Oakwood is a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, an association of autonomous churches united by a mutual commitment to serve our Lord Jesus Christ with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and obedience to the Word of God.
The term Evangelical refers to our commitment to the proclamation of the Gospel (Greek: evangelion) and to the authority of the Scriptures as the complete and ultimate guide for truth and life. The term Free refers to the autonomy of local churches, as well as to a Congregational form of external government.
Oakwood has an elder led form of internal government. The members entrust the human leadership of the church to the guidance and direction of the senior pastor and elders (limited to qualified males). Oakwood is not elder-ruled, since authority ultimately rests with the congregation – under the Lord’s direction – not with the elders or staff. The members affirm elders by vote and hold them accountable for their character, doctrine, and leadership.
FURTHER RESOURCES:
To learn more about different forms of internal or external church government and to see how Oakwood compares, review the document “Oakwood’s Internal and External Government”.
Also, you can find out more about the Evangelical Free Church of America at www.efca.org.
To read our church by-laws that establish terms of service and qualifications for elders and deacons click here.
1. Overview and Mission
2. Our Discipleship Pathway
3. Oakwood’s History
4. Oakwood’s Affiliation and Government
5. Statement of Faith
6. Membership Commitment
7. Application Overview and Instructions