What does it mean to be Presbyterian?

Presbyterians differ among Protestant denominations primarily because of their church government.

Unlike other churches, we elect officers in the church who represent the congregation in church affairs. America's representative democracy was based on this model. In fact, at least 14 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Presbyterians.

Our churches are part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) based in Louisville, Kentucky, with over 11,000 churches and over 2.5 million members nationwide. Regionally, our churches belong to the Presbytery of Northern New England, and the Presbytery belongs to the Synod of the Northeast, one of 16 synods in the U.S.

Like most Protestants, Presbyterians believe that God created the universe, Jesus Christ was the incarnation of God on earth, the Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the world and his believers, and that sin is forgiven by the ultimate sacrifice: Jesus' crucifixion.

Some of the other things that Presbyterians believe are:

• The Trinity: God exists in the trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
• Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Revealer of God, and the Savior of humanity.
• The Bible is an inspired record of the revelation of God to all.
• Confession is voluntary, and made directly to God.
• Salvation: God grants the gift of grace, which enables us to gain the faith necessary for salvation.
• Sacraments: Baptism unites us with Jesus Christ and makes us members of God's family, the church.
• Communion reminds us not only of Christ's sacrifice, but also that Jesus is among us when two or three are gathered.
• Acceptance: Presbyterians believe that no Christian church has exclusivity of the church government authorized by Christ.
• Education: Presbyterians also put a high priority on continued reading, teaching and interpretation of the scriptures through worship, Bible study and Christian education.