Our Denomination
First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Phoenix is a congregation of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA). The RPCNA traces its roots to the Scottish Reformation and the covenanted Reformation in Scotland and Ireland.
The Bible
We believe the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God — the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
The Westminster Standards
Our beliefs are summarized in the Westminster Standards, consisting of three documents produced by the Westminster Assembly (1643–1649):
The Westminster Confession of Faith
A systematic statement of Christian doctrine, covering topics such as Scripture, God, creation, providence, sin, salvation, the church, the sacraments, and the last judgment.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism
A summary of Christian doctrine in question-and-answer format, designed especially for teaching children and new believers the essentials of the faith. It opens with the well-known question: “What is the chief end of man?” Answer: “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”
The Westminster Larger Catechism
A more detailed question-and-answer exposition of Christian doctrine, intended for thorough instruction from the pulpit.
RPCNA Distinctives
In addition to the doctrines summarized in the Westminster Standards, the RPCNA holds to several historic distinctives:
The Mediatorial Kingship of Christ
Jesus Christ is King over all things — not only the church, but also the nations and every sphere of life. His authority is supreme, and we are called to live in faithful submission to Him in all areas.
Exclusive Psalm Singing
We sing only the biblical Psalms — without instrumental accompaniment — in public worship, believing this is the pattern prescribed by Scripture and practiced by the apostolic church.
Covenanting
Following the example of God's people throughout Scripture, we believe in the solemn duty of public covenanting — personally and corporately binding ourselves to the Lord and to one another to walk in obedience to His Word. This practice, recovered at the Scottish Reformation and embodied in documents such as the National Covenant (1638) and the Solemn League and Covenant (1643), remains a vital part of our Reformed Presbyterian heritage.
Learn More
Learn more about RPCNA convictions at Convictions & History.