Largely represented by the Evangelical Friends Church, International, the Evangelical Friends are the body of Quakers who are more like other evangelical Christians.
Evangelical Quaker theology has a stronger basis on the Scripture than the other divisions of Friends. They adhere to many of the basic beliefs of other evangelical Christians but differ in some significant ways, such as in not observing the outward sacraments, and in honoring the traditional Quaker views on peace, simplicity, and equality.
Like other evangelicals, Evangelical Friends consider Jesus Christ to be their personal Lord and Savior. They share, with many other Christians, a belief that Christ died for the sins of humanity on the cross, and in the necessity of every individual to experience a personal relationship with God. They believe that the Bible is the infallible Word of God.
Evangelical Friends believe that the purpose of the Church is to evangelize non-believers throughout the world, transforming their lives through the love of God and in service to others.
Founded in 1990, Evangelical Friends Church International is the newest, as well as one of the largest of the Friends meetings in the United States. Its origins are in the Association of Evangelical Friends, which was formed in 1947, which became Evangelical Friends Alliance in 1965, which was an effort to encourage an emphasis on evangelism and denominational unity.
In 1989, it became Evangelical Friends International, reflecting its presence in four geographic regions, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and North America. In 2007, Europe was added as a region, and its name was changed to Evangelical Friends Church, International.
Members of the EFCI may refer to a local congregation as a church or as a monthly meeting.
Most Friends groups hold silent services, in which members speak only as they are led by God, but EFCI holds programmed services, which may incorporate silent worship, but only as part of the service.
A key doctrinal issue the EFCI from other Quaker groups is its view on salvation. The EFCI believes that all people are in need of salvation, which can be accomplished only through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Other Quaker groups hold to a range of views on the issue, including religious pluralism.
Evangelical Friends place less emphasis on the traditional Quaker belief in the inner light, and more on the authority of a literal interpretation of the Bible.
Unlike most branches of Friends, several of the Yearly Meetings within the EFCI allow for freedom of conscience in regards to the participation of water baptism and communion, although they are not considered sacraments in the church.
The chief issue separating Evangelical Friends from other evangelical Christian denominations is that they consider themselves to be part of the larger Society of Friends, and hold that their beliefs are consistent with that of earlier Friends, such as George Fox. They also adhere to most of the core beliefs and values of the Society of Friends.
The Evangelical Friends Church, International is divided into several areas, known as regions, each with its own director. Each region is made up of the various Yearly Meetings (churches) and mission fields within its geographic area.
The mission agency for the Evangelical Friends Church, International is the Evangelical Friends Mission, which recruits and sends missionaries to preach the gospel of Christ and to disciple those who believe and wish to follow Jesus. Its missions arm may also plant new congregations.
The North American region of the Evangelical Friends Church, International is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals, an association of Christian evangelical churches.
The EFCI operates or has affiliations with Azusa Pacific University, Barclay College, George Fox University, George Fox Evangelical Seminary, Houston Graduate School of Theology, Malone University, and Friends University.
The focus of this category is on Evangelical Friends, including the Evangelical Friends Church, International and any other bodies of Evangelical Friends fitting the definition. Websites representing the international body is appropriate for this category, along with its regions, colleges, universities, and seminaries, as well as publishing houses, corporations, or organizations associated with the Evangelical Friends. Sites representing local congregations or yearly meetings should be submitted to the Local & Global category representing their geographical location, however.
Recommended Resources
Founded by Quakers in 1917, the school was known as Friends Bible College from 1925 to 1990, the college now welcomes students from all evangelical faith traditions. Its location, a history of the college, accreditation status, mission statement, and a statement of faith is set forth, along with enrollment data, demographics, and its strategic plan. Its admissions policies, undergraduate, graduate, and student life programs are outlined.
http://www.barclaycollege.edu/
A publishing company affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church International, Barclay Press, located in Newberg, Oregon, publishes Quaker books and related works on topics such as justice, compassion, spirituality, and Christian education, as well as a quarterly Bible study series, a quarterly devotional, and other works. Contributing writers are introduced, and interested readers may sign up for a weekly newsletter.
http://www.barclaypress.com/
Evangelical Friends Church - Eastern Region
Affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church International, the Eastern Region is based in Canton, Ohio, and made up of churches and church plants in Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Eastern Canada. Its history, purpose, and beliefs are outlined, along with doctrine and practices. Its missions and educational ministries are posted, and contact information is provided.
https://www.efcer.org/
An arm of the Evangelical Friends Church International, EFM is a worldwide movement of Quakers who are committed to planting churches throughout the world. Sponsored missionaries are introduced, and details of EFM’s mission fields are posted, including histories, geographical features, and contacts. Other resources include photographs, downloadable videos, project information, and opportunities to contribute.
http://www.friendsmission.com/
Located in Wichita, Kansas, Friends University is a non-denominational Christian educational institution. Built for Garfield University, its main building was donated to the Religious Society of Friends. Now operated by an independent board of trustees, the university has a representation of the Mid-America Yearly Meeting of Friends, and has a relationship with the Evangelical branch of the Quakers. Its admissions policies, degree programs, and contacts are posted.
https://www.friends.edu/
GFU was founded as a school for Quakers in 1885. Originally known as Friends Pacific Academy, then Pacific College, it assumed its current name after merging with Western Evangelical Seminary in 1996, and is currently a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, enrolling students from other Christian denominations. Its admissions policies, academic and degree programs, athletics, and location are given.
https://www.georgefox.edu/
Founded in 1892 as a small Bible institute known as Cleveland Bible College, Malone University has always been associated with the Religious Society of Friends and is currently affiliated with the Evangelical Friends Church-Eastern Region, a branch of the Quakers. Located in Canton, Ohio, its admissions policies, tuition and fees, and financial aid programs are discussed, along with its accreditations, affiliations, and memberships.
https://www.malone.edu/
