The Reading Room - History

Presbyterianism in America - The 20^th Century

By: Dr. John A. Battle (Professor of New Testament and Theology - WRS)

Introduction • Works Cited
The Presbyterian Church moves to a new gospel (1900-1934)
The Presbyterian Church divides and adjusts (1934-1967)
The Presbyterian Church realigns itself (1967-2006)
The Challenge of the Future

The Challenge of the Future

Presbyterianism has never been the largest denomination in America, but in the Colonial days it represented a significant minority; the largest churches were the Congregationalists in New England, the Presbyterians in the Middle Colonies, and the Church of England (Episcopalians) in the South. Later, during the Westward Movement, the Methodists and Baptists overtook the other churches; but still the Presbyterians were a significant force. However, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, 300 years after the first presbytery was formed, Presbyterians account for only about 1% of the population of America.

The mainline PCUSA, by far the largest Presbyterian denomination, has forsaken its roots and promotes a false gospel. There are still many Bible believers in that denomination, but the Scriptures instruct them to separate from that church.⁴⁴ The smaller, more conservative Presbyterian churches, perhaps accounting for a mere 0.2% of the American population, now represent the more traditional and biblical Presbyterian church. Obviously, America provides a vast mission field for us! We believe that Presbyterian doctrine and government are biblical, and should therefore be attractive to Christians who study the Bible. May the Lord enable us to be faithful to these truths, and evangelistically enthusiastic in taking them to America.

Works Cited >
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