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Presbyterians differ from other Protestant denominations primarily in their church government. Unlike some other churches, we elect officers in the church who represent the congregation in church affairs for designated terms only. America's representative democracy was based on this model. In fact, at least 14 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Presbyterians. Our churches are part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) based in Louisville, Kentucky, with over 11,000 churches and over 2.5 million members nationwide. WPC and other Presbyterian (PCUSA) churches in our region of Texas belong to Mission Presbytery, which, in turn, belongs to the Synod of the Sun (encompassing the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas), one of 16 synods in the U.S.
Like most Protestants, Presbyterians believe that God is the Creator of all that is, that Jesus Christ was the incarnation of God on earth, that the Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the world and in his believers, and that sin is forgiven by the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.
Some of the other things that Presbyterians believe are:
- The Trinity: God exists in the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Revealer of God, and the Savior of humanity.
- The Bible is an inspired record of the revelation of God to all.
- Confession is voluntary, and made directly to God.
- Salvation: God grants the gift of grace, which enables us to gain the faith necessary for salvation.
- Sacraments: Baptism unites us with Jesus Christ and makes us members of God's family, the church. Presebyterians recognize as valid any Christian baptism. Communion reminds us not only of Christ's sacrifice, but also that our living Lord is among us where two or three are gathered. All Christians are welcome at the table.
- Acceptance: Presbyterians believe that no Christian church has exclusivity of the church government authorized by Christ.
- Education: Presbyterians put a high priority on continued reading, teaching and interpretation of the scriptures through worship, Bible study and Christian education.
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Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer, John Calvin (1509 - 1564), whose writing crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
Many of the early Presbyterians in America came from England, Scotland, and Ireland. The first American Presbytery was organized at Philadelphia in 1706. The first General Assembly was held in the same city in 1789. The first Assembly was convened by the Reverend John Witherspoon, the only minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.
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Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers. Presbyterians believe that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share this Good News with the whole world.
Presbyterians believe that God exists in the trinity of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, that Christ is the Son, the Revealer of God, and the Savior of humanity, and that the church is the Body of Christ in the world. Education is stressed by Presbyterians - both for the ministry and the laity. Presbyterians have adopted a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members. Presbyterians believe that the Holy Spirit constantly enlightens truth, and thus they admit different understandings of the historical confessions of faith. Therefore, even though Presbyterians share common beliefs, we understand that God alone is lord of the conscience, and it is up to each individual to find a personal understanding of their faith through study, contemplation, and worship.
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The governing body of a Presbyterian congregation is the session. The session is comprised of elected laypersons known as elders. The elders are elected by the congregation and serve as representatives to the session, usually for a three year term. The primary charge of the elder is to seek to discover and represent the will of Christ, as they govern. Presbyterian elders are both elected and ordained. Because of this ordination, they are set apart for service. Elders retain their ordination beyond their term in office.
A church's session is the smallest, local governing body. The governing body above the session is called a presbytery and consists of a regional grouping of Presbyterian churches. Presbyteries are grouped into synods, and the synods combine to form the ultimate governing authority of the entire denomination, the General Assembly. Elders and ministers who serve on these governing bodies are also call presbyters.
For more information about what it means to be a Presbyterian, please visit the website for the Presbyterian Church, USA.
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