WHAT WE BELIEVE

"Reformed and always reforming" is a good place to start

What is a Presbyterian?

The name Presbyterian comes from the Greek word in the New Testament, presbuteros, a term used 72 times in the New Testament. Some translations use presbyter, others elder. The name reflects a way of organizing as well as a heritage in the Protestant Reformation.

Presbyterians are part of a Christian global denomination, rooted in the Reform tradition. This means Presbyterians came from the 16th century Protestant Reformation in Europe where a group of reformers were critical of Christian beliefs and practices at the time. The Reformation spread from Germany to Switzerland. Presbyterians are rooted in the theology of John Calvin and later John Knox. The first Presbyterians emerged in Scotland and Ireland, followed by England and then came to America.

In 1706, the first American Presbytery formed in Philadelphia, and Presbyterian minister, Rev. John Witherspoon, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The prominence of Presbyterians throughout the Colonies in the time of the American Revolution was so significant that the English king often referred to it as "that Presbyterian rebellion".

Even today Presbyterians remain part of Christian Reform through our Confessions and spirit of Reform, being in communion with many Reform traditions around the world.

Presbyterians recognize tradition and honor the creeds of the early church through modern creeds and declarations. Our constitution consists of a Book of Confessions and a Book of Order. These are living documents, that can be added to and amended by the entire body of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

The church is led by members who are elected by the congregation. These people are called Elders. They are the decision makers along with the minister who is also an Elder.

There is a long-standing commitment to ensuring the work and actions of the church is done with care and caution to process and existing framework. Some have noted with humor that if there are 20 Presbyterians in the room, there are over 30 opinions. That is fair. We are thoughtful and aware of traditions, history, and the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit and each other.

As Christians, we live into a faith that seeks understanding. This is why we are careful and seek to be faithful in word and deed. Just saying “I believe” is a way to close your mind and your heart. The spiritual journey, a desire to find God and follow Jesus, is a path of asking and seeking.

Click For more about the Presbyterian Church U.S.A

History of Presbyterians, especially in the US. Presbyterian Historical Society

A few books about being Presbyterians

Donald K McKim, 2017. Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press.

Ted V Foote, Jr and P. Alex Thornburg, 2000. Being Presbyterian in the Bible Belt. Louisville, KY: Geneva Press

Our Beliefs

Our foundational documents affirm that “God is the lord of our conscious” and as part of the Reform tradition, we understand that we are a people who embrace reform. We embrace science, listen to human experience, engage in dialogue, and continue to learn together about the past, the present, and prayerfully consider God’s will for decisions and the impact on the future. This means that many Presbyterians believe variations of the traditions. What do we hold in common?

We believe in God, Christ and the Holy Spirit, as the triune God.

Jesus lived, died, and was resurrected, and will return, though no one knows the day or the hour.

We take the Bible seriously, honoring scholarly interpretation, yet recognize human intervention as we seek understanding through the texts.

The Book of Confessions frames the legacy of theology. The 1991 A Brief Statement of Faith is a good summary for the details of the core PC USA beliefs.

There is a strong commitment to living out the gospel through social action that includes feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, caring for the sick and those in prison. We confront racism, poverty, and class divisions through the teachings of Jesus which call us to bring the Kingdom of God into this world.

Here are a few of the ways we live into our beliefs:

Baptism can occur as an infant, child or adult. A person is baptized in water and the with the Holy Spirit. Baptism occurs only once when done in the name of God, Christ, and Holy Spirit.

Communion at the Lord’s Table deepens your faith and remembers the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Through this gathering in worship we are reminded of our commitment to serve God and one another.

Marriage

Honoring relationships and families from the many communities in the area includes providing a place to build families. Marriage is one way to celebrate the blessing of love through sharing of vows and symbols of marriage before God, family and friends.

In 2015, the PC USA affirmed “Marriage is a gift God has given to all humankind for the wellbeing of the entire human family.”

The definition incudes an expansion by proclaiming “Marriage involves a unique commitment between two people…” FPC of Crowley supports this updated definition.

Weddings can be held at the church, membership is not required. Please contact the church to coordinate a wedding.

Funerals and Memorials A gift to celebrate a life through a funeral or memorial is available to all members of the church and community. Please contact the church to coordinate.

Ordination as Ruling Elder, Deacon, or Minister of Word and Sacrament, includes women and men. Today ordination is explicitly defined as an act done by a governing body within the church, called a Session, which includes ministers and elders who jointly exercise the power of jurisdiction, rather than as an act done by persons who possess a power of order only they can transmit.

More about what we believe in worship, theology, and other topics see Presbyterian Mission What We Believe

The BIG Questions

We know there are controversies that have divided families and churches. At First Presbyterian Church of Crowley, we face the questions in culture. No bait, no switch. We talk about it, affirm people, embrace diversity in thought, and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us.

There are so many topics to discuss, here are a few with links to deeper conversation.

Creation and Care of the Earth Over many decades, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has emphasized the importance of our role as stewards of creation (Genesis 2:19). The care of plants, animals, exploring sustainability and community engagement are a few ways individuals and churches have become involved in the environment. For more see Presbyterians for Earth Care First Presbyterian Church of Crowley has a long history of support for local farms, businesses, and homesteaders. In the 21st century we seek ways to continue as faithful stewards of the Earth.

Abortion and Reproductive Choice The Reform tradition affirms that “In life and death, we belong to God.”

We are clear that we may not know exactly when human life begins, and we have an imperfect understanding of God as the giver of life and of our own human existence. Yet we recognize that life is precious to God, and we should preserve and protect it. We derive our understanding of human life from Scripture and the Reformed Tradition in light of science, human experience, and reason guided by the Holy Spirit. Because we are made in the image of God, human beings are moral agents, endowed by the Creator with the capacity to make choices.

Click for a more detailed article.

Faith and Patriotism There is a long history of holding the tension between faith and nation. Because we live as Reformed Christians in this tension between obedience to civil authority and critical evaluation of it, we have strongly supported the separation of church and state as institutions.” Faith and Patriotism

First Presbyterian Church of Crowley recognizes that we are called to follow and honor God, living in the way of Christ and demonstrating the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We do not follow people, instruct on how one must vote, but live within our conscious using our faith as a guide. If the church is a mixture of blue and red, representing major political parties, then the church is purple and we are blessed with diversity of thought in the body of Christ.

Human Sexuality and Gender-Identity The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) began discussing human sexuality in 1978, and as the decades continued, questions led to studies, faith-filled honest discussions and acknowledgement of differing views. A theological commitment to freedom of conscience based in the Reform tradition continues to guide churches. In 2011, same-gender persons, relationships, and transgender persons became eligible for membership and ordination as deacons, elders and ministers. In 2014, the definition of marriage was revised to reflect a covenant between two people. In 2018 and again in 2024, the reconciliation between churches and individuals continues ensuring non-discrimination. Click for more on human sexuality, gender identity and advocacy.

First Presbyterian Church of Crowley allows all people, without question of identity, orientation, or marital status, to participate in worship, become members, be baptized if not already, and serve as leaders within the church.