About Us

Find out who we are

Open Baptists is a new movement of Baptist churches in Australia and New Zealand, open to the diversity of people that God gathers into our churches and open to the diversity of ways that God calls us to respond in our local contexts. This openness arises from our Baptist heritage with its deep commitment to the authority of Jesus Christ as head of the Church, the priesthood of all believers, freedom of conscience, and the autonomy of the local church. We have many differences within and among our churches, but we partner together in mutual support and mission to make known the good news of God’s unfailing love for everyone.

Many of our churches continue to support their state associations. Others face disaffiliation from their state association because they cannot support, for many reasons, the traditional position on marriage now imposed on these churches. We are now moving beyond these debates and are seeking to encourage and support churches, pastors, and people in fresh ways.

We want to support and bring people together to serve and resource our churches in ways that are genuinely Baptist, liberating, collaborative, and hope-filled. We are guided by our historic Baptist principles, including the authority and inspiration of the living Christ, the importance of associating with others, the autonomy of each local church to make decisions without coercion, freedom of conscience for individual members and churches, and discernment and decision-making in local gatherings where every voice is valued.

Our Objectives

The advancement of the Christian faith and its practice, especially by the means of and in accordance with the principles of the Baptist tradition in particular, but not exclusively, through any or all of the following means:

Support the affiliated churches, including by providing advice and administrative support, accrediting ministers, training, governance, financial support, and liaising with the government.

To cultivate among its members and affiliated churches respect and love for one another and for all who love the Lord Jesus Christ.

To spread the gospel of Christ by such methods as the company shall determine.

To afford opportunities for conferences and for united action on questions affecting the welfare of the churches, the support of the ministry, and the extension of the Christian faith, both at home and abroad.

To promote good relations between Baptists [in Australia and globally].

To confer and cooperate with other Christian communities as occasion may require.

Our Principles

That our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the sole authority in all matters of faith and practice, as revealed in the Scriptures, and that each church and individual has liberty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to seek the mind of Christ in matters of faith and practice.

That [symbolising our participation in Christ] Christian Baptism is by water (normally by immersion) into the Name of the Father, the Son, and the 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 the third day.”

That every church and disciple is called to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and partner in the mission of God in our world.