Presbyterian – More than just our middle name!
New City is a Presbyterian church. What does that mean?
The term Presbyterian refers to the type of church government that we have.
What are the main types of church government?
Hierarchical – Leaders are ranked into various levels of authority. This is a top-down leadership model where there is one person at the top and others at varying levels below. (Catholic, Anglican, Methodist). This is also how businesses are typically led (CEO/President, Vice Presidents, Managers, etc).
Congregational – Can range from every member of the church having leadership authority and being involved in the decision making of the church, to leadership by a solo pastor. The congregation may provide oversight of the church to the extent that it is able, but there is no external accountability. (Baptist, Congregational, Pentecostal).
Presbyterian – Leadership of the church is by a group of elected Teaching Elder(s) and Ruling Elders. This is a flat leadership model where all Elders are equal and accountable to each other. Of the three main forms of church government, the Presbyterian system of leadership by plurality and mutual accountability bears the most biblical support.
What denomination are we part of?
New City is part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) denomination. The PCA is the second largest Presbyterian denomination in the US with over 1910 churches.
Why the PCA?
The PCA was formed in 1973 to be a denomination that is “Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith, and Obedient to the Great Commission.” As society changes, it is good to be part of a denomination that seeks to uphold these things.
Hasn’t Presbyterianism been around much longer than 1973?
There is a long history of Presbyterianism in this country which traces its roots back to the Protestant Reformation of the early 1500’s. As time has passed, Presbyterian denominations have formed and changed to reflect the Biblical convictions of their churches. The Presbyterian Church in America was formed by a group of churches that were leaving another denomination, the Presbyterian Church in the United States, after seeking a return to Biblical fidelity for many years. This move was made in opposition to the long-developing theological liberalism which denied the deity of Jesus Christ and the inerrancy and authority of Scripture.
Where does the Presbyterian model of leadership come from?
It did not originate in the 1500’s, but instead with the first century church. As churches were gathered, elders were selected for the purpose of leading them so Paul and others could go on and plant other churches. There is no mention of a church with a single elder/pastor who is in charge of everything, nor is there any mention of congregational rule (although the congregation plays a part).
What Presbytery are we part of?
The Great Lakes Presbytery consists of the group of PCA churches that are located in Michigan and northern Indiana.
What is the role of the Presbytery?
The Presbytery has as its primary responsibility, the examination, licensing, and ordination of ministers of the Word (Pastors). The Presbytery also works to maintain standards which are consistent and Biblically sound, care for pastors and churches when necessary, ensure that churches are providing well for their Pastors, and encourage church planting within the Presbytery.
What are the PCA Ordination Standards?
There are many, but the main ones include graduating from an approved Seminary, knowledge of both Greek and Hebrew languages, a command of Bible content, theology, Church history, the history of the PCA, and the PCA Book of Church Order.
Does New City actively receive any oversight from the Presbytery?
No, each church is led independently by its elected Session (Pastor and Elders). The Presbyterian model of leadership does not have any element of outside “rule” over the local church.
How does the Presbytery influence New City?
The Presbytery does have occasional involvement when it comes to the roles as listed above. You could say that the primary role of the Presbytery is to do quality control by only ordaining Pastors who are willing to believe and teach the core orthodox Biblical principles that the PCA holds to. This ensures that the churches of the Presbytery will be consistent in what is being taught. When New City selects its next Pastor, the Presbytery will examine him and determine whether he meets the necessary standards. They will also have to approve his compensation and they will play a role in installing him at New City.
When does the Great Lakes Presbytery meet?
The Presbytery meets in September, January, and April of each year. The churches take turns hosting the meetings. New City hosted in April 2021. The GLP also has several committees which meet at various times throughout the year.
How connected are we to the Great Lakes Presbytery?
New City was planted under the authority of the Great Lakes Presbytery which also provided some of the necessary funding during our first five years. New City’s first Elders and Deacons, as well as every Pastor and Assistant Pastor that has served the church, have all been installed in ceremonies conducted by the Presbytery. New City elders have also served on Presbytery committees.