Incorporated in 1998, the Evangelical Association (EA) of Reformed and Congregational Churches was created largely from conservative congregations that had left the United Church of Christ over its extreme and growing liberal social and theological positions.
The UCC was created in 1957 through the merger of the German Reformed Church, the Evangelical, and Reformed Church, and the General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches, with roots in Congregational, Lutheran, Evangelical, and Reformed denominations.
Concerned clergy and laypeople began meeting in the early to mid-1990s to discuss the departure of several congregations from the UCC. Although it had been formed as a merger of four historically orthodox Christian denominations, the UCC had become increasingly liberal for several years. Significant issues included the encouragement of member churches to adopt "open and affirming" policies regarding LGBT issues, including same-sex marriages, as well as its pro-abortion stance, and the growing influence of UCC theologians who sought to discredit the authority of the Bible.
In 1998, a group of current and former UCC pastors and clergy met at First Protestant Church in New Braunfels, Texas to discuss the fact that many UCC congregations were separating from the denomination, and that pastors and congregations that had enjoyed decades of fellowship with one another would lose touch with those that were disaffiliated.
As a result of this meeting, it was decided to form a new association to provide a more conservative, orthodox alternative that could include those that chose to remain in the UCC, as well as those leaving the denomination. The Evangelical Association of Reformed and Congregational Churches was incorporated later that year. The EA does not prohibit member congregations from simultaneously belonging to other denominations and fellowships, as member churches practice congregational polity.
Not all of the congregations leaving the UCC joined the EA. During a four-year period following UCC's decision to permit same-sex marriage, approximately three hundred congregations left the UCC, while the EA has a membership of just over a hundred congregations, the greatest concentration in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Unlike the UCC, the EA is supported through membership dues rather than congregational benevolence.
EA congregations affirm both the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed, and they subscribe to a statement of faith that proclaims exclusive salvation in Jesus Christ and denounces extramarital sexual activity and the encouragement of such. Otherwise, the EA considers each member congregation to be a complete church, with all of the rights and responsibilities of the Universal Church, as set forth in Scripture and bestowed by the Holy Spirit. In other words, each church is left to govern its own affairs, including the ordination of clergy, although ecclesiastical councils made up of area ecumenical Christian clergy review candidates for the ministry who have completed either a Bible college or seminary education. The ordination of women is left up to the local congregation.
EA congregations recognize two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper, which are administered by local churches according to their own customs. Thus, EA churches may administer both infant and adult baptism, by sprinkling or by immersion. Some EA congregations practice the rite of confirmation, while those that do not have a history of this practice may not.
The focus of this category is on the Protestant Christian fellowship known as the Evangelical Association of Reformed and Congregational Churches. While websites representing local congregations are ideally listed in the Local & Global category that corresponds to the geographical location of the church, those that include significant information about the denomination itself may be listed in both categories.
Recommended Resources
The annual convocation of the Evangelical Association of Reformed and Congregational Christian Churches was held in Torrington, Connecticut on October 16-18, 2020, and, taken from 1 Peter 2:5, its theme was “You Are Living Stones.” Its schedules, biographies of keynote speakers, and details of its breakout sessions are put forth, and travel suggestions for those traveling by air, train, or car are given, along with area hotels, campgrounds, and options for groups.
https://ea2020convocation.weebly.com/
Evangelical Association of Reformed & Congregational Christian Churches
The EA is a national voluntary association of churches, ministers, and believers, whose members are free to participate in other denominations and associations. The official website of the EA states its purpose and mission, and includes a downloadable EA introduction brochure, and relates its history, traditions, core beliefs, and creeds. Member churches may be located through the site, and ministry opportunities are discussed. Churches, pastors, and individuals may apply for affiliation.
http://evangelicalassociation.org/
First Protestant Church of New Braunfels
First Protestant Church is the founding congregation of the Evangelical Association of Reformed and Congregational Christian Churches. Located in New Braunfels, Michigan, the church currently holds both a traditional and a contemporary service each Sunday morning, both of which are available through live-streaming. A profile of the EA is published on the site, and its ministries to children, students, adults, and laypeople are outlined, including volunteer opportunities.
https://firstprotestant.com/
Located in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, the congregation was founded as a German Reformed Church more than two hundred years ago. Currently, an evangelical and non-denominational, church is affiliated with the Evangelical Association of Reformed and Congregational Christian Churches. Its history, beliefs, worship schedules, and a calendar of events are posted to the site, along with directions, a church newsletter, and a sermon archive.
http://salemchurchpa.org/
Established in what is now known as Des Peres, Missouri in 1843, the congregation was originally known as the German United Lutheran-Reformed St. Paul’s Church. Currently located in St. Louis, the congregation is a charter member of the Evangelical Association of Reformed and Congregational Christian Churches. Its history, a statement of faith, a sermon archive, ministries, and reading plans are put forth, along with a calendar of events and contacts.
https://www.stpaulsefree.org/
