Presbyterians

Like other Christians, Presbyterians believe in the uniqueness of the Holy Trinity: God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the Word made flesh in Christ Jesus, in the authority of the Bible, and in salvation by God's grace through our faith in Christ our Savior. Presbyterians also believe in the Church as the universal company of Christ's followers.

Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways:

• We adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology which emphasizes God's supremacy over everything and humanity's chief purpose as being to glorify and enjoy God forever.
• We use a form of government that stresses active representational leadership of both ministers and church members.

For more information on Presbyterians beliefs, click here to visit the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Our Organization & Structure

• We are part of the Presbyterian Church USA. The word Presbyterian comes from "Presbyter" meaning a teacher or elder.
• The Presbyterian Church is guided by principles expressed in the Bible, the Book of Confessions, and the Book of Order.
• We have a General Assembly that meets biannually to guide the spiritual and business matters of the church.
• We are organized regionally by Synods. First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue is a member of the Synod of the Lakes and Prairies, covering most of Nebraska, South & North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
• We are in the Missouri River Valley Presbytery, which consists of 57 churches in eastern Nebraska and Southwestern Iowa. The Presbytery, representing lay and clergy from all 57 churches, meets every three months.
• Our congregation is governed by 14 Elders and the Pastor, together called the Session. The Session is responsible for the entire life of our church, from worship to Christian education to our many mission and outreach efforts.
• The Session has seven committees that do the Lord's work seven days of the week.  They are: Worship; Christian Education; Membership; Fellowship; Mission; Finance/Buildings and Grounds; and Personnel.

The Presbyterian Church (USA) is involved in evangelism and church growth, leadership training, vocation discernment, world mission, racial/ethnic ministries, peace and justice, relief and development as well as theology, worship and education.  For more information, click here to view a short video featuring stories showing how we as Presbyterians are disciples of Jesus Christ — locally and globally.

Our Mission

We are a Christ-centered, caring community, saved by God’s grace, and called by the Holy Spirit to:

• worship joyfully, meaningfully, and openly,

• nurture one another in Christian love and values,

• minister to and serve those in need,

• engage in Christian fellowship,

• proclaim the Good News of the Gospel to everyone.