First
Presbyterian
What Presbyterians Believe
What are the essential principles of the Presbyterian Church?
The Book of Order is Part II of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A), and the opening chapter outlines the preliminary principles. It begins
by affirming that Jesus Christ is Head of the Church, which is his body. This
affirmation is followed by what Presbyterians call the "Great Ends of the
Church," which include the core principles at the heart of all activity
within and beyond a particular congregation.
The Great Ends include: the proclamation of the Gospel for the salvation of
humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of
God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the
promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the
