Evangelical Free Church Of America

The pattern of local church autonomy in the Evangelical Free Church of America results in great variety among the local churches in worship and in the impact of worship on other ministries. This entry selects one local region and congregation as a representative of what may be characteristic throughout the denomination of the relationship of worship to evangelism, education, social action, spiritual formation, and the role of women. Churches affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America enjoy autonomy and broad freedom within the denomination. The confession of faith of the denomination's Ministerial Association declares "that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church, and that every local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs. " Therefore, one cannot make sweeping generalizations about worship practices throughout the Evangelical Free Church of America. In discussing the ways in which worship relates to and informs the various ministri…