What We Believe
We believe in living out our Christian faith as effectively as possible, making an impact on those who do not know the great news about Jesus Christ.
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 the 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 declares 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, through 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 an agreed 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 interdependent. 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 practise is encouraged within Baptist churches, as well as in our wider world (Mk. 9:38-41; Rom. 14:1-15:13).
The Holy Spirit and His Gifts
All believers on their repentance towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in order to empower them for effective Christian service and witness to the whole world (Acts 1:8; 2:38; 8:14-17; 10:44-48; 19:1-6; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:13-14). The Holy Spirit also distributes gifts to all believers today in accordance with his own will (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-11, 28; Eph. 4:7-8).
The Five-Fold Leadership Ministry Gifts
Some believers are chosen by Christ with particular leadership ministry gifts (i.e. Apostles, Prophets, Evangelist, Pastors, and Teachers) for his church in order to prepare and mature all believers in their work of the ministry within the local church and beyond (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:27-31; Eph. 4:11-16).
New Testament Worship
We believe that New Testament worship is based on the divine revelation of orderly but spontaneous worship revealed to King David in his worship before the ark of the Lord and his plan for the temple, and continued in the worship of the NT church (1 Chron. 15:1-15; 16:37-42; 28:19; 2 Chron. 29:25-30; Am. 9:11-12; Acts 13:14-15; 15:16-17, 21; 24:14; Eph. 5:18-20; Col. 3:16).