Hartshill Bible Church chose its name to indicate the emphasis we place upon the Bible. It is the basis for all our beliefs and practices. We recognise that many today speak of faith and yet have no defined beliefs. Our faith is in God’s revelation in Scripture and this is reflected in both our church’s teaching position and the requirements for membership.
The teaching of the church is in accord with the teaching of Scripture as summarised in the Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689. This is a quite detailed statement of biblical truth and reflects the beliefs of the pastor and elders.
The Membership Statement of Faith serves to express in more basic terms the beliefs uniting the members of the church.
As all recognise, one may have correct beliefs and yet live inconsistently. In our endeavour to avoid this we have expressed our commitment to the Lord and each other in our Family Covenant.
In addition to the Membership Declaration of Faith, a more detailed statement of belief is used to express the teaching of the church.
What purpose does an additional statement of belief serve?
In answer to this one must take into account the biblical requirement that elders be able teachers of the Word. Whereas only a basic knowledge of the faith and adherence to the foundational truths of the Scripture is required of members, a much more thorough and wide-ranging knowledge is required of those who would teach others. In order that there would not be division arising within the leadership it is required that the elders be in substantial agreement. We believe that it is desirable that the members be in similar agreement, yet, we accept in membership all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and truth. Thus we do not require members to hold to the Church Confession of Faith, but only that they live in peace with it.
Our choice for the Church’s Confession of Faith
In the 16th and 17th centuries the preaching of the biblical truths rediscovered at the time of the Reformation transformed European society. These truths found, in the English speaking world, their fullest expression in the great creeds of the mid 17th century following the meeting of pastors and theologians at the Westminster Assembly in London. Three confessions of faith were eventually drawn up as a result of that assembly:
- the Westminster Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Churches;
- the Savoy Declaration of Faith of the Congregational Churches;
- and the Baptist Confession of Faith in 1689.
The latter two draw heavily upon the former employing many of the same words and phrases and express the same basic faith. The elders of Hartshill Bible Church hold to that faith and the Church’s teaching and practice follows that laid out in the Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689.
Why did we choose this particular confession?
- It has stood the test of time and shows a maturity of understanding in reflecting the Bible’s teaching. The 1689 Confession contrasts with many modern confessions in that it is comprehensive and clear. The aim is to clarify what is taught and not to blur the edges.
- It is framed in a way that maximizes the areas of agreement with other (i.e. non-baptistic) churches.
- It maintains three important distinctives taught in this church: believers’ baptism; the independency of local church in its government; and the separation of church and state.
- It is used by an increasing number of churches today throughout the world and thus has advantages over a home‑made confession. Its use reflects a true catholicity.