What do Presbyterians believe?
Jesus Christ
Presbyterians are Christians who seek to follow Jesus Christ in every area of life.
We believe that God created the world in love, that Jesus Christ reveals God's grace and truth, and that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and sustain the Church today.
At St. John's, we gather to worship God, learn from Scripture, care for one another, and serve our neighbors in Christ's name.
What's Most Important?
At the heart of the Christian faith is the good news that God loves us.
We believe that God's grace comes before anything we do. We do not earn God's love. Rather, God reaches out to us in Jesus Christ and invites us into a life of faith, hope, and love.
Because of God's grace, we are free to grow, learn, ask questions, and serve others without fear.
The Bible
Presbyterians believe that the Bible is the unique and authoritative witness to God's work in the world and the primary guide for Christian faith and life.
We read Scripture thoughtfully, prayerfully, and in community. We seek to understand both the ancient world in which it was written and the ways God continues to speak through it today.
Questions are welcome. Faith grows through study, conversation, prayer, and worship.
Worship
Worship is at the center of our life together.
Each Sunday we gather to pray, sing, hear Scripture read and proclaimed, celebrate the sacraments, and offer thanks to God.
Our worship is rooted in a rich Christian tradition while remaining connected to the needs and realities of today's world.
Baptism
Baptism is a sign of God's covenant love and our belonging to the family of faith.
Presbyterians baptize both children and adults.
When infants are baptized, we celebrate God's grace reaching toward us long before we are able to respond. When adults are baptized, we celebrate their public profession of faith.
Because God's promise is enduring, Presbyterians baptize only once.
Communion
The Lord's Supper reminds us of Christ's presence with us and nourishes us for lives of discipleship and service.
At St. John's, all who trust in Jesus Christ, or who desire to know him more fully, are welcome at Christ's table.
Communion is not a reward for perfection. It is a gift of grace.
A Church Governed Together
The word "Presbyterian" comes from a Greek word meaning "elder."
Presbyterians believe that the church should be governed by elected leaders rather than by a single individual.
Members of the congregation elect elders and deacons to serve on behalf of the church.
Elders help guide the spiritual life and mission of the congregation. Deacons lead ministries of compassion, care, and service.
This shared leadership reflects our belief that God calls all members of the church to participate in ministry.
A Church That Keeps Learning
One of the great strengths of the Presbyterian tradition is its commitment to education, thoughtful faith, and lifelong learning.
Presbyterians have long believed that loving God involves both heart and mind.
We encourage study, conversation, curiosity, and faithful reflection as we seek to understand God's call for our lives.
A Church for the World
Faith is not something we practice only on Sundays.
Presbyterians believe that God calls us to participate in God's work of healing, reconciliation, justice, and compassion throughout the world.
We seek to follow Christ not only through worship and prayer, but also through service to our neighbors and care for God's creation.
We'd Love to Talk
Every church has its own personality, culture, and way of living out its faith.
If you have questions about Christianity, Presbyterian beliefs, worship, baptism, communion, or membership, we would be delighted to talk with you.
Whether you have been attending church your entire life or are simply curious about faith, you are welcome at St. John's.