The word “Presbyterian” comes from the Greek word for elder, “presbos,” and the related word “presbyter.” The Presbyterian Church reflects its unique structure among Protestant churches in its name, as lay leaders, called elders or presbyters, partner with ordained ministers to govern congregations and the larger church body.  The Presbyterian Church traces its roots to the 16th-century Reformation theologian John Calvin, and the work of John Knox, a Scotsman who studied with Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland. Knox brought back Reformed teachings to Scotland, and by 1592, a full Presbyterian system was adopted by the Scottish church. Hundreds of thousands of Scotch-Irish immigrants would carry this faith to the American colonies nearly two hundred years later. Earlier arrivals, such as the Puritans, were already adopting the Presbyterian form of faith and government.

Presbyterian theology is founded on the principles of the Reformation, and, as expressed by John Calvin, include the sovereignty of God, the authority of Scripture, justification by grace through faith and the priesthood of all believers. The  PC(USA) website explains these principles in contemporary language: “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.”