Evangelical Free Churches

The Evangelical Free Church does not dictate worship style to its congregations. For this reason, each community may respond to various trends. Some have been influenced by the liturgical renewal, but most are shaped by an evangelical gospel tradition or by the more recent praise-and-worship tradition. The Evangelical Free Churches of America has no board or commission or committee that dictates or coordinates worship practices. In fact, protest against a policy-making board or commission in such matters is rooted in the denomination's tradition. The word free in the title means that the churches are free from edicts and statements from headquarters that are intended to be adhered to by each and every church. This polity is both a unique strength and a peculiar weakness. Autonomy and Diversity. Each church is autonomous in establishing methods and style of worship, choosing a pastor, and initiating evangelism programs. Consequently, any attempt to define worship renewal in the enti…