What is a Cumberland Presbyterian, and how do they differ from other Presbyterians?
There is one fundamental difference between Cumberland & USA Presbyterians. The Cumberlands believe in the “Who so ever will” gospel. Whosoever will may come to repentance and new life in Jesus Christ. They do not believe men or women were predestinated from the foundation of the world by God to go to Heaven or Hell with NO HOPE and most significantly NO CHOICE. Cumberlands believe anyone drawn by the Holy Spirit may ask Jesus Christ to Forgive them of their sins and become saved and go to heaven. Presbyterians USA do not believe this.
Cumberland Presbyterians split from the main group as they ventured into the frontier of America. In the mainline of Presbyterianism, ministers were required to have many years of education in college and seminary before they were ordained. Because the frontier didn’t have these educational resources, they had to create their own way of creating ministers to serve in these churches. Their beliefs are very similar, however Cumberlands are more on the evangelical side. The Cumberland Presbyterian Churches and the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)still share many ties and often work together on mission. The last General Assembly in Birmingham, AL was shared by the Presbyterian Church USA and the two Cumberland Presbyterian Churches.
Well actually, as a Cumberland Presbyterian, I have to say that in the confession of faith it clearly states that in order for one to seek ordination he/she must first go to a graduate school of seminary that is approved before ordination can be completed. There are only a few execptions and in those are the elderly or those that have been ordained within another denomination, they still have to do a 2 year program of alternate studies… As far as the predestination, I believe the Holy spirit draws everyone, the bible does say that God is no respector of persons… Bless you!
