More than one church body around the world goes by the name of the Free Presbyterian Church, some with strong denominational ties, others not.
Any of these denominations are appropriate for this category.
The oldest of these is the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, which was organized in 1893, with roots in the Scottish Reformation. It is sometimes known as the Wee Wee Frees, a pejorative term that is applied, as well, to other groups coming out of the Free Church.
In 1892, the Free Church of Scotland relaxed the stringency upon which churches were required to subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith. Due to this, a group of churches, largely in the Highlands, separated from the Free Church of Scotland to form the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland in order to maintain a more orthodox theology.
A few years later, the majority of the new Presbyterian body merged with the United Presbyterian Church to form the United Free Church of Scotland. The churches that chose not to participate in the merger retained the name, Free Church of Scotland, which later became the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
The FPCS emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to work in the soul of a believer before any discernable spiritual life will be evident, and for the Church to provide Bible-based, Christ-focused preaching, and for members to set a good example. Those who claim to have been converted are expected to live a holy life.
In its outreach to the secular world, the FPCS refuses to employ drama, dancing, or music bands in its worship services, or to use sports or social entertainment in order to attract young people, as these things are considered to be of the world.
Member congregations of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland are organized within one of six Presbyteries, which meet regularly.
The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster was founded by Ian Paisley in 1951, and is described as fundamentalist, evangelical, and separatist.
The Church holds to Calvinist doctrines, the inerrancy of the Bible, the literal nature of Scriptural accounts, the Virgin Birth of Christ, the bodily resurrection and eventual return of Christ, and the substitutionary atonement of Christ on the cross.
Its membership is concentrated in Northern Ireland, although it has congregations in the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, and Australia, as well as sister denominations in North America and Nepal.
The Free Presbyterian Church of Australia is in fellowship with the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, and has congregations in Port Lincoln, Perth, Lock, and Tasmania.
Presbyterian in doctrine and polity, the FPCA departs from common Presbyterianism in that it acknowledges that baptism is understood differently by people who are equally committed to Scripture.
The Free Presbyterian Church of North America was part of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster until 2005, when it became a separate denomination. It still maintains a close relationship with its parent denomination.
The FPCNA is doctrinally fundamental, and holds to the authority and verbal inspiration of the Bible, which is the supreme authority in matters of faith and practice. The Church uses the Authorized Version of the KJV solely.
The Church encourages members to live godly lives in obedience to God's Word, and to be examples of holiness and righteousness.
Within the Free Presbyterian Church of North America are ministers who baptize infants, as well as those who believe that baptism is reserved for believers only.
Of course, as a Presbyterian body, the FPCNA utilizes a Presbyterian polity, ruled by elders and deacons who are chosen by the membership. Only men are ordained as ministers, elders, or deacons.
The FPCNA is not associated with any of the modern ecumenical or charismatic movements, and will not fellowship with churches that are believed to have departed from the fundamental doctrines of the Bible.
The Free Presbyterian Church of North America has congregations in the United States and Canada, with mission projects in Jamaica, Kenya, and Liberia. Its denominational headquarters is in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The focus of this category is on any of the denominations identifying as the Free Presbyterian Church, including any that may not have been mentioned here. Websites representing either of these denominations or affiliated agencies, organizations, or corporations are appropriate for this category. However, those representing local congregations should be submitted to the Local & Global category that corresponds with the church's geographical location.
Recommended Resources
Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland
Describing itself as the constitutional heir of the historic Church of Scotland, the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland has its roots in the Scottish Reformation. Its doctrine, worship structure, church government, and access to various publications of the Church. Other topics include several informational articles, audio of sermons, theological conferences, and youth conferences, as well as an online bookshop offering a variety of materials.
http://www.fpchurch.org.uk/
Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster
What began as a gospel campaign by Ian Paisley, ended up as a split in the Lissara Presbyterian Church and the Down Presbytery in 1951, forming a new Presbyterian body. The history of the church, its governance, distinctives, and beliefs are set forth, along with a calendar of events, and an overview of its programs and ministries. Member churches are pictured, with address and contact information. Several informational and reference texts are presented.
http://www.freepresbyterian.org/
Free Presbyterian Church Worldwide
The portal connects the Free Presbyterian Church of North America and the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, and includes histories and general information about each of the sister denominations, directories of member churches, seminaries, and other programs for each, administrative contacts, calendars of events, schedules, notices, web stores, and access to informational articles, documents, and publications.
http://www.freepres.org/
A ministry of the Mission Board of the Free Presbyterian Church of North America, the site offers news from the mission fields, photographs, and an expression of needs, as well as feature articles, prayer requests, mission video, and a gallery of photographs. The fundraising efforts of the Mission Board are outlined, including addresses for both Canadian and US donors. Copies of the Missionary Prayer Bulletin may be downloaded in PDF format.
http://www.fpcnamissions.org/
The Free Presbyterian Church of North America
The FPCNA describes itself as reformed in doctrine, evangelical in outreach, sanctified by behavior, Presbyterian in government, Protestant in conviction, and separatist in practice. The official denominational website offers a profile of the Church, and a directory of member churches and ministries, its seminary, and missions. A web store offers pamphlets, tracts, magazines, and other publications. Church news is posted to the site.
http://www.fpcna.org/
