F.A.Q.S

Presbyterianism is a part of the Reformed tradition within Protestantism which traces its origins to the British Isles, particularly Scotland. Presbyterian churches derive their name from the presbyterian form of church government, which is governed by representative assemblies of elders.

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa governing system is presbyterian which means that no one person or group within the Church has more influence or say than any other. The Church does not have one person who acts as the head of faith, as that role is the Lord God's. Its supreme rule of faith and life is through the teachings of the Bible.

Presbyterians are considered to be Protestant along with Methodists, Baptists, and many others. Protestant means "protest" the Catholic church. All these denominations were formed during what was called the Protestant Reformation. ... All Presbyterians are Protestants, but all Protestants are not Presbyterians.

Believers and the children of believers become members of God's covenant community (or church) through baptism. We believed that in the heart of a baptised child, faith as a gift or grace from God, as distinct from an act by the person, is made present.

Sacraments are acts of worship which use physical symbols to represent spiritual ideas. Holy Communion is a Christian sacrament in which bread and wine are used to represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ, which Christians believe was sacrificed for them during Christ's crucifixion.

The General Assembly is the highest court. The General Assembly consists of around 500 ministers, 500 elders, and other members, all representing the presbyteries. Visit our General Assembly page for more information about how it functions.

The Pressbytery is the court of the Church which consist of all the ministers in the presbytery and an equal number of elders. There are 57 presbyteries across East Africa. Click here to visit our Presbyteries Directory.

At a local level, the parish, the court is a kirk session. Kirk sessions oversee the local congregation and its parish, and consist of elders presided over by a minister.

The Presbyterian Church of East Africa government is organised on the basis of courts. Each of these courts has committees, which may include other members of the Church, and at national level employ full-time staff. Our courts of the church pages include more about their work and remit.