The Denomination
The ARP is one of the oldest denominations in North America. Its roots go back to Scotland and the Protestant Reformation in that land, led by John Knox in 1560.
The terms “Associate” and “Reformed” reflect this history as our denomination is the result of a union between two groups of churches that came from Scotland to the Colonies for the sake of religious freedom and the great opportunities unfolding here. They came together in 1782.
The older of the two groups were the “Reformed Presbyterians,” also called covenanters. They especially were renowned for their strong faith tested in the terrible sufferings they endured at the hands of the antagonistic British monarchy from 1660-1689.
The “Associate Presbyterians” were distinguished by their zeal for proclaiming the free offer of the Gospel of salvation to all people, and the necessity of repentance and personal faith in Christ. Feel free to visit the website of the ARP Church where you can read a helpful, short history that fills in more detail.
ARP Missions
World Witness is the Foreign Missions Board of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Evangelism, discipleship, church planting and ministries of mercy have been the focus of World Witness since 1859. The first missionary was sent in 1876 to Egypt; further missionary outreach was initiated by 1878 to Mexico and by 1906 to India in the region now a part of Pakistan. This year, World Witness programs are active in Mexico, Pakistan, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Wales, and the Persian World as well as internationals in the U.S. In addition, Cooperative Missionaries serve in Africa, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, in Bible translation and international student ministries in the U.S.
Outreach North America
The purpose of Outreach North America is to introduce people in the United States and Canada to Jesus Christ, primarily by helping our presbyteries plant new churches and renew existing church.
Tasking Outreach North America is the agency of Synod charged with the responsibility for denominational strategies for evangelism, multi-ethnic ministries, church vitality, new church development, and ARP expansion in the US and Canada.
Values God’s glory, prayer, evangelism, responsibility, balance, relationships, and communication.
Vision Transforming North America’s heart, transforming our denomination’s heart, transforming our congregation’s heart, and transforming our hearts.
