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Outline of Membership ClassThe Membership Class is made up offour one hour classes: Class One:––––Watch video on Beliefs and DoctrinesWhat do You Promise as a memberThe Tenets of the Presbyterian ChurchThe Confessions of the PresbyterianChurchExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen1
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityWhat do we mean when we say theChurch or the Presbyterian Church .Ephesians 4:4-6 NRSVThere is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called tothe one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, onebaptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all andthrough all and in all.The church is the body of Christ thosewho gather to hear the word, celebratethe sacraments and follow the disciplinesof Christ.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen2
Five Promises of ChurchMembership Question 1: Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of theLiving God and have you asked him to be the savior of yourlife? Question 2: Do you promise to renounce (give up) evil andaffirm your reliance upon God's grace? Question 3: Do you promise to participate actively andresponsibly in the worship and mission of the church? Question 4: Do you promise to be good stewards of yourtime, talents, and treasurers that God has given to you, sothat you might help him build his kingdom here on earth? Question 5: Do you promise to submit yourself to thegovernment and discipline of the church and promise tofurther its purity and peace?Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen3
The Marks of a Good Member G-5.0102A faithful member accepts Christ's call to be involvedresponsibly in the ministry of the church, which includes:–––––––––Proclaiming the good newsTaking part in the common life and worship of the churchpraying and studying scripturesupporting the work of the church through the giving ofyour time, talents and treasuresparticipating in the governing responsibilities of thechurchdemonstrating a new quality of life within and through thechurchresponding to God's activity in the world through serviceto othersliving responsibly in the personal, family, vocational,political, cultural, and social relationships of lifeworking in the world for peace, justice, freedom andhuman fulfillmentExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen4
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityThe church universal consists of all personsin every nation who profess faith in JesusChrist as Lord and Savior and committhemselves to live in a fellowship under hisrule.The particular church is, therefore,understood as a local expression of theuniversal churchExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen5
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityOur Mission and our Purpose are expressed in the GreatEnds of the Church The Proclamation of the Gospel for thesalvation of humankind The Shelter, nurture, and spiritualfellowship of the children of God The maintenance of Divine WorshipExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen6
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the Trinity The Preservation of the Truth The Promotion of socialrighteousness And the Exhibition of the Kingdomof Heaven to the worldExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen7
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityThe Essential Tenets of the PresbyterianChurch:1. The Trinity2. The Incarnation3. Faith Alone for Salvation4. Scriptures Alone for Authority5. Sovereignty of GodExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen8
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the Trinity6. Election (God Calls & We respond)7. Covenant Life (Promises made & kept)8. Stewardship of Creation (time, talents &Treasures9. Sin destroys our relationship with Godand each other (mankind is sinful andneeds a savior)10. Obedience to God’s WordExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen9
Tenets of the Presbyterian Church1. Mystery of the Trinity(catholic & essential)John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you anotherCounselor to be with you forever-17 the Spirit of truth. Theworld cannot accept him, because it neither sees him norknows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will bein you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you willsee me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day youwill realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I amin you.Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and ofthe Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I havecommanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the veryend of the age."2. Mystery of the Incarnation(catholic & essential)John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling amongus. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, whocame from the Father, full of grace and truth.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen10
Tenets of the Presbyterian Church3. Justification by Faith(Protestant & Essential)Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from Godis revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first tolast, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved,through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift ofGod--9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 Forwe are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus todo good works, which God prepared in advance for us todo.4. Authority of Scripture(Protestant & Essential)2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is usefulfor teaching, rebuking, correcting and training inrighteousness, 17 so that the man of God may bethoroughly equipped for every good work.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen11
Tenets of the Presbyterian Church5. The Sovereignty of God(Reformed & Essential)Exodus 20:1 And God spake all these words, saying, 2 I am theLORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land ofEgypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 Thou shalt have no othergods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any gravenimage, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, orthat is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under theearth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor servethem: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God,6. Election of the Saints(Reformed & Essential)I Thes 1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, makingmention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasingyour work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in ourLord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For ourgospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and inthe Holy Ghost, and in much assurance;1 John 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us,because he hath given us of his Spirit.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen12
