Our Beliefs
Progressive
You’ll find a wide range of beliefs among the members of Shepherd of the Hill, but as a whole we’re on the “progressive” end of the spectrum. We often call it “Modern Theology in a Traditional Setting.” We try to be guided by the words and actions of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, the greatest prophet of our time.
We take the Bible seriously, but not literally. (In fact, it’s because we take it seriously that we don’t try to take it literally.) We love Jesus, but we don’t think that requires us to devalue or diminish others. We gladly join with other Christians and with Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, atheists and anyone else working toward a more just and caring world.
Presbyterian
We’re a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Presbyterians trace their roots back to the sixteen century, when reformers like Martin Luther split with the Catholic Church in a movement known as the Protestant Reformation.
John Calvin, a French lawyer living in Switzerland, believed that Luther’s reforms had not gone far enough. Calvin’s writings — on issues like free will and the nature of Communion — formed the basis for what came to be known as the Reformed movement, which quickly spread throughout Europe and particularly to the British Isles. Most of the early Presbyterians in America came from England, Scotland and Ireland.
The name “Presbyterian” refers to the way the church is governed. It comes from the Greek, Presnbyteros, which means “Elder.” It A local congregation like ours is led by a council of Elders, called the Session. The Elders are elected to three-year terms by the congregational membership. The Pastor (also known as the Teaching Elder) chairs the Session meetings, but gets no vote. We like it that way. That way everyone knows that the decisions are made by the people who have committed to membership.
John Calvin (1509-1564)
Inclusive
All are welcome here. We welcome LGBTQIA+ people, those who are divorced, those from any faith tradition, and those from any ethnic group: European, African, Asian and Native American can all find a place here. We see diversity as an enriching experience.
Every time a newcomer decides to join Shepherd of the Hill, we become a different church. That’s because new people always bring new gifts, new needs and new ideas about how we can love and serve God and our neighbors.
Yes, the Christian church has a sad history of discrimination, on the grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health — the list is shamefully long. But we know God’s love is deeper and wider than the human mind can measure. To God, no one is a “stranger.”
God welcomes everyone. So do we.
