1st series of Presbyterianism
It is essential for the members and persons who serve as officers of Presbyterian Church to adhere to the essentials of reformed faith, polity, and traditions. John Calvin is the founder of Presbyterian Church. This Church is called Calvinism (also called the Reformed tradition, Reformed Christianity, Reformed Protestantism, or the Reformed faith) In another word, reformed Churches are reformed reforming.
PCEA is a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice set down by John Calvin and other Reformation-era theologians.
The following are Principal Characteristics of Reformed churches, which can also be considered to be the marks of a true Christian Church should define our Church.
- Authority of Scripture - Doctrine
- Ultimate focus on the trinity
- The supremacy of Christ - Christ work alone
- Justification by Faith- covenant theology
- Freedom of conscience.
- Sound interpretation of the word
- The Priesthood of the believer
- Sabbath observance
- Sacraments
- Respecting the views and the rights of others.
- Adhering to the constitutional governance.
- Let us all desire to safeguard the image of the Church by adhering to the above.
Rev. Ngere – Parish Moderator
5th Series of Presbyterianism
There are about 30 biblical references to vows, and there were dire consequences for those who broke vows, especially vows to God. Jesus taught concerning vows…. ‘Do not break your oath but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord”. The principle here is clear for Christians: be careful about making vows, either to the Lord or to one another. Vows should be done with utmost care.
The Presbyterian Church requires those professing faith in Christ to affirm their vows and cannot administer any vow to anybody before one is given the basic teachings. It is a voluntary promise to God, to perform some service or do something.
The following are categories of persons in the Church and the number of vows administered to them:
1. Catechumen 5
2. Adult baptism 9
3. Infant 4
4. Communicants- 7
5. Marriage 2
6. Deacons 2
7. Church Elders 5
8. Parish Minister 18
Other Common Categories of Vows:
9. Apostle creed 8
10. Parish leaders 3
11. Brigade officers 5
12. C.S. teachers 5
13. Woman’s Guild- 5
14. P.C.M.F. 7
15. Renewal of covenant 10 (annually)
16. Individual vows (Many)
It is upon every Christian to know vows one has taken and evaluate whether one’s life is in tandem to the vows administered. There are certainly many other categories that could be added to this list. However, it suffices to say, vows by their very nature, are not only serious to God, but affects us deeply in ways we cannot objectively comprehend.
Rev. Ngere H.N. - Parish Moderator