We are a Christian Church
We are a group of ordinary people who seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ in the way we live. Motivation by love is a key aspect of the example which Jesus gave. We would like others to know of Jesus and be enabled to point their lives towards him.
We are a Baptist church, which means that we practice the baptism of believers by immersion. People take this step to publicly show that they are following Jesus.
Although the church is independent, we express our interdependence by being affiliated to the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the Eastern Baptist Association.
What is the Mission of the Church?
The Mission of the church, agreed by the Church Meeting, is expressed in this way:
"Declaring God's way, Sharing His love" - these words are included in our logo at the top of the page.
As a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the church affirms its Declaration of Principle:
That our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, is the sole and absolute authority in all matters pertaining to faith and practice, as revealed in the Holy Scripture, and that each Church has liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to interpret and administer His Laws.
That Christian Baptism is the immersion in water into the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, of those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ who "died for our sins according to the Scriptures; was buried, and rose again the third day".
That it is the duty of every disciple to bear personal witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to take part in the evangelisation of the world.
The membership of the church is open to all who profess repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and whose lives bear evidence of their Christian profession. Members are usually received after baptism by immersion, but all who conscientiously follow our Lord Jesus Christ are eligible for membership. Participation in the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) is open to all who love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ.
What is Christianity?
Christianity is centred on the life and example of Jesus Christ, he had such a dramatic effect on his followers that they were prepared to go as far as dying for what they believed in.
Useful websites which will help you to learn more are:
Who are the people of the Church?
The church family
All those who are associated with the church in any way, of whatever age, are regarded as belonging to the church family.
Regular members of the congregation
Our regular congregation for our morning services is between 80 to 100 worshippers. These are people who, in one way or another, are pointing towards Jesus Christ in their faith journey.
Church members
Church members have committed to support the work, witness, and financial needs of the church.
Deacons
The deacons are appointed by the church members. Together with the minister the deacons are responsible for the spiritual leadership and practical management of the church. They are also the legal Trustees of the church.
Minister
The minister gives spiritual leadership to the church, leads services, preaches, and offers pastoral care to the church family.
At a Special Church Meeting on 30th January 2022 the Church Members issued a call to Hazel to become our full-time Minister. Now, after an induction service on 10th September 2022 we are thrilled to have Hazel, now a newly accredited Minister but one with several years of experience in our church: The Rev Hazel Hunting, our full-time pastor.
Finance
Rushmere Baptist Church is an independent congregation supported by the individual members of our congregation.
We are a busy church but where there are gaps in our schedule we are able to supplement our personal giving by hiring our halls to other community groups and for private bookings. Our budget includes donations to others.
Safeguarding
Click here to read details of our safeguarding arrangements.