presbyterian

Everyday

1. (church) Presbyterian describes Protestant churches that are run by elders (presbyters) chosen by the members, not by bishops; the Church of Scotland is Presbyterian. tree →
2. A Presbyterian is a member of such a church. tree →

In the lessons

Presbyterian churches come from the teaching of John Calvin and John Knox; they are common in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Korea. Services are plain, with Bible reading, sermon and psalms. Phrases: the Presbyterian Church, a Presbyterian minister, Presbyterian elders.

Examples

• The Church of Scotland is a Presbyterian church. tree →
• Our Presbyterian minister preaches a short sermon. tree →
• My gran is a Presbyterian from Belfast. tree →
• Presbyterian churches are led by elders, not bishops. tree →
• The Presbyterian kirk has white walls and clear windows. tree →
• In Korea there are many big Presbyterian churches. tree →

Note

Capital P. Long word: pres-by-TEER-ee-un. Noun for the system: Presbyterianism. "Kirk" is the Scottish word for church.