ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians was formed in 2012 by congregations who left the Presbyterian Church (USA) due to its declining membership and disagreements over theology and polity.
ECO is not an acronym, but part of the full name of the denomination, representing its three-fold commitment to evangelism, covenant, and order. A secondary intention for the letters is to speak of the denomination's commitment to strengthen the ecosystems of local churches by providing the resources and environment necessary for a healthy church.
After separating from the PC(USA) and before forming ECO, the group was known as the Fellowship of Presbyterians. ECO was formed as an alternative to the PC(USA), which theologically conservative Presbyterians considered to be too liberal and growing more so. In particular, they disagreed with the PC(USA)'s accepting positions regarding LGBTQ issues. Although there were other conservative Presbyterian bodies, most did not allow for the ordination of women as clergy, which ECO embraces.
The Essential Tenets of ECO hold that both the Old and New Testaments are infallible and authoritative. Like most Christian groups, ECO accepts the doctrine of the Trinity and the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, and that the only hope of salvation is through God's grace in Jesus Christ.
ECO believes that when Adam sinned, mankind lost the capability of free will, so humans are incapable of turning towards God. Salvation is through the irresistible grace of God, who chose the elect before the world was created. God's grace is received through the preaching of the Scriptures, the administration of the dual sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and through church discipline.
The Church is largely Calvinistic in its theology, but it does not place a clear emphasis on such Calvinist doctrines as predestination.
ECO utilizes the offices of teaching elder, deacon, and ruling elder, which correspond with the biblical offices of prophet, priest, and king. Within ECO, women are ordained equally with men.
The Essential Tenets of the Church holds that progressive sanctification is an anticipated characteristic of the life of a Christian. This should include a life of prayer, self-examination, and a confession of sin. Members are expected to live a life of chastity, either through celibacy or marriage, which is between a man and a woman. The Church does not condone same-sex marriage.
Although the Bible is affirmed as the primary authority over the Church, the Essential Tenets name the Book of Confessions as a faithful explanation of scriptural truth and a standard of doctrine. The Book of Confessions contains the creeds, confessions, and catechisms of the Church.
The Church is governed through Presbyterian polity, and the main decision-making body is the synod. Local congregations are organized into geographical presbyteries.
ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians is headquartered in Goleta, California, and is currently a provisional member of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
The focus of this category is on the relatively young denomination known as ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. Websites representing the denominations, and of its regional bodies, or affiliated programs, agencies, corporations, or organizations are appropriate for this category. Those representing local congregations should be submitted to the Local & Global category that corresponds to the geographic location of the church, however.
Recommended Resources
When ECO was founded in 2012, there were only two presbyteries, East and West. The Southern California Presbytery of ECO was established as a separate entity from the Presbytery of the West in 2014. Its history, guidelines, and priorities are outlined, including its mission and core values, leadership and administrative contacts, and a directory of member churches, with addresses, contacts, video, and web addresses. A calendar of events is included.
http://www.ecosocal.org/
As one of the newer denominations in the Christian world, ECO has adopted the PC(USA)’s “Book of Confessions,” but has a desire for congregations and presbyteries to work out the body’s confessional identity, commissioning the Task Force to take the lead in this project. An introduction is set forth, along with an information booklet and guidelines, videos, a timeline, and presentation resources, as well as ECO’s current confessional standards.
https://www.theology-eco.org/
ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians
Based in Goleta, California, ECO is an evangelical Presbyterian denomination that adheres to Reformed theology. The official denominational website features an interactive map showing the location of member churches, which may also be found in a list, sorted by the presbytery. A profile of the denomination is set forth, along with a calendar of national gatherings and other events, employment opportunities, and other church resources.
http://www.eco-pres.org/
Pequea Church ECO Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians
Located in Gap, Pennsylvania, the congregation is a member of ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. A church history, an overview of its programs and missions, directions, worship schedules, and a calendar of events are posted to the site. Other resources include a sermon archive, a gallery of photographs, office hours and administrative contacts, and a downloadable prayer guide.
http://www.pequeapc.com/
Serving Western Pennsylvania, the presbytery includes member churches in Beaver, Burgettstown, Butler, Finleyville, Greenville, Grove City, Jamestown, McDonald, Middlesex, Mount Pleasant, New Castle, Oakdale, Pulaski, Slippery Rock, Stoneboro, Utica, Volant, Washington, and Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, as well as one church in East Liverpool, Ohio, each of which may be located online. A calendar of events and administrative contacts are included.
http://ecoriversoflife.org/
