Our denomination was founded in 1810 as revivals swept across the American frontier. Born in the wilds of Tennessee and Kentucky, our way of doing things has been shaped by both practical and theological concerns of frontier living and frontier worship. This culminates in our denomination being a fair middle ground between PCUSA and PCA. Our congregation certainly reflects this!

Cumberland Presbyterian Basics

"We believe in the the only true and living God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; who is holy love, eternal, unchangeable in being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth ... who speaks uniquely in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh." 
-Cumberland Presbyterian Confession of Faith, Article 1.01-1.02

If you asked our denomination to choose a favorite verse, it would be John 3:16. The notion that God's love and grace is offered as a gift to "whosoever will" has shaped us from the beginning, and shapes us still. 

Saying yes to the saving love of Jesus Christ sets us on a lifelong journey of discipleship and faith. Our life together as a congregation is intended to help us discover our gifts for service; grow in faith and knowledge; and be better witnesses to the life-changing love we've experienced through Christ.

Want to learn more? Check out our Confession of Faith.

---

Liturgical Worship

Our services are in a liturgical format. Liturgy means "work of the people" and this is in the presence of God. What is this work? Our bulletins are interactive with responsive readings between the preacher and the congregation. This work can also extend through traditions, ceremonies and symbols. You can see an example of a bulletin here.

• Liturgy is communal: This brings together our congregation in unity as we all worship Christ through one voice.
• Liturgy is educational: We learn through repetition and everyone, including kids, experience biblical facts, events, and church history. 
• We follow a church calendar from Advent to Christ the King Sunday

---

The Apostles' Creed

Each week, we take time during worship to recite the Apostles' Creed together.  These ancient words give shape to our living faith.

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit; born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell. The third day, He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father of Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the Holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the dead; and life everlasting. 

---

A Few Facts About Our Denomination

• The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has nearly 700 congregations in 23 US States and 8 foreign countries.
• Our denomination is headquartered just outside Memphis, Tennessee.
• Most of our churches are small or medium-sized; only a handful have over 1,000 members.
• Eleven CP missionary families are currently serving in Asia, Central America, South America, and Africa.  
• ​Our seminary--Memphis Theological Seminary--serves a diverse group of students from a wide variety of Christian traditions and backgrounds; and our only university--Bethel University in McKenzie, TN--offers both on-line and on-campus learning opportunities. (FYI: They also have a fabulous choir and bass fishing team!).
• In 1889, we became the first Presbyterian or Reformed denomination to ordain women as ministers.