Statement of Faith

3.1 The Divine Inspiration and Supreme Authority of the Scriptures in matters of Faith and Conduct

The Scriptures (or Bible) consist of the sixty six books of the Old and New Testaments, which are the supreme authority in matters of faith and conduct for the Church and the individual Christian. The church has the liberty and responsibility, through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, to interpret, to preach and to administer God's will in these matters. 2 Tim 3:16, 2 Tim 4:1-2, 2 Pet 1:21.

3.2 The Deity and Lordship of Jesus Christ

There is one God who is revealed to us as in the Scriptures as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the revelation in human form of this one God. Through Him we know the Father and receive the Holy Spirit. He is the Lord of the Church and the church seeks to live under His direction. His Lordship extends over all creation and at His return all humanity will confess His Lordship. John 1:18, John 14:6, Rom 8:9, Eph 1:20-23, Phil 2:11.

3.3 Freedom of Conscience

Freedom of conscience is the freedom for all members of society to practise their religion, follow their beliefs, and propagate their faith and worship without restriction of law. For Christians, it is also the freedom to interpret the Scriptures for themselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Baptist Church members are those Christians whose interpretation of Scripture enables them to give general assent to the Declaration of principles.

3.4 A Regenerate Church Membership

The church is a community which has all its members only those who profess repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In the life of believers, the Holy Spirit makes real the presence of Christ, leads into all truth, bestows gifts for Christian service and gives power for Holy living. Although there is a diversity of gifts and functions, all members are equal standing in Christ. John 14, 15, 16, 1 Cor 12 and 14.

3.5 The priesthood of Believers

All members of the Church have a ministry and offer to God spiritual worship through one mediator Jesus Christ, who is their High Priest in heaven. All believers have become a holy priesthood, directing unbelievers to God and declaring the praises of Him who called them out of darkness to light. This ministry of the members is always exercised in the context of the requirement for everything to be done decently and in order. 1 Cor 14:40, 2 Cor 5:19-20, Heb 8:1, 1 Pet 2:5, 1 Pet 2:9

3.6 The Ordinances of Believers Baptism and the Lord's Supper

Baptist churches observe the two ordinances of believers? Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is expressed by immersion in water in the Name of the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, of those who repent of their sins and confess faith in Jesus Christ, through His atoning death, as their Lord and Saviour. The Lord's supper (or communion) instituted by Jesus, is commanded by Him to be observed by all who have professed faith in Him whose atoning death for sin is declared in the ordinance until He shall come again. Matt 3:13-17, Acts 2:37-38, 1 Cor 11:23-26.

3.7 The Vesting of Authority for Church Policy and Management with the Church Members

Each Baptist church is considered to be competent to manage its own affairs and the members' meeting is the final authority in decisions concerning its policy and management. Central to the Baptist understanding of the nature of the church is the conviction that authority rests in the corporate body, the gathered fellowship of believers. Gifted persons, including one or more pastors especially set apart to exercise spiritual leadership, are set apart to lead, teach and exercise oversight and administration of the church. The day to day administration and leading of the church is normally conducted by the pastor(s) and officers, who are entrusted by the members with their respective responsibilities.

3.8 The Voluntary Associations of Baptist churches

While each Baptist church is competent to manage its own affairs, Baptists recognise that they are called into real fellowship with other believers, particularly believers of like conviction, giving expression to and maintaining the unity of God's Spirit in the bonds of peace. Further, they recognise that they are called by Jesus Christ though the Holy Spirit to work together with believers of like conviction and with Christians generally in the world- wide ministry and mission of the church. For these reasons, and in order to realise common purposes, Baptists believe that it is a proper understanding and expression of the Gospel for Baptist churches to associate voluntarily with each other. We do so as constituents of the South Australian Baptist Union Incorporated (The Union) and, through the Union, with similar associations nationally and internationally.

4. Member of the South Australian Baptist Union Incorporated

4.1. The church is and shall be a member of the South Australian Baptist Union Incorporated (SABU).

The church accepts that its aims and objects are:

5.1. To proclaim the gospel of The Lord Jesus Christ leading those who repent and believe in Him for salvation into membership in the Church.

5.2. To proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ in the lives of Christians and to seek to fulfil His purpose in the life of the church and the world beyond.

5.3. To encourage people to assemble in regular worship of God.

5.4. To instruct people of all ages in the Scriptures and its implications in daily living.

5.5. To support the work of the wider fellowship of Baptist World Alliance and to co-operate with other Christian bodies as may be determined by the Church.

5.6. To work for justice and care with compassion for the needy and oppressed.