Grace OPC - Q & A

Is the Orthodox Presbyterian Church part of the Eastern Orthodox
tradition?
We are not Eastern Orthodox. We trace our historic roots to the
sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation and its seventeenth-century doctrinal
statements, the Westminster Standards. Our denomination has taken the name
'Orthodox Presbyterian,' because 'orthodox' means 'straight thinking.' You will
find that the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in general and Grace Church in
particular is committed to straight teaching following the long-accepted pattern
given in the Bible. We are a church that believes what the Bible says and we try
to put it into practice.

What is the difference between the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and
the mainline Presbyterian church?
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church was formed in 1936 out of a conflict in the
Presbyterian Church, U. S. A. That denomination, in order to become
increasingly broad in its theology had made room for some who no longer
thought it was necessary to believe in doctrines such as the inspiration and
authority of Scripture, the virgin birth of Christ, the miracles of Christ, the blood
atonement of Christ and the resurrection of Christ together with the future
resurrection of all believers.

The OPC Still believes, to this day, that these are essential doctrines to the
Christian faith. The OPC continues to believe that the Westminster Confession
and Catechisms are the best man made summary of the doctrine which is taught
in the Word of God.

Are there any other OPC congregations in the Chicago area?
There are several Orthodox Presbyterian churches and mission works in the
Chicago area. They are located in the following communities.

Batavia: Covenant of Grace OPC
Pastor: Jim Megchelsen, (630) 761-8811
megchelsen.1@opc.org

Grayslake: Hope OPC
Pastor: Dennis Disselkoen
disselkoen.1@opc.org

Hanover Park: Grace OPC
Pastor: Matthew Cotta, (630) 837-1699
cotta.1@opc.org

New Lenox: New Covenant Community OPC
Pastor: Bruce H. Hollister,(815) 725-9019
hollister.1@opc.org

Orland Park: Covenant OPC
Pastor: Iain Wright, (708) 396-1491
wright.1@opc.org

Indian Head Park: Westminster OPC
Pastor: Charles K. Telfer, (708) 784-9601
telfer.1@opc.org

Wheaton: Bethel OPC
Pastor: Lendall H. Smith, (630) 665-5577
smith.2@opc.org

What are your church's standards?
The doctrinal statements of our denomination are the Westminster Standards,
consisting of the Westminster Confession of Faith, Westminster Larger
Catechism, and the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The government of
Orthodox Presbyterian Church operates in accordance with our Book of Church
Order.

What is your worship service like?
Our morning worship service would be described as traditional. We believe that
worship is where God meets with His people. The people of God, therefore
come together with united heart and voice and mind to lift up their praises and
thanksgiving to God, the focus is on giving Him praise. With this in mind, we are
committed to worshipping God in accordance with the pattern found in the Word
of God, and not adding anything to worship which is not found in Scripture.

Typical Sunday worship services would look like:

Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.
Call to Worship
Invocation & Salutation
Creed or Confession
Hymn
Responsive Scripture Reading
Pastoral Prayer, Lord’s Prayer
Offering/Offertory
Hymn
Scripture Reading
Sermon
Hymn
Benediction
Hymn

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.
Call to Worship
Invocation & Salutation
Opening Hymn
Hymn Sing
Elder Prayer
Scripture Reading
Sermon
Hymn
Benediction
Hymn

What does the church offer in the way of Christian Education?
We have Sunday School classes for all ages beginning at 9:30 A. M. On
Wednesday evenings, year round, we have a time of prayer and Bible
Study. During the school year there are different fellowship groups for
elementary students. The older youth meet once a month. The older
students study relevant issues that relate to the world around them, while the
younger students depending on which group they are in, study Bible
passages, sing songs and work on crafts. These groups promote fellowship
among the young people of the church.

For the women, there is a women's Bible Study which meets during the day
on three out of four weeks of the month. The women are led by one of the
other women in a time of looking at God's Word, praying for the needs of
the families of the church and fellowship. On the fourth week of the month,
the women meet in the evening to work on an activity or craft with each other.

What are the local options for Christian education?
There are a number of Christian education options in this area. The
Lutherans have an extensive school system, there are several other
Christian schools in the area, and various home education resources.
Several members of our church have educated their children in local
Christian schools or have been employed by such schools. A partial list is
found below.

		Is the Orthodox Presbyterian Church part of the Eastern Orthodox tradition ?
		What is the difference between the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and the
		mainline Presbyterian church?
		Are there any other OPC congregations in the Chicago area?
		What are your church's standards?
		What is the size of the congregation?
		What is your worship service like?
		What does the church offer in the way of Christian Education?
		What are the local options for Christian education?