As a Christian actively involved in the Church, I understand that PCUSA and PCA are the two
largest Presbyterian Church bodies in the United States. These two Presbyterian denominations
share much in common. As a Bible scholar, I have heard people engage in the PCA vs. PCUSA
debate as they try to establish whether these two Presbyterian denominations have different
beliefs.
My goal in this article is to share the differences and similarities between PCUSA and PCA. Join
me on this exploration as we discuss how PCUSA and PCA view social issues and determine
which came first between PCUSA and PCA. We will also discuss whether PCA and PCUSAs are
under the same denomination and whether PCA members can attend PCUSA churches. Keep
reading to learn more!
What is the difference between PCUSA and PCA?
Although they are both Presbyterian denominations, the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Church in America differ in several ways. The table below shows these differences.
Beliefs, Values, and Practices | PCUSA | PCA |
Unabbreviated Name | Presbyterian Church (USA). | Presbyterian Church in America. |
History | PCUSA was established during the 1983 merger of the Presbyterian Church in the United States with the United Presbyterian Church in the USA. | PCA broke from the Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1973. Founders of the PCA movement were against theological liberalism, which rejected the inerrancy and authority of the Holy Scriptures and the deity of Christ.
In 1982, PCA merged with the Reformed Presbyterian Church (Evangelical Synod). |
Size | PCUSA is the largest Presbyterian movement in the United States. | PCA is the second-largest Presbyterian movement in the United States. |
Congregations | PCUSA boasts about 8813 congregations in the US. | PCA has about 1911 congregations in the United States. |
Membership | PCUSA has around 1193770 adherents in the country. | PCA has about 378389 adherents in the US. |
Ministers | PCUSA has approximately 18458 ministers | PCA has approximately 5159 ministers. |
Growth | PCUSA has been losing churches and members at a high rate since 1983. This movement has lost about 37 percent of its followers since 1992. | PCA is one of the fastest-growing movements in the country. It has grown tenfold since 1983. |
Doctrinal Standards | The Book of Confessions and the Bible.
The Book of Confession contains the Nicene and Apostles’ Creed, the Heidelberg Catechism, the Scott Confession, the 2nd Helvetic Confession, the Shorter and Larger Catechisms, the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Confession of 1967, the Theological Declaration of Barmen and the Brief Statement of Faith. | The Book of Church Order, the Bible, the Shorter and Larger Catechisms, and the Westminster Confession of Faith. |
Seminaries | PCUSA is affiliated with ten seminaries in the US | PCA is affiliated with only one Theological Seminary; Covenant Theological Seminary. |
Ordination | PCUSA ordains both men and women, including non-celibate members of the LGBTQ community. | PCA ordains only men, which aligns with the New Testament standard for people leading the Church and teaching doctrine. |
Inerrancy of the Bible | PCUSA does not affirm that the Holy Scripture is inerrant. | PCA acknowledges that the Holy Scripture is inerrant. |
Church Property | Any property owned by the Church belongs to the denomination. | Any property owned by the Church belongs to the local congregation. The General Assembly and the Presbyteries have no say regarding the ownership of Church property. |
Social Issues-Abortion | PCUSA states that abortion can, at times, be morally acceptable. However, it should be the last resort. | PCA states that abortion is morally unacceptable. It is viewed as the termination of a person who bears the image of God. |
Social Issues-Divorce | In 1952, Presbyterian Church (USA)’s General Assembly amended some sections of the Westminster Confession. Part of the amendment was the “elimination of innocent parties” language and broadening grounds to create space for no-fault divorce. | PCA states that it is a sin and unacceptable except in cases of desertion or adultery. |
Social Issues- Homosexuality | In 2010, PCUSA’s General Assembly outlined that the denomination had no consensus in the interpretation of the Bible on issues of homosexuality. Presently, queer people (celibate and non-celibate) can work as PCUSA ministers. Also, PCUSA allows same-sex blessing ceremonies. | PCA states that same-sex marriage and homosexual practices are sins and should not be cordoned off. |
Worship | PCUSA states that congregations can worship in ways they deem fit. | PCA states that worship in Church should only be directed by the Holy Scriptures. |
What are the similarities between PCUSA and PCA?
The Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Church in America share much in common because they belong to the same denomination (Presbyterianism).
Beliefs, Values, and Practices | Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA) | Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) |
View of God | PCUSA adherents believe that God is a Sovereign Being. | PCA states that God is a Sovereign Being. |
Nature of God | PCUSA adherents believe that God is a Triune Being; He exists in three forms-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. | PCA followers also believe that God is Triune Being; He exists in three forms-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. |
Bible | PCUSA adherents affirm that the Bible is inspired. | PCA affirms that the Bible is inspired. |
Human Nature | Humans are prone to sin. | Humans are prone to sin. |
Justification | PCUSA states that justification is by God’s grace through faith in Christ. | PCA outlines that justification is through faith in Christ. |
Baptism | PCUSA churches baptize infants (children of believers). Baptism is one of the ways through which believers receive God’s grace. | PCA churches baptize infants as well as people who gain trust in God during the adulthood stage in life. |
Accepted Bible | PCUSA churches use the Hebrew Bible. This Bible has seven texts less than the Catholic/Greek Bible; it does not include the deuterocanonical books. | PCA churches use the Hebrew Bible. |
The second Coming of Christ | PCUSA adherents firmly believe in the second coming of Christ to judge the dead and the living. | PCA followers also believe Jesus will return to the earth to judge the living and the dead. |
How do PCUSA and PCA view social issues?
Abortion
PCUSA states that abortion can, at times, be morally acceptable. However, it should be the last resort. Conversely, PCA states that abortion is morally unacceptable. It is viewed as the termination of a person who bears the image of God.
Divorce
In 1952, Presbyterian Church (USA)’s General Assembly amended some sections of the Westminster Confession. Part of the amendment was the “elimination of innocent parties” language and broadening grounds to create space for no-fault divorce. On the other side, PCA states that it is a sin and unacceptable except in cases of desertion or adultery.
Homosexuality
In 2010, PCUSA’s General Assembly outlined that the denomination had no consensus in the interpretation of the Bible on issues of homosexuality. Presently, queer people (celibate and non-celibate) can work as PCUSA ministers. Also, PCUSA allows same-sex blessing ceremonies. Conversely, PCA states that same-sex marriage and homosexual practices are sins and should not be cordoned off.
Which came first between PCUSA and PCA?
PCA came before PCUSA. PCA was formed after its founders broke from the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) in 1973. They were against theological liberalism, which rejected the inerrancy and authority of the Holy Scriptures and the deity of Christ. On the other side, PCUSA was established during the 1983 merger of the Presbyterian Church in the United States with the United Presbyterian Church in the USA.
Are PCA and PCUSAs under the same denomination?
PCA and PCUSA are under the same denomination. The two churches are part of the Presbyterian movement. Presbyterianism emerged after the 16th-century Protestant Reformation.
Early contributors to the Presbyterian movement include John Knox, who was influenced by the works of John Calvin, who they studied with in Geneva. John Calvin is credited with formulating reformed theology. John Knox brought back reformed teachings and doctrine to his country, Scotland, where he founded the Presbyterian movement.
The Presbyterian Church started in the US in 1861. In 1973, PCA broke from the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) due to disagreements on various theological and social issues. PCUSA was later established in 1983 after PCUS merged with United Presbyterian Church in the USA.
Can PCA members attend PCUSA churches?
PCA members are free to attend PCUSA churches. PCUSA churches have an open-door policy; they welcome everyone to attend their Church services. PCA and PCUSA share much in common theologically; therefore, if a PCA member decides to attend a PCUSA church service, they will not feel lost or left out.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.