STATEMENT OF BAPTIST PRINCIPLES
The Church further believes in the following distinctive Baptist emphases:
- The CHURCH as the whole company of those who have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The local church, being a manifestation of the universal church, is a community of believers in a particular place where the Word of God is preached and the ordinances of Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are observed. It is fully autonomous and remains so notwithstanding responsibilities it may accept by voluntary association.
- BELIEVER’S BAPTISM as an act of obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ and a sign of personal repentance, faith and regeneration; it consists of the immersion in water into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- The CONGREGATIONAL PRINCIPLE, namely that each member has the privilege and responsibility to use his/her gifts and abilities to participate fully in the life of the church. We recognise that God gifts His Church with Overseers (who are called Pastors or Elders) whose primary function is to lead in a spirit of servanthood, to equip and provide spiritual oversight, and Deacons whose primary function is to facilitate the smooth functioning of the Church. This principle further recognises that each member should participate in the appointment of the church’s leaders, and that a constituted church meeting, subject to the direct Lordship of Jesus Christ and the authority of Scripture, is the highest court of authority for the local church.
- The PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS, by which we understand that each Christian has direct access to God through Christ our High Priest, and shared with Him in His work of reconciliation. This involves intercession, worship, faithful service and bearing witness to Jesus Christ even to the ends of the earth
- The principle of RELIGIOUS LIBERTY, namely, that no individual should be coerced either by the State or by any secular, ecclesiastical or religious group in matters of faith. The right of private conscience is to be respected. For each believer this means the right to interpret the Scriptures responsibly and to act in the light of his conscience.
- The principle of SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE in that, in the providence of God the two differ in their respective natures and functions. The Church is not to be identified with the State nor is it, in its faith or practice, to be directed or controlled by the State. The State is responsible for administering justice ensuring an orderly community, and promoting the welfare of its citizens. The Church is responsible for preaching the Gospel and for demonstrating and making known God’s will and care for all mankind.
Please note:
- Any change to be made, shall not be of force and effect unless and until details thereof shall have been conveyed in writing to the General Secretary of the Baptist Union. It is recognised and accepted that the BU shall have the right, in the light of such change, to terminate the membership of the church, with the BU. The implications of such a termination are recognised as viewed in the light of the provisions of Article 2.2 of the church constitution. The Article may not be deleted or amended without approval of the Executive of the BU.
- That God has ordained marriage as a heterosexual relationship between a natural man and a natural woman.
- Any change within the Church structure or organisation which is in conflict directly or indirectly with one or more of the stated Baptist Principles will be invalid unless approved by at least 90% of the members present and entitled to vote at a duly constituted Special Church meeting of which at least three month’s notice has been given.
BANKING DETAILS
ABSA Bank
Branch Code: 632 005
Account Number: 405 655 8263
Building & Development: 926 226 2982
Copyright © Ridgecrest Family Church, All Rights Reserved. | Designed, Developed, Maintained & Hosted by 