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We have attempted to answer questions which have been raised by
individuals interested in learning more about what it means to be a
Baptist and/or Christian.
If you have a question, that you would
like an answer to which is not listed below then please
email us. |
List of questions
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Baptists are Christians who share the main beliefs of
the whole Christian Church. However, they have two main distinctions: the
practice of “Believers’ Baptism”, in which adult believers are baptised by
immersion; and the practice of congregational church government, in which
the members of the local Church are its governing body (under the guidance
of the Holy Spirit) – not a national Church or bishop. Each local Church
is autonomous and self-financing.
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After the Reformation in Europe in the
16th Century, small groups of Christians in Holland and England
began to meet (at first in each other’s homes) to study the Bible – now
available in their own language for the first time – and to share simple
worship services. The first English Baptist Churches were formed in the
early 17th Century, and faced very real opposition and
persecution from the state. When Cromwell and the puritans came to power
in 1653, laws were relaxed and freedom to worship according to conscience
became easier for a time. However, Baptist numbers grew tremendously in
the 18th Century at the time of the great revivals under Wesley
and Whitfield; and again in Victorian England at the time of great
preachers such as C H Spurgeon. It is generally agreed that Baptist
influence was at its height in the early days of the 20th
Century, with both Gladstone and Lloyd George keen to consult with Baptist
leaders. Since the First World War, Baptist numbers in Britain have
declined, as have all the main Christian denominations.
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There are many millions of Baptists
across the world. In the USA alone, there are huge numbers of Christians –
and Baptists are among the most active and influential. Presidents Carter
and Clinton were both active members of Baptist Churches. In Eastern
Europe, as communism has declined and Christianity has spread, so Baptist
churches have been planted in many cities and towns. But the most growth
has been seen in Africa and South America – particularly Brazil – as well
as in parts of Asia, such as Sri Lanka, India and Thailand. The Baptist
Missionary Society, which our Church supports, works in many countries,
providing teachers, health workers, engineers, pastors and evangelists
wherever they are needed.
- Telephone the Church Office: 01255 474391 or
email us
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