As one of the mainline Protestant congregations, North Church is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA. Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways: we adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology, and our form of government stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members.
Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Presbyterian beliefs. In particular, Presbyterians believe that:
- God is the supreme authority throughout the universe.
- Our knowledge of God and God’s purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly that which is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ.
- Our salvation (or justification) through Jesus Christ 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.
