As we at Hebron contemplate our future denominational affiliation, the Session is sending out a chart(denominational comparison). This chart will show a comparison between the PCUSA (our current parent denomination), the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), and the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO). The chart looks at differences in size and growth, essential beliefs, ordination standards, and other issues. It is our sincere hope and even request that you take some time to study this chart and the accompanying comments.
During each of the next few weeks, we will also be sending out some additional comments on many of the topics from the chart. We hope you will find these helpful as it is critical that each member understand the significant theological and doctrinal differences that have developed and grown over the years between the PCUSA and Hebron. The EPC, which appears to be the most like-minded reformed denomination to us, will be referenced more that the ECO.
The first difference is in the size and growth of each denominations (see rows 1 and 2). It is obvious that the PCUSA is still the largest Presbyterian Denomination but what may not show is that the PCUSA has seen the biggest declines in its membership over the past 30 years of any major protestant denomination in America. In 1990, the PCUSA had over 3.1 million members in over 12,000 churches. You can see the 2014 numbers on the chart and by 2022 the number of members was down to less than 1.1 million in around 8700 churches!! This is an over 60% decline in membership and a 30+% decline in the number of churches in 30 years. During the same time, the EPC has grown slowly but steadily. While it is still much smaller, that fact that it grew at all during these years is impressive. Today there are over 650 EPC churches with over 145,000 members. Many of these churches were formerly with the PCUSA. All these numbers are taken from the official website for each denomination.
There will be Elders available after each worship service beginning in May for you to talk with and share your questions and thoughts. We also want to encourage you to, on your own, talk to an Elder and/or a member of the pastoral staff if you do have questions or concerns, and please pray for unity and clarity.
by Dan Brown