Tenets of the Presbyterian Church7. Covenant Community (Presbyterian & Distinctive)Hebrews 8:10 This is the covenant I will make with the house ofIsrael after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws intheir minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God,and they will be my people. 11 No longer will a man teach hisneighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,'because they will all know me, from the least of them to thegreatest. 12 For I will forgive their wickedness and willremember their sins no more." 13 By calling this covenant"new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what isobsolete and aging will soon disappear8. Faithful Stewards(Presbyterian & Distinctive)Matthew 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in andsteal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do notbreak in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there yourheart will be also. 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If youreyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen13
Tenets of the Presbyterian Church9. Must avoid Sin of Idolatry(Presbyterian & Distinctive)Romans 1:22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images madeto look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. 24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their heartsto sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with oneanother. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, andworshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--whois forever praised. Amen.10. Seeking Justice & living in Obedience (Presbyterian &Distinctive)I Cor 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does notboast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is noteasily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does notdelight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects,always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love neverfails.John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen14
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityThe Presbyterian Church gets its name fromthe type of polity or church governmentthat is described in the scriptures: as agovernment ruled by elders presbuteros pres-boo'-ter-osExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen15
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityOne becomes a member of the church byprofessing “Faith in Jesus Christ andaccepting his Lordship in all of life.”To be an officer in the church one mustprofess in the essential tenets of our faithand promise to be guided by them inmaking decisions for the church.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen16
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityThe Presbyterian Church is a connectionalchurch—it is a part of the communion ofreformed churches. Our motto is:“The church reformed and always reforming”The chief work of God is to bring order andwholeness out of ChaosExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen17
Q: What two books make up the constitution ofthe Presbyterian Church?Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen18
The Nicene Creed4th C.The Apostles Creed2nd C.The Scots Confession1560The Heidelberg Catechism1563The Second Helvetic Confession 1566The Westminster Confession 1647The Shorter Catechism1647The Larger Catechism1647The Barmen Declaration1934The confession of 19671967Brief Statement of Faith1991Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen19
What is the difference between aCreed, a Confession, and aCatechism? 2 Creeds What We Believe4 Confessions Why we Believe(who we are as we interpret Scripture) 3 Catechisms A study of What webelieve by asking questions andproviding answers 2 Statements of Faith declarationsExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen20
Outline of Membership ClassThe Membership Class is made up offour one hour classes: Class two: History– Watch Video on History and Tradition &go over History booklet– Founder: John Calvin– What is Reformed theology– How many Presbyterian Denominationsare there?– How many Presbyterians in the world?Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen21
The Presbyterian Church is a churchborn out of the fires of the reformation .and under the leadership of aFrench Lawyer by the name of JohnCalvin who believed that thereformation of the church wasessential if we were to get back to theBible as the sole authority of theChurch.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen22
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the Trinity The Teaching Elders are ordained tothe ministry of preaching the Wordand administering the sacraments The Ruling Elders are ordained to theministry of governing and equippingthe church for ministry and missionExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen23
What is Reformed Theology?Reformed has been used for centuries todesignate one of the four major streams of theProtestant Reformation: Lutheran, Anabaptist,Anglican, and Reformed. In this narrowersense, Reformed churches are those bodiesthat grew out of the Reformation inSwitzerland, following the spiritual andintellectual lead of Huldrych Zwingli in Zurichand John Calvin in Geneva.The Reformed family of churches and theirshared tradition are not named after theirfounder (as in Lutheran), or a distinguishingpractice (as in Baptist), or the location of theirestablishment (as in Anglican). But why arethese churches and the tradition they embodycalled Reformed?Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen24
Reformed and Always ReformingChurches in the Reformed tradition arechurches that are “reformed and always tobe reformed (ecclesia reformata semperreformanda) according to the word of God.”Reformed churches know that God hasreformed the church and that God willcontinue to reform the church. Reform of thechurch is not mere change, however, andcertainly not “modernization.” Reform of thechurch comes from the leading of God’sword, made present in the power of theSpirit.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen25
Reformed Theology . God’s Sovereignty (Solo Die)The Holy TrinityThe Incarnation of Jesus (Solo Christus)Jesus is the head of the ChurchThe Authority of Scripture (Solo Scriptura)Saved by Faith not Works (Solo Fide)Saved by God’s Grace (Solo Grati)The Priesthood of all BelieversExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen26
Presbyterian Denominations PCUSAPCACumberlandCumberland USAssociate ReformedBible PresbyterianOrthodox Presbyterian Reformed Presbyterian2.3 Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen27
Presbyterians Around the World 800,000 World wide: 99 million follow theReformed (Presbyterian) faithExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen28
Outline of Membership ClassThe Membership Class is made up offour one hour classes: Class Three: Polity––––––Watch Video on PolityGeneral AssemblySynodSessionWhat kind of members do we have?What are the privileges of Membership?Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen29
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityThe Local congregation alone selects itspastors whom the Presbytery examines,approves and installs.Local church representatives(commissioners) also vote on any changeaffecting the whole Presbyterian ChurchExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen30
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityIn the Presbyterian Polityor Governance thepeople and electedleaders share authorityin major decisionsconcerning the rule ofthe churchExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen31
