Being Presbyterian

You might be a life-long Presbyterian, or you may not even be able to spell Presbyterian!  This lesson is designed to help you understand a little better what it means to be Presbyterian.  For some this will be a review and for others this information will be totally new.  Our hope is that this lesson will help all of us see where we stand within the broader Christian community.

Watch the video below. Like the last lesson, there is a brief outline below that follows along with the video and a few reflection questions for you at the end of the outline.

Outline: What it means to be Presbyterian

Government
  • The word Presbyterian simply means “elder”
  • Representative government
  • Session, Presbytery, Synod, General Assembly

What we emphasize
  • The Sovereignty of God – God is in Control!
  • Sacraments – Baptism and Communion
  • The Authority of Scripture – The Bible is the unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ
  • Gratitude in Response to God’s Grace
  • The Glory of God
  • The Life of the Mind in Service to God
  • The Lordship of Jesus Christ

Following Christ Together
  • Denominationalism
  • Ecumenism

For your Reflection:
  • How do you see the sovereignty of God in your own life?
  • What is one way you can personally work on glorifying God in your everyday life?
  • Do you have any “hold outs” to letting Jesus be Lord of your life?  What are some of your own doubts and struggles in your faith?