(By Michael Gryboski, The Christian Post). A congregation in Florida that voted to seek dismissal from the Presbyterian Church (USA) over theological differences has seen considerable membership growth since their decision.
First Presbyterian Church of Haines City voted 328 to 16 back in April 2015 to leave PCUSA in part over the Mainline denomination’s increased acceptance of homosexuality.
Earlier this month, FPC Haines City had their departure as well as their membership with the theological conservative Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians finalized, according to spokesman Pastor Jeff Winter.
“The vote to be released by the local presbytery happened three months ago in November. After the vote, a church needs to wait three months before they are officially dismissed,” explained Winter.
“During those three months, members of the presbytery have the opportunity to contest the vote if they so choose. No one protested, thank God.”
Winter noted the current membership at 570, with 128 new members having joined since the vote to seek dismissal from the PC(USA).
“For this church, that is a significant number. Generally speaking, our new members are attracted to this church because we stand for biblical truth and seek to apply it to our relationships and in our culture,” added Winter.