Evangelical Presbyterian Church (Australia)

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) is a small Australian Reformed Christian denomination. It was constituted in Launceston, Tasmania, on 29 September 1961. The church aligns its beliefs with the Westminster Confession and is part of the Calvinist tradition, emphasizing Reformed theology.

History

The EPC emerged during the 1950s as part of a revival in Reformed and Calvinist theology among Australian evangelical Christians. Initially known as the Reformed Evangelical Church, it changed its name in 1966. This change was prompted by the public's unfamiliarity with the term "Reformed" in its historical and church context, which often led to confusion with reform or correctional schools[2].

Structure and Congregations

The church operates under a Presbyterian polity and currently has several congregations across Australia, including Brisbane and Launceston. The denomination experienced a separation in 1986 that resulted in the formation of the Southern Presbyterian Church[2].

Theology and Mission

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church upholds the truth of the Holy Bible as expressed in the Westminster Confessional Standards. The church's mission is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, adhering to the principles of the Protestant Reformation[1]. Its services include weekly worship, catechism classes, and mid-week meetings, which are integral to its community and spiritual development[1].

Challenges and Development

Throughout its history, the EPC has faced internal divisions and challenges. Notably, the Penguin congregation left the EPC in 1964 and joined the Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia (PCEA), while the Winnaleah congregation experienced significant spiritual distress. However, over time, the EPC has demonstrated resilience and healing, with efforts to consolidate and strengthen its congregations[5].

Current Status

Today, the EPC operates as a registered nonprofit organization in Australia, maintaining its focus on Reformed theology and community service. It continues to serve its members and communities through various religious and charitable activities. Despite its small size, with about 250 members, the church remains committed to its theological roots and mission[2].

[1] https://epc.org.au [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evangelical_Presbyterian_Church_(Australia) [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/56c711a8-38af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182 [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/16d411f8-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/profile [5] https://epc.org.au/history/