Faith & Ethos

Cross-Faith-and-Ethos

We believe that Jesus Christ is the foundation and head of the Church and worship him as Lord and Saviour.

As the Son of God, fully human and fully divine, he was sent by the Father in to the world to reveal the love of God for humanity.

Through his person and work, Christ proclaimed the good news or “gospel” of salvation and eternal life by grace through faith. The unfolding of God’s plan of creation, salvation and recreation is recorded and communicated in the Holy Bible.

The Lord Jesus has effected a work of peace and reconciliation. Being at peace with God and ultimately with one another comes through the receiving of Christ into one’s life and belief in his gospel.

Those who become Christians affirm their commitment and practice their faith in the context of the body of believers. This body is world-wide and encompasses many Christian traditions, but it is important that the individual is united with a local congregation.

For Baptists, believer’s baptism by immersion represents the sealing of one’s commitment to Christ and his church and serves as a dramatic personal testimony of faith. Baptism is one of the “ordinances” of the church, the other being communion or celebration of the Lord’s Supper, which is usually observed on a monthly basis.

The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be his agent in the world, living out his teachings, demonstrating his love and engaging spiritual and physical need with his compassion.

This gospel mission is defined and guided by scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit who gifts the members of the church for service. In the power of the Spirit, disciples of Christ testify in word and deed to his Lordship and look forward to the day when he will return in glory, for as Christ died and has risen, so he will come again!

Our Ethos

Bible

A Christian Church

BGBC is a community of faith which seeks to know Christ and make him known. We believe in the authority of Scripture and uphold it as a sufficient standard for faith and practice.

A Baptist Church

Our fellowship claims a rich Baptist heritage and we adhere to Baptist distinctives of faith and practice including baptism by immersion, and congregational church government. We are a member church of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, through the Central Baptist Association.

An Ecumenical Church

We are ecumenically-minded and value our association with other Christian traditions, as a member of Churches Together in South, Central and West Watford and as an active participant in the cooperative activities of Christians Across Watford.

We also host a number of other Christian congregations in our premises:

(1) on Sundays – COGIC (Church of God in Christ Watford); Rhema Winners Citadel; and Ministry Alliança, an Assemblies of God church whose services are in the Portuguese language; and

(2) prayer groups during the week of the following groups: Grace Altar Mission; God’s Kingdom Society and Joy Christian Centre International.

An Inclusive Church

Our approach to the spiritual pilgrimage falls along broad, evangelical and inclusive lines. All Christian backgrounds are welcomed and respected. Whatever the nature of your belief or unbelief, BG is a welcoming place to seek, to reflect, to ask, to dialogue and to journey as a pilgrim of faith. We’ll not smother you, but will welcome you.