Statement of Beliefs and Covenant of Care

We are an evangelical, Baptist church. We confess a number of core Christian beliefs and some Baptist distinctives:

  • There is one God, revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit
  • The Bible is the word of God, and authoritative in all matters of faith and conduct
  • Humanity was made in the image of God, but rebelled against God and fell into sin. Apart from God's grace we are helpless and hopeless.
  • Jesus died on the cross to redeem humanity from the guilt, penalty and power of sin
  • The church is a body of people who have put their faith in Jesus as their Saviour and Lord
  • Baptism of Believers by Immersion
  • Celebration of the Lord's Supper in remembrance of Him
  • The return of Jesus to judge the living and the dead.

 

We celebrate an open membership of those who give evidence of a sincere profession of faith in the Lord Jesus and agree to hold to the doctrines referred to in the Church's Statement of Beliefs. 

 

Our full Statement of Beliefs can be found here.

Our church members also agree to honour our Covenant of Care. This outlines the responsibilities we have to our leaders, to the church and to one another.

A copy of the Covenant and Care can be found here.

Stance Regarding Sex, Sexuality, Worship and Ministry

Christian teaching about sex and sexuality is a controversial and often misunderstood topic. However, it is an area that is important in our discipleship to Jesus.  At Dickson Baptist Church we want to be a Christian community that is faithful to Jesus Christ, and welcoming and respectful of people who do not share our beliefs and practices. We summarise a Christian biblical sexual ethic as follows: 

'Sexual intimacy is a gift of God for the relationship of a husband and wife, and such intimacy is to be exercised with love, grace and fidelity. Those not in a husband-wife relationship are called to celibacy.'

This is based on God's design for relationships in creation, Jesus' affirmation of that design, the teaching that marriage is a reflection of Christ and the Church, and the  commands in scripture regarding sexual ethics. 

The leadership have put together a statement that seeks to give clarity to what we believe about sex and sexuality, and how we relate to people who do not share our beliefs. You can find it here.