Are All Presbyterians the Same?
We get this question a lot:
“What does it mean that you’re Presbyterian?”
And often:
“What makes your church different? Why should I come to your church instead of another one?”
Those are great and important questions. While many churches carry the Presbyterian name, not all believe or practice the same things.
At Central Presbyterian Church in Irvine, we are part of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC)—and that means something specific and meaningful.
What Does It Mean to Be Presbyterian?
Being Presbyterian isn’t just about a name—it means:
- Elder-led Leadership: The church is led by a team of elders who shepherd, guide, and protect the congregation.
- Confessional Standards: We hold to the historic Westminster Confession of Faith, which summarizes what we believe the Bible teaches.
- Reformed Theology: We believe in the sovereignty of God, the sufficiency of Christ, and salvation by grace alone, through faith alone.
What Makes the OPC Distinct?
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) was founded in 1936 out of a desire to remain faithful to the Bible when many churches were turning away from its authority.
To this day, the OPC remains:
- Theologically Conservative: We hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word, the historic Christian faith, and the doctrines of grace.
- Christ-Centered: Every sermon, every service, and every ministry seeks to keep Christ at the center.
- Committed to Worship that is Rooted, Reverent, and Relational: We don’t gather to entertain; we gather to worship God with reverence, joy, and depth.
But being theologically conservative doesn’t mean being politically conservative. Our unity isn’t political—it’s spiritual. People at Central Presbyterian have different views on politics, but we are united in Christ, not by a party line.
Why Come to Central Presbyterian Church?
When people ask, “Why your church?” here’s our answer:
We’re striving to be:
- Rooted in Scripture
- Reverent in Worship
- Relational in Community
- Relentless in Mission
We’re not perfect. But by God’s grace, we are seeking to be faithful—to the Word, to one another, and to the mission Christ has given his church.
If that’s what you’re looking for, we’d love for you to join us.
Why It Matters
Not every Presbyterian church is the same. The question isn’t just about a name—it’s about what a church believes, teaches, and lives out.
So don’t just assume. Ask:
- What does this church believe about Jesus?
- Is the Bible central here?
- Will I hear the gospel?
- Is the church committed to both truth and love?
If those are the questions you’re asking, we invite you to come visit Central Presbyterian Church in Irvine. We’d love to welcome you, hear your story, and introduce you to the central person of history: Jesus Christ.
