What we believe

The church has developed and agreed a statement of faith to express the truths that it holds to be true. These are all based upon scripture, and every member has assented to this statement. The statement does not include secondary issues upon which Christians may differ and yet still enjoy true unity and fellowship.

The statement of faith was agreed by the church on 17th November 2009.

1. God

We believe in the only true and living God, who is the Trinity of divine persons.

  • The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are co equal and co eternal, and sovereign in creation, providence and redemption. God the Father in his infinite love sent the Son, that the world through him might be saved.
  • Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, the incarnate Son of God, through his substitutionary, atoning death on the cross triumphed over Satan, sin and death.
  • The Holy Spirit leads sinners to repentance, gives them faith in Christ, and sanctifies them to fit them to enjoy fellowship with God.

2. The Holy Scriptures

We believe the Holy Scriptures, contained in the sixty six books as originally given, are the infallible and inerrant Word of God and are divinely inspired. We recognise them as the full and final revelation of God and they are our sole authority in all matters of faith and practice.

3. The Fall of Man

We believe that all men and women are sinful by nature as a result of the Fall. Sin infects and affects every part of their being, and makes them guilty in the sight of a holy God. As a result they are under the just condemnation of God. It is only by being born again that men and women can be forgiven and reconciled to God.

4. Salvation

Salvation is entirely a work of God's grace and cannot be earned or deserved. It has been accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ through his death and resurrection and is offered to all in the gospel. God in his love forgives sinners whom he calls, granting them repentance and faith. All who believe in Christ are justified by faith alone, adopted into the family of God and receive eternal life.

5. The Church

The universal Church is the body of which Christ is the head and to which all who are saved belong. We further believe that the Church manifests itself in local congregations of those who have received salvation through Christ. Here God is worshipped; His word is taught; sanctification and good works are promoted amongst its members; the ordinances of Baptism and Communion are administered; pastoral care is exercised; outreach undertaken and supported; and discipline is observed in accordance with the Scriptures.

6. The Future

The Lord Jesus Christ will return in glory. He will raise the dead and judge the world in righteousness. Those judged to be unrighteous will be sent to eternal punishment and those judged to be righteous will be welcomed into a life of eternal joy in fellowship with God. God will make all things new and will be glorified forever.