The following are common Baptist Church beliefs.

 

We declare that Jesus is Lord. He is Lord over our individual lives, the life of each Church, and the life of the whole world. This video describes who Jesus was, why he came to earth and what this means for us. 

We affirm that the Bible is the Word of God because its writers were inspired by God’s Spirit. As such, it has authority to guide both what we believe and how we live our lives.

From the example of the New Testament, we recognise that baptism is for those who believe and are prepared to declare that Jesus is Lord. As a symbol of Jesus’ claim on our lives, baptism by immersion is practiced, representing a desire to die to self and to live for Christ. More about Baptism.

We understand the Church to be a community of believers gathered in the name of Jesus Christ for worship, teaching, witness and service. There is no set Baptist liturgy. Prayer and praise, listening and reflecting on Scripture, and sharing Communion will always be central.

We believe that everyone who attends has a role to play and can use their God-given skills and talents for the good of the Church and the community. These gifts include teaching, evangelism, social action, pastoral care, prayer, healing, taking part in worship, administration and hospitality.

Church members are called to prayerfully discern God’s will for their shared life. Final authority does not rest with the ministers, deacons or any other local, national or international body, but with the members’ meeting together under God’s guidance. Church meetings make significant appointments, including ministers, and agree financial policy and mission. More about Church Membership.

We do not live in isolation from other churches but rather we are inter-dependent. PBC plays an active role in Churches Together in Purley & Kenley as well as being linked to others Baptist Churches via our membership of the national Baptists Together organisation.

Baptists believe that each Christian has a duty to share their faith with others. We recognise that mission is not just evangelism, but also includes promoting justice, social welfare, healing, education and peace in the world.