ABOUT MISSION ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

We are a mission work of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, founded in February of 2005. In pioneering spirit, we are the first OPC congregation in the Twin Cities area, and we take our name from the work of another Presbyterian pioneer.

In April 1849, Rev. Edward Duffield Neill started The Presbyterian Mission, the first Protestant church established on the east side of the River - in what is now downtown Saint Paul. That mission work was established to minister to the new settlers of the area, as well as to the Native Americans below the river bluffs.

While of course much has changed since 1849, much has stayed the same: the need for a Bible-based, confessional Presbyterian mission work in the Saint Paul area, again evangelizing and ministering to local residents and new immigrants alike. We hope, with God's help, to fulfill that need.

Rev. Roger Gibbons served as our supply pastor for one and half years, driving to Saint Paul from Garrison, Minnesota, every Sunday evening to lead our worship services. In July of 2006 our organizing pastor, John Shaw, began full-time service to our congregation.

John was raised in a Presbyterian household in Columbus, Ohio, the youngest of four boys who all grew up to become Geneva College graduates. John's time at Geneva was spent studying political science and economics. It was also where he met his wife, Anne Copeland. Following graduation and their wedding, they returned to Ohio where John pursued a successful career in politics and government, all the while being active in his churches as an elder or deacon.

After eight years in politics, John followed the call to attend seminary. John and Anne, now with three small children in tow, moved back to the Pittsburgh area where John attended Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. In his final semester John accepted the call to be the organizing pastor of Mission Orthodox Presbyterian Church. The Shaws also welcomed their fourth child.

Pastor Shaw feels blessed to be a part of a growing urban church and says he is, "continually amazed at the passion of God in preserving His church."

WHAT WE BELIEVE

The teaching at Mission OPC is in accordance with the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments which are called, "the Word of God". In conformity to our denominational standards, our doctrine is rooted in the great Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, and in the Westminster Confession of Faith and catechisms of the 17th Century.

Together with most evangelical congregations, we believe that:

• The Bible is the inerrant Word of God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
• God is the Triune Creator who is distinct from His creation.
• Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, virgin born, totally sinless, bodily resurrected, ascended to the throne of the universe, and is coming again to establish His eternal reign in a new heaven and a new earth.
• Salvation from both the penalty and power of sin is exclusively by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

In keeping with the scriptures and the creeds of the Reformation, we affirm God's total sovereignty over all history. Saving faith is a gift of God, and God's people are an elect people. Mankind's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

About the OPC

Our denomination has a rich history, born out of persecution and steadfastly committed to promoting the glory of God.
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