Q. Why & how did I get this card in the mail? A. Because we want to invite our neighbors to our church! We selected several mailing zip-codes around our church and sent out an area-wide mailing. Q. Why are you doing this? A. Because reaching people with the good news of the gospel is a priority of ours. Our church has been in this location for over 150 years and the neighborhood has grown and changed. We wanted our neighbors to know that Richland ARP is a great church with people, ministries, and a mission that intends to bless our community. Q. How do you define "the gospel?" A. The core of the gospel is the prophesied and perfect life of Jesus Christ, his atoning death, his victorious resurrection, his triumphant ascension, his kingly rule over all of heaven and earth, and his glorious return and restoration of all things -- we see all of this as "good news" for sinners who recognize their need of Christ's saving power. Q. What is an "ARP" church? A. Honestly, it is a history lesson about how things were done in the 1700's. When Christians were being persecuted in England, Scotland, and Ireland for their particular religious convictions, many of them made their way to America for a new life. In America, these same groups, now free to worship according to their own conscience, joined with each other to form one new group, yet, keeping their previously identifying names, "Associate, Reformed, Presbyterian." A long name from a long history... Q. Do I know anyone who is ARP? A. The late evangelist, Billy Graham, was raised as a child in an ARP church and he attended ARP youth camps. Although he later became Southern Baptist, Billy was quoted as saying, "The ARP are the real Presbyterians!" Our most "famous" living pastors are men such as Sinclair Ferguson, Derek Thomas, and Jay Adams. If you are also familiar with the late RC Sproul, you will find a similar emphasis in both of our teaching and theology. Q. What are your church services like? A. We are pretty straightforward: Simple hymns and songs, prayers, Scripture readings, acknowledgment of ancient creeds and confessions, children's message, offering, and a sermon about a half-hour long that comes primarily verse by verse from a book of the Bible. We partake of the Lord's Supper on a regular basis. Q. What am I supposed to wear to church? A. There is no priority on a "dress code." Some folks wear suit jackets and dresses, others are more casual... all are welcome! Q. Are you going to ask me to do anything, or will you point me out? A. No. However, you will be warmly greeted by several people who will be glad to see you visiting. (They'll want you to come back again!) Q. What do you have for my young children? A. We are committed to family ministry and seek to involve children in every aspect of church life. Yet, younger children are welcome to stay in a nursery with a staff-monitored nursery that provides a program for children. Q. Do you have other meetings? A. YES! Please explore our website to discover all the weekly, monthly, annual, and seasonal meetings for men, women, youth, children, and everyone all together! Q. Do you believe that the scriptures are infallible? A. YES! Q. Can I ask you a specific question? A. Right here! (If you want an email sent to you, include your address!)