 |
Our Beliefs
WHAT'S DISTINCTIVE ABOUT BAPTIST CHRISTIANS? |
| |
|
|
| |
Baptist
churches are found in almost every country in the world. As part of the
world-wide Christian church, they form one of the largest families of
faith, alongside other mainstream Christian traditions such as
Anglicans, Methodists, and Pentecostals etc.
There
is no one distinctive Baptist belief. Although probably most people
think of believers' 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.
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
The Lordship of Christ
Jesus is Lord is the distinctive confession
of faith. As individuals and as churches, we seek to make Jesus Lord of
every aspect of our lives.
|
| |
|
 |
The
authority of the Bible
We 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,
we seek to root our lives in the revelation of God's truth. |
| |
|
 |
Baptism
for believers
On the basis of the New Testament, we understand that baptism is for
believers only, that is, for those who are able to declare that Jesus
is Lord. As in New Testament times we practise baptism by total
immersion. This is a powerful symbol of what it means to be identified
with Christ, who died, was buried and is raised to life for us. |
| |
|
 |
The
believers' Church
We see 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 gathering around the Lord's Table (Communion or
Eucharist). |
| |
|
 |
The
priesthood of all believers
Every church member has a role to play, whether in teaching,
faith-sharing, evangelism, social action, pastoral care, guiding,
serving, prophetic insight, praying, healing, administration or
hospitality, and, more importantly, needs no priest or intermediary to
help them to have a relationship with God. |
| |
|
 |
Congregational
government
All members share in decision making in the church. The whole church
gathers at regular intervals to seek the way forward for us. It is
within this context that the ministers, elders and deacons are
appointed and are released to offer leadership among us. |
| |
|
 |
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
We believe that each Christian has a duty to share their faith with
others. Along with this emphasis on evangelism, we also recognise that
mission includes social action and involves promoting justice, social
welfare, healing, education and peace in the world. |
| |
|
 |
Religious
freedom
Although we have strong convictions ourselves, we believe that freedom
of conscience is a precious gift and in particular, that each person
should be free to worship without interference from the state or any
other human agency. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
FIND
OUT MORE ABOUT BECOMING A CHRISTIAN |
| |
|
| |
If you
would like to know more about South Parade Baptist Church, or more
importantly, what it means to become a Christian why not email us, or give
us a ring (T: 0113 2754989) and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Alternatively you might like to visit one or
more of the following sites for more information:
www.becomingachristian.com
www.rejesus.co.uk
or why
not join an Alpha Course
we run Alpha regularly at South Parade, or alternatively we could point
you in the direction of a course running near you.
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
ALPHA |
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Wondering what Christianity is all about?
Why not join an Alpha course
at South Parade?
Ring
the Church Office T:0113 2754989 for further details or click here. All are welcome.
|
| |
|
|
|
