What We Believe

Here at Forest Presbyterian Church, we believe in Reformed Theology relating the Kingdom of God to today’s world.

  1. We believe in God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
  2. We believe that we encounter Jesus Christ together in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
  3. We believe that God is reconciled to humanity in Jesus Christ.
  4. We believe Jesus Christ gathers us to worship, to fellowship, to learn, and to serve.
  5. We believe Jesus Christ calls to share the good news of the Kingdom of God and the forgiveness of sins with others.
  6. We believe Jesus Christ calls us to serve our community and our world in faith and compassion.
  7. We believe that ALL are created in the image of God and inherently have the desire to be known and welcomed as beloved children of God as we ask questions of how we are to live in this world.
  8. We believe that both males and females are called to service God through all areas of ministry.
  9. We believe that Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit, is present in the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

What PCUSA Presbyterians Believe About Baptism

Presbyterians within the PCUSA believe in baptism as a sacrament of grace,
symbolizing the washing away of sins and the rebirth of the soul. It is a communal act of public worship that signifies the believer’s incorporation into the body of Christ and their commitment to a life of faith and discipleship. The sacrament is administered by pouring or sprinkling water and it is inclusive of both believers and their children, reflecting God’s covenant love. The mode of baptism is not as important as the meaning, which is the spiritual rebirth and identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

While immersion is not a typical mode of baptism, it is both permitted
Baptism is not necessary for salvation because salvation does not come by the works of man. Only Jesus saves, by His grace through faith in Him. Baptism is simply the next step in practicing your faith by publicly acknowledging the decision you have made to follow Christ and live for Him

What PCUSA Presbyterians Believe About Communion

The PCUSA (Presbyterian Church in the United States) believes in communion as a sacred sacrament that symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and unity within the body of believers. It is understood as a common participation in a divine Christian life, initiated by Christ, and is celebrated as an integral part of worship.

Presbyterian affirm the real presence of Christ in the elements of bread and wine, emphasizing that Christ is spiritually present during communion.
Communion serves as a communal act that fosters a sense of spiritual communion and fellowship among believers, symbolizing the unity of Christ and one another.

Presbyterians practice open communion, inviting all baptized individuals to participate, regardless of their membership status.

These beliefs highlight the significance of communion in the life of Presbyterian
Christians, reflecting their commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the
communal experience of faith.

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