Web Verified
Reformed / Presbyterian (ARP — not PCA as originally listed)

First Presbyterian Church Columbia PCA

1324 Marion St, Columbia, SC 29201
Solid — ARP, Reformed, conservative
Quick Facts
Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Dr. Neil C. Stewart (Senior Minister); Dr. David Lauten (Senior Associate Minister)
Founded Unknown
Denomination Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP)
Service Times Sunday 8:30 AM & 11:15 AM; Sunday Evening 6:00 PM
Men's Ministry Yes
Kids Ministry Yes
Website www.firstprescolumbia.org
10-Point Theological Scorecard
Christology
Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)
ARP affirms Westminster Standards.
Strong
Scripture
Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?
ARP affirms inerrancy.
Strong
Men's Discipleship
Intentional formation for men?
Men's ministry present.
Strong
Soteriology
Faith alone? How is salvation presented?
Reformed; Westminster Confession.
Strong
Gender / Biblical Design
Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?
ARP is complementarian (male-only ordination). Yellow — standard complementarian position.
ARP is complementarian (male-only ordination). Yellow — standard complementarian position.
Caution
Leadership Structure
Male elders/pastors? Accountability?
Male elders; ARP polity.
Strong
Preaching Style
Expository or topical/therapeutic?
Expository tradition.
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Mission Clarity
Great Commission central?
Active missions.
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Cultural Alignment
DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?
No DEI/CRT signals.
Strong
Accountability Structure
Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?
ARP Synod — strong denominational accountability. NOTE: Originally listed as PCA but web research indicates ARP affiliation.
Strong
Assessment
First Presbyterian Columbia is actually ARP (Associate Reformed Presbyterian), not PCA as originally categorized. The ARP is a conservative, confessional Reformed denomination — arguably more conservative than PCA on some matters. Dr. Neil Stewart leads as Senior Minister. Evening services, strong Reformed identity. Denomination correction noted.
#arp#reformed#columbia-sc#denomination-correction#evening-services
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How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:

✓ Researched church website
Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 — Annual review recommended
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