What We Believe
Our beliefs are rooted in the historic Christian faith as summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith. Whether you've been in a Reformed church your whole life or you're hearing these terms for the first time, here's what we believe and why it matters.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God — the final authority for faith and life. Everything we believe and practice is grounded in and accountable to Scripture.
God
We believe in one God, eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God, distinct in person, equal in nature.
Salvation by grace alone
Reformed theology is defined by its conviction that salvation is entirely God's work. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone — not by our own effort, merit, or decision. From beginning to end, God receives the glory for our salvation. This is what distinguishes Reformed theology from prosperity gospel, moralism, and any religion built on human achievement.
What is the Westminster Confession of Faith?
The Westminster Confession of Faith is a summary of biblical doctrine written in 1647 and used by Presbyterian and Reformed churches worldwide for nearly 400 years. It covers everything from the doctrine of Scripture to the last things — not as a replacement for the Bible, but as a faithful summary of what the Bible teaches. As an OPC church, we hold to the Westminster Confession and Catechisms as our confessional standard. You can read the full text at opc.org.
How we worship
Sunday worship at an OPC church is shaped by Scripture. You can expect careful preaching that works through the Bible text by text. We sing psalms and hymns, celebrate the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and follow a liturgy shaped by the pattern of Scripture.
How we're governed
We are a Presbyterian church, which means we're governed by elders — who provide oversight, care, and accountability together as a session. Local congregations are also part of a broader assembly of elders, called a presbytery, which provides accountability beyond the local church and protects against any one church or leader operating without unchecked authority. For more on what "Presbyterian" church government looks like day to day, see Presbyterian Church Maui.
New to Reformed theology?
Reformed theology has a learning curve, and that's okay. If you're new to these ideas, we'd encourage you to reach out — we'd love to walk through it with you. A few outside resources worth exploring: Ligonier Ministries (ligonier.org), the OPC's own resources at opc.org, the Heidelblog (heidelblog.net), and the historic Reformed creeds and confessions themselves — a great place to start understanding confessional Christianity firsthand.
Common questions
Is the OPC the same as the Presbyterian Church?
Not exactly. There are a number of Presbyterian and Reformed denominations, each with its own history. 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, as well as Reformed churches from a different tradition and terminology, like the URC, which is governed similarly through its own consistories, classes, and synod. We'd be glad to talk through where we fit if you have questions.
Do you have to be Reformed to attend?
Not at all. Visitors are always welcome regardless of where they are theologically. If you're curious about Reformed worship, come and see.
What Bible translation do you use?
OPC churches typically use the ESV.
Is Reformed theology the same as Calvinist?
Yes, basically. "Calvinist" and "Reformed" are often used interchangeably, referring to the theological tradition that flows from the Protestant Reformation — particularly the conviction that salvation is entirely God's gracious work.
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