Finding Parkway Presbyterian Church
Our Staff | Parkway's Legacy | Our Present
What it Means to be a Presbyterian
Becoming a Member
Map to Parkway

What It Means to be a Presbyterian

History
Presbyterians trace their history to the 16^th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer, John Calvin (1509 - 1564), whose writing crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.

Many of the early Presbyterians in America came from England, Scotland, and Ireland. The first American Presbytery was organized at Philadelphia in 1706. The first General Assembly was held in the same city in 1789. The first Assembly was convened by the Reverend John Witherspoon, the only minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Theology
Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith, and the priesthood of all believers. Presbyterians believe that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our 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. Our 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.

Presbyterians believe that God exists in the trinity of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, that Christ is the Son, the Revealer of God, and the Savior of humanity, and that the church is the Body of Christ in the world. Education is stressed by Presbyterians - both for the ministry and the laity. Presbyterians have adopted a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members. Presbyterians believe that the Holy Spirit constantly enlightens truth, and thus they admit different understandings of the historical confessions of faith. Therefore, even though Presbyterians share common beliefs, we understand that God alone is lord of the conscience, and it is up to each individual to find a personal understanding of their faith through study, contemplation, and worship.

Church Government
The governing body of a Presbyterian congregation is the session. The session is comprised of elected laypersons known as elders. The elders are elected by the congregation and serve as representatives to the session, usually for a three year term. The primary charge of the elder is to seek to discover and represent the will of Christ, as they govern. Presbyterian elders are both elected and ordained. Because of this ordination, they are set apart for service. Elders retain their ordination beyond their term in office.

A church's session is the smallest, local governing body. The governing body above the session is called a presbytery and consists of a regional grouping of Presbyterian churches. Presbyteries are grouped into synods, and the synods combine to form the ultimate governing authority of the entire denomination, the General Assembly. Elders and ministers who serve on these governing bodies are also call presbyters.

For more information about what it means to be a Presbyterian, click here to access the website for the Presbyterian Church, USA.

Becoming a Member
If you are interested in learning more about parkway Presbyterian Church, or in becoming a member, contact our church office at 733-1644. You may also speak with one of our elders who are available before and after our worship services on Sundays.