|
|
WHAT PRESBYTERIANS BELIEVE |
Presbyterians are a group of Protestants whose church is founded on the concept of democratic rule under the Word of God. The Presbyterian Denomination is a form of Christianity democratically organized to embrace the faith common to all Christians. There is no set of beliefs which unite Presbyterians or separates them from other followers of Christ. Anyone who can be a Christian can be a Presbyterian. All that is required to be a Presbyterian is to: 1. Confess the Christian faith 2. Trust in Christ as our forgiving Savior. 3. Promise to follow Christ and Christ's example for living. 4. Commit oneself to attend church and to become involved in work. Like other Christians, Presbyterians believe: The Trinity exists in form of the Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. We believe that God is the creator of the universe and that Christ, the Son of God, is the incarnation of God on earth. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the world and in the believer. The church is a universal company of Christ's followers. The forgiveness of sin is made possible by the crucifixion of Jesus. Life everlasting is shown by the resurrection of Jesus, and that the Bible is the inspired word of God, to reveal God to all people. We believe that God grants the gift of grace, which enables us to gain the faith necessary for salvation. |
Baptism of K.W. Rial Heather & Alex Rial and Rev. Joe Sheeler |
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 invitation into the church community as ordered by Christ. It is a public confession, not a private one. It is a statement of faith made in the presence of others. Baptism does not guarantee access to heaven, unbaptized people are not denied salvation. Baptism can be performed in another church, there is no need to be rebaptized in a Presbyterian Church. Communion: This sacrament is also called The Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or The Eucharist. It is a time to renew 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 Jesus 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 a representative democracy governed by elders elected from and by the congregation. The overall church structure consists of 4 governing bodies: The Session, The Presbytery, The Synod and the General Assembly. The local governing body is the Session, compiled of ordained ministers and elders which are all elected by the congregation. Elders and ministers from different congregations oversee the local churches on the Presbytery level. Representatives from each Presbytery oversee several Presbyteries on the Synod level. The national governing body is made up of equal numbers of lay people and clergy chosen by the presbyteries at General Assembly. |