The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a church of great diversity unified by our beliefs and traditions. While differences of belief and opinion do exist within our denomination, we are guided by the Bible and our Book of Confessions. Here is what we believe:

Advent
Infant Baptism
Bible
The Holy Spirit
The Liturgical Year
Lent
Who Was and Is Jesus
How Does One Become a Presbyterian Minister
The PC(USA) Seal
Predestination
The Revised Common Lectionary
Sacraments
Sin and Salvation
Social Issues
What Makes Presbyterians Unique?
What is Presbyterian Worship Like?
What does it mean to be ordained?
Worship
Who Are We as Presbyterians?
Helping Children Worship
Defining Worship Words
What Season of the Church Year Is It?

The Book of Confessions is a collection of historical statements, or creeds, that proclaim what the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) believes. It is volume I of our constitution, and not only reminds us of our past, but serves as a guide for our future. Despite the importance of the Confessions, all are subservient to the authority of the Bible.

The Book of Confessions

Another way to learn about Presbyterian Beliefs is to study the catechisms approved by the 210th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). For those of you unfamiliar with the term, catechisms are summaries of the principles of the Christian faith, in a question and answer format (a centuries-old version of the FAQ). Two of these catechisms are presented here with scripture references. The references were not part of the text approved by the Assembly, but were prepared by the study committee for use with the catechisms.

Belonging to God: A First Catechism
The Study Catechism
The Study Catechism: Confirmation Version

From June of 1998 to July of 2002, the Rev. Todd Green served as Associate Pastor of our congregation. He has since left to pursue a Ph.D. in Church History at Vanderbilt University. Todd wrote the articles listed below for our officer training sessions.

What is the Reformed tradition?
What is the relationship of Presbyterians to the Reformed tradition?
What is the Book of Confessions?
Why do Presbyterians have a Book of Confessions?
Why is it important for elders and deacons to be familiar with the creeds and confessions of our church?
Which creeds and confessions are included in our Book of Confessions?
What are some of the major themes of Reformed Theology?
What are the governing bodies of the Presbyterian Church?

Some of the pressing issues of our faith and the church's place in society have been examined in our Church School Classes. Here are some notes from those classes.

The Ethics of War
Four Understandings of How Humans Receive Salvation in the History of Christianity

A special committee of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) developed Standards of Ethical Conduct for church members, employees, volunteers, and ordained officers. These standards are guidelines for living together within our community of faith.

What are the Standards of Ethical Conduct?
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Members
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees and Volunteers
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Ordained Officers
Standards of Ethical Conduct for Ordained Officers with References and Examples

Would you like more in depth answers about the beliefs of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)? The links below will take you to reprints of two excellent series of articles from Presbyterians Today magazine entitled "What Presbyterians Believe" and "A Newcomer's Guide to the PC(USA)."

Presbyterians Today Series "What Presbyterians Believe"
A Newcomer's Guide to the PC(USA)

Here are some other articles from Presbyterians Today that examine issues related to the PC(USA):

Help wanted, Long Hours, Low Pay: Why We Can't Find Pastors
to Serve Our Churches
Campus ministry on the rebound: Churches rediscover a neglected mission field
Seven Ways to Involve Children in the Church

Here is the text of a booklet produced by the Office of the General Assembly which explains the foundational principles of Presbyterian Church governance. It is a very good overview and summary of Presbyterian polity.

Chapter 1 - Historic Understandings
Chapter 2 - The Church and Its Mission
Chapter 3 - Its Unity and Relationships
Chapter 4 - The Church and Its Members
Chapter 5 - The Church and Its Officers
Chapter 6 - The Particular Church
Chapter 7 - Governing Bodies
Chapter 8 - Reform by Amendment

Another way to learn about the beliefs and practices of Presbyterians is to read the summaries of studies done by the Presbyterian Panel.

Presbyterian Panel Summaries

Have you ever wondered how Presbyterians relate to, or should relate to, people of other faiths? The link below will take you to a list of articles published by the Worldwide Ministries Division of the PC(USA).

Interfaith Dialogue Resources