Reformed Theology and PCUSA Government

Reformed Theology

Theology is a way of thinking about God and God's relation to the world. Reformed theology evolved during the 16th century movement known as the Protestant Reformation and emphasizes God's supremacy over everything and humanities chief purpose as being to glorify and enjoy God forever.

In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) expresses the faith of the Reformed Tradition and its central affirmation of God's sovereignty. Related to this central affirmation, we uphold other great themes of the Reformed tradition such as,

• The election of the people of God for service as well as salvation;
• Covenant life marked by a disciplined concern for order in the church according to the Word of God;
• A faithful stewardship that shuns ostentation and seeks proper use of the gifts of God's creation;
• The recognition of the human tendacy 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. (Book of Order, G-2.0500)

Presbyterian Church Government

The Presbyterian pattern of church government was developed by a major contributor to Reformed theology, John Calvin, who converted from Roman Catholicism after training in both the priesthood and in the law. This pattern of church governement vests governing authority primarily in elected laypersons known as elders who are chosen by the people. Together with ministers, they employ leadership, government and discipline and are responsible for the life of a particular church as well as the church at large, including ecumenical relationships.

The body of elders elected to govern a particular congregation is called a session. Ministers who serve the congregation are also part of the session. The session is the smallest, most local governing body. The other governing bodies are presbyteries, which are composed of several churches; synods, which are composed of several presbyteries; and the General Assembly, which represents the entire denomination. Elders and ministers who serve on these governing bodies are also called presbyters.

Though our church has a well balanced and orderly constitution, the government of our entire church looks to "the Lord Jesus Christ as the only Head of the Church."