What do Baptists believe?
Leigh Road Baptist Church is part of the world wide Christian church and, as such, share many beliefs and practices with other Christians across all streams and flavours of Christianity. There are Baptist churches in almost every country of the world, and Baptists form one of the largest families of faith.
Baptists believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that the Holy Spirit through the scriptures shows us God's way for living. As radical believers Baptists seek to root their lives in the revelation of God's truth.
For Baptists that concept of family is important. The church is not so much a particular place or building, but rather a family of believers who are committed to God, to one another and to the service of God in the world.
In the Baptist family everyone is equal, for everyone has a part to play in the service of God. There is no hierarchy, but all take their place according to gifting and calling.
Baptists are very much a grassroots people, with a particular emphasis on the local church. These churches are self-governing and self-financing.
There is no one distinctive Baptist belief, but there is a cluster of beliefs which, when brought together, make the flavour of a Baptist Church.
The Lordship of Christ
'Jesus is Lord' is the distinctive confession of faith. As individuals and as churches, Baptists seek to make Jesus Lord of every aspect of their lives.
The authority of the Bible
Baptists believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that the Holy Spirit through the scriptures shows us God's way for living. As radical believers Baptists seek to root their lives in the revelation of God's truth.
Believers' baptism
On the basis of the New Testament, Baptists claim that baptism is for believers only. Baptism is only for those who are able to declare 'Jesus is Lord'. As a symbol of Jesus' claim upon their lives, Baptists practice baptism by 'immersion', in which those baptised symbolise their desire to 'die to self' and to live for Christ.
A believers' Church
Baptists understand 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 a gathering around the Lord's table to share bread and wine.
The priesthood of all believers
In a Baptist Church every member has a role to play, whether in teaching, faith-sharing, evangelism, social action, caring, guiding, serving, praying, administration, hospitality. Each member is encouraged to discover, develop and use their God given gifts.
The Church Meeting
The Church Meeting is the occasion when members come together to prayerfully discern God's will for their life together. In Baptist Churches the final authority rests not with ministers or leaders, but with members gathered together in the church meeting. It is the church meeting which, for instance, appoints leaders, agrees financial policy and determines mission strategy.
Associating together
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 'interdependent', both as Baptists and as part of the wider Christian Church.
The missionary task
Compelled by the Holy Spirit, Baptists seek to be missionary communities. Baptists believe that each Christian has a duty to share their faith with others. Along with this emphasis on evangelism Baptists also recognise that mission includes social action and involves promoting justice, social welfare, healing, education and peace in the world.
Religious freedom
Religious freedom has always been a keystone of Baptist thinking and practice.
The Leigh Road Baptist Church Vision
The Leigh Road Baptist Church (LRBC) is part of this Baptist family, relating to other local and national Baptists through the Eastern Association and the Baptist Union of Great Britain. However, within that wider affiliation we believe that God has a special role for us, which we have summarised in the LRBC vision statement. God has placed us 'in the heart of Leigh, with a heart for Leigh', and the vision can be summarised under three headings:-
Communicating the Good News of Jesus
We will be a missionary church communicating the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ to the local community of Leigh-on-Sea in a culturally relevant way.
Nurturing believers in Jesus
We will provide a spiritual nurturing environment enabling believers to mature in relationships with God and people.
Releasing workers for Jesus
We will set an example of ministry in the releasing and empowering of Christian workers to equip churches both here and abroad.
Our Church life and structures are being built around this vision, encouraging every member to discover their God-given gifts, and helping one another to reach our full potential in Christ. Sunday worship, fellowship together in small groups, special training evenings or many areas of service are designed to share the gospel, help believers grow, and release people to serve Jesus.
