ABOUT us
An introduction to our churches and ethos
A Church should be a believing community. Our faith is based upon God’s word, the Bible. We try to base all we say and do on the Bible’s teaching. As Evangelical 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 organisations is based on the truth of the gospel (see FIEC statement on ecumenism). For a clear definition of our faith, read what we believe.
We believe that a church should be a worshipping 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 priority. God has commanded his people to gather to worship him. We do this by hearing his Word read and preached, by calling upon him in prayer and in the singing of hymns and psalms. Worship should be controlled and inspired by the Bible.The whole of worship should have this aim: That Jesus Christ may be pre-eminent in all things. This brings to glory God the Father. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit make worship an encounter with the living God.
We administer baptism to those who believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord (Matthew 28:19) and hold that the Lord’s Supper is a fellowship meal for genuine Christians (1 Corinthians 11: 27).
We believe that a church should be 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 to the nations.
We believe that a church should be a caring community. Jesus commanded us to love one another (John 13:34). We are to, "Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfil 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 endeavour to remember the poor and speak up for those who have no voice like unborn children and other vulnerable groups.