What’s the difference between Presbyterians and other Protestants?
First, and most important is that all Protestant Christians believe in the sacraments, baptism, and a triune God.
The big difference between Presbyterians and other Christian protestant denominations is in how they are governed: the Presbyterian church is run at every level by a combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike, and is governed from the bottom up – by a body of people (called the Session and comprised of Elders) elected within each congregation – rather than from the top down (meaning a hierarchy of bishops, priests, or a Pope).
For a more detailed description of Presbyterian beliefs, click here.
Presbyterians are connected to other Presbyterian churches by region (Presbyteries and Synods). Each congregation elects its own representatives to send to the larger Presbytery, the Presbytery elects representatives to the Synod, and the Synod to a national General Assembly, and this is what we mean by decisions being made from the bottom up.
What we believe
Presbyterian beliefs are based on the writings of John Calvin. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers.
We believe that God is the supreme authority, and that believers are called to do God’s work in the world:
- sharing the Good News of his love with others;
- inviting them into His family of faith, the Church;
- striving for justice for all;
- compassionately caring for others;
- and walking humbly with God.
Our lives are lived in daily gratitude for the grace of God. 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.
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.
Contact us
We are always happy to answer questions.
Click here for a list of our staff.
The names and ministry representatives of this church can be found here.
