For more than 200 years, Presbyterians have remained unwavering in this one conviction: Jesus is Lord (1 Cor. 12:3). All power, truth, and salvation rest with God alone. Today, millions of people worldwide worship in Presbyterian churches; they gather as a grateful and loved people, eager to hear Scripture and celebrate the sacraments. They gather because God has called them into community to share with one another and the world a greater love, a brighter witness, a truer faithfulness, than they could achieve alone.
Presbyterians have always chiefly been a “sent” people. Today, the PC(USA) shares the gospel through the ministry of 200 mission coworkers in 75 countries working on matters of evangelism, reconciliation, and the alleviation of poverty. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance witnesses to the healing love of Christ by caring for communities in the midst of crisis. And heeding the call of the Holy Spirit, Presbyterians across the country are building up 1,001 new worshiping communities and empowering congregations to seek out new beginnings and engage their diverse communities.
Presbyterians may not agree on all things, but we do commonly stand with one another as a people saved and in service of God. Presbyterians affirm the following central commitments.
That’s why I belong.
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The TrinityWe believe in the one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity is not an optional “extra” to God; it is the very nature of God as revealed to us in Scripture. |
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The Nature of God“The good news of the Gospel is that the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—creates, redeems, sustains, rules, and transforms all things and all people.” |
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The Person of Jesus ChristJesus Christ is the only savior of the world, and the true awaited Messiah. |
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Salvation“Jesus Christ is the only Savior and Lord, and all people everywhere are called to place their faith, hope, and love in him.” |
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SacramentsWe celebrate two sacraments—baptism and the Lord’s Supper—because these are uniquely instituted by Christ. |
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Scripture“The one sufficient revelation of God is Jesus Christ, the Word of God incarnate, to whom the Holy Spirit bears unique and authoritative witness through the Holy Scriptures.” |
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The Church“Christ Jesus is the only Head of the Kirk [Church], even as it is the body and spouse of Christ Jesus.” |
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OrdinationAll ordained leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) publicly affirm that Jesus Christ is Savior and “acknowledge him Lord of all and Head of the Church.” |
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Evangelism“God sends the church in the power of the Holy Spirit . . . to tell all nations and peoples of Christ’s call to repentance, faith, and obedience.” |
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Missional Ministry“The Church participates in God’s mission for the transformation of creation and humanity by proclaiming to all people the good news of God’s love.” |
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Stewardship“The ways in which a believer uses God’s gift of material goods, personal abilities, and time should reflect a faithful response to God’s self-giving in Jesus Christ.” |
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Women in MinistryWe believe women and men are called to all ministries of the church. |
