Church Beliefs

Church Beliefs

(1) A Confessing Church

As part of the mainline church, we recognize that there are many theological perspectives represented under what some have called a "big tent." In order to clarify where our local congregation stands, we recently joined the "Confessing Church Movemement," which identifies our congregation within the framework of historic and orthodox Christian belief and practice. With over a thousand other Presbyterian congregations, we affirm that Jesus is the only way to salvation, the scriptures are the church's authority, and all Christians are to pursue purity and holiness. See The Confessing Church website for more information.

(2) A Reformed Church

As Christians within the Reformed perspective, we hold to the central affirmations of the Protestant Reformation. The Presbyterian Church constitution puts it this way: (Book of Order G-2.0400, G-2.0500)

"The Presbyterian Church (USA) identifies with the affirmations of the Protestant Reformation. The focus of these affirmations is the rediscovery of God's grace in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. The Protestant watchwords--grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone--embody principles of understanding which continue to guide and motivate the people of God in the life of faith."

"In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (USA) expresses the faith of the Reformed tradition. Central to this tradition is the affirmation of the majesty, holiness, and providence of God who creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world in the freedom of sovereign righteousness and love. Related to this central affirmation of God’s sovereignty are other great themes of the Reformed tradition:

(1) The election of the people of God for service as well as for salvation;
(2) Covenant life marked by a disciplined concern for order in the church according to the Word of God;
(3) A faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts of God’s creation;
(4) The recognition of the human tendency to idolatry and tyranny, which calls the people of God to work for the transformation of society by seeking justice and living in obedience to the Word of God."

For More Information

Presbyterian Church (USA) Book of Confessions - Click here for the official Presbyterian Church confessions.

Reformed Confessions Help File -- This nifty little file contains several Reformed Confessions and few modern ones in an easy to use help file. Once at this site, follow the instructions to download.