A community of faith committed to the Gospel and the Reformed tradition
About Us
Ebenezer Presbyterian Church is a community of faith committed to the faithful preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the deep study of the Scriptures, and the practical living of our Reformed faith.
Our Mission
Our mission is to glorify God through discipleship, service, and Christian fellowship. We are located at 334 New York Ave., in the city of Newark - NJ.
Denominational Highlight
We are affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a denomination that values doctrinal purity, practical godliness, and evangelistic zeal. The PCA is known for its faithfulness to the Bible and its commitment to Christ’s Great Commission. Additionally, we maintain fraternal ties with the Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPB).
Our History
Founded in 1993, Ebenezer Presbyterian Church was born with the purpose of being a light in the world, proclaiming God's grace and truth.
Evolution
Since our founding, we have grown in numbers and in faith, always seeking to be a welcoming and loving community for all who wish to know more about God and His promises.
What We Believe
Our Pillars
The Scriptures
We believe that the Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired, inerrant, and infallible Word of God. While we recognize the literary nuances and historical context of each book, we affirm that the Scriptures are the only rule of faith and practice. They are not merely a record of past events, but the living voice of God that confronts and guides us today.
The Sovereignty of God and the Trinity
We worship the only living and true God, who exists eternally in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We confess God's absolute sovereignty over creation, providence, and salvation. We understand that nothing occurs outside of His eternal decree, which brings us deep comfort in times of uncertainty, knowing that He governs all things for His glory and for the good of those who love Him.
The Human Condition and Unconditional Grace
We recognize that, although created in the image of God, we fell into sin and alienation. This rupture affected all human faculties. Therefore, we believe that salvation is, from beginning to end, an act of God's grace (Sola Gratia). It is not the result of human effort or moral merit, but a gift sovereignly granted through faith in Christ.
The Centrality of Christ (Solus Christus)
Jesus Christ is the center of our preaching and our community life. He is truly God and truly man, the only mediator between God and men. Through His life of perfect obedience, His sacrificial death on the cross, and His bodily resurrection, He satisfied divine justice and won redemption for His people.
Life in Covenant and Sacraments
Unlike an individualistic Christianity, we believe that God relates to His people through covenants. This means that the church is a spiritual family, where God's promises extend to us and our children. We practice Baptism and the Lord's Supper as signs and seals of this covenant, means of grace through which the Holy Spirit strengthens our faith, not through a magical operation, but by the spiritual presence of Christ in those who believe.
Our Mission in the World
We believe that being a reformed church means being "always reforming" according to the Word of God. This compels us to live for the glory of God in every sphere — in our work, in our family, and in society. We seek to be a community that proclaims the Gospel in words and demonstrates it in deeds, awaiting the blessed hope of Christ's return and the final restoration of all things.
Know Our Activities
If you are looking for a church that values biblical truth and Christian love, we invite you to visit Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. Come experience the communion of saints and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pr. Fernando de Almeida
Rev. Fernando de Almeida is the pastor of Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), currently serving in the state of New Jersey.
Ordained to the pastoral ministry 28 years ago, Pastor Fernando has dedicated his life to shepherding the flock, the faithful preaching of the Scriptures, and the edification of Christ’s church, firmly grounded in the authority of God’s Word and the historic Reformed tradition.
He holds two degrees in Theology, post-graduate degrees in Philosophy and in Distance Learning Teaching and Management, as well as a Master’s degree in Religious Sciences. His academic career includes nearly ten years at Mackenzie Presbyterian University, where he served in university chaplaincy and confessional identity, contributing to the strengthening of Reformed Christian identity within the educational environment.
In the mission field, he served with the Presbyterian Agency for Transcultural Missions (APMT – IPB), providing pastoral care and leadership for missionaries. This experience took him to different continents, broadening his vision of the church’s mission and deepening his commitment to proclaiming the Gospel in diverse cultural contexts.
Currently, Pastor Fernando also serves as the President and CEO of the International Faculty of Reformed Theology (FITRef), an institution dedicated to confessional Reformed theological training, with an emphasis on distance learning for Portuguese-speaking countries. His purpose is to contribute to the solid preparation of pastors, leaders, and church members, uniting doctrinal fidelity, academic excellence, and service to the Kingdom of God.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, he serves as a theology professor, teaching courses in the areas of mission, marriage, and family, always seeking to integrate faithful biblical exposition, pastoral care, and the practical application of God’s Word to the life of the church.
Pastor Fernando has been married for 28 years to his wife, Suenia, and is the father of three daughters: Sarah, Isabel, and Lídia. Together, they serve the Lord with gratitude, believing that the local church is God’s primary instrument for the edification of the saints and the expansion of His Kingdom.
Visit Us
We are located at 334 New York Ave., Newark, NJ, and our mission is to glorify God through discipleship, service, and Christian fellowship.