Become a Partner
Everyone is welcome at Ventnor Baptist Church to share in our activities, or to join us on a Sunday to give God worship and praise and to listen to His word.
We understand that some are beginning to explore issues of faith, while others may attend our services only once every now and then.
Becoming a partner is for those people who are wholly committed to the church and want to be part of its mission. It is for those who have come to a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and wish to witness and express that faith in action to the community through the church.
As a Baptist Church, we believe that “Each church has liberty under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to interpret and administer Christ's laws.” Only those born again through repentance and faith and indwelt by the Holy Spirit are in a position to exercise that responsibility.
Partnership, as its name suggests, is a two-way relationship. The details below outline what you can expect from the leadership, and what our expectations are of those who wish to take this step.
What Partnership Involves
For those who wish to become partners with us, we expect active involvement in the life of the church (recognising that age and health may limit what you are able to do):
- Vision: Wholeheartedly embracing our vision and values.
- Worship: Regular involvement in Sunday worship, especially communion.
- Community: Involvement in house groups.
- Using Gifts: Willingness to use both spiritual and practical gifts for the benefit of the whole body, and to reach non-believers.
- Giving: Financial support. Our primary source of income is from believers who attend our church. We do not demand tithing, but we believe a tenth of our income is a good Biblical guideline.
- Praying: While we encourage a personal prayer life, we recognise that when the church meets together, God's heart is sensed and His power released. Corporate prayer is central to our life.
Our Commitment to You
As a partner, you can expect the leadership and church body to provide the following:
- To provide pastoral care and support.
- To teach the word of God faithfully.
- To support and nurture you in your faith.
- To provide support to enable your gifts to be used effectively.
- To give vision and direction to the church.
- To look after the business and day-to-day running of the church.
- To recognise the ultimate authority of the church meeting.
- To ensure your personal details are kept safe via an approved Data Protection policy.
- To safeguard vulnerable people and children, ensuring relevant people have up-to-date DBS checks.
Our Structures
- We currently have a part-time Pastor who is supported in his duties by those in the church partnership who are able.
- Those in the church who are recognised as being gifted by God to preach share the Sunday services, preaching and communion, throughout the month, bolstered by visiting ministers.
- There is a diaconate responsible for the general management of the church, which is elected at the AGM.
- House groups are an integral part of the life of the church to enable the development of spiritual growth, fellowship, and prayer on a personal level.
Taking the Next Step
If, having read this, you wish to commit to partnering with us, we ask that you download and sign the declaration and hand it to the minister.
Since partnership is a two-way commitment, the next church meeting will be asked to accept your request. This will then be confirmed at a convenient communion service where we will pray for you and publicly acknowledge you as a partner with us.