Baptist Principles

MOBC was founded more than 111 years ago as a mission of Newtown Baptist Church. Since then many people have been influenced and much change has been embraced. However the church continues to value its Baptist heritage, and the principles that have always served to distinguish it. These include:

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’ and we believe that its writers were inspired by God’s Spirit. As such, it has authority to guide both what we believe and how we live our lives.

The baptism of believers

From the teaching and the example of the New Testament, we understand that baptism is for those who believe and are able to declare that Jesus is Lord. As a symbol of Jesus’ Lordship of our lives, we practise baptism by immersion, which represents a desire to die to self and to live for Christ.

A believers’ church

We understand the church to be a community of believers gathered in the name of Jesus Christ for worship, witness and service. While there is no set Baptist liturgy and each local church is free to determine its own pattern, prayer and praise, listening to and reflecting on the Bible, and sharing communion are always central.

The priesthood of all believers

We believe that every Christian has a role to play and can use their God-given skills and talents for the good of the church and the wider community. These gifts include teaching, evangelism, social action, pastoral care, prayer, healing, taking part in worship, administration and hospitality.

Congregational government

When a person is baptised in a Baptist church, they normally become a church member. Church members are called to prayerfully discern God’s will for their shared life. Final authority does not rest with the pastors, ministry leaders or any other local, national or international body, but with the Lord Jesus Christ. Members meet together under God’s guidance to discern His will.
At MOBC the Church Meeting makes significant appointments including pastors, and agrees financial policy.

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.

Interdependence

We believe that Christian churches are inter-dependent and must work together to fulfil the Great Commission*. To this end MOBC is linked with other Baptist churches regionally, nationally and internationally. We also work together with Christian churches of other denominations in our local area.

*The ‘Great Commission’ refers to Jesus’ command to ‘make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19)

Religious Liberty

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