Hello Mr Centre.
I'm not a Presbyterian minister but I am a member of one and I often preach at our church and our branch churches. I can give you a few pointers.
I'm assuming that you're from the USA. In the USA there are a number of different Presbyterian denominations. Some are quite liberal, others are quite conservative. I'm assuming that you'll be preaching to a more theologically conservative church.
I'm also assuming that you're still strongly Charismatic.
It would be good for you to do some research into the "Five points of Calvinism". Go to the Reformed/Evangelical forum and you'll see some links in a permanent posting about denominations. One of those links will be about Calvinism.
The 5 points of Calvinism can be summarised as "TULIP".
T = Total Depravity. This basically argues that everyone has sinned and deserves to go to hell. Because they are Spiritually dead, they cannot choose to serve God even when given the opportunity.
U = Unconditional Election. This is the idea that God chooses a person from before the beginning of time to become Christians. Essentially there is no "free will" here. People are elected not according anything good in themselves but unconditionally based upon God's Grace.
L = Limited Atonement. This is the idea that the death of Christ, while in and of itself is sufficient for the entire world, is effective only for those who have been predestined or elected as Christians. It is Limited only to those whom God has chosen to be Christians.
I = Irresistable Grace. This goes back to Election. Basically when God acts to save a person, they cannot resist him. If they are predestined, they will be unable to resist God's saving grace.
P = Perseverence of the Saints. Because of election, all Christians will persevere to the end and will not fall away.
This is not the forum to debate these views, but here they are all the same!
Most Presbyterian churches hold to the "Westminster Confession of Faith". This was written in 1646 as a summary of the faith they hold. It may be written in ye olde English but it is a goldmine of clear Biblical thinking. Go searching for it on the internet and have a quick read through it.
While you're at it, also quickly read the "Westminster Shorter Catechism" written around the same time.
The Presbyterian form of Church Government is something you need to understand too.
Basically, Church members vote for Elders (Presbyters). These Elders meet together regularly (called the "Session"). They make all the important decisions for the church. It is sort of like a Parliament - the church members vote for people who then make the decisions. It is not a congregational model (democracy) nor is it an episcopal model (autocracy). The minister is simply one of the elders who make up the session.
As far as your preaching/leading the service goes, I suggest the following:
1) Preach from passages of scripture rather than single verses or topics. If you're there for a while, attempt to preach through a book of the New Testament (Galatians or Philippians would be good).
2) Don't attempt to "slay" or heal anyone during the service. I'm not saying this to insult you, but to warn you that they may not appreciate it.
3) Some Presbyterian churches are amenable to modern songs. Try to introduce new stuff along with good old stuff (And can it be, Rejoice the Lord is King, God has spoken by his prophets, My hope is built on nothing less, Tell out my soul, God is our strength and refuge and so on).
4) Don't be afraid to be passionate during the service, but keep control and avoid any emotional manipulation. Again I'm not saying this to insult you, but the people may find too much emotion offensive!
5) Be genuine and talk with the congregation over tea and coffee after the service.
6) And, obviously, pray that God gives you the wisdom to speak his word in love to the church.
I'm happy to discuss this with you further. I've made a number of assumptions about you and the Presbyterian church you are going to. It might be good to clarify a few things for me.
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