”Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” John 5v39

We are an independent Reformed Baptist Chapel, which means we are governed by the Word of God alone and take all our teaching and practices from the principles of the Bible. As a church we have a number of distinctives that we believe in and hold dear:

1. Doctrine

We believe in and teach the historic doctrines of the Christian faith as contained in the major confessions of faith (e.g. 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith).  For us, the bible is the only source of unchanging truth. The bible is clear that salvation comes through God’s grace alone, is secured by Christ alone and is received by faith alone. Once saved we are to live for God’s Glory alone. We teach the Doctrines of Grace (also known as the ‘Five Points of Calvinism’). (John 6v37, Ps 51v5)

2. The Gospel

We have at least one ­service every Sunday dedicated to straightforward evangelistic preaching. We seek to proclaim, clearly and persuasively, the lovingkindness of the Gospel message, and its power at Calvary so as to be understandable by all, whether brought up to attend a place of worship or not. We pray that God will use the Gospel Service to win many precious souls. Evangelism is a ­high priority for us and this also includes our evangelistic Sunday School, youth outreach and other activities. (1 Cor 9v16)

3. God-Glorifying Worship

We believe that the principles set out in the bible alone should direct our worship. Worship should be for God’s glory alone and not first and foremost for our enjoyment.  Our worship is to be glorious and reverent, lifting up our minds in praise, thanksgiving, repentance, dedication, intercession and the hearing of God’s Word. When these are the core characteristics of our worship to God, then our hearts and minds will also be filled and raised up. The result of true worship should never be to lift up or draw attention to mere men or women. (Exodus 20v24,25)

4. Working and Growing Church

We aim to be a working church, with all true believers having a meaningful role in serving the Lord, if it is possible for them to do so, by joining together in various activities to bring glory to Him.  We also aim to be a church that grows inwardly as much as outwardly. We seek to build a mutual concern and responsibility to support and exhort each other so that we can each grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4v3, 2 Peter 3v18)

5. Praying Church

We believe prayer is of vital importance for both individual believers and for the Church. We therefore hold regular church Prayer Meetings. Without the blessing of God in answer to prayer, all our witness would be in vain. Corporate prayer is essential to unite the people of God together in seeking the Lord’s blessing on His work. (1 Tim 2v1-8)

6. Biblical Separation

We believe that the Lord’s people must keep themselves set apart from worldliness and false teaching. This is the teaching of biblical sep­aration. False teaching is that which denies the inspiration and infallibility of the ­Bible, as well as other fundamental teaching of the faith. True churches must defend and preserve the Truth at all costs, never compromising the only way of salvation. (2 Cor 6v14-18)

7. Church Universal

We have a concern, based on the Great Commission to pray for, support and assist where we can in the wider extension of the Kingdom of God in the UK and overseas. (Mark 16v15)