What’s a Presbyterian?
We hear this question a lot!
Generally speaking, we are a Reformed Christian denomination that focuses on God’s grace, living out our faith, and serving others with love. We differ from many other churches in our governance, beliefs, and practices. We embrace a connectional church structure led by elected elders and professional clergy. Presbyterians emphasize God’s grace in salvation, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9. Similarly, we believe that the sacraments (baptism and communion) are gifts from God that we choose to receive, not something that we do for ourselves or for each other.
There are several different groups within the Presbyterian denomination. We are part of the PC(USA). The PC(USA) is divided into "Presbyteries" that are made up of churches that are in geographical proximity to each other. We are a member of the Presbytery of East Tennessee. You can read more about those groups on their websites.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seal brings together several meaningful symbols of our faith. At its center, the cross opens into the shape of a Bible, reflecting the importance of Scripture in the Reformed tradition. A descending dove represents the Holy Spirit, Christ’s baptism, and God’s gift of peace. Beneath the Bible, the suggestion of a pulpit highlights the central role of preaching in Presbyterian worship.
Flames recall both God speaking through the burning bush and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Together, they form a triangle symbolizing the Trinity, as well as the balance and shared leadership of Presbyterian government. Other shapes—including a fish, baptismal font, and communion cup—invite us to discover the many interconnected expressions of our faith.
In I Corinthians, Paul described the church as a body with many members, illustrating the pluralism of the church and the many gifts that God gives to its members. So also the seal’s individual parts, when taken together, form an encompassing visual and symbolic unity, while not exhausting the richness of possible interpretations.