What does "First Free" mean?
Many often wonder about our church's name. Here's a brief explanation of why we're called First Evangelical Free Church.
This past week, a dear soul in our church approached me with a fun and intriguing question. Her young relative had asked her, “What does First Free mean?” It’s a legitimate question, one I suspect others have wondered about too. The answer is a bit like our church family itself—steeped in history, oriented toward mission, and shaped by God’s grace.
Let’s start with the “First” part of our name. Our church was originally founded in 1882 as a ministry to Swedish immigrants in the McKeesport area. In those early years, our congregation called only Swedish-speaking pastors, and every ministry was conducted entirely in the Swedish language. We were the first church of our kind established in the area, hence the “First” in our name.
The “Free Church” part connects us to a broader story—one dating back to a movement in Scandinavia during the 19th century. At that time, state churches dominated the religious landscape, and many people longed for a more personal, Christ-centered faith. They desired churches that would be free from state control, free to govern themselves, and free to focus on the gospel. These believers emphasized the authority of Scripture, the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, and the mission of sharing the good news. In this sense, they were evangelical. When many of those Scandinavians immigrated to the United States, they brought these convictions with them, founding what would eventually become the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA), our denomination.
So, what does being a Free Church mean for us today? First and foremost, it means we are free in Christ. Our salvation is not something we earn—it’s a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8,9; etc.). That central gospel truth is at the heart of everything we do. It also means we are a self-governing church. While we’re part of the EFCA, our congregation makes its own decisions about ministry and leadership, allowing us to respond to the needs of our community as God leads, free from undue interference and control.
Another hallmark of the Free Church is how we approach Christian doctrine. We hold tightly to the essentials of the faith—truths like the authority of Scripture, the deity of Christ, and the good news of salvation through Him alone. But we also recognize there are secondary matters where sincere Christians may disagree. Whether it’s views on baptism, the end times, or worship styles, we seek unity in the essentials and a gracious liberty in everything else. This approach reflects our desire to be a church family where people from diverse backgrounds and experiences can grow together in Christ.
So, the next time someone asks, “What does First Free mean?” I hope this helps you answer with confidence. It’s a name that points to our history, our mission, and above all, to the freedom and hope we have in Jesus Christ. And it’s a name that reminds us of our calling: to share His love and truth with everyone, from young relatives asking great questions to neighbors, friends, and the world beyond.
