History
In the mid-1990s, a group of concerned pastors and lay people gathered at First Protestant Church (formerly United Church of Christ or UCC) in New Braunfels, TX, to consider the fact that many congregations and clergy were leaving the UCC denomination. Although created as the merger of four historically orthodox Christian denominations, the Evangelical, Reformed, Congregational, and Christian churches, the UCC had been moving in an increasingly liberal direction for many years.
By encouraging churches to become "open and affirming" of the homosexual lifestyle, support the full legalization of abortion, and embrace the work of theologians who seek to discredit the authority of the Bible and through many other statements and actions, it had become clear that the UCC as a denomination no longer reflected the positions held by many of its member churches and ministers. Nevertheless, the people who gathered in New Braunfels had been in fellowship with each other through the UCC for many decades, and concern was increasing that as pastors and churches disaffiliated with the UCC, many would lose touch with each other.
Following the meeting in New Braunfels, it was decided to launch a new association to provide an orthodox, evangelical alternative for churches and clergy choosing to stay in the UCC as well as those leaving the UCC. In 1998, the EA was incorporated with a handful of charter member churches and pastors. It has continued to grow ever since.
In recent years, the EA has become an important networking tool, not only for churches with a history in the UCC but also for congregations and clergy who share our faith, vision, and values. Pastors, lay people, and entire congregations now celebrate their affiliation with the EA as an important link to the wider church as they seek to serve our Lord and Savior in their local context.
By encouraging churches to become "open and affirming" of the homosexual lifestyle, support the full legalization of abortion, and embrace the work of theologians who seek to discredit the authority of the Bible and through many other statements and actions, it had become clear that the UCC as a denomination no longer reflected the positions held by many of its member churches and ministers. Nevertheless, the people who gathered in New Braunfels had been in fellowship with each other through the UCC for many decades, and concern was increasing that as pastors and churches disaffiliated with the UCC, many would lose touch with each other.
Following the meeting in New Braunfels, it was decided to launch a new association to provide an orthodox, evangelical alternative for churches and clergy choosing to stay in the UCC as well as those leaving the UCC. In 1998, the EA was incorporated with a handful of charter member churches and pastors. It has continued to grow ever since.
In recent years, the EA has become an important networking tool, not only for churches with a history in the UCC but also for congregations and clergy who share our faith, vision, and values. Pastors, lay people, and entire congregations now celebrate their affiliation with the EA as an important link to the wider church as they seek to serve our Lord and Savior in their local context.