The Presbyterian Church is a Protestant Christian denomination that adheres to Reformed theology and Presbyterian polity. Presbyterianism traces its roots back to the 16th century Reformation and the teachings of John Calvin. Here is an overview of Presbyterian beliefs and practices:
Church Government
The Presbyterian Church is governed by elders who are elected by the congregation. There are teaching elders (ministers) and ruling elders (lay leaders). Together they exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline within the church. This system of church governance is called presbyterian polity and is based on the biblical pattern of elder leadership (Titus 1:5-9, 1 Timothy 3:1-7).
Worship
Worship in Presbyterian churches is centered around the preaching of the Word and the celebration of the sacraments – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Music, liturgy, prayer, and Scripture readings are also important elements. Worship is guided by the regulative principle which states that only those elements commanded by Scripture are permissible in worship. Therefore, Presbyterian worship tends to be simple, reverent, and focused on the Word.
Theology
Presbyterians adhere to Reformed theology with its emphasis on the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, the necessity of grace, and election. Some key Reformed doctrines include:
- Sovereignty of God – God is supreme over all creation and predestines all that will happen (Ephesians 1:11).
- Authority of Scripture – The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, and sufficient Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Sinfulness of humanity – All people are sinners by nature and unable to save themselves (Romans 3:23).
- Grace alone – Salvation is by God’s grace alone, not by human merit (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Election – God predestines some to salvation according to His will (Ephesians 1:4-6).
- Covenant theology – God’s redemptive plan is revealed through covenants made with His people.
Sacraments
Presbyterians recognize two sacraments instituted by Christ – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is administered to infants as well as those professing faith. It signifies entrance into the New Covenant. The Lord’s Supper commemorates Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross to atone for sin. It nourishes and strengthens the faith of believers (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Salvation
Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). People are justified by faith apart from works and regenerated by the Holy Spirit to repent, believe, and persevere unto salvation. Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the means (Galatians 5:22-23).
Predestination
Due to humanity’s total depravity, God must take the initiative in salvation. In eternity past, God predestined some to salvation according to His sovereign will for His glory (Ephesians 1:4-6, Romans 9:6-24). How God’s sovereignty and human responsibility work together is a mystery.
Perseverance of the Saints
All those who are born again will be preserved by God’s power and persevere to the end (John 10:27-30, Philippians 1:6). If someone falls away, it shows they were never truly regenerate.
Law and Gospel
The Law shows people their sin and need for a Savior. The Gospel reveals Christ’s sacrificial death that fully atoned for sin. The Law drives people to the Gospel (Romans 3:19-20, Galatians 3:23-24).
Covenant Theology
God’s redemptive plan is revealed through the biblical covenants – the Covenant of Works (with Adam), the Covenant of Grace (after the Fall), and the New Covenant (in Christ). These covenants help explain the continuity and progression of redemption across Scripture.
Eschatology
Most Presbyterians hold to amillennial eschatology – the belief that Christ’s second coming will usher in final judgment, the general resurrection of the dead, and the eternal state. There will be no earthly millennium. Some Presbyterians are postmillennial, believing the millennium to be a figurative era between Christ’s first and second comings.
Worship and Sacraments
Presbyterian worship centers on the preaching of the Word, with an emphasis on expository preaching. Music, liturgy, prayer, and the reading of Scripture are also important elements meant to prepare hearts for the proclamation of the Word. The regulative principle of worship governs all elements of worship. The two sacraments practiced are baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Church Officers
There are two categories of ordained officers in the Presbyterian Church – teaching elders (ministers) and ruling elders. Teaching elders are seminary-trained and ordained to preach, teach, administer the sacraments, and provide spiritual care. Ruling elders make up the Session which oversees the spiritual health of the local congregation. Deacons are lay officers charged with ministering to the physical needs of church members.
Connectionalism
Individual Presbyterian churches are governed by the Session at the congregational level. Groups of local churches make up regional presbyteries. Above them are synods and then the General Assembly which meets annually and is the highest governing body. This connectional structure binds Presbyterians across congregations and regions.
History
Presbyterianism traces its origins to the 16th century Reformation, with foundations in Calvinism and Zwinglianism. John Knox brought Presbyterianism to Scotland. The first American Presbytery was organized in 1706. Major branches today include the Presbyterian Church (USA), Presbyterian Church in America, Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and others.
Social Views
Historically, Presbyterians have supported education, advocated disciplines such as temperance, and contributed to social reforms like abolitionism. In recent decades the Presbyterian Church (USA) has moved in a more theologically liberal direction, while other Presbyterian bodies have maintained more conservative stances on social issues.
Missions
Presbyterians have always been active in missions work. Missions are overseen by regional presbyteries but individual churches also engage in local and foreign missions activities. Presbyterian missionaries played a major role in taking Christianity to places like India, Korea, and sub-Saharan Africa through schools, hospitals, and church plants.
Christian Life
Presbyterians emphasize the importance of living out one’s faith with integrity. They reject antinomianism and easy-believism. Faith should be evidenced through righteous living, service, stewardship, Sabbath-keeping, prayer, and Bible study. These disciplines are empowered by the Holy Spirit to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Ecumenism
The Presbyterian Church seeks unity and cooperation with other Christian churches that uphold Biblical orthodoxy. This includes joint efforts in missions, education, publications, advocacy, and other areas where common ground exists theologically. The ecumenical movement strives for increased fellowship and collaboration while confessing theological differences still remain.
Conclusion
In summary, the Presbyterian Church is a Protestant Christian tradition emphasizing Reformed theology and a presbyterian form of church government led by elders. Major beliefs include the sovereignty of God, authority of Scripture, covenant theology, election, effectual calling, and the perseverance of the saints. Presbyterians affirm salvation by grace alone through faith alone, and righteous living empowered by the Holy Spirit. The preaching of the Word and administration of the Sacraments are central to their worship services. The Presbyterian Church has contributed greatly to missions, education, and social reform over the centuries.