Willow Creek Church is a Christian congregation. We affirm the orthodox, historic faith taught in the Scriptures and articulated in creeds like the Apostles' Creed (c. 180 AD) and Nicene Creed (325 AD).
OUR CONFESSION
We hold to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1647 AD), including the Larger Catechism and the Shorter Catechism, as sound reflections of our belief, subordinate to the supreme standard of God's Word, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
OUR AFFILIATION
We are affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) was formed in 1973 to be a denomination that is “Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith, and Obedient to the Great Commission.”
The PCA is an evangelical denomination in that we proclaim the gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The word “evangelical” comes from the Greek word meaning “good news.” We desire all people to trust in the saving work of Jesus and enjoy eternal life in him.
The PCA is a reformed denomination in that we believe in the biblical truth proclaimed during the Protestant Reformation. The Word of God, rather than tradition, is the only guide for the Church. God alone saves through his immeasurable mercy and according to his sovereign plan. We believe the system of doctrine taught in the Bible is summarized well in the Westminster Confession of Faith with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
The PCA is a Presbyterian denomination in that we have a representative form of church government. A local church is governed by a “Session” comprised of elders (i.e., “presbyters”) elected by the members of the congregation. Pastors and representatives of local churches in a region form a “Presbytery.” Representatives of Presbyteries and local churches meet annually at a “General Assembly.”
The General Assembly Committees and Agencies help local churches combine their efforts and resources to advance God’s Kingdom more effectively.