Presbyterians are part of the Reformed tradition within Protestant Christianity, which roots itself in the teachings of the Bible. Their beliefs emphasize the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scriptures, and the necessity of grace through faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Presbyterians are known for their distinctive polity, which emphasizes a system of governance by elders (presbyteros in Greek), reflecting the biblical model found in passages such as Acts 20:17, where Paul calls for the elders (presbyters) of the church in Ephesus. This governance includes both teaching elders (ministers) and ruling elders (lay leaders) who are elected by the congregation. This system is based on the belief that Christ alone is the head of the church, as stated in Colossians 1:18, “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”

Presbyterians also hold to the traditional doctrines articulated in the Reformation, such as justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as means of grace. The Westminster Confession of Faith is one of the primary confessions of faith that outlines Presbyterian doctrine, reflecting a deep commitment to theological study and understanding as exemplified in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

In all beliefs and practices, Presbyterians seek to adhere to the teachings and principles found in the Scriptures, striving to live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27) and to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, as urged by Paul in Romans 12:2, so that they may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.