Presbyterianism: Burning, Yet Not Consumed

Fires, images of fire, have long been a part of any Presbyterian Logo. This image of the burning bush, used for the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, has a Latin inscription: Ardens Sed Virens: Burning, yet not consumed. What does that mean for people of the denomination sometimes jokingly called "The Frozen Chosen"?

First, a brief history: Presbyterianism traces its roots from the Reformation, John Calvin's Republic of Geneva being particularly influential. John Knox, known as the Father of Presbyterianism, studied and served under Calvin before returning to Scotland to light a fire of faith within the Church of Scotland. John Knox wrote or helped pen the Scots Confession, the Westminster Confession of Faith, and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, which are some of the foundational confessions of the Presbyterian Church. 

Have you ever been on fire for an idea? A project around the house, a family reunion or trip, a mission, either personal or with a group of people - has something caught your attention until you feel consumed with the idea, you have to take action? That was the passion of the reformers; that fire that burns without consuming was the hope that the new movement would be a sustainable faithful witness in perpetuity.

In the nearly 500 years since the Scottish Reformation (it was roughly 50 years behind Martin Luther's statements) the Presbyterian Church has spread around the globe, establishing worshiping communities on every continent except Antarctica. That always-burning fire is still present in the world. Despite statistics about church membership and size, the passion for faithful service and education and care is still present even in North American congregations. Passion for service is not dependent on numbers, but it is guided and inspired by faith. 

Fire departments ask "Is There A Fire In You?" to recruit more firefighters. You are a person of faith, a believer in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. There IS a fire in you, and it burns without consuming. It gives you energy and passion, and shows you your structure of strength to carry out your inspired mission.

~Rev. Andrea Joy Holroyd