Presbyterian Church on Maui, Hawaii
If you've been searching for a confessional Presbyterian church on Maui, here's what that word actually means — and what we're building.
What makes a church "Presbyterian"?
"Presbyterian" describes how a church is governed, not just what it believes. A Presbyterian church is led by its session — the minister(s) and ruling elders together — who give oversight and provide pastoral care to the congregation. Local churches are also part of a broader assembly of elders, called a presbytery, providing accountability beyond the local church.
Are all Presbyterian churches the same?
Not exactly — there's a range of Presbyterian and Reformed denominations, each with its own history and practice. The OPC is part of NAPARC (the North American Presbyterian and Reformed Council), a fellowship of confessional Reformed and Presbyterian denominations that includes churches like the PCA and Reformed-but-not-Presbyterian churches like the URC. We're happy to talk through where we fit and answer any questions.
What to expect as a member
Being part of a Presbyterian church means real accountability in both directions — elders who know you and care for you personally, and a congregation that has a voice through its session. New members typically meet with the elders before joining, not as a formality but so the church actually knows who's part of it.
Planting a Presbyterian church on Maui
We are currently the only confessional Presbyterian church plant on Maui. For the full story of why that gap exists and what we're building to fill it, see Reformed Church Maui.