The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), with denominational offices in Louisville,
Kentucky, has approximately 2.3 million members, more than 10,000 congregations
and 14,000 ordained and active ministers. Presbyterians trace their history to
the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what
we believe, began with John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much
of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
Presbyterian 101: A general guide to facts about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation.
Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564),
whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
Calvin did much of his writing from Geneva, Switzerland. From there, the Reformed movement spread
to other parts of Europe and the British Isles. Many of the early Presbyterians in America came from
England, Scotland and Ireland. The first American Presbytery was organized at Philadelphia in 1706.
The first General Assembly was held in the same city in 1789. The first Assembly was convened by the Rev.
John Witherspoon, the only minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.
What is distinctive about Presbyterian Church?
Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: they adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as
Reformed theology and a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both
ministers and church members.
A little Presbyterian history
Portions of the Presbyterian church in the United States have separated from the main body, and some parts
have reunited, several times. The greatest division occurred in 1861 during the American Civil War. The two
branches created by that division were reunited in 1983 to form the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), currently
the largest Presbyterian group in this country.
Presbyterian theological beliefs
Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. Among these are
the sovereignty of God, the authority of the scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood
of all believers. What they mean is that God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. Our knowledge of
God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament
through the life of Jesus Christ. Our salvation (justification) through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and
not the result of our own accomplishments. It is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share
this Good News with the whole world. That is also why the Presbyterian church is governed at all levels by a
combination of clergy and laity, men and women alike.