What We Believe
Presbyterians believe that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior. That is the single theological statement made at the time of baptism into the church.
But that statement is simply the foundation for a rich theological history that dates to the time of the Reformation, during which John Calvin and John Knox, among others, left the Roman Catholic Church to develop a type of Protestantism that became known as the Reformed family of faith.
Today’s Presbyterian Church draws on these roots, but isn’t content to rest in the past. Presbyterians believe that our church is reformed, and always being reformed by a God who is alive and active in this world.
Let’s take a look at some of the things that we believe, as Presbyterians:
Worship and Sacraments
Presbyterians worship joyfully each Sunday, or Lord’s Day, and on special occasions. Services focus on us:
• coming before our Lord with praises and confession.
• hearing the Word of God both read and proclaimed (or preached).
• responding to the Word with song, prayer, and offerings.
• carrying the Word of God out into the world.
We recognize two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Both were instituted by God and commanded by Jesus during his time on earth. Both are outward, visible signs of God’s inward, invisible grace. The Lord’s Supper (communion) is shared on the first Sunday of each month and on other designated occasions.
If you want to know more about our beliefs or have questions about what you have read here, please contact our pastor.
About the Presbyterian Church (USA)
St. Philip Presbyterian Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. (PCUSA), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States, representing more than 1.14 million people worshiping in 8,705 congregations.
The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek, meaning “ruled by elders.” Elders – ruling elders and ministers (called teaching elders) – make up governing bodies of Presbyterian churches. This is true for all levels, from individual congregations to regional and national bodies.
St. Philip is a member of Grace Presbytery, which is, in turn, part of the Synod of the Sun. This connectivity makes it possible for every member of every congregation to serve Christ locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
The important thing about Presbyterian structure is that we all work together as a priesthood of believers, striving to discern God’s will and to serve God by living out the love of Christ among our neighbors, near and far.
To learn more about the PCUSA, please check out the following links:
Contact
If you would like to know more about our beliefs or have questions about what you have read here, please contact our pastor: