The Five Points of Presbyterianism: The Distinctives of Presbyterian Church Government

by Thomas Dwight Witherspoon

In this booklet, Thomas Dwight Witherspoon lays out the core ideas of Presbyterian ecclesiology in five points, and sets forth the beauty of this biblical system of church government.

Genres: Ecclesiology, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1883

Reviews

[Rick Davis]

A good overview of the what and why of Presbyterian church government.

[Shea Stacy]

Two lectures delivered by Witherspoon. Gives a simple and easy starting point to understand the ecclesiology of Presbyterians.

[David]

A short and helpful explanation and defense of Presbyterian church government.

[Jordan Carl]

I really enjoyed this. It’s a short speech delivered by TD Witherspoon on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Presbyterian Church in Kentucky. In the speech he gives the Five Points of Presbyterianism which are enumerated as such:

1. Christ rules his church through his power vested in Elders
2. The Elders of Christ’s church are elected by the laity but derive their power from King Jesus
3. The eldership is a parity of elders between teaching and ruling elders
4. Elders must be involved in the courts of the church
5. The judicial processes of the courts are a subordinate system which maintains the structure and purity of the church while preserving each individual members voice.

Really a fun read. If you’re Presbyterian (or even if you aren’t), you will benefit. Of particular interest was his emphasis on how only Presbyterianism as a system of ecclesiastical rule can be preserved even within a family unit with the husband as the ruling elder, the wife as the deaconess, and the children as the covenant members (pretty cool).

[Zack]

Containing a brief address delivered by TD Witherspoon on the centenary celebrations of Presbyterianism in Kentucky, this pamphlet is a helpful, accurate, and gracious introduction to Presbyterianism as the biblical form of church government.

[John Rakshith Prabhakar]

A great short introduction to, not so much the biblical basis for Presbyterian church government (and there is ample), but rather, the simplicity and beauty of Presbyterianism by a 19th-century Southern Presbyterian pastor.

[Charles]

Short and to the point. “We’re right, always have been. Oh, and Catholics; not so much.”

In fairness, I was looking for something more theological. I wanted to know how strongly Calvinistic the church requires all believers to be.

[Dan]

Good, brief overview of the principles of Presbyterianism. The overall argument is good; some of the details in the argument are a bit wonky (the home as a small Presbyterian church strikes me quite odd).

[Peter Kiss]

Thoughtfully connected to the Old Testament, this is a great presentation of Presbyterian ecclesiology. I love when Presbyterians truly believe in their faith and think it's the best and most true representation of Scripture without being ashamed or skittish about it.

[Cole Shiflet]

A helpful yet concise introduction to Presbyterianism.

[Dane Jöhannsson]

Though a confessionally reformed Baptist, I enjoyed this work.
Read my full review here: http://www.agroschurch.com/blog/in-re...

[Scott]

Great book on Presbyterianism.

[Laura]

(I listened to this on audiobook.)

[Ben Hegan]

Solid. Helpful. Clear. Read Witherow for more detail. Highly recommended to those not familiar with the Presbyterian form of Church government.

[Gary]

Some questions might be asked regarding the historical examples he presents. But overall it is a well-articulated and concise argument for Presbyterianism, and the beauty of its form.

Liked it.

[Wade]

Helpful overview.

[Alanson Smith]

Great little booklet!

A must for all Presbyterians to read.

[Daniel]

This is really just a sermon on the subject of Presbyterian government, so if you are looking for an in-depth Biblical justification of the practices, this is not the place to look. However, Witherspoon does provide a helpful overview of the system of government and what advantages a Presbyterian sees in it.

[Garbanzo Beans]

I love Presbyterian church government. There I said it