Presbyterian vs. Protestant

Attribute	Presbyterian	Protestant
Denomination	Presbyterianism	Various denominations
Beliefs	Calvinist theology	Varies among different Protestant denominations
Church Governance	Presbyterian polity	Varies among different Protestant denominations
Sacraments	Generally practice two sacraments: Baptism and Communion	Varies among different Protestant denominations
Origin	Rooted in the Scottish Reformation	Rooted in the Protestant Reformation

Beliefs

Presbyterianism is a branch of Protestant Christianity that follows a form of ecclesiastical polity known as presbyterian governance. Presbyterians believe in the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Bible, justification by grace through faith in Christ, and the priesthood of all believers. They also emphasize the importance of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. On the other hand, Protestantism is a broader term that encompasses various Christian denominations that originated from the Protestant Reformation. Protestants share some core beliefs with Presbyterians, such as the authority of the Bible and salvation by grace through faith.

Worship

Presbyterian worship services typically include elements such as prayer, hymn singing, Scripture readings, and a sermon. The order of worship is often structured and follows a liturgical format. The Presbyterian Church also places a strong emphasis on the preaching of the Word. In contrast, Protestant worship styles can vary widely depending on the denomination. Some Protestant churches have more informal services with contemporary music and less structured formats, while others may have more traditional liturgical practices similar to Presbyterian worship.

Leadership

Presbyterian churches are governed by a system of elders, known as the session, who are elected by the congregation. The session is responsible for the spiritual oversight and governance of the church. In addition to elders, Presbyterian churches also have ministers who are ordained to preach the Word and administer the sacraments. Protestant churches may have different forms of leadership structures, such as bishops, pastors, or congregational leaders. The leadership model can vary greatly among Protestant denominations.

Sacraments

Presbyterians believe in two sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is seen as a sign and seal of God's covenant with believers, while the Lord's Supper is a commemoration of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The Presbyterian Church practices infant baptism and open communion, meaning that all baptized Christians are welcome to partake in the Lord's Supper. Protestants, on the other hand, may have varying beliefs and practices regarding the sacraments. Some Protestant denominations only practice baptism and communion, while others may have additional sacraments or ordinances.

Doctrine

Presbyterians adhere to a set of doctrinal standards known as the Westminster Confession of Faith. This confession outlines Presbyterian beliefs on topics such as the Trinity, the nature of Christ, salvation, and the church. The Westminster Confession is considered a subordinate standard to the Bible in Presbyterian theology. Protestants, on the other hand, may not have a unified set of doctrinal standards like the Westminster Confession. Each Protestant denomination may have its own statement of faith or doctrinal beliefs that guide its teachings and practices.

Mission and Outreach

Presbyterian churches are known for their emphasis on mission and outreach both locally and globally. Many Presbyterian denominations have established mission agencies and partnerships to support evangelism, social justice, and humanitarian efforts. Presbyterians are often involved in community service projects, disaster relief, and advocacy for marginalized populations. Protestants also place a strong emphasis on mission and outreach, but the specific focus and methods may vary among different denominations. Some Protestant churches prioritize evangelism and church planting, while others may focus on social justice issues or international missions.

Unity and Diversity

Presbyterianism is characterized by a sense of unity and connection among its churches through shared governance structures and doctrinal standards. The Presbyterian Church is organized into regional governing bodies known as presbyteries, which provide accountability and support to individual congregations. Despite this sense of unity, there is also room for diversity within Presbyterianism, as individual congregations may have different worship styles, theological perspectives, and ministry priorities. Protestantism, as a broader category, encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices, reflecting the diversity of Christian traditions that emerged from the Protestant Reformation. Protestants may have different views on theology, worship, and social issues, leading to a rich tapestry of denominational expressions within Protestantism.