pbc and baptists
Choose:
Some
facts and Baptist history
Baptist
values
The
Lordship of Christ
It's
a church for believers
The
priesthood of all believers
Church
government
Associating
Believer's
baptism
The
authority of the Bible
The
missionary task
Religious
liberty
What is it about PBC that is Baptist?
The Baptist denomination has over 2000 churches in Britain and Ireland, with about 160,000 members. PBC is part of the Baptist Union, which has its headquarters at Didcot, and acts as a resource to the individual congregations. After the ‘new’ church streams and the Pentecostals, the Baptists are the fastest growing denomination in the UK.
After the Protestant reformation, and the various streams of Nonconformist churches that arose out of it, the Baptists first became established in the UK in the early 17th Century. At that time, Baptists were either ‘General’ or ‘Particular’, depending on whether you believed Christ died for all (General), or Christ died for the elect (Particular).
These were forged out of the persecution the Baptists faced from both monarchy and the state church. To be a Baptist in its early days was a costly thing. It is important to recognise that the following are shared by many in the Nonconformist tradition (and beyond). What is distinctive about the Baptists is the specific cluster of emphases we gather around. You will (or should) find evidence of these in any Baptist church.
The Lordship of Christ
To a Baptist, “are you a Christian?” is far more important than “are you Baptist?” Jesus should be central to the worship, ministry and mission of every Baptist church, including PBC.
It is a church for believers (gathered community)
It is impossible to be in the church (either local or universal), if you’re not a believer. At PBC we gather together regularly for worship, word and sacrament.
The priesthood of all believers
All Christians are competent, through Gods grace, to know Him (we don’t need a priest or pope). We are all priests and ministers. It is also true that this doctrine means we believe that every Christian has spiritual gifts, and a role to play, in the life of PBC.
Church Government
Though we believe in strong leadership, and we appoint Elders and Deacons (as well as others) to direct church affairs, the ultimate authority lies with the church members meeting.
Associating
Baptists believe in ‘interdependent autonomy’, that is the right to self-rule, but the need to work alongside other churches. Baptists are networked in regional associations.
Believers Baptism
Because of our understanding of the church being for believers only, and because of the precedent in scripture, we believe that entry into the church should be preceded by Believers Baptism. At PBC we recognise the conscience of people of genuine faith who are yet to be baptised, whilst teaching this doctrine strongly.
The authority of the Bible
Whilst recognising the role of reason, conscience and history as important factors, Baptists usually are of the opinion that the scriptures are the final arbiter on all matters of life and belief. PBC is definitely ‘evangelical’ in its approach to scripture.
The missionary task
Our heritage is rooted in evangelistic endeavour, sending out missionaries, and a compassion for the oppressed and marginalized. For Baptists, the gospel should have both the elements of proclamation and demonstration.
Religious liberty
It is important to recognise that our history has been enriched by Baptists who were instrumental in the abolition of slavery, discrimination, and other freedoms. Ultimately, individuals are competent, in their conscience, to believe or reject, join or leave, participate or dissent.
Updated 08-Feb-08