by Paula R. Kincaid, The Layman
Reprinted by permission

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) experienced another year of growth in 2016, adding 26 churches and 967 members during the year. The denomination also increased its worship attendance by more than 2,000.

By the end of 2016, the EPC had 150,042 members, an increase of 967 from the 2015 total of 149,075. Total churches increased from 576 in 2015, to 602 in 2016—an increase of 26 churches.

Between May 28, 2016, and May 22, 2015, 11 churches from the Presbyterian Church (USA) joined the EPC during the year, while four churches were either dismissed or dissolved.

An increase in worship attendance was also reported. In 2015, the EPC reported that 93,736 attended worship. That number increased by 2,168 in 2016 to a total of 95,904.

Other statistics found in the EPC’s 2016 Annual Statistical Report Summary (Appendix 5 of the 2017 Commissioner’s Handbook) include:

Adult profession: 1,071
Youth profession: 1,351
Transfer gains: 1,870
Transfer loss: 942
Death: 1,461
Infant baptism: 1,502
Adult baptism: 701