Presbyterian Denominations & Key Differences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are several different Presbyterian denominations, and understanding the differences are usually an important factor when exploring the Presbyterian faith or looking for a Presbyterian church.  Some Presbyterian denominations do not recognize females in leadership positions, and the views on inclusivity vary greatly.  Use the FAQs below to help inform you during your search.

General Questions


Q: What are the main Presbyterian denominations in the United States?

The major Presbyterian denominations include:

  • Presbyterian Church (USA) [PCUSA] - approximately 1.1-1.2 million members
  • Presbyterian Church in America [PCA] - approximately 380,000 members
  • ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians - approximately 450 congregations
  • Cumberland Presbyterian Church - approximately 70,000-80,000 members
  • Orthodox Presbyterian Church [OPC] - approximately 32,000 members
  • Independent Presbyterian Churches - various unaffiliated congregations


Q: What do all Presbyterian churches have in common?

All Presbyterian churches:

  • Follow Reformed theology (a theological tradition emphasizing God's grace, salvation through faith alone, and the Bible as the ultimate authority)
  • Practice representative governance through sessions, presbyteries, and (in most cases) general assemblies
  • Recognize the sovereignty of God (the belief that God is in control of all things and has supreme authority over creation)
  • Emphasize the authority of Scripture (the belief that the Bible is the primary source for faith and practice)
  • Practice two sacraments: Baptism and Communion
  • Trace their roots to the Protestant Reformation (the 16th-century movement that challenged Catholic Church practices and emphasized direct access to God through Scripture)


Theological Interpretations


Q: How do these denominations view Biblical interpretation?

  • PCUSA: Embraces historical-critical method of Biblical interpretation. Views Scripture as inspired by God but interprets it within its historical and cultural context.
  • PCA: Holds to Biblical inerrancy and literal interpretation of Scripture.
  • Independent: Varies by congregation, but many align with conservative Biblical interpretation.
  • Cumberland: Takes a moderate approach to Biblical interpretation, balancing traditional understanding with contemporary scholarship.


Q: What are the differences in their view of salvation?

  • PCUSA: Emphasizes God's grace and inclusive nature of salvation, with varying interpretations of predestination (the belief that God has chosen who will be saved).
  • PCA: Maintains traditional Calvinist doctrine of predestination and election (the teaching that God chose certain people for salvation before the world began).
  • Cumberland: Modified traditional Calvinism to reject predestination of some to damnation (believing that Christ died for all people, not only the elect).
  • Independent: Varies by congregation, but many follow traditional Reformed soteriology (the theological study of salvation).


Social Issues and Inclusion


Q: What are their positions on LGBTQIA+ inclusion?

  • PCUSA: Fully inclusive since 2011 for ordination and 2015 for marriage. Permits same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQIA+ individuals. This remains a settled matter within the denomination.
  • PCA: Maintains traditional view of marriage as between one man and one woman. Does not ordain individuals in same-sex relationships. Recent years have seen continued affirmation of these positions.
  • ECO: Takes a "different convictions, common mission" approach, allowing congregations to hold different views while maintaining unity around core theology. Individual sessions make ordination decisions.
  • Cumberland: The denomination maintains traditional marriage definition, though some congregations may have varying pastoral approaches.
  • OPC: Holds to traditional view of marriage and does not ordain LGBTQIA+ individuals.
  • Independent: Positions vary widely by congregation.


Q: How do these denominations approach women in leadership?

  • PCUSA: Full equality since 1956. Women serve in all leadership positions, including as pastors, elders, and denominational executives.
  • PCA: Does not ordain women as pastors (teaching elders) or ruling elders, maintaining complementarian theology. Women serve actively in many other ministry roles.
  • ECO: Ordains women as pastors and elders. Takes an egalitarian position on women in leadership.
  • Cumberland: Ordains women as pastors and elders since 1889 (one of the first Presbyterian bodies to do so).
  • OPC: Does not ordain women as pastors or elders.
  • Independent: Varies by congregation, with positions ranging from fully egalitarian to complementarian.


Governance and Practice


Q: How do their governance structures differ?

  • PCUSA: Multi-tiered system of sessions, presbyteries, synods, and General Assembly.
  • PCA: Similar structure but more autonomy at local level.
  • Independent: Autonomous governance at congregational level, may associate with other churches voluntarily.
  • Cumberland: Similar to PCUSA but with regional differences in implementation.


Q: What are their approaches to worship?

  • PCUSA: Varies widely, from traditional (hymns, organ music, formal liturgy) to contemporary (praise bands, modern songs, casual atmosphere). Open to liturgical innovation.
  • PCA: Generally more traditional, though some congregations incorporate contemporary elements.
  • Cumberland: Blend of traditional and contemporary, known for warm, informal style.
  • Independent: Varies significantly by congregation.


Current Trends and Changes (Updated January 2025)


Q: How are these denominations evolving?

  • PCUSA: Continues to experience membership decline but remains committed to social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusive theology. Recent General Assemblies have addressed racial justice, climate change, and Palestinian-Israeli issues.
  • PCA: Has seen internal discussions about racial reconciliation and complementarianism. The denomination continues to grow modestly while maintaining traditional Reformed theology.
  • Cumberland: Working to balance historic beliefs with contemporary ministry approaches, with particular focus on rural and small-town ministry.
  • ECO: Continues to grow as a "Reformed, evangelical, and centrist" option for congregations seeking middle ground between PCUSA and PCA positions.
  • Independent: Changes vary by congregation, with many navigating post-pandemic ministry challenges and cultural polarization.


Q: What are their approaches to interfaith dialogue?

  • PCUSA: Actively engages in interfaith dialogue and cooperation (building relationships and understanding with people of other faiths).
  • PCA: More focused on evangelical outreach (sharing the Christian gospel to convert others) than interfaith dialogue (which emphasizes mutual learning and cooperation without seeking conversion).
  • Cumberland: Open to dialogue while maintaining distinct Christian identity.
  • Independent: Varies by congregation.


Additional Resources


Q: Where can I learn more about these denominations?

Each denomination maintains official websites with detailed information:


Note: This FAQ aims to present these differences fairly and accurately. The information in this FAQ was provided via Claude.ai based on the following prompt: "Create an FAQ for our church website, dedicated to pointing out the differences between PCUSA, PCA, Independent, Cumberland, and any other Presbyterian denominations.  Questions should address differences in theological interpretation, positions on the LGBTQIA+ community, and women in leadership."  For the most current positions and practices, please consult each denomination's official resources or speak with local church leadership.