Denomination

THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Our denomination is an historic association of churches which goes back to the turmoil of the Scottish Reformation in the 16th through 18th centuries. Groups of Scots dissented from English domination of the church, the control of the choice of pastors by the richest landowner in each area, and the dictate that the King of England was the Head of the Church on earth. Over nine hundred of our spiritual ancestors – men, women and children – died for their faith during what has come to be known “the killing time”. Thus, our synod (national church body in America) is perhaps the only American denomination whose roots were formed during a period of martyrdom.

We share a common faith with all biblically-minded Presbyterian believers, and we recognize with thanksgiving the ministry of many Christians beyond the Presbyterian stream. Our denominational college is Erskine College and our denomination’s seminary is Erskine Seminary, both located in the academic village of Due West, South Carolina. Our denominational headquarters are located in Greenville, South Carolina, and our retreat center, Bonclarken, is found in Flat Rock, North Carolina.

Our denomination supports church-planting missionaries and other mission work around the world, with especially important works in Pakistan, Mexico, Russia, and the Middle East. We contribute to this mission work now, and look forward to the day when we support missionaries in very substantial ways.

Our ministers are all trained men, and all are expected to have a sound faith, an exemplary life, and an evangelical spirit. All are under the authority of a shared church constitution and doctrinal standard (The Westminster Confession of Faith). In addition to Erskine Seminary, our ministers are trained at Reformed Theological Seminary, Westminster Seminary, Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and others.

You may find out more about the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church by going to our denominational website.