Seminary Training, Useful Preachers, and Faithful Pastors

The history of American Presbyterianism has many examples of an emphasis on training pastors for ministry. From the early American colonists to the expansion Westward to the post-civil war period, Presbyterians in America have stressed seminary education for pastors. The history of religion in America is full of false teaching, unorthodox teaching, and heretical teaching, …

Holy Week, Ceremonies, Rituals, and Reformed Churches (Miller)

This time of year it's hard to miss the emphasis on Lent, Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, and so on. Many churches celebrate these rituals and ceremonies - even churches that are not in the Roman Catholic family. Speaking of, for Rome, this time of year means a full assortment of rituals, ceremonies, feasts, fasts, vigils, …

Three Great Negations of Presbyterianism

One big part of being Reformed is being Reformed in the area of church polity and practice.  In other words, Reformed churches have a Presbyterian structure which is “re-formed” according to the New Testament model.  Charles Hodge talked about this in his 1855 address called “What is Presbyterianism?”  Here’s a nice summary paragraph from his …