WHAT WE BELIEVE

We believe that the church is a community of people.

People committed or committing to grow in their faith who respond to the invitation and transforming journey extended by Jesus Christ, their Lord, and Savior, to follow him. Together they worship God, serve their community and the world, and give generously of themselves and their resources in response to God’s lavish love for them.

What Presbyterians Believe

  • There is one true living God revealed in Scripture who created the universe.
  • Human beings created in God’s own image rebelled and sinned against God and each other.
  • Jesus Christ is God’s Son, fully God and fully human. He was born, lived sinless, died faultless, and rose again from the dead to offer those who believe in him forgiveness, healing, wholeness, and life eternal with him.
  • The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the world and within each believer. The Holy Spirit empowers Jesus Christ’s followers for the ministries to which they are called, leads them to find healing for their brokenness, and guides them each and every day on an exciting journey of growing closer to Jesus.
  • The Bible is the inspired Word of God. It is the authoritative source for faith and practice for all people.
  • The practice of two sacraments: Communion or the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.
  • God calls us to live as active participants in God’s reconciling and redeeming ministry to the world: offering grace, catalyzing change, proclaiming the good news of salvation, and seeking justice.

What is a Presbyterian?

The history of the Presbyterian Church traces the growth and development of a unique group of Christians whose relationship with God is founded on the ideals of the Protestant Reformation and the concept of democratic rule under God’s Word. Our heritage – and much of what we believe – began with a French lawyer, John Calvin, and a group of Scottish Christians headed by John Knox a minister and reformed theologian. A strong emphasis on the grace of God in Jesus Christ is our heritage from the founders of the Reformed tradition.

In the New Testament, the Greek word PRESBYTEROS means “elder” and refers to the choosing of leaders from among the wisest members of the church. The name Presbyterian stems from this word and reflects a style of church government where local congregations elect elders and deacons and encourage congregational participation in the leading of the church.

Two Sacraments – Baptism and Communion

Baptism

We believe Baptism is a sacrament – a visible sign that points to the invisible reality that God’s love for us doesn’t depend on us being perfect or on our love for God.

  •  Unites us with Jesus Christ and makes us members of God’s family, the Church.
  • Can be performed in another Christian church—there is no need to be re-baptized in a Presbyterian church.
  • It is a public confession of faith that must occur in the context of worship.
Communion

We believe Communion is a sacrament – a visible sign that points to the invisible reality of God’s grace.

  •  Is a time to renew our faith in the living Christ as Lord and Savior and all who claim Jesus Christ as their Lord are invited to take communion.
  • It strengthens us for God’s work in the world.
  • It can be celebrated as often as every Sunday.