     |
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
What is Presbyterianism?Some people in Aotearoa New Zealand might give you a quick answer to that question. One common response is to say that Presbyterianism is about being solid and 'thrifty'. We invite you to discover a different perspective (and we won't even charge you!). The Presbyterian storySince their earliest beginnings in 16th century Europe and Scotland Presbyterian Churches have been committed to a number of 'basic values'. These include:
Our plan for the future builds on our history. We seek to have a Church made up of 'healthy congregations', groups of lively Presbyterians with an outward focus, a sense of direction and an involving and shared leadership. FaithThe Presbyterian Church is part of the wider family of Christian churches. Our emphasis has been on the primacy of God in our lives and our belief that all people are equal in the sight of God. The Presbyterian Church seeks to follow Jesus Christ, who lived 2000 years ago and who, for us, has significant contemporary value. ParticipationOur Church is one run by the minister and the elders in partnership. 'Presbyterianism' means everybody is involved in decision-making at all levels. Our structure includes groups representing members of the Church. We have a particular partnership with Maori, Te Aka Puaho. Presbyterians believe in the 'priesthood of all believers'; the value of each individual. We are committed to a style of leadership that is accountable to and serves the people. Each person's contribution is valued, your ideas count. Involvement in Social IssuesWhether it's Kate Sheppard (a famous Presbyterian!) protesting for the rights of women, or others following in her footsteps trying to stop the liberalisation of gambling, Presbyterians don't just sit down on a Sunday and sing. We get involved! Presbyterian Support is the largest provider of Church-based social services in New Zealand. We’re represented on the Churches’ Agency on Social Issues (CASI), the Churches’ Broadcasting Commission, Christian World Service and the Interchurch Bioethics Council. We work overseas (in partnership with other churches and ecumenical bodies) in churches, hospitals and schools in countries such as Vanuatu, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, Korea and Southern Africa. We have a Global Mission Office whose purpose is to support work abroad. DiversityPresbyterians don't agree on everything - you may have noticed that. What is important to us is the way that we treat each other. We seek to make room for all people to be heard. You'll find a wide range of ways of thinking about God, different styles of worship and different cultures in the Presbyterian Church. We reflect Kiwi society, with more than 137 cultures represented in our membership. We have a special relationship with Maori through Te Aka Puaho, and to other cultures including Pacific Island and Asian groups. EducationPresbyterians have always had a commitment to education. The Church was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university. We started the Turakina Maori Girls' School in 1905. Currently there are 12 schools in New Zealand identified as Presbyterian. Our own School of Ministry in Dunedin trains prospective ministers and leaders for our Church, and others who are interested in studying theology. HistoryThe history and belief of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is closely linked to the 'Reformed' tradition and heritage. John Calvin in Geneva and John Knox in Edinburgh were instrumental in shaping early Presbyterian faith and practice. In this country the Presbyterian Church began as a 'settler church' in 1840. Our early history was shaped by Scottish and English settlers wanting to build a better world for themselves and their families. That experience has continued today with post-World War 2 Dutch and European settlers and more recent Pacific Island and Asian migrants. Where we're goingNew Zealand Presbyterianism today continues the dynamic tradition of our forebears. We've been through a lot in the 160+ years of our existence in Aotearoa New Zealand, and today we face an environment as challenging as that faced by the early settlers in 1840. We have a strategy that recognises that our society has changed and we have to change with it. |
|||||||||||
home page | email the webmaster | A to Z Index | return to top
|