PRESBYTERIAN BELIEFS

Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: we adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology and a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members. In our confessions, the Presbyterian Church (USA) expresses the faith of the Reformed tradition. Central to this tradition is the affirmation of the majesty, holiness, and providence of God who creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world in the freedom of sovereign righteousness and love. Related to this central affirmation of God's sovereignty are other great themes of the Reformed tradition:

    The election of the people of God for service as well as for salvation;

    Covenant life marked by a disciplined concern for order in the church

    according to the Word of God;

    A faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts

    of God’s creation;

    The recognition of the human tendency to idolatry and tyranny, which calls

    the people of God to work for the transformation of society by seeking justice

    and living in obedience to the Word of God. (Book of Order, G-2.0500)

For further information on the theology of the Presbyterian Church, click on the History of PC (USA) icon.

CHURCH GOVERNMENT

16th century Protestant Reformer, John Calvin, developed the Presbyterian pattern of church government, which vests governing authority primarily in elected laypersons known as elders. The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word for elder, which is found in the New Testament.

Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they exercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships. They shall serve faithfully as members of the session.

Presbyterian Elders are both elected and ordained. Through ordination they are officially set apart for service. They retain their ordination beyond their term of office on the session. Ministers who serve the congregation are also part of the session. The session is the governing body of the local congregation.

The other governing bodies are presbyteries, which are composed of several churches; synods, which are composed of several presbyteries; and the General Assembly, which represents the entire denomination. Elders and ministers who serve on these governing bodies are also called Presbyters.