We are a Presbyterian church.  Why don’t we have the word “Presbyterian” in our church name? 

To me, the real answer to this question reflects more about WHO we are instead of WHAT we are as a church.

Defining "Presbyterian"

First, let’s look at the meaning behind the word “Presbyterian.”  The word is from a Greek word in the Bible, “presbyteros” meaning “elder,” a pastor or teacher or leader in the church.

From the beginning of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland in the early 1700’s the word “Presbyterian” has been identified with the particular form of government of the church.  In 1835, seminarian Samuel Miller outlined the fundamentals of Presbyterianism: (1) government (oversight and care) of the church by elders; (2) equality of all ministers (no hierarchy of bishops!); and (3) union of local congregations under the oversight of regional, representative assemblies called "presbyteries." 

Presbyterian Governance

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders….”  Titus 1:5

Jesus Christ is King and Head of the church, but He has called men to an ordained office of “elder” to “oversee” the spiritual well-being of the church and use their gifts in teaching, preaching and shepherding the flock.  Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders are the two classifications of elders in the Presbyterian Church.  Another ordained church office is that of deacon. Deacons are called to watch over the physical and benevolent needs of the church.  So, when you see or hear the word "Presbyterian" remember it is based on how we are structured (representative democracy) and govern as a church.

Christ Community Church - a Presbyterian church

The origin of Christ Community Church dates back to 1986 when the CCC core group began meeting as a Sunday School Class at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville.  Christ Pres was, and still is, a church in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA.)  When CCC was officially particularized on November 16, 1986 it became a member church of the Presbyterian Church in America – the second largest and fastest growing Presbyterian denomination in the United States.

Why Presbyterian? The leadership and charter members strongly felt the beliefs and values of the PCA – rooted in Scripture and expressed in theological doctrine written as a result of the Protestant Reformation in the 16^th century – were in line with the hearts and minds of Pastor Scotty Smith and others who were called to form the church.  In addition, the Presbyterian form of government was more consistent with Scripture and would ensure CCC functioning effectively in carrying out the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, the administration of the Sacraments and oversight of church discipline.

Using the word “Presbyterian” in the CCC name was not as critical as ensuring this new church would be identified as one focused on the preaching and teaching of the Gospel and the impact it could have on transforming lives of its members and guests as well as those we would impact in Franklin, Williamson County and around the world. 

Again, the name “Christ Community Church” reflects who we are instead of what we are as a church.  We embrace our Presbyterian affiliation and heritage as well as the principles for governance as found in The Book of Church Order (BCO) of the PCA. Yet, we are called as a community of believers to be what God wants us to be as a church.  This is best stated in our church mission statement:

“Christ Community Church is called by the God of all grace for the transforming of life in middle Tennessee--spiritually, socially and culturally--through the power of the gospel, from Franklin to the nations of the world--all to the glory of God.”

I’ve always told those who visit our church we are a Presbyterian church, but more importantly we are a “Gospel-centered” church.  If they stick around long enough they will soon discover our mission statement truly reflects our “charge” as followers of Christ.   CCC is a church that is about transforming lives through the worship of our triune God.  We are about being in community with one another so as to love, encourage, support and live out the Gospel in relationship with God and each other.

Yes, there is something to be said about a name. I am blessed to be a part of this Presbyterian church named Christ Community Church.       

Grace and peace.

JMG

The author is a fourth-generation Presbyterian, but more importantly a follower of Jesus!