Elizabeth Kluge

While researching the Presbyterian religion there was a lot of information from the

founder of this movement in religion. John Calvin had a huge influence in the reformation as

well as the Presbyterian religion. There is no research without Calvin’s influence and beliefs.

The Presbyterian Church’s beliefs and customs boil down to some of the things that Calvin

highlighted during the reformation. During the reformation Calvin was known to focus on

scripture and the importance of the written word.1 Through his belief in scripture he created a

background for why things are the way they are, almost like evidence for what he believes in.

When studying Calvin’s theology “from 1536 onward we find a constant and consistent

fundamental design, which is actually defined by the three themes of Scripture, grace, and the

church.”2 This is true especially in the New Testament. From what was in the New Testament he

wanted to focus on the themes that were brought up. For example the sense of community in

being important for a church community, and the use of scripture alone in the service. From

gathering research from the Presbyterian tradition there are some outstanding factors that make

this tradition what it is. Not only the influences of John Calvin but also the influences of this

specific church that was observed. Although no Church community is the same so there is no

general statement with this but the Presbyterian Church that was observed truly focuses on the

community aspect of the faith.

The Presbyterian Church focuses on the people it is surrounded by and the community

through many different outlets. From children’s education during service through coffee and

food after the service and charity work. The two services that were observed these parts were

consistent and clearly enjoyable. The children were told to join the Reverend at the front of the

1
Lingle, Walter L., and John W. Kuykendall. Presbyterians: Their History and Beliefs. John Knox Press, 1988
2
Spijker, W. Van 't. Calvin : A Brief Guide to His Life and Thought. 1st English Ed. ed. Louisville, Ky.: Westminster
John Knox Press, 2009.
 Elizabeth Kluge

church and they talked about what ever they were focusing on in the Sunday school. The kids

were engaged and answering questions as the Reverend was speaking. Although there were only

about five kids all together, including someone high school aged, they were very involved and

enjoyed their time of the mass. The rest of the congregation listened and enjoyed the children’s

responses and interactions. Going along with this, during the time of the sermon the reverend sits

down with the rest of the congregation and listens. The sermon is a very energetic part of the

mass because the person who is speaking is so into it and they want you to understand how they

feel. It is very easy to pay attention and understand because of the way it is spoken to the

congregation. This also has the ability to relate to what the message is with the common person

and how to use this in your everyday life. Through all of this interaction and relationships the

Presbyterian Church focuses on the person’s relationship by giving those opportunities to

become more involved and becoming a part of the family at this Church. As said before not all

Churches are the same and this one has a specific closeness to it where it really feels like a small

community. With this of course is the fact that in the New Testament the essence of community

is one of the themes, as said in the second interview. Through the workings on the New

Testament and Calvin’s influences, the scripture and readings that are brought up within the

Church community bring people together. They bring each other closer which is bringing

everyone closer to God. By working with Scripture, understanding the messages, and being able

to converse all of this with the rest of the congregation brings a new connection to faith.

The Presbyterian Church has an interesting aspect to their community. The church has an

elected group of elders called the Polity. The Presbyterian Polity “is based on the conviction that

the church is properly based on a representative system of government in which ecclesial

 Elizabeth Kluge

authority is lodged in a specially elected group of people called the presbytery.”3 Rev. Katherine

Achtemeier talked about the fact that she can’t even change the colors in the bathroom without

talking to them first. With this kind of system within a church it bring the ability for every person

to have a say in what is going on. The polity and voting for who should be in the polity makes

this a more involved and alert community.

Throughout each experience and all the research the most important aspects of the

Presbyterian Church that bring each person closer together and closer to God is all through

community. This church has such a strong community through their workings with scripture, the

polity, and just being with each other. Talking through and asking questions to one another helps

the message of the service stick. With everyone involved including the polity they are truly

brought closer to God through each other.

3
Balmer, Randall Herbert, and John R Fitzmier. The Presbyterians. Denominations in America, No. 5. Westport,
Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1993.