Why Choose Presbyterian?
Understanding Our Faith Approach in Houston
You're standing in Houston with more church choices than you can count. Megachurches with coffee shops and rock concerts. Storefront churches with passionate worship. Traditional denominations with centuries of history. Non-denominational churches that promise just you and Jesus with no religious baggage.
So why Presbyterian?
I'm Pastor Jon at St. John's Presbyterian Church, and I've spent enough time in ministry to know that denomination doesn't automatically make a church good or bad. There are faithful Baptists and terrible Presbyterians. Great Methodist churches and awful Lutheran ones.
But denominations aren't meaningless either. They represent different approaches to faith, worship, and community. They emphasize different things. They shape how you experience Christianity.
So let me tell you what makes Presbyterian faith distinctive. Not better than everyone else, but different in ways that matter. Then you can decide if this approach fits what you're looking for.
What Presbyterian Actually Means
The word "Presbyterian" comes from the Greek word for elder. Presbyterian churches are governed by elders elected from the congregation.
That might sound boring and technical, but it's actually important. It means Presbyterian churches aren't run by a single pastor who makes all the decisions. They're also not run by congregational democracy where majority vote determines everything.
Instead, elected leaders seek God's will together. They're accountable to the congregation that elected them. They're also accountable to Scripture and to each other.
This creates a middle way between pastoral dictatorship and congregational chaos. Decisions get made thoughtfully by people who know the church and take their role seriously.
At St. John's, our session (the governing board) includes elders who serve faithfully. They visit members, make decisions about church life, and shepherd the community. They're not celebrities. They're servants.
The Reformed Tradition:
Where Presbyterians Come From
To understand Presbyterians, you need to know about the Protestant Reformation. In the 1500s, reformers challenged the Roman Catholic Church's practices and theology. They wanted to get back to what the Bible actually teaches.
Martin Luther kicked things off in Germany. John Calvin developed Reformed theology in Geneva. John Knox brought Reformed faith to Scotland and eventually to America.
Presbyterians are part of this Reformed tradition. We emphasize certain core beliefs:
God's sovereignty. Grace alone. Scripture's authority. The priesthood of all believers. Faith expressed through service.
These aren't just abstract ideas. They shape everything about Presbyterian worship, community, and mission.
For example, because we believe in God's sovereignty, we trust God even when life feels chaotic. Because we believe in grace alone, we don't pretend to have it all together. Because we believe in Scripture's authority, our sermons dig into biblical texts instead of just sharing inspirational thoughts.
This Reformed heritage gives Presbyterian churches depth and stability. We're not inventing Christianity fresh every generation. We're connecting to wisdom tested over centuries.
Head and Heart:
The Presbyterian Balance
Here's something that makes Presbyterian faith distinctive: we engage both head and heart.
Some churches are all emotion. Worship is about feeling God's presence through music and experience. Thinking too much gets in the way.
Other churches are all intellect. Worship is educational. Everything's analyzed and explained. Emotion is suspect.
Presbyterian faith rejects both extremes. We believe God gave you a mind and a heart. You should use both.
At St. John's, sermons make you think. I work through biblical texts carefully, explaining context and meaning. I ask hard questions. I challenge assumptions.
But Presbyterian worship also engages your heart. We sing hymns that stir emotion. We pray honestly about struggles and joys. We celebrate communion with reverence and gratitude.
This balance means you don't have to check your brain at the door. You also don't have to pretend you're just a thinking machine without feelings.
God created you whole. Presbyterian worship addresses you as a whole person.
Why Presbyterian Worship Feels Different
Walk into a Presbyterian service and you'll notice some things.
First, there's structure. We follow an order of worship that moves through gathering, confession, Scripture, sermon, prayers, offering, and sending. It's not rigid, but it's intentional.
This structure tells a story. God calls us together. We acknowledge our sin. We hear assurance of God's forgiveness. We listen to God's word. We respond in prayer and giving. We're sent out to serve.
The pattern shapes us. Week after week, we're reminded that we're sinful but forgiven, called but sent, gathered but scattered.
Second, Scripture is central. Not just read, but explained. At St. John's, I preach expository sermons that work through biblical books or passages. The goal is understanding what God says through these texts.
This is different from topical preaching where the pastor picks a subject and finds verses to support it. We let Scripture set the agenda.
Third, sacraments matter. We celebrate baptism and the Lord's Supper not as empty rituals but as means of grace. God uses physical elements to strengthen spiritual faith.
Fourth, prayer is honest. We don't just pray for nice things. We name real struggles. We bring actual pain to God. We trust God can handle our doubts and questions.
This creates worship that's thoughtful without being cold, emotional without being manipulative.
Presbyterian Church Government: Why It Matters
I mentioned earlier that Presbyterian churches are governed by elders. Let me explain why that matters practically.
