I wrote to the minister of the local Presbyterian church, saying that I was interested in attending the church (I am) but I wanted to know whether his particular church is governed by "political correctness" which seems to be affecting many Presbyterian churches. I also specifically asked whether "Onward Christian Soldiers" appears in the hymnal (some churches have banned it as being "too militaristic."
That was two weeks ago. I'm still waiting for an answer.
I wouldnt recommend a Presbyterian Church USA. Presbyterian Church of America is biblical though.
I say this as a former elder of a PC USA church.
A good rule of thumb is to see if the church adheres to the Westminister Confession of Faith and if it is Presbyterian Church of American or of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Those denominations are solidly in the conservative camp. I can’t speak for Cumberland Presbyterians much. Nor of Orthodox Pres (but I assume I know where they stand). PC USA is a very mixed bag.
I find the 70% figure a bit hard to believe. Most ministers had a calling. To have a calling and be that wishy-washy seems to mock the whole idea of a calling.
PC-USA - stay away (they're probably a lost cause).
PCA and the OPC are pretty good.
I really like the Free Presbyterian Church (www.FreePres.org ) - but there aren't any in California (let alone the Bay Area) - but I've enjoyed listening to sermons from various of their pastors on www.Sermonaudio.com. Alan Cairns is excellent (as is John Greer, etc).
I’m a Baptist, but 10 years or so ago, while I lived in Arkansas, I attended a Presbyterian church.
The pastor there preached the Gospel, although an added attraction was the bagpipe band from Lyon College that gave concerts there from time to time.
If you haven’t heard bagpipes in full roar inside an enclosed space, you just haven’t lived yet.