--- title: "Common questions about the RPCNA" description: "Answers to common questions about Reformed Presbyterian beliefs, elders, the RP Testimony, Psalm singing, baptism, and visiting Christ the King." canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf" --- EXPLORE THE REFORMED FAITH # Common questions about the RPCNA A place to begin when our name, beliefs, or way of worship are new to you. [Study by topic](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/) · [Common questions](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/) · [Reformed glossary](https://ctkrp.org/learn/glossary/) On this page - [What does RPCNA stand for?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#rpcna) - [What does it mean to be Reformed?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#reformed) - [Why is the church led by elders?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#elders) - [Why have an RP Testimony alongside the Confession?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#testimony) - [Why sing the Psalms in public worship?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#psalms) - [Why sing without musical instruments?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#instruments) - [Why baptize the children of believers?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#children) - [Can I visit while I am still learning?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#visiting) - [Go to the source](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#sources)[← Resource library](https://ctkrp.org/resources/) ## What does RPCNA stand for? RPCNA means Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Christ the King belongs to this denomination. Our name connects the Reformed understanding of Scripture with church government by elders. Our church family confesses the Westminster standards and the RP Testimony under the authority of the Bible. [Explore our name and history →](https://ctkrp.org/resources/rpcna-history/) ## What does it mean to be Reformed? Reformed Christianity emphasizes Scripture’s authority and salvation by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We depend on His obedience and sacrifice for acceptance with God. The confession and catechisms express this understanding of Scripture and help the church teach it in an orderly way. [Read the introduction to Reformed faith →](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-reformed/) ## Why is the church led by elders? Presbyterian government follows the biblical pattern of elders caring for the church under Christ. The elders of a congregation form its session; congregations are connected through presbytery and synod. These shared responsibilities provide teaching, oversight, and accountability. Read Acts 14:23 and 1 Peter 5:1–4. [Learn about Presbyterian church government →](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-presbyterian/) ## Why have an RP Testimony alongside the Confession? The Testimony follows the Confession’s subjects, applying biblical teaching to later questions and circumstances. It also states positions the RPCNA rejects, including particular statements in the Confession. It is one of the church’s confessional standards. Reading the two together helps explain the denomination’s convictions; both remain subordinate to Scripture. [Read the Testimony and compare chapters →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/) ## Why sing the Psalms in public worship? The RPCNA understands the biblical Psalms to be the book of praise God has appointed for His church. This practice is often called exclusive psalmody. The Psalms give the whole congregation words for praise, repentance, lament, and hope. Our worship articles explain this conviction and help newcomers begin singing with us. [Explore why we sing the Psalms →](https://ctkrp.org/worship/psalms/) ## Why sing without musical instruments? The RP Testimony connects the instruments of Old Testament temple worship with its sacrificial order, fulfilled by Christ. It understands the New Testament pattern to call for the congregation’s vocal praise without instrumental accompaniment. In our services, the voices of the people carry the Psalm together. [Read the explanation of unaccompanied singing →](https://ctkrp.org/worship/unaccompanied-singing/) ## Why baptize the children of believers? Reformed Presbyterians understand believers’ children to belong within God’s visible covenant people. Baptism marks their place in the church and its care. It does not automatically save: children are to be taught the gospel and led to personal faith in Jesus Christ. Our baptism guide connects this teaching to Scripture and the standards. [Study baptism and the covenant →](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/baptism/) ## Can I visit while I am still learning? Yes. You are welcome to worship with us and bring your questions. You do not need to know the Psalms or understand every Reformed distinctive before you come. A sample order of worship can help you follow the service, and you can contact us beforehand if there is anything you would like to ask. [Plan your visit →](https://ctkrp.org/visit/) ## Go to the source These introductions draw on the church’s standards. For the fuller teaching, read [Reformed Presbyterian Testimony · Chapter 21](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-21-religious-worship-and-the-sabbath-day/) on worship, [Reformed Presbyterian Testimony · Chapter 25](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/) on the church, [Reformed Presbyterian Testimony · Chapter 28](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-28-baptism/) on baptism, and [Reformed Presbyterian Testimony · Chapter 31](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-31-synods-and-councils/) on church courts and standards. [Read the Constitution’s introduction](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/introduction/) for the relationship between its documents. Have another question? [We would be glad to hear from you.](https://ctkrp.org/contact/) [↑ Back to contents](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/#contents) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/