In churches with single strong pastors, everything depends on that one person. If they're healthy and faithful, the church thrives. If they're not, the church suffers. There's no real accountability.
In purely congregational churches, every decision requires votes. This can work, but it often creates politics and power struggles. Whoever mobilizes the most votes wins.
Presbyterian government balances these approaches. Elders provide continuity and wisdom. They're not employees who can be fired easily. They serve defined terms with genuine authority.
But they're also not dictators. They're accountable to the congregation and to larger church bodies. They serve under the authority of Scripture.
At St. John's, this means decisions get made thoughtfully by people who know the community. We don't have one person deciding everything. We also don't have constant congregational votes on every issue.
This produces stability. Churches don't whipsaw based on whoever's pastor this decade. They maintain consistent direction over time.
The Presbyterian Approach to Scripture
All Christians claim to value the Bible. But churches read it differently.
Some treat the Bible as a collection of inspiring stories and moral lessons. Nice thoughts for better living.
Others treat it as a rulebook where you find specific instructions for every situation.
Presbyterians take a different approach. We believe Scripture is God's authoritative word for faith and practice. But we also believe it requires careful interpretation.
Context matters. We ask what passages meant in their original setting before applying them to today. We study history, culture, language. We use our minds.
But we're not just academics analyzing ancient texts. We believe Scripture speaks to us now. God addresses real people through these words.
At St. John's, our [Bible study groups](link to Bible study article) wrestle with Scripture together. People ask questions. We dig into difficult passages. We help each other understand and apply what we're reading.
This approach produces Christians who know the Bible well and take it seriously, without becoming rigid fundamentalists or loose liberals who ignore what Scripture says.
Why Presbyterian Churches
Stay Relatively Small
You've probably noticed most Presbyterian churches aren't megachurches. There are exceptions, but generally we're smaller.
This isn't failure. It's actually part of Presbyterian DNA.
Presbyterian government requires real relationships. Elders shepherd people they actually know. Church discipline (addressing sin) requires community where people know each other's lives.
Meaningful communion happens when you're sharing bread and wine with people you've shared life with. Authentic fellowship requires knowing names and stories.
All of this is harder in churches of thousands. You can do it, but it requires lots of structure and staff.
Most Presbyterian churches stay size where genuine community is natural. At St. John's, we're about 150 active members. Small enough that people know each other. Large enough for diverse gifts and stable ministry.
This size means you won't be anonymous. Someone will notice if you're absent. People will care about your life. You'll have real relationships, not just acquaintances who smile at you on Sunday.
For some people, that's exactly what they want. For others, it's uncomfortable. But it's part of why Presbyterian churches feel different from larger, more anonymous congregations.
Presbyterian Mission: Serving the World
Here's something that distinguishes Presbyterian churches: we take mission seriously. Not just evangelism, though that matters. Serving human needs in Jesus' name.
This comes from our Reformed heritage. John Calvin taught that Christians should engage the world, not withdraw from it. We're called to bring God's kingdom into every area of life.
At St. John's, this means [active mission work](link to community mission article) throughout Houston and beyond. We provide housing through Anchor House. We serve at Braes Interfaith Ministries feeding hungry people. We support Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services helping vulnerable kids.
We maintain a community garden sharing fresh vegetables with neighbors. We support Ugandan orphans. We help seafarers far from home.
This isn't just programs we fund. Our people actually serve. They volunteer hours every week. They build relationships with people they're helping.
Presbyterian mission connects worship and service. What we believe on Sunday shapes what we do Monday through Saturday. Faith that doesn't produce service isn't real faith.
The Presbyterian Denomination: PC(USA)
St. John's is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), or PC(USA). This is the largest Presbyterian denomination in America.
Being part of a denomination means we're connected to other Presbyterian churches. We support mission work together. We share resources. We hold each other accountable.
Some people don't like denominations. They want independent churches answerable to no one. I understand the appeal of autonomy.
But denominations provide important benefits. They connect you to the global and historical church. They provide structures for resolving conflicts. They pool resources for ministry no single church could do alone.
PC(USA) ordains women as pastors and elders. We're inclusive and welcoming. We engage contemporary issues while staying rooted in Scripture.
Some Presbyterians have left PC(USA) over theological disagreements. That's their choice. At St. John's, we're committed to this denomination. We believe staying connected matters, even when we don't agree on everything.
What Makes St. John's Presbyterian Distinctive
So you're in Houston looking at Presbyterian churches. Why St. John's specifically?
We're not the biggest or fanciest Presbyterian church in town. We're not in the most convenient location. We can't compete with churches that have massive budgets and celebrity pastors.
But here's what we offer: authentic community where people know each other and care genuinely. Worship that engages both head and heart. Mission work that makes real difference. A church small enough that you matter and large enough for meaningful ministry.
