First Presbyterian Church of Roanoke Rapids, NC
16 East Fifth Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC   27870
252-537-4018,  252-537-9041(Fax),  office@fpcrr.com

Church Information Booklet
WORDS PRESBYTERIANS OFTEN USE

It has been estimated that 58 percent of the members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) did not grow up in the denomination. For those in that category, here are definitions of some of the words you are likely to hear in a Presbyterian church that you may not have heard in another church.

The Book of Confessions (or “The Confessions”) - The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has two parts. The first is The Book of Confessions, the second (consisting of the Form of Government, Directory for Worship and Rules of Discipline) is called the Book of Order. The Book of Confessions contains historical statements of what we, as a church believe.

Book of Order - This is the rule book for the Presbyterian Church. It contains the guidelines for church life, including structure, worship and collective action. It not only tells us how to do things but also explains why. It was developed and can be modified by the General Assembly, with the ratification of a majority of the presbyteries.

Communion Table (or Lord’s Table) - This is the table at the front of the sanctuary that holds the bread and wine for communion. Sometimes other items are on the table such as the Bible, a cross, or candles. We call this the Lord’s Table or Communion Table, not an altar because the night Jesus was betrayed he shared a Passover meal with his disciples at a table. An altar is a place for making a sacrifice and in the Reformed tradition, we believe that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was sufficient and doesn’t have to be repeated with a Mass or other Communion on an altar.

Debts and debtors - When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we use the words debts (“forgive us our debts”) and debtors. Some Christians say “trespasses” or “sins.” This is because the Lord’s Prayer is found in both Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospels, and in the original Greek they used two different words that mean “to sin.” In Matthew’s version the word used means “to owe a debt,” but a debt of sin, not money.

Elders - The session is composed of elders. This doesn’t have to do with age or length of membership in the church. Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and are considered to be those wise enough to make good decisions. There are two kinds of elders, “ruling elders” and “teaching elders.” The ruling elders come from the congregation. The teaching elder is the pastor.

General Assembly - The General Assembly makes decisions for the church as a whole. This is where Presbyterians become a national rather than a local church.

Presbyterian - Presbyterians are distinctive in the Christian world in two major ways: we adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology and a form of government that stresses active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members.

Presbytery - The presbytery is made up of a group of churches in a certain geographical area. We are in New Hope Presbytery. The presbytery meetings include both ruling and teaching elders who gather to make decisions affecting the presbytery. By having their representatives gather together as a group, congregations both support each other and are held accountable to each other.

Reformed Theology - Theology is a way of thinking about God and God’s relation to the world. Reformed theology evolved during the 16th century religious movement known as the Protestant Reformation. Reformed theology emphasizes God’s supremacy over everything and humanity’s chief purpose as being to glorify and enjoy God forever. In its confessions, the Presbyterian Church expresses the faith of the Reformed tradition. Central to this tradition is the affirmation of the majesty holiness, and providence of God who creates, sustains, rules, and redeems the world in the freedom of sovereign righteousness and love.