The EFCI is generally more conservative in their orientation than other Quaker meetings and has many similarities to other denominations of Evangelicalism.

"Orthodox Quakers" emphasized Biblical sources while "Hicksite" and his followers believed the inward light was more important than scriptural authority.

The Evangelical Friends Church, International grew out of the Orthodox branch that held to the primacy of scriptural authority.

"Gurneyite" Friends, were deeply influenced by the evangelical movement (as were other Protestant denominations of the era), especially the ideas of John Wesley.

Following the separation over evangelical teachings, there were two Ohio Yearly Meetings: "Wilburite" and "Gurneyite".

In 1971 Ohio Yearly Meeting (Damascus) became Evangelical Friends Church – Eastern Region.

A key doctrinal issue that sets Evangelical Friends apart from other Quakers is their view of salvation.

Other Friends have a wide range of views on salvation, up to and including beliefs such as religious pluralism.

Evangelical Friends support their views on the necessity of salvation as being more in line with the meaning of the Bible.

The Evangelical Friends Church, International is divided into several geographical areas called "Regions".

Evangelical Friends Mission (EFM) recruits and sends missionaries to various parts of the world.

It exists as the international sending agency and global church planting arm of EFCI-NA.