DouglasGregory418
Puritan Board Freshman
Can we compile a list of distinctives within NAPARC denominations (and also some of the small micro denominations like RPUS, Westminster Presbyterian... etc.)
I'll start with what I know
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America: We believe in the Mediatiorial Kingship of Jesus Christ, meaning that we believe Christ actively reigns and should be head over any legitimate government. We used to not vote or participate in government because of the mediatorial kingship (lack thereof). We are more famous for our exclusive Psalmody, by a capella, where we affirm (by exegesis, not practicality) that the Psalms are what are to be sung in worship without musical accompaniment. We hold historically that deaconesses are allowed, but the practice is dying, and I can't think of a single deaconcess anywhere. We use grape juice (practical not exegetical). We used to be Teetotalers but aren't anymore
Orthodox Presbyterian: (up for expansion) they are confessional, with their own slightly modified version that is shared with the PCA. Wine or grape juice. Hymns are allowed and used primarily, but psalmody is also common. More conservative than the PCA or ARP (both of which are exceedingly similar). Almost always have two services.
Associate Reformed Presbyterian: a break off of the RPCNA over the issue of voting (mediatorial kingship) and psalmody. More evangelical in attitude than the OPC, but otherwise similar
Reformed Presbyterian Church in the U.S.- Overtly Christian Reconstructionist. Not historically associated with the RPCNA. They do not practice exclusive Psalmody. No deaconesses. Mostly in Georgia and the south.
Thanks to any who continue this
I'll start with what I know
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America: We believe in the Mediatiorial Kingship of Jesus Christ, meaning that we believe Christ actively reigns and should be head over any legitimate government. We used to not vote or participate in government because of the mediatorial kingship (lack thereof). We are more famous for our exclusive Psalmody, by a capella, where we affirm (by exegesis, not practicality) that the Psalms are what are to be sung in worship without musical accompaniment. We hold historically that deaconesses are allowed, but the practice is dying, and I can't think of a single deaconcess anywhere. We use grape juice (practical not exegetical). We used to be Teetotalers but aren't anymore
Orthodox Presbyterian: (up for expansion) they are confessional, with their own slightly modified version that is shared with the PCA. Wine or grape juice. Hymns are allowed and used primarily, but psalmody is also common. More conservative than the PCA or ARP (both of which are exceedingly similar). Almost always have two services.
Associate Reformed Presbyterian: a break off of the RPCNA over the issue of voting (mediatorial kingship) and psalmody. More evangelical in attitude than the OPC, but otherwise similar
Reformed Presbyterian Church in the U.S.- Overtly Christian Reconstructionist. Not historically associated with the RPCNA. They do not practice exclusive Psalmody. No deaconesses. Mostly in Georgia and the south.
Thanks to any who continue this