Our Denomination
The First Presbyterian Church of Jasper belongs to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) began in Germany with Martin Luther. but John Calvin of Geneva, Switzerland, is considered to be the "Father of Presbyterianism". He gave the church its beliefs in the sovereignty of God, the priesthood of all believers and the basic church structure, and the Presbyterian form of governance.
Then there are synods to which Presbyteries send elder and pastor delegates, and the General Assembly to which Presbyteries send minister and elder delegates.
The General Assembly meet every two years to discuss theological, practical and misssional matters of the whole church, making recommendations for the common ministry of the churches, which are then accepted or turned down by the Presbyteries.
Every church member in a local congregation and the elected elders and pastors at the Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly levels have a say in the way things work in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
If this form of governing sounds familiar, it is because our United States form of government is based on it!
Another group of Presbyterians elected to serve in a local Presbyterian Church is deacons. Deacons are charged primarily with taking care of the pastoral and physical needs of the members of a congregation.
The First Presbyterian Church of Jasper is located at:
3240 St. Charles Ave, at the corner of Northwood & St. Charles, Jasper, IN 47546
Phone: (812) 482-4775
Come join us for study & worship!
Sunday:
Church School - 9:30 a.m.
Worship Celebration - 10:30 a.m.
Coffee fellowship after worship.
Childcare available.
Fully handicapped accessible.
Reverend Larry Langer
presby@psci.net
"Presbyterian" came from the New Testament Greek work "presbuteros", which meant "elder". Presbyterians get to choose their congregation's leaders from the "eldest" - meaning "wisest" - members of the church. The elders along with the pastor(s) make up the "Session" or board of a local congregation. The members of the Session seek the wisdom of God through the Holy Spirit as they lead the congregation.
Elders and pastors are also elected to serve on the Presbytery level, a (usually) geographical group of congregations that oversees the congregations in its area.