As we look to join the EPC in the coming months, we look ahead with excitement to see our God at work. We, the Session, are excited for many reasons, which became more acutely clear recently as we attended a 5-hour seminar to learn more about what it will look like when Hebron officially joins the EPC.
At our most recent congregational meeting a question was asked about what kind of changes the members can expect once we join the EPC. Essentially the answer given was that there would be little to no change. On one level, that is completely true. We will still be glorifying our triune God, upholding the scriptures as being God’s absolute truth, and preaching that Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life for all the elect to be saved. Our worship services will continue as they have and/or as our staff and Session teams feel is most honoring and glorifying to God. So, in many ways, life on a daily/weekly basis will remain mostly unchanged for us members.
However; there will also be some exciting changes for Hebron. First of all, we will be joining a church fellowship that upholds the same values and beliefs that we do. Hopefully you have visited the EPC.org website to see the Essentials that are listed there. This should remove any questions about what we believe and should help us attract new visitors and help us to make disciples who make disciples, which is a key part of our missional beliefs. Secondly, we will be joining a denomination that is truly connectional in nature. The EPC through its Presbyteries seeks to offer support, fellowship, and help to and between its member churches. This will be a huge change and a very positive one since the PCUSA offers little to none of this. Third, we will own our property outright. The EPC does not hold any claim, and never will, over its member church’s property. That will be very freeing financially. Another positive change is the EPC seeks to form partnerships between congregations to help become church planters. How exciting to think that we can partner with other EPC churches to spread God’s Kingdom through helping to plant one or more churches in our region!
These are just some of the reasons to be excited about our future once the negotiations are over and we are free to join the EPC. So, we are not just looking forward to being graciously dismissed from the PCUSA, but we are truly excited to see what God has planned for Hebron in our next 175 years as we join with other like-minded congregations in the Presbytery of the Alleghenies (POA) of the EPC. Please join Session in praying for God to expedite the negotiations and pray that the Pittsburgh Presbytery Team will keep its word and be gracious and fair. The battle belongs to our Lord! Let us all seek His help and guidance.