“At the same time, Heidebrecht continues, “we are rooted deeply in the Protestant Reformation and especially the theological and pastoral work of John Calvin. We embrace the Westminster Confession of Faith as our doctrinal standard and the rule of spiritually mature elders linked together regionally as the best way to guide local congregations."

The purpose of the EPC proposal to the NWAC is "not to undermine, circumvent or de-value the primary and fundamental responsibility of each presbytery to exercise its rights and responsibilities in receiving churches and ministers," states the formal proposal document. Instead, it reflects "deep gratitude for the work of the Spirit over the EPC’s short history in bringing us to the place of a generous yet clear selfunderstanding as a Reformed confessional church practicing a healthy unity and diversity."

Dawson and Weaver offer their “heartfelt and profound thanks” to the EPC for creating a New Wineskins Transitional Presbytery. “We are humbled that the EPC has opened its arms to the vision we share. We agree profoundly that God is calling us to an expression of his church based on shared essentials of the faith, clear ethical imperatives, and a mission-serving polity.”

The co-moderators say they know that many NWAC churches are being called out from the PCUSA, and thus, are grateful for the open arms of the EPC. But, they acknowledge, some New Wineskins churches are called to remain in the PCUSA, “to live out this vision right where they are.”

Prior to the New Wineskins gathering in February, two officials of the PCUSA sent a letter to their 11,300 congregations saying that they were "saddened" by the prospect of some congregations leaving the denomination. "We are better followers of Jesus when we stick together, mutually encouraging one another in the work of discipleship," said the letter dated Jan. 29 from clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick and executive director Linda Valentine of the General Assembly Council.

The PCUSA lost 48,484 members in 2005, continuing a decline that started in 1967 when there were 4.2 million Presbyterians in the mainline denomination. Currently, the PCUSA has 2.24 million members, so the total loss of members over the last 38 years is 1.96 million members, an average of more than 50,000 members each year.

Weaver told the NWAC gathering in February that after the courtship by the EPC, "Oct. 29 and 30 [will be] our wedding date, if you will.” Oct. 29-30 is when the New Wineskins meet again for their fall convocation in Sacramento, Calif., and will be the first gathering under the NWEPC presbytery.