1. Protestantism Principles, Beliefs, Churches
The Protestant Spirit

2. The Protestant Spirit
The Protestant Spirit or Principle is expressed in the spirit of the Hebrew prophets who said NO to human authority & institutions in the name of a transcendent God.
Likewise, it is expressed in the YES as a witness to the living revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

3. Protestant Experiences
Redemption from sin, a personal conviction of forgiveness, and sense of having entered into communion with a holy God. (John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience)
Protestant belief – salvation is by God’s unmerited grace through one’s faith (trust) in God’s salvation offered in Jesus Christ.
Emphasis of Scripture over creeds, two sacraments or ordinances (Baptism, Lord’s Supper, or Communion)
Priesthood of believers –every believer has priestly authority to intercede on another’s behalf to God.
Vocation – a calling, to live one’s life for and before God.

4. Protestant Church Types
Episcopal – governed by bishops found among Lutherans & Methodists
Presbyterian – governed by elders (ruling & teaching), along with pastors. Presbyterians.
Congregational – religious governance resides within the local congregation. Baptists, Disciples of Christ, Church of Christ, etc.

5. Lutheranism - Features
1) A strongly liturgical church
2) Defined theologically by the Augsburg Confession (1530) & the Formula of Concord (1577)
3) Lutheranism retains a sacramental emphasis, going back to Luther. Baptism is necessary for salvation. Contrast with other Protestants who view baptism as a sign of grace.

6. Methodism -Features
1) Placed an emphasis on the role of the laity. “Lay preacher” = example.
2) Emphasis on integrating personal faith and social action, gospel involves both personal and social transformation.
3) Since the Wesleys, Methodism is defined by “an optimism of grace” as oppose to Calvinistic approaches to grace.

7. Presbyterian – Reformed
Reformed churches are generally governed by “presbyters” or “elders”. Some elders are ministers, others are administrators of church governance.
Reformed worship traditionally places considerable emphasis upon the reading and preaching of the Word of God (Bible). Holy Communion is celebrated regularly but infrequently. Emphasis on preaching rather than the sacraments.
Defined theologically by the Westminster Confession (1647).
Most Reformed churches emphasize the sovereignty of God in predestination, which contrasts with the more “optimistic” view associated with Wesleyan Methodism.

8. Baptist - Congregationalism
Baptism is reserved for believers. Infant baptism is not practiced.
Baptists tend to be theologically conservative, placing a high view on the role of the Bible.
Baptist churches tend to avoid the traditional form of church architecture by which the altar is central and the pulpit to one side. Pulpit is at the center to stress public reading of Scripture and sermon delivery.
Tend to be critical or wary of fixed liturgies, favoring an extempore prayer in the worship service.
Clergy are referred to as “ministers” or “pastors”.