One of the main beliefs of the EFCA is that individuals can be made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith is not based on any works or deeds that a person can do, but is a gift from God that is freely given to all who believe. The EFCA also emphasizes the authority of the Bible as the ultimate source of truth and guidance for Christians.
Another distinctive aspect of the EFCA is its commitment to the “tri-perspectival” understanding of ministry. This means that the church recognizes three different “perspectives” or “offices” of ministry: the prophet, the priest, and the king. The prophet is responsible for the preaching and teaching of God’s Word; the priest oversees the sacraments, such as baptism and communion; and the king is responsible for the administrative and organizational aspects of ministry.
One of the key ways in which the EFCA tries to uphold these beliefs and practices is through its ministries and outreach programs. The EFCA has a wide range of ministries that focus on everything from evangelism and discipleship to compassion and justice. Some examples of these ministries include international mission trips, church planting initiatives, prison ministries, and disaster relief efforts.
The EFCA also upholds an individual church’s autonomy, allowing each congregation to govern itself and choose its own leadership while still adhering to the broader theological principles and beliefs of the denomination. This means that while EFCA churches may have differences in style or approach to ministry, they all share a commitment to the same core beliefs and principles.
Overall, the Evangelical Free Church of America is a denomination that seeks to bring people closer to God through faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the authority of the Bible. Through its various ministries and emphasis on tri-perspectival ministry, the EFCA strives to create a strong and vibrant community of believers who can serve as a light in the world and proclaim the Gospel message to all who will listen.