Our Beliefs
What does “Reformed” mean?
We are REFORMED in doctrine, which means that we adhere to the enduring Biblical truths emphasized in the 16th century Protestant Reformation. During the Reformation, the authority of the Bible was rediscovered and the true Gospel reclaimed. In this way, the Church was “reformed” and her doctrine brought back into line with the Bible.
We hold that the Bible is and always has been the Word of God, the only authoritative rule for faith and life.
The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and that, without Christ, we are dead in our sin, unable to save ourselves from God’s righteous wrath against sin.
What does “Presbyterian” mean?
We are PRESBYTERIAN in government, which means that members are under the care and oversight of elected elders. Teaching elders are also called pastors. We believe this form of church government most clearly reflects the teachings of the Bible.
Is there any good news?
We have a glorious hope: Jesus Christ came down from heaven, lived a sinless life, and died as a substitute for us. Through faith in His sacrificial death and resurrection, we are made right with God and welcomed into heaven as children of God. We do nothing to merit this amazing gift. It is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone!
What do we believe about worship?
Sacraments
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Questions?
We believe that God calls us to worship Him in the ways He has chosen rather than according to our personal preferences. Therefore, as New Testament believers, we sing only the Psalms of the Bible, without instrumental accompaniment, in our worship services.
BAPTISM: At the Russell RPC, we baptize believers who publicly profess their faith in Christ and take vows of church membership.
We also baptize the children of at least one believing parent. The believing parent(s) take vows to nurture their children in the Christian faith. Once baptized children reach an age of understanding, profess saving faith in Christ, and take their own vows of church membership, they become communicant members. To learn more about baptism, please speak to any of our elders.
COMMUNION: We usually celebrate communion (the Lord’s Supper) once a month. If you’re visiting, you may wonder whether or not you should participate. Please feel free to speak to any of our elders about this. You can also find more information about communion here.
We hold to the teachings of the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Westminster Shorter Catechism, & the Westminster Larger Catechism, believing them to be based on the Bible, but subordinate to the Bible. These are all public-domain documents, freely available online.
We are a congregation of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Canada. The RPCC’s Constitution is available here.
Do you want to learn more? Feel free to submit questions through our online contact form. Better yet, come and join us for Sunday worship!