An introduction to our churches and ethos
Each individual congregation of believers is a local expression of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. The Church is not a building, but a community of people. Here are some of the defining aspects of Church life according to the New Testament.
The Church is a believing community. In accordance with his self-revelation in Holy Scripture, we believe in the one true and living God in three Persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We endeavour to base all we say and do on the witness of Scripture. As Evangelical and Reformed Baptist Churches, we stand in the mainstream of historic Christian teaching. Our faith is that of early creeds and confessions of the Church and the vital truths rediscovered at the Reformation. We believe in salvation by faith alone, by grace alone and by Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Our fellowship and co-operation with other Churches and organizations is based on the truth of the gospel (see FIEC statement on ecumenism). For a clear definition of our faith, read what we believe.
The Church is a worshiping community. If man’s chief aim is to glorify God and enjoy him for ever, then the worship and praise of God must be a high priority for Christians. We believe that God should be worshipped in keeping with what he has revealed in Holy Scripture. The Lord gathers his people together to worship him and has promised to be present among them. The church assembles to seek God's face, calling upon his holy name in prayer. God addresses his people by his living and active Word as the Bible is read and its message proclaimed in preaching. The Word of God read and preached is to be recieved in sincere faith and joyful obedience. We sing hymns and psalms, making melody in our hearts to the Lord. The grand objective of worship is the the glorification of the Triune God of the gospel. We gladly confess that he is the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the universe, and the gracious Redeemer of his people.
We baptise in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit those who believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord (Matthew 28:19). We regularly gather around the Lord's Table, holding that the Lord’s Supper is a fellowship meal for genuine Christians (1 Corinthians 11: 27). We believe that the risen Lord Jesus is present with his people by his Spirit as they eat bread and drink wine in rememberance of his dying love.
The Church is a witnessing community. The risen Christ commanded his followers to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). We must begin that task where we are, in our own neighbourhood. Preaching is our primary form of evangelism. Paul wrote: "it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." (1 Corinthians 1:21.) This includes preaching in the regular Sunday Services and in the open air. We also distribute evangelistic leaflets and booklets in our area and arrange special evangelistic events. Every Christian is a living witness to the gospel to a needy world.
We support various missionary societies that herald the good news of Jesus Christ in this country and overseas.
The Church is a caring community. Jesus commanded us to love one another (John 13:34). We are to, "Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill to law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2) By prayer, mutual encouragement and practical help we seek to enable one another to live the Christian life to the glory of God. We endeavor to remember the poor and speak up for those who have no voice like unborn children and other vulnerable groups.
We Believe - In Brief
GOD
Our faith is based on the Bible, the Word of God. From the Bible we learn about God himself. He is a God of sovereign purpose, boundless love, awesome power and spotless purity. The one true and living God eternally exists in three glorious Persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our aim is to worship and serve the Lord our God.
HUMAN BEINGS
We believe that human beings are made in the image of God. This is what makes us so special. But sin has ruined our relationship with God. If we are honest, we all have to admit that we are sinners. Deep down we long for a relationship with God. We are made for him and nothing less than knowing God can satisfy the human heart.
JESUS CHRIST
God sent Jesus, his Son into the world to deal with the problem of sin. Jesus came as man in order to die on the cross that we might be put right with God. But Jesus did not stay dead. God raised him from the grave and exalted him to heaven.
We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord. He is alive today and is able to save all who trust in him. In Jesus Christ, God offers us a relationship with himself that is real and satisfying.
THE FUTURE
One day we will all have to give an account to God for the way we have lived our lives. Jesus died in the place of sinners so that we might not be condemned, but have everlasting life. For our eternal future to be certain, it is essential to put things right with God now by trusting Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
The Basis of Faith of The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches
Both Churches subscribe to the FIEC statement of faith.
The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
Both Churches subscribe to the 1689 London Baptist Confession.
