Our Baptist Principles

 We share many areas of our Faith with other members of the Evangelical Christian Church, but we do have distinct principles and practices which arise out of our understanding of Scripture.   We also Believe in:

• The direct Lordship of Jesus Christ over every believer and over every local Church.
• The Church is the whole company of those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit.  The local Church is fully autonomous but may have associations with other churches.
• Believer’s Baptism is a response and an act of obedience to the call and example of our Lord Jesus Christ and a sign of personal repentance, faith and regeneration.  It consists of full immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
• The Congregational Principle, namely that each member has the privilege and responsibility to use their gifts and abilities to participate in the life of the Church.   We recognise that God gives charismatic gifts (grace gifts), through the Holy Spirit to enrich the body of Christ so that we may fulfil our calling as the Community of the King.   These gifts are for Leadership, Life and Worship and are for the benefit of all and the Glory of God.  This principle recognises that each member comes under the authority of the Head of the Church, our Lord Jesus Christ, the appointed Leadership and the Church Meeting so that everyone is accountable to our Redeemer King.
• The Priesthood of All Believers by which we understand that each Christian has direct access to God through Jesus Christ our High Priest.  This involves intercession, service, ministry, witnessing and mission.
• The Principle of Religious Liberty so that no individual should be coerced either by State or secular, ecclesiastical, or religious groups in matters of faith and practice.   Each believer has the right to interpret the Scriptures responsibly and act in the light of personal conscience.
• The Principle of the Separation of Church and State, in that, in the providence of God, the two differ in their respective natures and functions.  The State is responsible for administering justice, ensuring orderly community, and promoting the welfare of its citizens.   The Church is responsible for preaching the Gospel and building and advancing the Kingdom of God.

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