Bethel Baptist - Our Faith

Jesus Christ commands his followers to be baptised. He instructed his disciples to, 'go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28.19). Baptism is a vital step on the journey of faith because in it: We follow the example of Jesus, who was baptised by John the Baptist because, 'it is right to do all that God requires' (see Matthew 3:15). We continue the practice of the first Christians who baptised all who responded to the preaching of the gospel (see Acts 2:37-41). We participate symbolically in the death and resurrection of Christ. In Baptism we identify with Christ as a sign that our lives are now under his Lordship (see Romans 6:1-11). We declare our faith in Christ and our commitment to live a new life in the power of the Spirit. We experience the grace and blessing of and enter into the body of Christ, the community of the baptised. This means that Baptism is the pre-requisite for membership of the church.	There is no one distinctive Baptist belief! Although probably most people think of believer's baptism as the distinguishing feature of Baptists, they are not the only Christians to practise it. Nor are they the only Christians to believe in congregational church government, the priesthood of all believers, or the separation of church and state. It is the combination of these various beliefs which make Baptists distinctive. How are Baptists different from other Christians? In other Christian traditions, church membership is not always clearly defined. In a Baptist context, baptism involves not only commitment to Christ, but also commitment to Christ's Church. For Baptists, church membership involves a commitment not only to work together to extend Christ's Kingdom, but also to love one another and stand by one another whatever the cost.
		The Lordship of Christ Jesus is Lord is the distinctive confession of faith. As individuals and as churches, Baptists seek to make Jesus Lord of every aspect of their lives.
		The authority of the Bible Baptists believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that the Holy Spirit through the Bible shows us God's way for living. As radical believers, Baptists seek to root their lives in the revelation of God's truth.
		Baptism for believers On the basis of the New Testament, Baptists claim that baptism is for believers only. Baptism is only for those who are able to declare Jesus is Lord. As a symbol of Jesus' claim on their lives, Baptists practise baptism by immersion, in which candidates symbolise their desire to die to self and to live for Christ.
		A believers church Baptists understand the church as a community of believers gathered by the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ for worship, witness and service. Central to Baptist worship is prayer and praise, listening to God's word in preaching and a gathering around the Lord's Table.
		The priesthood of all believers In the Baptist model of a believer's church every member has a role to play, whether in teaching, faith-sharing, evangelism, social action, pastoring, guiding, serving, prophetic insight, praying, healing, administration or hospitality.
		The church meeting In a Baptist church, an illustration of the priesthood of all believers is the church meeting. This is the occasion when members come together to prayerfully discern God's will for their life together. In Baptist churches the final authority rests not with the ministers or deacons but with the members gathered together in church meetings. It is the church meeting which, for instance, appoints ministers, elders, deacons, and others who exercise various forms of leadership within a local congregation, agrees financial policy and determines mission strategy. Church meetings tend to take place mid-week, normally on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Local churches will usually call a minister to serve among them. The minister functions as a church member with special responsibilities in caring for the members and leading in the church's mission. Their authority is in the affirmation of the congregation acting under God's guidance. They are almost invariably recognised by the wider family of churches.
		Interdependence Baptist churches have always come together in regional, national and international associations for support and fellowship. On the basis of the New Testament, Baptists believe that churches should not live in isolation from one another but rather be inter-dependent.
		Sharing the faith Baptists believe that each Christian has a duty to share their faith with others. William Carey was a Baptist who is known as the father of the modern missionary movement. Along with this emphasis on evangelism, however, Baptists recognise that mission includes social action and involves promoting justice, social welfare, healing, education and peace in the world.
		Religious freedom Religious freedom for all has always been a keystone of the Baptist way. Within Baptist churches, tolerance for differences of outlook and diversity of practice is encouraged.

our faith

groups

services

links

contact us