We've been serving southwest Houston since 1956. Our neighborhood is incredibly diverse. Our church reflects that diversity. We include longtime Texans and recent immigrants. Retirees and young families. People from various backgrounds finding common faith in Jesus Christ.
We're known for excellent music ministry led by our chancel choir. Our sermons connect biblical truth to real life. Our fellowship is warm without being forced.
We're not perfect. We have struggles like every church. But we're trying to be faithful to Presbyterian principles while serving Houston well.
Presbyterian Faith for Modern Houston
Houston's a complicated place. Massive and diverse. Beautiful and broken. Opportunity and inequality side by side.
Presbyterian faith helps navigate this complexity. Our belief in God's sovereignty gives us courage when everything feels uncertain. Our commitment to grace keeps us humble. Our focus on service pushes us toward action.
We're not withdrawing into religious bubbles. We're engaging the city. Serving neighbors. Addressing needs. Being salt and light.
This is what Reformed faith does. It sends Christians into the world, not as escapists but as servants. Not as culture warriors but as grace bearers.
Houston needs churches like this. Places where faith is thoughtful and active. Where people grow spiritually and serve practically. Where beliefs connect to real life.
Common Questions
About Choosing Presbyterian
I grew up Baptist. What's different?
Baptists emphasize personal conversion and believer's baptism. Presbyterians baptize infants and emphasize God's initiative in salvation. Both love Jesus and Scripture. Just different emphases.
Aren't Presbyterians stuffy and formal?
Some are. St. John's isn't. Our worship is traditional but not overly formal. We value reverence without rigidity.
Do I have to agree with everything Presbyterians believe?
No. People join Presbyterian churches for different reasons. We discuss beliefs, but we don't require perfect doctrinal alignment.
What if I have doubts?
Presbyterians make room for honest questions. We value thinking deeply about faith. Doubt isn't sin. It's part of growing.
Can I visit without joining?
Absolutely. Visit multiple times. Attend Bible study. Talk with people. Take your time.
Making the Choice
Choosing a church is important. It's not just about Sunday morning. It's about spiritual growth, community, and how you'll serve God.
Presbyterian faith offers distinctive gifts. Thoughtful engagement with Scripture. Balanced worship. Shared leadership. Mission focus. Connection to historical Christianity.
These might be exactly what you're looking for. Or maybe something else fits you better. Only you can decide.
But I'll say this: if you're tired of superficial Christianity, Presbyterian depth might refresh you. If you're frustrated with churches that are all emotion or all intellect, Presbyterian balance might feel like home. If you want faith that engages the world through service, Presbyterian mission focus might resonate.
And if you're in Houston looking for authentic Christian community where you'll be known and challenged and sent to serve, St. John's Presbyterian might be your place.
We're not for everyone. We're too small for some. Too traditional for others. Too diverse for some preferences.
But we're faithfully Presbyterian. We're authentically Christian. We're genuinely trying to follow Jesus in southwest Houston.
If that sounds like what you're looking for, come visit.
An Invitation
Here's what I'd suggest. Visit St. John's on a Sunday morning. Experience Presbyterian worship. Meet some people. See if it fits.
If it does, come back. Join a Bible study. Volunteer in mission. Get involved. See if Presbyterian community is where you belong.
If it doesn't, that's okay too. Keep searching. Find the church where God is calling you to serve.
But don't dismiss Presbyterian faith without understanding it. We've got depth and wisdom worth considering. We've got community worth experiencing. We've got mission worth joining.
Houston has room for all kinds of churches. We need diversity. But Presbyterian churches offer something particular. Something tested. Something that connects historic faith to contemporary service.
That's what we're about at St. John's. Reformed faith for real life. Presbyterian principles practiced daily. Grace freely given. Scripture carefully studied. Community genuinely lived.
If this approach to Christianity resonates with you, if you're looking for church that engages both mind and heart, if you want faith that produces service, give Presbyterian church a try.
Give St. John's Presbyterian a try.
We'll be here. The light will be on. The door will be open. And people will be ready to welcome you.
Because that's what Presbyterian hospitality looks like. Not flashy, but genuine. Not perfect, but authentic.
Come and see. You might just find home.
St. John's Presbyterian Church
5020 West Bellfort Avenue Houston, Texas 77035 (713) 723-6262
Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM
Want to understand
Presbyterian beliefs
more deeply? Learn about the core values that guide our church.
Curious about how faith translates to action? Explore our
community mission work
throughout Houston.
Interested in joining one of our
Bible study groups?
We'd love to have you dig into Scripture with us.
Pastor Jon
We're real people who worship and serve Jesus Christ with no frills.
Come see if Presbyterian faith is what you've been looking for.
