Tilehouse Street Baptist Church, Hitchin Tilehouse Street Baptist Church, Hitchin
Baptists are a group of
Christians founded in the 17th Century. Baptists, along with other
non-conformists, wanted the freedom to worship as they saw fit. The Church of
England was the only 'official' church allowed by law, and its head was the
King. Non-conformists only acknowledged Jesus Christ as the head of the Church
and were persecuted for their beliefs.
The name "Baptist" was originally a nickname given by members of the Church of England to those non-conformists who baptised believers as adults, rather than christening babies. We believe this is the scriptural way, following the practices of John the Baptist, cousin to Jesus, who called on the people to repent of their sins and to be baptised (Matt:3:2, Mark 1:4), and Christ's own call for all of us to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them..." (Matt. 28:19). As a consequence, we baptise people when they are mature enough to understand the meaning of this message.
Authority. The final authority for our beliefs and practices is Jesus Christ (not the Church, or tradition).
The Bible, as the Word of God, is the ultimate basis for both
doctrine and practice in the Church.
The Church is a group gathered in Christ's name - a company
of believers who show by their actions the reality of their faith. Each local
church has liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and
administer God's laws. The vital relationship to Christ which is implied in
full communicant membership in a local church carries with it membership in the
Universal Church which is both on Earth and in Heaven. Membership of the
Universal Church has no real meaning unless it is shown in active participation
in the life of a local church.
The Church Meeting is the occasion when, as individuals and as a community, we submit ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and stand under the judgement of God so that we may know what is the mind of Christ.
Associating. In the wider fellowship, local Baptist churches co-operate in their local Associations, linking together for mutual encouragement, help and joint action. The Associations (and the wider fellowships of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the European Baptist Federation and the Baptist World Alliance) have no authority over the local churches, being nothing other than these same churches organized on their respective scales for mutual co-operation. The State has no part in the organization of the Baptist Churches. Baptists, however, live as loyal members of the State.
Ministry is exercised by the whole Church through the lives of its individual members. While the Church functions in the world, the Pastor equips them in the worship, teaching and caring for this work. Pastors are ordained for the work of the ministry, but lay pastors and preachers (who are not ordained) may also carry out these tasks. The deacons work with the Pastor in the work of the ministry.
Worship. The basic pattern of Christian worship can only be rightly understood when it is seen as a dialogue between God and man. Our services must be patterned so as to express this personal encounter. We are free, under the Holy Spirit, to examine and change existing practices to make sure they fulfil the purpose of worship, which is to glorify God. The sermon is the word of God brought to the congregation by the preacher. It is therefore the church's responsibility to attend to the preaching and act upon it.
Communion. In the Lord's Supper, there is true fellowship with God and between Christians, when it is taken in faith. The celebration is a remembrance of Christ's death and resurrection, a recognition of the Kingship of Christ and a looking forward to His coming again in glory.
Baptism is administered to the repentant believer, who this
confesses his or her faith in Jesus Christ and so enters the Church of
believers. Immersion symbolizes the believer's participation in the death,
burial and resurrection of our Lord. It signifies:
Baptism unrelated to church membership is unscriptural. However, baptism is not necessary for salvation. While infant baptism is unscriptural, a service of infant dedication may be carried out which emphasises:
Religious freedom and responsibility. Each person has the right to decide for him/herself in all religious affairs. With that freedom comes the responsibility for carrying out in practice the beliefs which he/she holds in
All Christians have some gifts to bring to the total ministry of the church. Each believer has direct access to the Father through Jesus Christ. Such a privilege demands the greatest dedication of service in our own right. Everything we have is entrusted to us by God and is to be used for His service - our time, talents, opportunities and possessions.
For more information about Baptists, please visit the page Who'd be a Baptist? at the Baptist Union Web site.
