Presbyterian vs. Protestant — What's the Difference?

Presbyterianism is a branch of Protestant Christianity, distinguished by its governance system where each church is governed by a body of elected elders. The denomination adheres to Reformed theology and the principles set forth by John Calvin. Protestantism, on the other hand, is a larger category of Christianity that includes all denominations which broke away from the Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation, including Lutherans, Baptists, and Presbyterians, among others.

While Presbyterians emphasize a specific church governance structure, Protestantism as a whole is defined more by its theological beliefs, such as justification by faith alone and the authority of Scripture over church traditions. This broad category encompasses a wide range of beliefs and practices, whereas Presbyterianism maintains a more uniform set of doctrines and ecclesiastical practices.

Presbyterian churches practice a form of representative governance that is seen as a middle ground between episcopal governance (hierarchy of bishops) and congregational governance (total congregational autonomy). Protestant denominations vary widely in their governance structures, from the hierarchical Anglican and Lutheran churches to the independently governed Baptist churches.

In terms of worship and sacraments, Presbyterians typically practice two sacraments (baptism and the Lord's Supper) and follow a liturgical pattern that is relatively simple and centered around the preaching of the Word. Other Protestant denominations may vary significantly in their sacramental practices and liturgy, from the highly ritualistic Anglican Communion to the more spontaneous worship services of Pentecostal churches.

Culturally and historically, Presbyterianism has had a significant impact in Scotland, where it became the national church, as well as in parts of the United States. Protestantism's influence is broader, affecting not only religious but also political, social, and cultural aspects of life in many countries around the world since the time of the Reformation.