What do we believe in?

We believe in the independence and autonomy of each local church (Christ’s body) under the headship of Christ (Mt. 16:16; Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 4:15-16; Col. 2:9-10, cf. Rev. 2-3). As every Baptist church is independent and autonomous, beliefs may vary from church to church. Our key beliefs are:-

The Lordship of Jesus Christ
We affirm that 'Jesus is Lord'. He is Lord over every individual person’s life and the whole world. However, we must all choose to willingly accept him as our Lord now, through faith and acceptance of his demands of discipleship, or unwillingly when he returns to judge the world, and all peoples at the end of this age (Mt. 7:21-23; Lk. 9:57-62; 14:25-35; Rom. 10:9-13;  Phil. 2:9-11).

The Authority of the Bible
The Bible is described as the 'Word of God' because Christians believe that 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 (2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Cor. 2:13).

Baptism for Believers
From the example of the New Testament, we believe that baptism is for those who have repented of their sins, who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and who declare that he is Lord. As a symbol of Jesus' claim on our lives, baptism by immersion is practised, representing a desire to die to self and to be a disciple of Christ (Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:1-7).

A Believer’s Church
Baptists understand the church as a community of believers gathered in the name of Jesus Christ for worship, witness and service. There is no set Baptist liturgy. Each local church is free to determine its own pattern, though prayer and praise, listening and reflecting on scripture. Sharing Holy Communion will always be central. (Mt. 18:19-20; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Cor. 5:4; 14:26; Col. 3:16).

The Priesthood of all Believers
We believe that everyone that attends West Hendon 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 and hospitality (Mk. 16:17- 18; Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-13; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:5).

Church members and church meetings
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 significant appointments including ministers, and agree financial policy and mission (Mt. 18:15-17; Acts 2:41; 1 Cor. 12:13).

Interdependence
We believe that churches should not live in isolation from one another but rather be inter-dependent. Baptist churches are linked regionally, nationally and internationally for support and fellowship.

Sharing the faith
We 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 (Mt. 25:31-46; 1 Tim. 2:1-4; Jam. 5:1-6; 1 Pet. 3:15).

Religious Freedom
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 (Mk. 9:38-41; Rom. 14:1-15:13).

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life...