What we believe

What do Baptists believe?

One of the reasons Baptists developed into a separate Christian denomination is because of our commitment to freedom. Baptists hold fast to the belief that every believer is free (within Biblical guidelines), to access God and serve Him in his or her own way. Baptist churches do not have prayer books, bishops or hierarchies - each local Baptist church is free to shape its own style, language and ministries. For this reason Baptist churches can be quite different, even from one another!

Baptists believe that the Bible is God's inspired word to us, in which we can discover the mind of God and therefore our life values. We believe in the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe in the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus, and salvation by faith through God's grace.

Baptists believe that the Church comprises people who have accepted the grace of God by responding to the redeeming death of Jesus Christ, and who demonstrate a personal commitment to Jesus. Everyone is equal before God and has been gifted in a special way to contribute to the life and work of the Church. The Holy Spirit works within every Christian - equipping, directing, and encouraging.

God calls us to be concerned for our world in many different ways. This means that Baptists are concerned about such issues as poverty, justice, freedom, equality, and the environment. We believe God would have us minister to the physical, as well as the spiritual well-being of people.

Baptist churches have existed for over 400 years and are found throughout the world.