What to Expect

“Presbyterian” is a big word that simply means “elder-led.” We believe that Jesus Christ is the King and Head of the church, but that certain qualified men are chosen to serve in the church as elders — they are the leadership in the congregation. Presbyterianism also emphasizes that each congregation should be connected regionally and even nationally to a wider and broader body. This is not only an expression of the church’s unity but helps each congregation be accountable to the whole.

To be “Reformed” means to follow a tradition of Christianity that emphasizes the authority of Scripture, the sovereignty of God, and salvation by grace alone through faith alone. It is rooted in the teachings of the Protestant Reformation, particularly those of figures like John Calvin, and focuses on doctrines like predestination and the centrality of God’s glory. To be Reformed also means our worship is according to what God commands in the Bible without addition or subtraction, and that the Word, sacraments, and prayer are the means God uses to give us his grace.

Because we love the Bible! God has given an entire book of the Bible — the Book of Psalms — to be sung in worship. These songs are the best of all songs! They’re perfect (because they’re inspired by the Holy Spirit) and they touch on every Christian experience. We believe they are sufficient for the church’s worship, and that nothing else needs to be or should be sung.

We believe that God has commanded that one day a week is to be set apart for worship, fellowship, and works of mercy. This day, in the New Testament, is called the “Lord’s Day” because it’s the first day of the week, the day Jesus our Lord rose from the dead. To help us use this day like God wants us to we worship in the morning and we return to worship in the evening. It’s the best way to begin and end the day!

We believe that the Lord’s Supper is an ordinance (or sacrament) that Jesus has given to the church, and it’s to be celebrated by those who have been baptized, publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ, and are members of the church. Because of that, if you are visiting on a day when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper we ask that you speak briefly to one of the elders so we can ask you about your life of discipleship. That’s not meant to be intimidating but is so that we can know you better and happily share in the Lord’s Supper with you. If you’ve not been baptized, publicly professed faith in Christ, or are not a member of a gospel believing church, we would ask that you still come but not celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Instead use the time, during worship, to reflect on what it means to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.