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityThe church has four governing Bodies: The Session(local) The Presbytery (173) The Synod(16) The General Assembly (every two years)Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen32
General AssemblyMeets every two years and iscomposed of elders and ministersfrom 16 Synods.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen33
The Synod of The Trinity: meets three timesa year and is made up of ministers andelders from 16 presbyteriesChurches1,311Members280,087Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen34
Northumberland Presbytery meets 4times a year56 Ministers45 Churches5345 MembersExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen35
Membership Rolls Active Inactive Baptized AffiliateExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen36
Privileges of Membership G-5.0202An active member of a particular church is a person whohas made a profession of faith in Christ, has beenbaptized, has been received into membership of thechurch, has voluntarily submitted to the government ofthis church, and participates in the church's work andworship. An active member is entitled to all the rightsand privileges of the church, including the right toparticipate in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, topresent children for baptism, to take part in meetings ofthe congregation, and to vote and hold office. Otherconditions of active membership that meet the needs ofthe particular church and are consistent with the orderand confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)may be adopted by the session after careful study anddiscussion with the congregation.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen37
What does membership Mean? Discovering your Spiritual Gifts Using Your Spiritual Gifts Sharing your Spiritual Gifts Stewardship of– Time– Talents– TreasurerExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen38
Outline of Membership ClassThe Membership Class is madeup of four one hour classes: Class Four: Sacraments– Watch Video on Vision andMission or The People– The Sacraments Baptism The Lord’s SupperExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen39
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityThe Presbyterian Churchcelebrates twosacraments:Baptism & Communion(the Lord’s Supper)Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen40
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityBaptism: The Sign of belonging to GodThe Presbyterian Churchallows the individual tochoose the mode of baptism:ImmersionPouringSprinklingExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen41
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityWhat does Baptism Do?It is an outward Sign or symbol ofan inward state of God’sGrace .In Baptism the Holy Spirit marksus as God’s own—and enablesus to accept God’s forgivenessthrough repentance.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen42
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityWe are not saved through theBaptismal Act, but rather through ourFaith in the sacrificial Death of JesusChrist.In our Baptism we receive the gift of theHoly Spirit and enter into a new life,new family, and new love based onChrist. We become apart of God’skingdom.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen43
Baptism: Is given only once Initiates us into the Body ofChrist Starts us on the road to God Marks our receiving of the HolySpirit (Sealed) Eph 1:13Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen44
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityInfants are Baptized in the Presbyterian Church: Baptism is a seal confirming and ratifying God'spromise in the Word to save. Infant baptism does not accomplish salvation orfree the child from original sin Rather, it sets the infant on the right path towardrepentance, conversion, and personal faith, a paththat takes place within God's covenant community,the church The Reformed tradition has insisted that the childis baptized into future faith and repentance (in thesame way that circumcision was a sign ofrepentance).Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen45
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityThe Lord’s Supper:The Reformed Tradition believes thatthe Sacrament of Holy Communion: Commemorates Jesus perfectSacrifice on our behalf It renews our fellowship with otherChristians It enables us to experience thesaving power of God’s Love throughChrist.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen46
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the Trinity It nourishes our faith inthe deepest possible way. The sacrament providesus with a never—endingsource of spiritualnourishment and growth ingrace.Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen47
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityThe Lord’s Supper:The elements are symbols of theBlood and Body of Christ.Christ is present spirituallyExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen48
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityWho May Share in the Lord’sSupper? The Faithful All who confessJesus as Lord and Savior andhave been baptized into thecommunity of FaithExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen49
Presbyterian Church (USA)Presbytery of NorthumberlandSynod of the TrinityWho Administers the Sacrament? An Ordained Minister of the churchpresides at all celebrations of theSacraments and with specialpermission for some elders andCommissioned Lay Pastors. Elders, deacons, may assist in thedistribution of the elements & nonordained lay people pre-approved bythe session w-3.3616dExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen50
The Lord’s Supper: Is given regularly Affirms and renews our Life with Christ Sustains our growth on the Journeytoward God Assures us of the Holy Spirit’s ongoingpresence in our livesExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen51
Question and Answer Time What do Presbyterians believeabout ?– Predestination– Election of Saints– The Second Coming– Abortion– The ScripturesExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen52
The Marks of a Good Member G-5.0102A faithful member accepts Christ's call to be involvedresponsibly in the ministry of the church, which includes:–––––––––Proclaiming the good newsTaking part in the common life and worship of the churchpraying and studying scripturesupporting the work of the church through the giving ofyour time, talents and treasuresparticipating in the governing responsibilities of thechurchdemonstrating a new quality of life within and through thechurchresponding to God's activity in the world through serviceto othersliving responsibly in the personal, family, vocational,political, cultural, and social relationships of lifeworking in the world for peace, justice, freedom andhuman fulfillmentExecutive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen53
Outline of Membership Class The Membership Class is made up of four one hour classes: Class One: - Watch video on Beliefs and Doctrines - What do You Promise as a member . further its purity and peace? Executive Presbyter: Wm. Knudsen 4 The Marks of a Good Member G-5.0102
