From About Being Presbyterian: a Guide to More Effective Church Membership

Channing L. Bete Co, Inc. ©1974

Presbyterians are a group of Protestants whose church is founded on the concept of democratic rule under the word of God.

All that is required to be a Presbyterian is to:

·          Confess the Christian faith

·          Trust in Christ as our forgiving savior

·          Promise to follow Christ and Christ’s example for living

·          Commit oneself to attend church and to become involved in its work.

What is the Presbyterian Church?

                The Presbyterian Church is a Representative Democracy governed by elders elected from and by the congregation. Authority resides with duly elected representatives of the congregation n the appointed church governing bodies.  The local church governing body is the Session.  Local sessions oversee the day-to-day work of the church and supervise the Deacons—elected to conduct the temporal and charitable ministry of the church.

What do Presbyterians believe?

Like other Christians, Presbyterians believe in:

·          God---the creator of the universe.

·          Christ---the incarnation of God on earth.

·          Holy Spirit—the presence of God in the world and in the believer.

·          Life Everlasting—shown by the resurrection of Jesus.

·          Bible—the inspired word of God.

Presbyterians recognize two sacraments—as described in the Bible.

Baptism—This Sacrament unites us with Jesus Christ and makes us members of God’s family, the Church. 

For Presbyterians, Baptism:

·          Is an initiation into the church community, as ordered by Christ.

·          Is a public confession, not a private one—it’s a statement of faith made in the presence of others.

·          Does not guarantee access to heaven—unbaptized people are not denied salvation.

·          Can be performed in another church—there is not need to be baptized in a Presbyterian church.

         Communion—also called The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, or The Eucharist—

Is a time to review faith and strengthen participants for the duties and privileges of Christian Service.           In Communion, the bread and wine represent the sacrificial body and blood of Christ and recall the last meal shared with the Apostles.  Together they symbolize the New Covenant between God and all people.

The Presbyterian Church is really people—to all Presbyterians their faith means:

·          Maintaining Christian Habits such as regular church attendance, Bible reading, prayers, and participation in church activities and services.

·          Setting a Worthy Example for the world, as a person who strives to be more worthy of Christ.

·          Giving Regularly of the time, money, and abilities given to one by God.

·          Becoming Informed about Christian work around the world, and supporting this work.