Along with all Christians, we have core beliefs that have been central to the Christian tradition for centuries upon centuries. For example, we stand united with all Christians in our belief in the existence of God, in the Trinity, in the Divinity of Christ, in the sufficiency of Christ’s death and resurrection for forgiveness and eternal life.
As Baptists we have some particular beliefs that shape how we do church together. Obviously, many other wonderful Christian churches share many of these particular beliefs with us, but holding this combination of particular beliefs is what makes us unique as Baptists.
The Bible is the Supreme Authority in All Matters of Religion
We believe the Bible is the inspired written revelation of God to humankind. It is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice.
The Lordship of Jesus Christ
It is our belief that Jesus Christ is to be Lord of each person and Lord of each church. Through his death and resurrection Jesus offers forgiveness of sins and the joy of eternal life to all who will receive Him as Savior and Lord.
The Priesthood of All Believers
Every believer has direct relational access to God through Jesus Christ and can equally contribute to God's kingdom.
'Believers' Church' Membership
Although everyone is welcome, formal church membership should be for those who have believed in and accepted Jesus Christ as Savior, and who desire to live for Him and serve Him as Lord.
The Ordinances
Baptism is the initiation rite that portrays our salvation through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ on our behalf. We teach and practice 'believers baptism' through immersion.
The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is the recurring ordinance by which we remember Christ’s death on our behalf. The bread and the cup signify His body given and His blood shed for the atonement of our sin.
Religious Liberty
Each person, as a being created in the image of God, is intended to have the freedom to choose their own religion, and the ability to act as a free moral agent.
The Separation of Church and State
Baptists have long defended the rights of individuals and groups to worship as they understand it to be God’s will, and not to be interfered with by government. Baptists contend for complete religious and political freedom for all. Churches cannot have “right of interference” or “control” over government or expect the special favours of government.
Democratic Church Government
Our local congregation is ultimately responsible for the decisions and policy making that occurs in the church. Congregational government means that pastors and board members are ultimately accountable to the membership. Congregational government means that every member has an equal vote.
The Independence of the Local Church
We believe that the local church is totally independent and fully autonomous. This means that the local church is not under the authority of a centralized church government that passes down decisions to constituent churches.
Still, Baptist Churches also recognize the need for interdependence to accomplish the tasks of mission, evangelism, education, etc. We are proud to be affiliated with the Canadian Baptist of Western Canada.
The Evangelization of the World
Baptists take seriously the Great Commission of going “into all the world” with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our constant endeavour to introduce men, women and youth to the person of Jesus Christ.