The PCEA is all three in the right sense. It is Protestant because it comes from the Reformation, Reformed because it follows the teaching of John Calvin’s tradition and holds the Westminster Confession, and it shares the evangelical emphasis on the gospel, the authority of the Bible and personal faith in Christ. It is not Catholic, and it is not a Pentecostal church.
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Romans 5:1
Search for the PCEA online and you will meet a pile of labels: Protestant, Reformed, Presbyterian, evangelical, mainline. They are not rivals. They are different ways of describing the same church, like calling one person a Kenyan, a teacher and a mother.
Protestant: Where the Church Comes From
“Protestant” describes the churches that grew out of the Reformation of the 1500s, when Martin Luther, John Calvin and others called the church back to the Bible. The heart of that call was that we are put right with God by grace through faith, not by our own works. The PCEA stands in that line. For the five convictions behind it, read about the Five Solas.
Reformed: The Family Within Protestantism
“Reformed” names the branch of the Reformation that follows John Calvin and the churches of Switzerland, Scotland and the Netherlands. Reformed churches stress God’s sovereign grace, the supreme authority of Scripture and the covenant. The PCEA holds the Westminster Confession of Faith as its standard, which is a Reformed statement of belief. That is why its teaching on salvation, baptism and the sacraments looks different from, say, a Baptist or Pentecostal church.
Not every Reformed church is Presbyterian (some are congregational), but every Presbyterian church is Reformed in origin.
Presbyterian: How the Church Is Governed
“Presbyterian” describes church government by elders (the Greek word is presbyteros). A local church is led by a Kirk Session; congregations form a Presbytery, and Presbyteries meet in the General Assembly. Our Presbytery, Milimani South, is one of these. See what a Presbyterian eldership is.
Evangelical: Does the Word Fit?
“Evangelical” comes from the Greek word for gospel. In the broad sense it describes churches that stress the Bible’s authority, Christ’s death on the cross for sinners, the need to be born again and a faith that shows in life. In that sense Presbyterians belong in the evangelical family.
The word can mislead in Kenya, though, because some people use “evangelical” to mean a particular style of worship or a Pentecostal-type church. If someone asks, you can say: we are evangelical in conviction and Reformed in tradition.
And “Mainline”?
“Mainline” is a label used mostly in Western countries for older, historic denominations. It is a description of history and size, not a doctrine.
Where Does That Leave the PCEA?
- Protestant in origin (the Reformation).
- Reformed in doctrine (Westminster Confession, grace alone).
- Presbyterian in government (Sessions, Presbyteries, General Assembly).
- Evangelical in its gospel emphasis (in the broad sense of the word).
To see how this compares with Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal teaching, read 7 Differences Kenyans Ask About.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PCEA a Protestant church?
Yes. It grew out of the Reformation and holds to salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
Is the PCEA Reformed?
Yes. It follows the Reformed tradition of John Calvin and holds the Westminster Confession of Faith as its standard.
Is the PCEA Pentecostal?
No. It is a Presbyterian church with Reformed doctrine, though it welcomes believers of every background.
Is Presbyterian the same as Reformed?
Almost. Presbyterian describes church government by elders, and Presbyterian churches belong to the Reformed family.
Final Thoughts
Labels help only when they point to something real. For the PCEA, the real things are the Bible, grace in Christ and a church led by elders who serve together. Whichever word you use, the aim is the same: to know and follow Jesus.
General doctrinal content. Church-history and governance facts are consistent with our published articles on the PCEA and the Presbyterian eldership. Checked against the PCEA doctrine standard (Westminster Confession; two sacraments; Presbyterian polity). Compiled by the Editorial Desk.