The Westminster Confession of Faith.
Written in 1646 by a council of English and Scottish theologians, the Westminster Confession of Faith has been the confessional standard of English-speaking Presbyterianism for nearly four centuries. Every pastor and elder at Shearer formally vows to uphold it.
Where it came from.
In 1643, during the English Civil War, Parliament summoned an assembly of 121 theologians, 30 members of Parliament, and 8 Scottish commissioners to meet at Westminster Abbey in London. Their task: produce a confession of faith, catechisms, and a directory of worship for a reformed Church of England.
They met for five years. The result was the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and the Westminster Larger Catechism. These documents became the formal doctrinal standards of the Church of Scotland, Presbyterian churches in Ireland, and nearly every Presbyterian denomination in the English-speaking world ever since.
What's in it.
The Confession contains 33 chapters covering the full scope of Christian doctrine: Scripture, God and the Trinity, creation, providence, the fall of humanity, Christ's person and work, the application of redemption, the Christian life, worship, the church, the sacraments, and the last things.
The Shorter Catechism (107 questions) is a condensed summary meant for memorization by children and new believers. Its first question is one of the most famous lines in English theology:
Q: What is the chief end of man?
A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.
The Larger Catechism (196 questions) is a more detailed version meant for pastors and teachers.
Confessional accountability.
Why have a confession at all? Three reasons.
Clarity. A congregation should know what it believes. "We just believe the Bible" sounds humble but can mean anything. The Westminster Standards state clearly what Shearer believes the Bible teaches.
Continuity. The faith we hold is the same faith held by Christians across centuries and continents. Confessional subscription keeps us connected to the historic church.
Accountability. Every PCA pastor and elder is examined on the Westminster Standards and vows to uphold them. If a pastor drifts, there is a standard by which the church can measure the drift. If a false teaching enters the congregation, there is a basis for correction.
Where to find it.
The Westminster Confession and Catechisms are in the public domain. You can read them in full at the PCA's denominational site:
If you want to read it with a guide, G.I. Williamson's Westminster Confession of Faith for Study Classes is the standard introduction. Our pastor is also happy to recommend others.
Related pages
Confession, worship, practice.
The Westminster Standards aren't just a document. They shape our worship and discipleship. Come see what that looks like on a Sunday.
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