Statements of Faith

Theologically, the Presbyterian Church in Needham stands in the reformed tradition.  Its ministry reflects the faith that “God is infinite wisdom, righteousness, goodness, mercy, truth, power and life” and that “all things in heaven and on earth have been created for God’s glory” (Calvin, 1536). Its mission in society is based on the recognition of God’s love as revealed in the life, death, resurrection and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Anchored in the reformed tradition, the Presbyterian Church in Needham’sministry and social outlook seek “unity in Christ “rather than doctrinal and theological divisiveness.  For this church, the basic theological question is “what is God’s work in our time and place?”  This church has sought to answer that question by growing spiritually and by sharing God’s gifts with others through mission work and outreach in the community. Projects supporting this work have included Habitat for Humanity, the Heifer Project and the Walk for Hunger.  On a broader level, we observe a society obsessed with material gratification, resulting in a lack of spiritual fulfillment.  In response, we seek to create spiritual peace through a community of faith and caring that will draw in those who do not know the love of God.  A symbol of our focus on this goal is the newly constructed labyrinth on the church grounds.

The Presbyterian Tradition

We are convinced that to the Reformed churches a distinctive vision of the catholic faith has been entrusted for the good of the whole church. Accordingly, "A Brief Statement of Faith" includes the major themes of the Reformed tradition (such as those mentioned in the Book of Order, Form of Government, Chapter 2), without claiming them as our private possession, just as we ourselves hope to learn and to share the wisdom and insight given to traditions other than our own. And as a confession that seeks to be both catholic and Reformed, the statement (following the apostle's blessing in 2 Cor. 13:14) is a trinitarian confession in which the grace of Jesus Christ has first place as the foundation of our knowledge of God's sovereign love and our life together in the Holy Spirit. More