A Presbyterian could be a colleague at work. She could be the volunteer who teaches English. He could be the smiling face handing out blankets, or the quiet widower down the street. They could be that group sharing faith stories together and offering support. A Presbyterian could be anyone. What unites Presbyterians is their common faith in God, the way in which they worship and their ability to achieve extraordinary goals for the sake of others.

Definition

The word Presbyterian means elder. Elders are church members elected for Christian service by their congregations to represent them and to serve God and the church. There are two kinds of elders who participate in the government of the church: ruling elders are laypeople and teaching elders are ordained ministers.

Worship

Our churches use various styles of worship, but we are all focused on the authority of scripture and on being Christ-centred. Living Faith is a statement of Christian belief arising from the Canadian Presbyterian experience.

Mission

Presbyterians work to bring the grace of God to all people at work and at home. This transformation begins in their own lives as they grow in Christian faith. Their hands have improved the lives of abandoned children, homeless men and women, communities shattered by war or environmental disasters, and refugees searching for a second chance.

History

Presbyterians have an exciting history and, like all Christian churches, we trace our roots back to the New Testament. The birth of Presbyterianism took place in the 16th century. John Calvin, known as the father of Presbyterianism, was a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation. Worship, education and the role of laypeople were a large part of his teachings. Calvin's teachings spread throughout Europe and also in Scotland, where John Knox later established Presbyterianism in 1545. Today there are nearly 1,000 Presbyterian congregations across Canada.

To find out more about The Presbyterian Church in Canada, we invite you to attend a service this Sunday and ask questions. To find a Presbyterian church near you, please use our Church Finder.

May God bless you.