Martin Luther celebrating Christmas with his family and close friends
“The true Christian religion is incarnational and thus does not begin at the top, as all other religions do; it begins at the bottom. You must run directly to the manger and the mother’s womb, embrace the Infant and Virgin’s Child in your arms and look at Him—born, being nursed, growing up, going about in human society, teaching, dying, rising again, ascending above all the heavens, and having authority over all things.” (Martin Luther as quoted in Christmas Spirit, George Grant & Gregory Wilbur, eds. Nashville, TN: Cumberland House, 1999; page 31)
School of Discipleship – Winter/Spring Term (2023)–class begins January 15
Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX
Class Description:
What is the meaning of the term “Presbyterian?” Many people automatically think of a church that is “ruled by elders”—and that would certainly be true. There is so much more, however, to the term “Presbyterian” than just a particular form of church government. There are theological doctrines, church practices, and a style of worship that makes Presbyterianism rather unique in comparison to other forms of Christianity. Moreover, there is a fascinating history that stretches from the Scottish Covenanters during the Reformation all the way to the Presbyterian Church in America during this modern era. Join us for a rich tour through Presbyterian history and theology. You will learn about many aspects of Presbyterianism—some that may be entirely new to you—and you will learn it from two dedicated Presbyterian Pastors.
Class Instructors:
— Rev. Jonathan Herr, Assistant Pastor at Redeemer Presbyterian Church
— Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Serven, Pastor of Christian Discipleship at Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Recommended Books:
Hart, Darryl G. and John R. Muether. Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2007.
Hart, Darryl G. and John R. Muether. With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2002.
Fortson III, S. Donald. The Presbyterian Story: Origins and Progress of a Reformed Tradition. Second Edition. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2013.
Leith, John H. Introduction to the Reformed Tradition:A Way of Being the Christian Community. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 1977.
Lucas, Sean M. On Being Presbyterian: Our Beliefs, Practices, and Stories. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishers, 2006.
The Confession of Faith and Catechisms. American Edition (1788). Jointly published by Great Commission Publications (PCA) in Atlanta, GA, and the Committee on Christian Education (OPC) in Willow Grove, PA, 2005.
