What is Presbyterian?

Living Faith

Presbytery of Hamilton

Presbyterian Church in Canada

WHAT WE BELIEVE:

Central Presbyterian traces its roots in Hamilton back to 1841. But, in a deeper sense, its roots go back two thousand years to Jesus Christ. Though members of our congregation may have a variety of beliefs about any number of things, the central conviction we hold in common is our commitment to Jesus as Saviour and Lord.

Having said that, Central has a high regard for the classical Christian faith we have inherited, summarized in the ancient Nicene Creed and Apostle’s Creed.

Central's roots also lie in the Reformation of the sixteenth century, led by Martin Luther and John Calvin. Though debtors to the whole church, Presbyterians have been shaped particularly by Calvin's theological emphases and church polity. Among these empheses, the following stand out:

• God comes first. God loved us before we ever loved God.
• God loves sinners, demonstrating this love supremely in Jesus Christ.
• Through Jesus' death and resurrection we are offered forgiveness and new life
• God is still at work in us and our world through the Holy Spirit.
• When God brings us to faith, we are part of the community called church.
• God places the church in the world in order that it witness to God's coming kingdom in the midst of the world's culture and chaos.
• Since all life belongs to God, God is to be honoured in every aspect of life; in our families, workplace and political and personal life.

The Presbyterian Church in Canada, when its parts finally came together in 1875, adopted a seventeenth century creedal statement called the Westminster Confession of Faith as the theological basis for its life. This older statement has been supplemented in recent years by Living Faith, a fine summary of what Canadian Presbyterians believe.

Central is one of about 1000 congregations that make up The Presbyterian Church in Canada, which itself is part of the worldwide family of Presbyterian and Reformed churches.

The name "Presbyterian" is derived from the New Testament "presbyter" which means 'overseer'. Accordingly, Presbyterian congregations are 'overseen' by groups of presbyters whom we call elders. Such elders, elected by the congregation, meet together as 'the Session', chaired by the minister.In overseeing the life of the congregation, the Session delegates a great deal of it's oversight work to five standing committees of Session: Worship, Fellowship, Resource Management, Mission and Discipleship.