What we believe

As a believing community of God's people here in Upton we exist to glorify God by giving glory to Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We remember that in all that we do, it is all about Jesus.

We believe that our true worship is demonstrated through our daily living and walking with our Lord. Our aim is to worship God in the way we live our lives as described in the Bible.

We commit ourselves to Jesus' command to the mission field of Upton and beyond to the wider world. We commit ourselves to make disciples by being Jesus Christ's witnesses here in Upton upon Severn in Worcestershire and to the ends of the earth.

As a Baptist community we hold to the following core beliefs about being a Baptist.

The Lordship of Christ

We affirm that 'Jesus is Lord'. He is Lord over our individual lives, the life of each church, and the life of the whole world.

The authority of the Bible

The Bible is described as the 'Word of God' because Baptists believe that it's writers were inspired by God's Spirit.

As such, it has authority to guide both what we believe and how we live our lives.

We will encourage reading and studying the Bible.

Baptism for Believers

From the example of the New Testament, Baptists claim that baptism is for those who believe and are able to declare that Jesus 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 live for Christ.

A Believers Church

Baptists understand the church as a community of believers gathered in the name of Jesus Christ for worship, witness and service.

As a community of believers we are free to determine our own pattern, though prayer and praise, listening and reflecting on scripture, and sharing Holy Communion will always be central to our pattern of worship.

The priesthood of all believers

We believe that everyone that attends a 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 or hospitality. We believe in encouraging all to use these God given gifts and in challenging each other to listen to the call of God to minister to each other in this way.

Church members and church meetings

We are a church whose membership is open and encourage all who love the Lord to become involved with us. We believe in a covenant relationship with each other including the sharing of communion and prayer together.

All 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.

Our Church meeting will make significant appointments including ministers, and agree financial policy and mission.

The importance of Prayer

We will provide prayer support for each other, for everyone who asks for our prayers and for everyone whom God places on our hearts.

We believe in the power of prayer in any situation. We commit ourselves to a pray life that brings our own situation, the situation of our community and the situation of the world to our Lord as he commands and prompts.

We fervently believe in the power of prayer and in the miracle of how God answers prayer in our lives and in the world.

Interdependence

We believe that churches should not live in isolation from one another but rather be inter-dependent.

We are part of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) and we are linked regionally, nationally and internationally for support and fellowship.

In addition we value the links we have with fellow Christians in the other churches in Upton and are committed to work within Churches Together in Upton where possible.

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.

We believe in outreach to our community and to the wider world and will work with Churches Together in Upton to further His work in our community.

Religious Freedom

Religious freedom for all has always been a keystone of Baptist understanding. Acceptance of differences of outlook and diversity of practice is encouraged within Upton Baptist as well as in our wider world

Our Future Plans

We hold to the core values of the Baptist Union as we long to glorify God by seeking to be the following type of community:-

A Prophetic Community

Following Jesus in confronting evil, injustice and hypocrisy.

Challenging worldly concepts of power, wealth, status and security

An Inclusive Community

Following Jesus in transcending barriers of gender, language, race, class, age and culture.

Identifying with those who are rejected, deprived and powerless.

A Sacrificial Community

Following Jesus in accepting vulnerability and the necessity of sacrifice.

Seeking to reflect the generous, life-giving nature of God.

A Missionary Community

Following Jesus in demonstrating in word and action God's forgiving and healing love.

Calling & enabling people to experience the love of God for themselves.

A Worshipping Community

Following Jesus in engaging in worship and prayer which inspire and undergird all we are and do.

Exploring and expressing what it means to live together as the people of God, obeying his Word and following Christ in the whole of daily life.