Presbyterianism

Blessings of the Faith

by Sean Michael Lucas

Presbyterianism is good for you! Designed for church membership classes, newcomers to Presbyterianism, and longtime Presbyterians looking for a refresher, this friendly overview shows how a traditional Presbyterian emphasis on the sovereignty of the Father, the kingship of the Son, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit benefits your spiritual well-being as a layperson in the church.

Written for the church, the Blessings of the Faith series introduces and celebrates Reformed doctrine and practice—each book features a brief and practical overview of its topic with discussion questions and an extensive Q&A section.

Endorsements“Well-written, clear, engaging, encouraging, insightful, and helpfully illustrated. Every Presbyterian church and church member needs to have this book in their library.”

—Guy M. Richard, President, Reformed Theological Seminary, Atlanta

“[Lucas] now has given us a truly wonderful introduction to Presbyterianism.”

—Andrew J. Martin, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary

“A concise and accessible introduction to the core beliefs that define Presbyterian identity. Lucas . . . holds forth the richness of Presbyterian theology and polity with clarity and depth.”

—Trent Casto, Senior Pastor, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Naples, Florida

Genres: Ecclesiology, Theology

136 pages, Hardcover

Published June 18, 2025

About the author

Sean Michael Lucas is the Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Prior to this, he served as Chief Academic Officer and associate professor of church history at Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He received BA and MA degrees from Bob Jones University and his PhD degree from Westminster Theological Seminary.

Reviews

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little treatment is quite simply excellent. Lucas approaches Presbyterianism as a theological and spiritual identity (grounded in God’s Word) rather than simply as a polity outworking of biblical principles. Most of the polity material is found in the central chapter and the questions-and-answers section in the back of the book. The book as a whole is loosely structured on a Trinitarian plan (Sovereignty of God, Kingship of Christ, Spirit’s Work in Ordinary Ministry/People). I especially appreciated the sprinkling of Presbyterian stories and sound exegesis.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, well-rounded presentation of Presbyterian distinctives, emphasizing thee way they benefit believers. This might be the most accessibly-written book I've read in this series, too. I'll probably consider incorporating it into membership classes at my church.

[Colton Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trying to read through this series to see if it would be useful for church members. Very good and succinct. I appreciate that Lucas pointed to our doctrine as our cornerstone, rather than our polity (which I’ve heard some people say based on the name Presbyterian). It could be beefed up, but for what it is and its purpose it’s a good little book.

[Ben Ratliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent primer on Presbyterianism. Easy to read. Give it to your church members.

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Decent introduction to Presbyterianism.

[Pig Rieke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on Hoopla.

In 1645, Benjamin Cox and Samuel Richardson, two Particular Baptists, stood outside the Westminster Assembly distributing what would come to be called the 1st London Baptist Confession of Faith. They appreciated the men and most of the theology of the Westminster Assembly. But they disagreed on matters of ecclesiology, baptism, and a few points of covenant theology. They were arrested for their efforts to affect the assembly. I agree with these brother. Likewise, I respect this book but disagree over the same matters.

[Wes R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives an explanation of the core beliefs of Pesbyterianism. Those would be the sovereignty of God, Christ's kingly rule over the church, and the established fact that we are transformed through the ordinary means of grace by the Holy Spirit. This book relies on scriptural references to prove its arguments, as well as references to the Westminster Standards and the Smaller and Larger Catechisms.

[Zachary T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little read! Fantastic introduction, particularly to the PCA. I wish I would have read it back in 2020!

First three chapters are excellent, Lucas does a particularly good job summarizing distinctive Presbyterian theology and government. The fourth chapter on the means of grace was the weakest.

[Frode · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of a series of short books about the Reformed faith. Pastor Lucas is a PCA minister and has written other books on the church and about being a Presbyterian. His writing is organized and clear. It is a good little book for lay people and officers. For the latter, it would be mostly review but a welcome addition to the resources available.

The book has three major parts. There is a short introduction at the beginning and a series of questions and answers at the end. The bulk of the book is the four central chapters. Chapter one briefly answers what a Presbyterian is. The next three chapters deal with how each member of the Godhead shapes the church, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. These chapters are doctrinal in nature and helpful to understanding the form and practices of the Presbyterianism. God’s sovereignty, Christ as Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit’s work in ordinary people are the focus of the three chapters.

The questions at the back are those that non-Presbyterians ask although some people become members of a Presbyterian church without fully understanding its form and practices, so they might also ask some of the questions. Some answers have already been at least partially answered in one of the earlier chapters, so there is a bit of overlap. Nonetheless, having a specific answer to a particular question is helpful when they are juxtaposed.

Who should read this book? I think three types of folks should. First are the officers of a Presbyterian church. They might know the information, but review is helpful, and Mr. Lucas might say it in a way the officer might never have heard it expressed before. Second are members of a Presbyterian church. It’s good information they should have some grasp of, and it might be helpful is they get a question from friends or family about their church. Finally, anyone who is not a Presbyterian but is curious about Presbyterian churches and their practices will find a wealth of solid information in this book.

[Dale Hagwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this to be a helpful introduction to essential components of Presbyterianism. Appreciate how Lucas emphasizes our belief in Biblical authority, God’s sovereignty, representative government, and the Spirit’s work in church ministry. Will be my go-to as an introduction for others on Presbyterianism.

[Taylor Franchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, simple, and clear explanation of why Presbyterianism is not just biblically based but also "good for you." Honest and helpful, it makes a good resource for people who love their local presbyterian congregation but assume they wouldn't be presbyterian if they didn't go to that particular church.

[Johann Xie · Rating 5 out of 5]

having read many of Dr. Lucas' work, this is perhaps the only one I would rate 5 out of 5.

succint in explanation, good for pastors for those inquiring about presbyterianism

comprehensive in addressing major issues

budget friendly for those outside the United States.

[Kelle Craft · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent and helpful overview of Presbyterianism.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always looking for books that will supplement the New Member Sunday school class I teach each year. Lucas focuses on how the Presbyterian denomination focuses on who God is, who Christ is, and who the Holy Spirit is. Lucas also delves into what makes Presbyterianism tick in that it’s based on the truths of the Bible. These are basics, but Lucas’s explorations of these topics should be useful, and I look forward to incorporating them into future classes. Plus it’s a good book for anyone wanting to know what Presbyterianism is all about.

Finished 9/10/25

Other books I read in September 2025:

https://andywolverton.substack.com/p/...