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Presbyterians are guided in their worship by apostolic practice and the spiritual revolutionaries of the sixteenth century who stressed the priesthood of all believers rather than the individual, professional priesthood that was practiced in the church for more than a thousand years. The Reformation, guided by the New Testament, specified that all believers were to be ministers and could interpret the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Our worship is centered on praise, prayer and instruction in the church, followed by the sharing of that joy and responsibility of informed discipleship outside of the church in the community.
Our religion is confessional, using statements of conviction to strengthen our foundations of belief. Not all Presbyterian churches interpret doctrine the same way but share these beliefs: the need for forgiveness of sins, a representative system of government and a shared ministry of helping and healing. We are united in proclaiming Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives.
The United Presbyterian Church of the USA is committed to seek justice for all persons. The church's agenda is life rather than religion as love and justice form a single truth.
Presbyterian authority is expressed corporately rather than personally. Authority is placed in ordered groups elected by the people, believing God works through groups in significant ways.
At the local level, the elders are elected by the congregation and are known as the Session. At the area level, they are known as presbyters and serve as delegates to the Presbytery. On a regional level, they serve as delegates to synods; on the national level, as commissioners to the General Assembly.
Presbyterians recognize three ordained offices: ministers, elders and deacons. The ruling elders and ministers oversee the church, receive and dismiss members, provide opportunities for spiritual nurture, control the use of the properties, and represent the congregation in the upper judicatories. The deacons lead the ministries of compassion and personify Christ's love through their quiet service to their neighbors.
Reference: How to Spell Presbyterian, James. W.
Angell, Geneva Press, Phila., 1977.
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