The following paragraphs are from the Church’s constitution.
1 THE CHURCH AND ITS NAME
The Church means members of the charitable unincorporated association governed by this constitution and known as Cherry Hinton Baptist Church (or such other name as shall subsequently be adopted by decision of the Church Members’ Meeting and with the consent of the Charity Commission).
2 PURPOSE
The principal purpose of the Church is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The Church may also advance education and carry out other charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world.
3 BELIEFS
As a Member of the Baptist Union the Church subscribes to the Union‟s 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 Scriptures, 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 Holy Spirit, 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 on 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.
4 ACTIVITIES
4.1 In fulfilling the Purpose the Church will engage in a range of Activities either on its own or with others that will vary from time to time with Activities being initiated, expanded, or closed, as appropriate.
4.2 The Activities may include but are not restricted to:
- regular public worship, prayer, Bible study, preaching and teaching;
- baptism, as defined in the Union‟s Declaration of Principle;
- the Communion of the Lord‟s Supper which shall normally be observed at least once a month;
- evangelism and mission, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally;
- the teaching, encouragement, welcome and inclusion of young people;
- nurture and growth of Christian disciples;
- education and training for Christian and community service;
- giving and encouraging pastoral care;
- supporting and encouraging charitable social action in the United Kingdom and abroad;
- encouraging relationships with and supporting Baptists and other Christians.
4.3 Notwithstanding the appointment of persons to accept responsibility for any of the Activities all individuals, organisations, groups, and committees operating within the life of the Church, and their leaders, shall be accountable to the Charity Trustees and also through any specific direction of the Church Members’ Meeting.
5. AFFILIATION AND RELATIONSHIPS
5.1 The Church is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (Baptist Union) and the Eastern Baptist Association (Association)
5.2 The Church will normally promote, encourage, support and advance the work of the Baptist Union, the Association and BMS World Mission through prayer, through financial contributions and, where appropriate, by making personnel available from the membership of the Church. When it is able the Church will also support local Baptist and ecumenical gatherings.