What are Presbyterians like?

Question

Is there a real stereotype of them? Are they more conservative than not? What are worship services like? Please list any information about Presbyterians you know--whether it's theology, character, morals, or stereotypes....

Answer 1

They are big and tall and hairy.
They walk around kind of hunched over and grunt a lot -
No wait ! I thought you meant pedestrians !

Answer 2

As a former American Baptist, I always felt comfortable in the Presbyterian services. It was more conservative and formal; but also more orderly. The sermons were about the same (Am. Baptist is NOT So. Baptist, but more liberal and less......vocal.) The people were generally better dressed.

Now I am Episcopal, the Presbyterian Church is less formal, less liturgical, but basically the same "feel".

A doctrinal difference is that they supposedly believe in Predestination; to what extent I am not sure. But I have never heard that doctrine preached upon, and I have not actually studied the fine points of Presbyterianism.

If you are looking for a comfortable, middle of the road, fairly non-judgmental church. A Church that is somewhat standardized with less renegades with crazy wild ideas of their own than some of the "low churches", it is a good bet for you. Try and see if you like the service and the other congregants. If you don't like the people, try another, or two, before making up your mind. If you want more structure, go to an Episcopal Church. If you want a bit less, then perhaps the Methodist, or a low church is for you.
Good luck, and God Bless.

Additional: oh yes, someone mentioned the Congregational Church. Some of those are GREAT, however they each are very different from the other! You have to find a congregation that fits your style. Usually they are lower church than Episcopal, and higher than Methodist; about the same as Presbyterian in my opinion.

Answer 3

If there is a stereotype for them it would be that they are all Scottish because that is where the church comes from.

A guest speaker once told us that education is very important to Presbyterians and that they are known for founding colleges.

I would not describe them as high church at all. PCUSA worship services are not much different from that of United Methodists: doxology, liturgical, somewhat formal service, are a few similarities.

They usually do not have Holy Communion (the Eucharist) at every service and the church that I attended had certain days of the year that it was scheduled for, Maundy Thursday being one of them.

They practice infant baptism; but their views on this differ from Episcopalians.

The PCA is conservative and the PCUSA is liberal.

Some examples:

I interviewed the principal of a PCA school for a paper I was writing and she said that while they do not strictly forbid social drinking that it would not be acceptable for one of their teachers to be seen drinking wine in a restaurant.

The PCUSA campus church I attended while in college served both grape juice and wine at communion. We could stand in either line depending on our choice. It was no big deal, I just assumed that it was a compromise to people from different traditions.

The PCUSA also has female clergy and last I checked was debating on whether to allow homosexual clergy.

Predestination is still important to them; but often misunderstood. Shirley C. Guthrie explained it best.

They try to be ecumenical, e.g. my church had an assistant pastor who was a Lutheran (ELCA -- the more liberal one).

At Scottish Highlands festivals (in the US) they will have an "ecumenical" service before the Sunday games begin. It is pretty obvious that this is a Presbyterian service. They perform baptism here and have the Kirkin' o' the Tartans.

Answer 4

Presbyterianism is a form of church government which is most prevalent within the Reformed branch of Protestant Western Christianity. It is the form of Calvinism which evolved primarily in Scotland before Scotland became part of Great Britainin 1707. Most of the few Presbyteries that were found in England can trace back to a Scottish connection. Modern Presbyterianism traces its institutional roots back to the Scottish Reformation. Local congregations are governed by Presbyteries made up of representatives of the local congregations, a conciliar approach which is found at other levels of decision-making (Kirk Session and General Assembly). Theoretically, there are no bishops in Presbyterianism; however some groups do have bishops, such as in Eastern Europe, and in ecumenical groups. The office of elder is another distinctive mark of Presbyterianism: these are specially commissioned non-clergy who take part in local pastoral care and decision-making at all levels.

The roots of Presbyterianism lie in the European Reformation of the 16th Century, with the example of John Calvin's Geneva being particularly influential. Most Reformed churches who can trace their history back to Britain are either Presbyterian or Congregationalist in government. Presbyterian theology typically emphasizes the sovereignty of God, a high regard for the authority of the Bible, and an emphasis on the necessity of grace through faith in Christ. Although some Presbyterians today still hold to the theology of Calvin and his immediate successors, there is a wide range of theological views within contemporary Presbyterianism. Some Presbyterian churches can be characterized as 'broad' or 'mainline' (e.g., the Church of Scotland or the Presbyterian Church (USA)), whereas others are highly conservative.

In the twentieth century, Presbyterians have played an important role in the Ecumenical Movement.[citation needed] Many Presbyterian denominations have found ways of working together with other Reformed denominations and Christians of other traditions. Some Presbyterian Churches have entered into unions with other churches, such as Congregationalists, Anglicans, and Methodists.

Answer 5

I was brought up in the Presbyterian church...there aint nothing wrong with us. Worship services...pretty cool. I dunno how they'd differ to say Methodist, because I've never been to a Methodist...well, I have been once and they're kind of similar. The Pres. church is owned by the elders and that's why there are usually oldies there. I don't believe there could really be stereotypes of them. Services can sometimes be a bore because it's not very lively. There was the usual singing, praying, sermons, etc. I must say that I do miss going to my presbyterian church. They do believe jesus is the son of G-d..just like other christians.

Answer 6

Usually very educated, especially clergy.
There are two main groups, the PCA, (Presbyterian Church of America) and PCUSA ( Presbyterian Church USA). The USA group is the more liberal, or you could say that the PSA are the more conservation. The USA ordain women, PCA does not. They may be called Calvinist depending on theology. Their worship service is more high church. They are seriously moral people. Good folks.

Answer 7

I'd say we're a pretty quiet bunch. Mostly older people in my congregation. It's a mostly quiet sermon, no clapping or dancing of any sort. Also no bands or videos during service as seen in other churches. Not that we wouldn't be ok with that stuff, but it's probably frowned upon by most of the older crowd anyway. We believe in the Trinity, and follow the Apostle's Creed.

Answer 8

Here's one stereotype I've heard. They're called "the frozen chosen" by some because of their somber services where they follow an order of worship and don't get excited or sing loudly or anything like that. Like I said though, it's a stereotype and not the case with all of their assemblies.

Answer 9

WIDE range nowadays. From moderately conservative (theologically) to out-of-it out there on the fringes, barely still Christian liberal.

Becoming more of the latter, I'm afraid...but it really varies from congregation to congregation.

Answer 10

What Are Presbyterians