who we are

Our Vision for the Texas Panhandle

Redeemer belongs to a denomination called the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), which is a growing denomination committed to the Scriptures, the proclamation of the historic Christian faith, and a relentless pursuit of the Great Commission.

We are Presbyterian, which means that we believe Jesus Christ has given principles for how His Church is to be structured.  The word “Presbyterian” simply comes from the Greek word for “elder.”  Presbyterian churches are governed by a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23, Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5, 7; 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Philippians 1:1).  These elders shepherd the believers in a particular congregation.  Under a good working group of elders, believers are discipled, loved, cared for, and shepherded.  We need this kind of mentoring relationship, and Presbyterianism is designed by Christ to provide this need.

Local churches are connected to each other through what is called “presbytery,” which is essentially a regional group of churches.  Elders from churches in the same presbytery come together regularly to pray for each other and advance the kingdom of God.  Once every year, elders from all of the presbyteries come together for a national “General Assembly.”  Jesus Christ has arranged this system of church structure so that the nations might come to know Him and every tribe, tongue and nation praise the Lord of glory!  We pray that He would help us to be faithful to the charge He has given us.

We are “Reformed” in our faith and practice, which simply means that our church is part of the fruit of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. Redeemer Presbyterian Church is nurtured by deep, historical roots.  The Reformation was a powerful force that swept across Europe under the leadership of men like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox.  Driven by a passion for the Word of God, the Reformation was a recovery of five Scriptural principles:

1. Soli Deo Gloria (God’s Glory Alone)—We live for God’s glory.  All creation exists for His glory and praise.
2. Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)—Scripture is the Word of God, and is the ultimate source of authority in the Church.  Our consciences are not bound to the words of men, but to the Word of God.
3. Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)—Scripture teaches that people are saved not by what they do, but by what God has done for them in the person and work of His Son, Christ Jesus.  It is by grace that we have been saved, through faith.  (Ephesians 2:8)
4. Sola Fide (Faith Alone)—God is the one who saves sinners, and He saves them by giving them the ability to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ.
5. Sola Christos (Christ Alone)—Christ alone is the Savior of sinners.  We rely on His blood and His obedience to save us for eternal life.

This is the message that turned the world upside down.  We boldly and confidently proclaim this message of freedom and liberty to sinners because this is how God lifts people out of darkness into light. This message has been preached with zeal throughout history, and we trust that this Gospel is still God’s way of saving people.

Westminster Standards—We believe that Scripture is our only infallible authority for faith and obedience.  We also believe that the church must articulate what she believes from Scripture.  We believe that the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, written during the English Civil War during the 1640’s, are the most accurate and appropriate statement of what the Bible teaches.  They have been used for centuries to instruct and edify believers; we believe that they stand as a beacon of Gospel light and truth for the 21st century.

These things help form our identity, but ultimately, our identity as a church is driven by the Gospel.  The “Gospel” is God’s message of salvation for sinners through His Son, Jesus Christ.  This message is to be spread to the ends of the earth.  We are to earnestly contend for the purity of this message, and passionately pursue those who are lost, sick and dying in this world.  Are you seeking life?  Look no further than Jesus Christ, who gives life to men and women.  Are you seeking freedom from guilt?  Look to the cross, where sin’s guilt and shame was nailed to the cross and pressed down upon our Redeemer’s head.  Do you long for forgiveness of past offences?  Do you feel the weight of regret for what has happened in your life?  Then please, look to Christ and place your faith and trust in Him.  He died so that you might have life.  He was raised from the dead so that you might reign with Him.  He will give you a new start, a new life, a new beginning. 

This is the message of Redeemer Presbyterian Church to the city of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle.  We invite you to join us.