We are Christians, which means that along with the historic church we affirm…
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen. *that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places
Reformed
The word “Reformed” refers to the Protestant Reformation that occurred in the 1500’s, when God raised up men and women throughout Europe who regained a knowledge of and love for the Bible. They believed the Bible alone was God’s Word, not church tradition, church councils or even the pope. These Reformers endeavoured to reform the corrupt teaching, worship, and church governance that had developed in the church (i.e. Roman Catholic Church) by applying the Bible’s truths to all aspects of life.
Does this mean having “Reformed” in our name is just an historical thing? Not at all! The rediscovery of and love for the Scriptures continues today, impacting what we believe and, in turn, how we live and worship.
Presbyterian
The word “Presbyterian” comes from a word meaning “elder” and means that God has appointed spiritual leaders to oversee or rule the church. In line with the requirements for elders in Scripture, men have been chosen who are spiritually minded to “shepherd” (oversee, look after) the congregation. They have godly character and are managing their own homes well as the Bible teaches (see 1 Timothy 3:1-7). The great desire of the elders is not to lord their position over the church, but to serve the congregation so that all acknowledge Jesus as the King of the church and Lord over all.
As a member church of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Australia, we hold to the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms.