How Do We Live That Out?

Baptists believe that everyone that attends a Baptist church 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 or hospitality.

When a person is baptised in a Baptist church, they normally become a church member. 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 will make appointments, ministers, and agree financial policy and mission strategy.

Baptists believe that churches should not live in isolation from one another but rather be interdependent. Our Baptist churches are linked regionally, nationally and internationally for support and fellowship.

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.

Religious freedom for all has always been a keystone of Baptist understanding. Acceptance of differences of outlook and diversity of practice is encouraged within Baptist churches, as well as in our wider world.