About Us

·        What We Believe

It is said that in the Roman Empire:

•        The people thought that all religions were equally true
•        The philosophers stated that all religions were equally false
•        The rulers believed that all religions were equally useful

Sound familiar! In our society of individualism and relativism, we are told that we can choose what is right and wrong for us – there are no absolutes. But if that is true, then there is no such thing as right or wrong. The worst atrocities, the most loathsome vileness are merely events in history which cause us to feel a little queasy. Even the most ardent materialist cannot live with that in real life.

However, if God has created the Universe, our world, and if He has spoken to us in the Bible and in the sending of His Son Jesus as God incarnate, then we can live lives which have purpose, freedom and hope.

The essentials of what we believe as Christians:

God

There is only One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is the creator and sustainer of all life. God is not limited by time or space which means He is always with us wherever we are. God is eternal, without beginning or end. He alone is all powerful, all loving and abounding in creativity and joy and mercy – glorious in wisdom, kindness and holiness. He is infinite and yet desires to have a deeply personal relationship with each one of us.

Jesus

A personal relationship with God is available to everyone through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the only way to God, He is the only mediator between man and God. Jesus is ‘the way, the truth and the life’. God sent Jesus to die on the cross, and to rise again so that sin and death were defeated. What does that mean for me and you? We do not have to live lives of fear, with a lack of love and no hope. We can through Jesus know the forgiveness, freedom and hope of the One True God. Jesus is not a religion but a way of life for those who follow Him.

          The Past

Bromsgrove Baptist Church was founded in 1666 by John Eckles, a young clothier from Bewdley. John and the early members of the church suffered considerably for their Nonconformist views – one member was even thrown into jail! Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the church grew and started many other Baptist Churches in the surrounding area and in nearby Birmingham.

Since the seventeenth century the congregation has met in at least seven different buildings around the town, and the current building is the third on the New Road site.  It was completed in 1990.

          Today

We are a group of ordinary people sharing the same ‘ups and downs’ of life as you. We come from all walks of life having different, and yet at times, the same concerns, disappointments, fears, doubts, and joys. Married, single, employed, unemployed, young and old, all unique yet trying to encourage and love one another unconditionally along life’s journey. Why do we do that? Because the one thing we have in common is that we all have experienced something of the love of God and with God’s help we want others to experience it too.

The church is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Heart of England Baptist Association, Churches Together in Bromsgrove and the Evangelical Alliance. We are in full support of BMS World Mission having Action Teams each year sharing in the life of the church before and after their placement, and Home Mission.

         Questions & Answers

If it has been a while since you went to church or you are thinking of coming along for the first time, you may have some questions about ‘how we tick’. Hopefully these answers will help.

•         What should I wear?

Clothes….basically, what ever you feel comfortable in – jeans, shorts, dress or a suit. Swimming costumes are probably not appropriate as they may be distracting for others!

•         Where can I sit?

Anywhere you want – there are no ‘family pews’! If you have any special requirements please speak to one of our stewards at the door and they will be very happy to help as best they can. Speaking of pews – there are none at all. We have comfortable padded seats so if the pastor goes on too long people can sleep in comfort.

•         Do I have to give money?

No. we do have a free-will offering, but this is for the regular congregation to support the things we do.

•         Will there be smells & bells?

No – unless there is a gas leak or the church catches fire! This is not for any deep theological reason – they have never been part of our background.

•         Can I keep my child with me?

Yes please do.

In the morning, unless it is All Age Worship, there is a crèche and children’s groups. Your child can go to them, but if they feel anxious in any way then they are welcome to stay with you. If they get a little grumpy, or fidgety or they need the toilet, please feel free to take them out with no feeling of embarrassment.

•         Are there baby changing facilities?

Yes, baby changing facility are in the disabled toilet.

•         What disabilities do you cater for?

We aim to be as accessible as possible. We have an easy access wheelchair ramp at the large main entrance to the church and we have a modern disabled toilet.  There is plenty of room and easy access throughout the church for wheelchairs so you can find a spot that is just right for you. The church has a loop system for those who find hearing a little difficult. Worship songs are projected onto a large screen at the front of church, but we also have songbooks available.