Who Are Presbyterians?
Rooted in Reformation. Called to Serve.

Presbyterians are people of faith, grounded in Reformed theology and called to embody God’s love through worship, service, and community. At First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, we are part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), a vibrant legacy that began in the 16th century and continues to shape lives today.

Learn the History

What Makes Presbyterians Unique?

Reformed Theology
A thoughtful, Spirit-led approach to interpreting Scripture and living out God’s call, heavily influenced by John Calvin. Check out our core Reformed beliefs below.
Shared Leadership
Pastors and Ruling Elders serve together to make decisions at every level of the church—because every voice matters in God’s community.
Connectional Relationships
Presbyterians emphasize life together in connectional community rooted in God’s faithfulness. No matter which PC(USA) church you find yourself in, we are ONE church.
Reformed Worship
Presbyterian worship is shaped by a commitment to reverence and order—structured, but never stiff; open to the Spirit, but not chaotic. It seeks a faithful balance between head and heart, intellect and emotion, tradition and relevance.
Mission & Social Justice
Presbyterians believe faith is lived out, not just believed, so we emphasize mission and social justice. From education and poverty work to racial justice and climate stewardship, Presbyterians are called to engage the world.

Our Core Beliefs

We believe that God is the ultimate source of love, justice, and grace, present and active in all of creation. God’s sovereignty is not about control but about the unfolding of divine love and liberation in the world.

Jesus Christ is at the heart of our faith, our worship, and our calling to love and serve. We affirm the mystery of Christ’s full humanity and full divinity, believing that in Jesus, God became incarnate to reveal radical love, reconciliation, and justice for all people. Through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, we are invited into a new way of being—one marked by grace, inclusion, and abundant life.

We believe that the Bible is a living witness to God’s presence and truth, inspired by the Holy Spirit. While we do not read Scripture as rigid literalists, we take it seriously, listening for God’s voice speaking through it. The Bible calls us to love, justice, and transformation, and we interpret it with faith, reason, and the guidance of the Spirit.

We believe that salvation is not something we earn, but a gift freely given by God. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” God’s grace is for everyone—no exceptions.

Every person is called and empowered by God to share in the work of love, justice, and reconciliation. Ministry is not just for pastors; all of us have gifts to share in service to God’s mission in the world. Whether in the pulpit, the community, or daily life, we are all co-creators in God’s unfolding story.

Our faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. Salvation is not a personal possession but a calling to participate in God’s work of healing and justice. We live out our faith through:

  • Worship that nurtures our souls and calls us into action
  • Sharing the Good News of God’s inclusive love
  • Mission and Service that uplifts the vulnerable and challenges injustice
  • Education and Spiritual Growth that deepens our understanding
The Six Great Ends (Purposes) of the Church
We are called to:
  1. Proclaim the Gospel
  2. Care for, Nurture, and Fellowship with All of God's Children
  3. Maintain Divine Worship
  4. Preserve the Truth
  5. Promote Social Righteousness
  6. Exhibit the Kingdom of Heaven to the World