Reformed Theology
- The Presbyterian Church in America ("PCA") was formed to be a denomination that is "Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith, and Obedient to the Great Commission."
- The PCA is an Evangelical and Reformed Presbyterian denomination.
- By Evangelical, we mean that we emphasize the gospel (good news of salvation) through faith in Jesus Christ, as well as affirming other orthodox Christian doctrines and holding to the inerrancy of Scripture.
- By Reformed, we mean that we are connected to the teachings of the historic church and the doctrinal beliefs recovered by the Reformation. These doctrinal beliefs are expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. All officers of the PCA must personally subscribe to and uphold the teachings of the Westminster Confession of Faith.
- By Presbyterian, we describe our representative form of church government. Local churches are governed by a "Session" of "presbyters" (elders), elected by the members of the congregation. Representatives of local churches within a geographical area compose a "presbytery". Representatives of presbyteries meet annually at "General Assembly". Thus, through the combined efforts and resources of all the churches, we are enabled to advance God's Kingdom much more effectively. The Committees and Agencies of the PCA help lead this Kingdom work.
- Reformed Theology has been defined and used in several contexts. Dr. James Montgomery Boice explains its common tenets.
- They may also be understood from the book: "After Darkness, Light: Distinctives of Reformed Theology"; A collection of essays by R. C. Sproul Jr.
- Read about Covenant Theology here.
- Download or listen to John Calvin's "The Institutes of the Christian Religion" here.