Presbyterianism

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/presbyterianism

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the theological heritage?Rooted in the Reformed tradition, with John Calvin as a principal influence
2. What is the global distribution?A worldwide denomination with numerous distinct churches and synods across continents
3. What does the word "Presbyterian" mean?The word comes from the Greek word "presbyteros," which means "elder." It shows that elders help run the church.
4. How does a Presbyterian church make decisions?A Presbyterian church uses a group of elders and a minister called a session to make local decisions. Higher groups called presbyteries and a General Assembly help make big decisions together.

Reformed Theology: A branch of Protestant theology emphasizing God's sovereignty, predestination, and the authority of Scripture.
Presbyterian Polity: A system of church governance by elected elders, organized into representative bodies.
Sola Scriptura: Latin for 'Scripture alone,' a principle of the Reformation asserting the Bible as the ultimate authority.