Executive Summary

For Sessions and Congregations Considering a New Denomination

A denomination is not the anchor; we are anchored to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Word of God.

Anchor Presbyterian Church

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.” Hebrews 6:19.

Identity and Confessional Commitments

A concise overview for pastors, elders, and sessions discerning affiliation with Anchor Presbyterian Church.

Committed

APC is an evangelical, Reformed, confessional, and connectional Presbyterian denomination.

Confessional

APC adopts the 1788 Westminster Confession of Faith adopted by the first General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in USA in 1789, together with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.

These commitments frame the founding doctrines that follow.

Founding doctrines

These commitments define Anchor Presbyterian Church’s doctrinal shape and ecclesial accountability.

Core Principles of our Faith

Binding upon every ordained officer in the church.

Ordination Standard

Established upon principles of Biblical sexuality.

Ordination standard

No person who affirms, advocates, or maintains a settled identification as a male or female homosexual, or experiences ongoing male or female homosexual desires, or with any other unnatural sexual activity, including but not limited to participating in, encouraging, or supporting transgendering, or who engages unrepentantly in affirming sexual relations outside the covenant of marriage between one man and one woman, shall be ordained to or retained in any office of the Anchor Presbyterian Church.

Preserved Liberties

Permits ordination of women to church offices, allows continuance of spiritual gifts, at local option.

Affiliation pathway

Expedited reception process

For churches pursuing affiliation, reception follows a clear and pastoral sequence designed to support timely discernment and orderly accountability.

  1. 1

    Inquiry

  2. 2

    Session resolution

  3. 3

    Congregational vote

  4. 4

    Brief reception interview

  5. 5

    Presbytery (convening assembly) receives

Note: EPC ordinations prior to June 19, 2026, are recognized.

Property provision

Each congregation retains all of its property; this provision in our constitution is non-amendable.

Governance and Structure

A concise overview of APC polity and institutional form for sessions conducting affiliation due diligence.

Governance

The APC is governed by the rule of elders in graded courts: the Session, Presbytery, and General Assembly.

  • A Board of Elders manages the regular business of the General Assembly and guides business between the Assembly and the Presbyteries throughout the year, with limited term and authority.
  • There shall be no permanent committees of the General Assembly.
  • Judicial commissions may be appointed from time to time based upon specific need.

Representation and Institutional Structure

Each church has equal representation in the two highest courts, with one Minister and two Elders designated as Commissioners to General Assembly and each meeting of Presbytery regardless of church size.

Structurally, the APC is organized as a Tennessee non-profit, tax exempt, religious corporation.

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