Sunday School @ 9am • Sunday Service @ 10am

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How and when did ERC form?

We formed when a number of families became dissatisfied with the teaching at a church they had attended for many years. At approximately the same time several of these families attended conferences featuring speakers including R.C. Sproul, James M. Boice and Douglas Wilson. The need to hear accurate Biblical teaching overcame the need for comfortable surroundings and articles of incorporation were filed in Olympia in December 1996. The first service was held on January 5, 1997 with forty-eight in attendance.

Q2: What are your beliefs about communion?

It is a “means of grace”, that is, a means by which God strengthens and encourages the believer’s faith. Christ does this by being spiritually present in the common elements of the bread and the cup. As a result, it is at this Table that we have “communion ” with Him and are fed spiritually. For a more detailed answer see Lord’s Supper.

Q3: Why do you baptize babies?

Listen to Pastor Rich Hamlin’s sermon A Baptism Tangent for a detailed answer.

Q4: I was baptized as an infant by a different fellowship. Will I have to be re-baptized?

We accept the baptism of all orthodox fellowships who baptize with water, according to the trinitiarian formula (In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost).

Q5: I like praise songs. When are we going to sing praise songs?

The songs we sing are praise songs. We feel that God is best praised through the meaningful words penned by the Psalmists, Hymn writers, and Biblically accurate choruses rather than by pop-fueled melodies.

Q6: I am used to worshipping by singing, you don't have a worship team. How do you worship?

Singing is only one part of worship. We also worship God by hearing His word preached, confession, prayer and by participating in the sacraments of Communion and Baptism.

Q7: I have always heard that doctrine divides. Why are you interested in doctrine?

St. Paul tells us to test all things and hold fast to what is true (1 Thess. 5:21). Doctrine is the end result of centuries of Christian theologians studying God’s Word to determine what is true (salvation by grace alone, through faith alone because of Christ alone) and what is false (salvation by any other means). Doctrine affirms our beliefs and keeps the believer away from possibly harmful private interpretations (1 Peter 1:20).

Q8: How are you distinct from other evangelical or reformed churches?
Q9: Will my child get a good Christian education if we attend here?

While we do offer a dedicated Sunday School program there is no day school at this time.

Q10: How do I become a member?

Talk with the pastor or elder.

Q11: What is ERC's belief about tithing?

We believe tithing is a biblical concept, but is not required for membership. That being said, we believe there is a connection between the spiritual life of a family and that family’s attitude and actions concerning money and possessions. We remember the widow in Mark who gave everything demonstrating her true spiritual condition and contrast that with the rich young ruler from Matthew who let money and possessions keep him separated from God. We want our member’s hearts to be devoted to the things of God. The simple solution is for us to put our treasures in the things of God. Tithing is a useful discipline to remind us where the treasures of our hearts really are.

Q12: Can you recommend any good books which will explain Christianity and Reformed Theology?

Yes, see Rich’s Recommended Reading List. The online bookstore, Discerning Reader, has book reviews from a reformed perspective which can help.