The Presbyterian Church (USA), abbreviated PC(USA), is a mainline Protestant Christian denomination in the United States. With over 1.3 million members as of 2022, it is the largest Presbyterian denomination in the country.
Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century Protestant Reformation and the teachings of John Calvin. Presbyterianism gets its name from the representative form of church governance practiced by Presbyterian churches, which is led by elected elders known as presbyters. This stands in contrast to episcopal church governance with rule by bishops.
The PC(USA) was formed in 1983 as a result of a merger between the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS), whose congregations were located predominantly in the Southern and border states, and the United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA), whose congregations could be found in the rest of the country. The resulting denomination had 3.1 million members at the time of merger, but membership has declined over the decades since to current levels.
Here are some of the key beliefs and practices of the Presbyterian Church (USA):
1. The Bible
Presbyterians uphold the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God for faith and practice. The Scriptures contain all that is necessary for salvation and provide true instruction for how to live (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
2. The Trinity
God eternally exists in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, equal in power and glory. There is one God in three persons (Matthew 28:19).
3. Jesus Christ
Jesus is the eternal Son of God, the Word made flesh. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus lived a sinless life, suffered and died on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for sin, rose bodily from the dead, ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will return one day to judge the living and the dead (John 1:1-18; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
4. Salvation by Grace
Human beings are justified before God by His grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. People are incapable of saving themselves through good works and are wholly dependent upon God’s grace for salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved (Ephesians 2:8-10).
5. Election and Predestination
God chose people for salvation in Christ before the foundation of the world, not because of anything they have done, but according to His sovereign grace. Those who are saved have been predestined by God to believe in and follow Jesus. However, God’s choice does not contradict human freedom or responsibility (Ephesians 1:3-6).
6. Christian Life
Those who have been saved by God’s grace through faith are called to live in obedience to Christ and His Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. Christians grow in sanctification as they participate in the ordinary means of grace which God has provided – prayer, worship, fellowship, reading Scripture, and partaking of the sacraments (1 Peter 1:13-16).
7. Church Governance
Presbyterian churches are governed by councils of elders called sessions, presbyteries, synods and the General Assembly. These representative bodies maintain connectional relationships for encouragement and accountability. Church officers such as ministers, elders and deacons provide spiritual leadership (Titus 1:5-9).
8. Sacraments
The Presbyterian Church (USA) observes two sacraments instituted by Christ – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism signifies entrance into the visible church. It represents cleansing from sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Lord’s Supper commemorates the sacrificial death of Jesus on behalf of His people and nourishes believers spiritually (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
9. Social Justice
Following Christ’s example, Presbyterians believe in ministering to the physical, spiritual and social needs of people. The church is called to promote truth, justice, peace, environmental stewardship and compassion in society. Presbyterians have been involved historically in numerous causes like abolitionism, civil rights, and providing education and healthcare.
10. Education
Presbyterians place great importance on education at all levels. John Calvin was himself a scholar and taught theology at the Genevan Academy. Presbyterians in America helped found many colleges and universities including Princeton and Davidson. Education is considered key to developing Christian faith and character.
11. Worship
Worship in the Reformed tradition is centered around word and sacrament. Presbyterian worship services typically feature Bible readings, corporate prayer, the singing of psalms and hymns, and hearing the preached word. The focus is on the proper preaching and hearing of Scripture. The two sacraments of baptism and communion are offered regularly.
12. Eschatology
Most Presbyterians hold to amillennial eschatology which sees Christ presently reigning spiritually from heaven rather than expecting a literal millennial kingdom on earth. He will return visibly at the end to fully establish His kingdom, judge all people, and usher in the new heavens and new earth (1 Corinthians 15:22-28; Revelation 21:1-4).
13. Women in Ministry
The Presbyterian Church (USA) ordains women as elders, deacons, and ministers. Since the 1950s, the role of women in leadership has grown substantially. Many prominent PCUSA congregations are now pastored by women.
14. Sexuality
The PC(USA) currently permits the ordination of pastors who are celibate gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Since 2014, Presbyterian pastors have been allowed to perform same-sex marriages where permitted by state law. These positions have been controversial though within the denomination.
15. Abortion
The Presbyterian Church (USA) considers the lives of both the pregnant woman and the embryo/fetus. It opposes legislation that would outlaw abortion or prevent access to information about abortion. The PCUSA recognizes freedom of conscience on this issue and does not adopt an outright position either supporting or opposing abortion.
In summary, core tenets of Presbyterian theology include the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the need for holy living, and church governance by elders. While mainly Reformed in its theology, the Presbyterian Church (USA) tends to be more progressive than other Presbyterian bodies when it comes to social issues.
Throughout its history, the Presbyterian tradition has made significant contributions in the areas of mission, education, social justice and producing theological leaders. Its unique form of church government has influenced other Protestant denominations as well. With a sizable active membership, the Presbyterian Church (USA) continues to have an impact within American Christianity today.