We are a Church

In an age of heightened individualism and institutional suspicion it is vitally important to keep in mind that Jesus Christ came into the world to redeem a people called "the church" (Matt.16:18; Eph.5:25,26). To this body of redeemed sinners who believe in the Gospel Christ gave the ministry of the Word through pastors to "build up the body" (Eph.4:7-13). To this church Christ also gave the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper (Matt.28:18-20; I Cor.11:23-26). Such sacraments are visible signs of the body's membership, and seals of His grace to those members. He also gave to the church the responsibility of church discipline so that the church's beliefs and actions remain pleasing to her Lord (Matt.18:15-21). To oversee the church's life in this world the Lord also gave elders to attend to the spiritual lives of the saints and deacons to care for the physical and financial concerns (I Tim. 3:1-13). As Christ's lamp stands we seek to reflect His light through worship that is filled with the Word of God. In humble response (James 1:21) we seek to be transformed by the Word of God unto loving service to the body. This motivates us to bring the Word of the Gospel to the unconverted at home and abroad. So, in other words, as a church we are committed to these three Biblical priorities of ministry: worship of God, edification of the saints, and proclamation of the Gospel to the world. The new covenant community of the church may be filled with flawed humans. But Christ loves His flawed church and laid down His life and for her. As recipients of His love we are called to express it in laying down our lives in love for her as well (Eph.5:25; I John 3:14-16). Such Spirit wrought love melts away carnal walls of self-protective individualism and suspicion, binding Christ's people together. Therein the church becomes a vital redemptive community in a world at war with God and at odds with each other. Such beauty for ashes we are finding through the Gospel as it works God's grace into the fabric of our lives together as Christ's new covenant community.

We are Orthodox

The word "orthodox" means straight, correct, or accurate teaching or doctrine. Our denomination, the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, started in 1936 out of a desire to stand apart from liberal teaching and to return to a faithful adherence to the Scriptures and sound doctrine. We would wish to consider ourselves to be a continuation of old school Presbyterianism which at that time didn't need to put "orthodox" in front of its name to identify its Biblical convictions. The Bible is our authority because it alone is the Word of God. Biblical doctrine as explained in the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms reflect clearly what we believe. These secondary standards put our "orthodox" beliefs "on the table" so all can know where we stand. Herein are to be found not only the fundamentals of the Gospel of grace but also the rich teaching of Reformed theology which emphasizes God's sovereignty in predestination and providence and the beauty of the covenants of works and of grace. Adam plunged us into sin by breaking the covenant of works, but Christ raised us to righteousness and life through His obedient and sin-bearing life, thereby securing for all His people the covenant of grace, and a new relationship with God by faith in Him. If you are looking for a church that loves the Bible, bases its theological convictions upon it, and preaches Christ and His Gospel of grace from it, then you should consider WOPC.

We are Presbyterian

The word "Presbyterian" is simply derived from the Greek word "presbuteros" meaning "elder"(Acts 14:23). Presbyterians seek to structure the offices of the church after what the Bible teaches. We recognize two types of elders, teaching and ruling. Teaching elders are those who have studied for the ministry in the Word and have passed examinations in gifts and graces by the presbytery (I Tim.4:14). Theirs is a life calling in Word and sacrament. Consequently, the Apostle Paul states, "the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel"(I Co. 9:14). Ruling elders share in the oversight of the church equally with the Pastor and concern themselves with the order of the church and the care of the lives of the flock. The elders serve not only in the local church but also, in agreement with Acts 15, serve the regional church in the assembly of the "presbytery". The General Assembly, which meets annually, is composed of representative elders from the entire denomination. So, the word "Presbyterian" is in reality just another way to highlight our commitment to Biblical church government through elders. Our Teaching Elder is Pastor David Inks, who is a 1983 graduate of Westminster Seminary California and was ordained in 1985. Our elders are committed to pastoral care. If you want to be part of a church, where its families are shepherded and where its members are not only preached to, but also personally talked to and cared for by its leadership you will find it at WOPC.

Worship at WOPC

We take our cues in worship from three Biblical truths: the Creator's majesty and holiness, our sinfulness, and His matchless grace in Christ which calls us to come and meet with Him in worship (Isaiah 6:1-8; Heb.10:19-25). God is holy, thus we come in reverence and awe (Heb.12:28,29). Redeemed sinners in Christ are justified and undergoing His gracious renewal, thus we come with confidence and joy (Heb.4:14-16). God's worship is to be a habitual and weekly assembly of His covenant people, the church (Heb.10:25; Acts 20:7). Interestingly, the word "church" means assembly. In our assembly in worship we take on our distinctive and defining characteristic as citizens of heaven, for in worship we ascend Mt. Zion to enter heaven itself to meet with Jesus in the holy of holies (Heb.9:24; 10:19; 12:22-24). Central to our worship is the preached Word, which is nothing less than a proclaiming of the covenant (II Cor.3:3-6). The Word of the covenant is then sealed every week with the covenant meal of the Lord's Supper so that in both word and deed the bond of grace between God and His people is strengthened (Acts 2:42; 20:7-11). After meeting with Jesus in worship on the 1st day we are sent back for the rest of the week to the world where we reside as strangers and aliens to bring the heavenly aroma of the knowledge of Christ. (Acts 4:13; II Cor.2:14; I Pet.2:11-12). Because the covenant is not only with us, but also with our children, we encourage our children to worship with us (Lk.18:15-17; Gen.17:7; Acts 2:39). Though we do have a cry room for the extra restless, we welcome the occasional coos and cries of the little ones of God's family (Ps.8:2; 22:9). Every Sunday after worship there is a fellowship meal for those wanting the opportunity to get to know the saints a little better. We have found great delight in fostering the communion of the saints by hosting sacred and common meals back to back (Acts 2:42, 46). If you long to grow in the communion of Christ and His church you will find here an assembly of like-minded folk, who despite their sins and flaws, are pressing on together in Christ as they attend to the means of grace (Philip.3:14; II Pet.3:18). As a church that is passionate about the Word of God and living in the rich grace of Christ as communicated to us in the Gospel we heartily invite you to come and taste of the Lord's cuisine with us this Sunday (I Pet.2:1-5).

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord!