What defines the Evangelical Free Church of America?

Historical Foundations and Development

The Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) traces its roots to the mid-19th century among Scandinavian immigrants, especially from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. These congregations were shaped by the free church tradition, which emphasized independence from state control, local governance, and a fervent commitment to the teachings of Scripture. By 1950, two main bodies (the Swedish Evangelical Free Church and the Norwegian-Danish Evangelical Free Church Association) merged to form the EFCA. Their unification embodied the desire of like-minded believers to stand together under the authority of the Word of God while preserving local church autonomy.

Meaning of “Evangelical” and “Free”

The term “Evangelical” signifies a reliance on the gospel (from the Greek εὐαγγέλιον, “good news”) as the central focus of Christian faith. It highlights the significance of Christ’s sacrificial death and bodily resurrection as the only means of salvation. In connection with this idea, passages such as John 3:16 state, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The word “Free” historically refers to freedom from state-church control, ensuring the autonomy of each local congregation. This organizational structure allows individual congregations to operate without hierarchical mandates, maintaining the right to call their own pastors, manage finances, and shape local ministries while remaining united in core theological beliefs.

Statement of Faith

Central to EFCA doctrine is a shared Statement of Faith that captures the key tenets of historic, biblical Christianity:

1. Scriptural Authority: EFCA congregations affirm the inerrancy, infallibility, and authority of the Bible. Scriptures such as 2 Timothy 3:16 remind believers: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

2. Triune God: EFCA teaching upholds one God in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (cf. Matthew 28:19). This Trinitarian view stands at the heart of historic Christian belief.

3. Salvation through Christ: Jesus’ perfect life, sacrificial atonement, and resurrection form the only means by which sinners are reconciled to God (cf. John 14:6; Romans 3:21–26). Believers emphasize God’s saving grace as a free gift that must be received by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).

4. Bodily Resurrection: EFCA congregations affirm the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:6–7; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4), which guarantees eternal life for all who believe.

5. Work of the Holy Spirit: The EFCA teaches that the Holy Spirit actively works in believers, empowering for service, convicting of sin, and guiding into truth (cf. John 16:13; Acts 1:8).

6. The Church and Its Mission: A high view of the local church emerges, with a stress on evangelism, discipleship, and service (Matthew 28:19–20). Missions and outreach consistently shape EFCA congregational life.

7. Future Hope: They believe in the eventual physical return of Jesus Christ, final judgment, and the new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1).

Church Polity and Congregational Governance

EFCA churches generally employ a congregational form of governance. Each church is self-governing, calling and releasing pastors and leadership as deemed fit by local membership—while simultaneously partnering with the broader EFCA community for fellowship, accountability, and shared mission. This approach respects the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) with recognition that spiritual guidance and teaching authority are essential for healthy congregational life.

Core Distinctives

1. Unity in Essentials, Charity in Non-Essentials: EFCA congregations affirm central doctrinal truths (e.g., the Trinity, Christ’s resurrection, Scripture’s authority) yet allow for differing convictions on secondary issues such as specific eschatological timelines or certain modes of baptism. This posture fosters unity while honoring individual conscience.

2. Emphasis on Personal Faith: Adherents focus on a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Repentance from sin, spiritual growth, and active participation in the life of the local church are expected marks of true faith.

3. Biblically-Governed Living: Regular preaching, teaching, and life-application of Scripture encourage members to align their conduct with biblical values. As Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…”

4. Mission-Focused Communities: Historically, EFCA churches have engaged in domestic and global missions. They embrace the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) by supporting cross-cultural missionaries, planting churches, and partnering in evangelistic outreach.

Relationship to Wider Evangelicalism

The EFCA closely identifies with broader evangelical movements that share similar doctrinal commitments. Through parachurch ministries, cooperative evangelism efforts, and cross-denominational relief organizations, EFCA congregations collaborate with like-minded believers. This cooperative spirit does not compromise their own priorities of teaching Scripture and preserving local church autonomy.

Notable Emphases and Practices

1. Believer’s Baptism and Open Communion: Many EFCA churches practice believer’s baptism by immersion but offer grace regarding mode, acknowledging that the heart of baptism is obedience to Christ’s command (Matthew 28:19). Likewise, the Lord’s Supper is often open to all who profess faith, reflecting unity in Christ’s Body.

2. Expository Preaching: Pastors normally prioritize verse-by-verse explanation of Scripture to illuminate God’s Word in its original context and apply it modernly. This helps equip believers with a robust biblical worldview.

3. Discipleship and Spiritual Formation: Coordinated small groups, Bible studies, and mentoring relationships foster spiritual maturity. The goal is to reflect the character of Christ (cf. Romans 8:29) and fulfill God’s call to holy living.

4. Church Multiplication: Consistent with their roots, EFCA congregations emphasize church planting and strategic multiplication, based on Christ’s charge to spread the gospel globally (Acts 1:8). They frequently partner with international ministries to advance biblical teaching and evangelistic outreach on every continent.

Evangelism and Outreach

Evangelism remains a crucial mark of an EFCA congregation. Many churches support or host outreach programs that range from neighborhood ministries—such as community events or youth clubs—to global efforts coordinated through missionary sending agencies. Members are routinely challenged to give a clear account of the gospel, echoing the apostolic model of presenting Jesus’ resurrection as the cornerstone of faith (1 Corinthians 15:1–4).

Contemporary Ministry and Cultural Engagement

In addressing modern society, EFCA churches often uphold the transcendent truth of Scripture while engaging in contextualized outreach. They seek ways to exemplify the love and compassion of Jesus by meeting physical needs, supporting crisis-response efforts, and encouraging cross-generational fellowship. Whether through local compassion ministries or global partnerships, they seek to proclaim and display the gospel comprehensively.

Conclusion

The Evangelical Free Church of America stands on a heritage that emerged from freedom from state-sponsored religion, a resolute commitment to God’s Word, and a focus on personal regeneration through faith in Christ. Historically shaped by Scandinavian free church movements and forging a unique Protestant identity in the United States, EFCA congregations model local autonomy aligned around a shared Statement of Faith.

Driven by an unwavering devotion to Scripture’s authority, they strive to glorify God through faithful worship, discipleship, and evangelism. Centered upon the finished work of Jesus Christ, they cultivate communities of believers united by essentials while offering grace on lesser doctrinal differences. By maintaining this Christ-focused unity and prioritizing the Great Commission, the Evangelical Free Church of America aims to equip believers, disciple future generations, and proclaim the message of hope—rooted in the glorious resurrection and lordship of Christ—to a world in need.