The principal object of the Union is the advancement of Christian faith and its practice, especially by the means of and in accordance with the principles of the Baptist denomination.

Our Christian faith understands that we can come to know God in Jesus Christ, who is both human and divine and is the person in whom all that is lost and broken can be redeemed and who inspires his followers to work for a world that is a better place for all.

Our Baptist principles mean that within the covenant relationship of Baptists Together we value the freedom of the local church to discern for itself its practices and policies within the broad scope of Baptist belief. We stress the importance of individual response in faith, and we understand that each Christian is to play their part in advancing Christian faith and witness. Because of our emphasis on personal faith and the freedom of the local church we are committed to religious freedom for people of all Christian traditions and other faiths.

The Union’s overriding function is to provide encouragement, advice and support to member churches so that they too may maximise their ability to achieve their own charitable objective of making Jesus Christ known to particular individuals and to society in general.

Baptists believe that each Christian has a duty to share their faith with the wider public and recognises that mission is not just evangelism, but also includes promoting justice, social welfare, healing, education, care of God’s creation and peace in the world.

Throughout 2022 our Union continued to support its member churches, regional associations and colleges by providing grants, practical support, guidance and expertise and by representing its members in the public arena. Throughout this report further detail and information is to be found about specific initiatives in 2022 and how they relate to the overall strategy of our Union.
 

Whilst the objects of our Union continue much unchanged from year to year, the work of our Union to achieve these is reviewed periodically to ensure there is effective and appropriate provision and support for ministers of religion, other church leaders and the churches, regional associations and colleges.  

The ‘Futures Review’ undertaken in 2012 outlined the main strategic direction, objectives and values of the Union which continue to be implemented. The strategy of our Union arises from this and is encapsulated in the phrase ‘Growing healthy churches in relationship for God’s mission.’ To do this, we believe that we must intentionally develop a Union that encourages and builds upon our relationships together as more than 1,850 member churches, 13 member regional associations and five member colleges, ie Baptists Together.

We continue to develop relationships with other Baptist organisations in the UK through the Fellowship of Baptists in Britain and Ireland, in Europe through the European Baptist Federation, and around the world through the Baptist World Alliance.
 

‘Growing healthy churches in relationship for God’s mission’  
We seek to deliver our vision through...

Baptists Together is committed to intentionally developing a culture where we...
Seek to be a movement of Spirit-led communities
As those who have encountered the living Christ, to intentionally seek his will and purpose for our local churches and every expression of our shared life.
(Galatians 5:22-25)
 
Feel like one team
Celebrating diversity; valuing, respecting and trusting each other as we work together in partnerships – making sure everyone feels included and listened to.
(I Corinthians 12:24b-27)
 
Embrace adventure
Being serious about discipleship, willing to take risks, pioneer and move out of the comfort zone of familiar ways of doing things.
(Matthew 28:18-20)
 
Inspire others
With a generosity of spirit, energise and motivate people to be all that God created them to be.
(Ephesians 5:1-2)
 
Share a hunger for God’s coming Kingdom
Nurturing a ‘holy discontent’ that arises from our desire to give practical expression to our vision of God’s purpose for creation – confronting evil, injustice and hypocrisy and challenging worldly attitudes to power, wealth, status and security both within and beyond our Union.
(Matthew 6:9-10).

Click here to read the story behind our culture.