewed view of the denomination.

It's not a denomination, but rather a form of government, just like Baptist isn't a denomination but rather a description of the way one of the sacraments is carried out.

Best

A "presbytery" denotes "a form of government."

"Credo-Baptist" denotes "a description of the way one of the sacraments is carried out."

But a PRESBYTERIAN holds to more than just a form of government, just as a BAPTIST holds to more than just a particular view of baptism.

Presbyterians are a denomination, as are Baptists, Lutherans, Anglicans, etc.

Presbyterianism is a family of Christian denominations within the Reformed branch of Protestant Western Christianity.

And . . .

After these branches come denominational families. In some traditions, these families are precisely defined (such as the autocephalous churches in both Orthodox branches), in others, they may be loose ideological groups with overlap. This is especially the case in Protestantism, which includes Adventists, Anabaptists, Baptists, Congregationalists, Lutherans, Methodists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Reformed churches, and possibly others, depending on who is organizing the scheme.

 

[PresReformed]

In Greenville, I would invite you to visit the Greenville Presbyterian Church, pastored by Rev. Robert McCurley: SermonAudio.com - Greenville Presbyterian Church

I have heard Rev. McCurley preach many times, both here and in VA, and if you're into the doctrines of grace, covenant theology, the sovereignty of God and singing inspired psalms, then you would probably be very happy with your visit to that church. Rev. McCurley's congregation is thriving; he preaches the Gospel and Christ exalted. In my humble opinion, he is a wonderful Gospel preacher.

Margaret

P. S. (I know, I said I wouldn't post anymore, but this isn't about me... I'm just trying to help Kim. )

If you are in Greenville, the Free Church of Scotland Continuing with Rev. McCurley is definitely the church to check out. His preaching is very good!

 

[Grace Alone]

This is a very old thread, but since it has been bumped up, I'll just say the social-gospel presbyterians are in the Presbyterian USA. Under no circumstances would I recommend anyone visit one of those churches.

You'll mostly find PCA and ARP in SC. Those are solid, reformed denominations.

 

[Pergamum]

My policy is to always choose the church with the best marque out front.


I am a sucker for the "Eternity - Smoking or non-smoking?" style of evangelism.

 

[Christusregnat]

My policy is to always choose the church with the best marque out front.


I am a sucker for the "Eternity - Smoking or non-smoking?" style of evangelism.