The Christian Church known as Presbyterian is unique in two ways - theology and government. Our religious thought is based on Reformed theology. The principles of Reformed theology were articulated by the French Huguenot Reformer, John Calvin (1509 - 1564). Reformed theology is detailed on another page on this website.

Presbyterian Government

Our Church is a confessional and connectional in character. Confessional means that the content of our faith is expressed in our Book of Confessions. There are 11 statements of faith in this Book of Confessions - the newest written in 1991 and the oldest, the Nicene Creed written in AD 325. One of the most basic concepts of the confessions is the idea of the unity of believers; the vision that God calls all Christians to be united in a single body called the Church. Connectional means that our Church is governed by a system of polity to keep the community united in the faith by providing a way to make decisions and settle disagreements as laid down in our Book of Order. Polity is a guide that will help you take part in the life of the Presbyterian Church and share in the lives of its partner churches around the world.

The Greek word 'Presbuteros' which translates to Elder provides the name for the Presbyterian family of Churches, which also include the Reformed Church. Our form of government stresses the active role of both Ministers and Elders. Presbyters (Elders and Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, traditionally called Ruling and Teaching Elders) govern the Church.

An Elder is an ordained layperson who is charged to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation; they exercise leadership, government, and discipline. Together with the Pastor, they encourage the people in worship and service of God, equip and renew them for their tasks within the Church and for their mission in the world, visit and comfort and care for the people, with special attention to the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those who are oppressed. They might sit on the local Church's governing body - the Session, or may be elected commissioners to higher governing bodies. Elders participate and vote with the same authority as Ministers and they are eligible for any office.

A Minister is ordained to study, teach, and preach the Word, administer the sacraments - Baptism and the Lord's Supper, for praying with and for the congregation. As members of the Presbytery, they work as designated to further the Church's mission. They conduct weddings and funerals and act as moderator of the session. In addition to fulfilling the particular responsibilities to which they are called, they participate in a congregation, in their Presbytery, and in ecumenical relationships, and are eligible for election to the higher governing bodies of the Church.

The office of Deacon as written in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Laypersons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment are chosen for this office. A Deacon is ordained to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. They may also assume other duties as delegated by the session such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scriptures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord's Supper.

The Protestant Reformation

The Presbyterian Church traces its foundation back to the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century started by the then Roman Catholic Priest and Professor - Martin Luther in 1517 at Wittenberg, Germany. In 1535, the French lawyer, John Calvin, refined Luther's new way of thinking about the nature of God and God's relationship with humanity. A Scotsman, John Knox who studied under Calvin in Geneva, took Calvin's teaching back to Scotland and from this, our American branch of the Presbyterian Church began. Other Reformed Churches developed in Holland, England, France, and Hungary among other countries. The World Alliance of Reformed Churches state that there are now more than 75 million Christians of the Reformed faith in 107 countries, most live and witness in the southern hemisphere.