What is a Presbyterian?

Who We Are: A Presbyterian Church in the Heart of Bluffton

Presbyterians are Christians who follow Jesus Christ and seek to live out his love in the world.

The word Presbyterian comes from a Greek word meaning “elder.” It describes the way our churches are governed: members of the congregation choose elders who, together with our pastors and other church leaders, help guide the life and ministry of the church.

We are part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and are rooted in the Reformed tradition, a Christian tradition shaped by the Protestant Reformation and the teachings of reformers such as John Calvin and John Knox.

But our story goes back much further than the Reformation. Our faith is centered on Jesus Christ and the good news of God’s love.

What Do We Believe?

At the heart of Reformed Christianity are four simple ideas:

Grace Alone

God loves us—not because we have earned it, but because God chooses to love us.

We are saved and accepted by God through God's grace, not through our accomplishments or our ability to be “good enough.” Nothing can separate us from God's love.

Faith Alone

Faith is our response to God's grace.

We trust in God's love and seek to live as followers of Jesus Christ, serving God and caring for one another.

Christ Alone

Jesus Christ is at the center of our faith.

We believe Jesus reveals God's love to us in a unique and powerful way. Through his life, ministry, death, and resurrection, we see God's love made known and are invited to follow his example.

Scripture Alone

We turn to Scripture to help us understand God's Word and God's call for our lives.

Presbyterians read the Bible together—in worship, in study, and in conversation with one another. We believe Scripture bears witness to Jesus Christ, God's Word made flesh.

Our Story

A Church with Deep Roots in Wells County

The Presbyterian tradition came to America with settlers from Scotland and Northern Ireland. As Presbyterians moved westward, congregations began forming throughout the Midwest.

Our own story began in 1840.

By the late 1830s, a group of Presbyterians was living north of what is now Bluffton. Many had connections to the Apple Creek Presbyterian Church in Ohio. In 1840, Adam Hatfield walked 80 miles to Greenville, Ohio, to petition the Presbytery of Miami for permission to establish a Presbyterian church.

The request was approved, and the Bluffton Presbyterian Church held its first worship service on June 10, 1840.

As the community grew, it became clear that the original log-cabin church was no longer convenient for everyone. In 1844, the congregation helped establish churches in other parts of Wells County, including what would become First Presbyterian Church of Ossian and First Presbyterian Church of Bluffton.

On August 24, 1844, the Bluffton Presbyterian Church was officially chartered with 22 members.

More than 180 years later, we are still here—worshiping, serving, growing, and sharing God's love in the Bluffton community.

Still Following Jesus. Still Serving Our Community.

Our history matters to us, but we believe the church is not simply about looking backward.

We are here today to worship God, follow Jesus, care for one another, and serve our neighbors.

Whether you've been part of the church for generations or you're simply looking for a place to belong, you are welcome here.