Frequently asked questions
Yes. A church is only required to leave a state association if it becomes part of another denomination. Open Baptists is not another denomination but another Baptist association. Affiliating with Open Baptists would not affect a church’s membership with their state association.
No, you don’t. Open Baptists includes people and churches who affirm same-sex marriage and others who do not. What we ask is that everybody is willing to be in association with those who hold a different view on this issue. You should note, however, that affiliated churches can nominate LGBTQI+ people, including those in same-sex marriages, as members and office holders of Open Baptists.
In its first year, Open Baptists focused on its governance underpinnings (policies, finances, insurance, committees etc), establishing credible guidelines and processes for accrediting ministers, developing its communications, recruiting churches to affiliate with it, and supporting a network of pastors and other church leaders adversely affected by recent changes in the NSW and ACT Baptist Association. We are now looking at expanding our activities, which will be the topic for discussion at our Gathering in March 2005. Possible areas for new activity include church planting, additional support for churches, and formation of people for Christian ministry. We look forward to offering fuller
range of support for churches over the coming years.
We look forward to welcoming churches that support the Open Baptists approach into affiliation. However, there are some formal requirements and processes to work through. In order to affiliate with Open Baptists, a church must agree to be bound by the Open Baptists Constitution and support the principles and objects set out in the Constitution. (Don’t worry! The Constitution places no constraints on a church’s internal decision-making.
A church that would like to be affiliated must send the secretary a copy of the church’s governing document and a copy of resolutions of a church meeting that (i) requests affiliation; (ii) agrees to be bound by the Open Baptists
If the secretary determines that the application for affiliation should be considered, it will be referred to the directors for recommendation to the company. A church may be admitted to affiliation by a majority of votes cast at a general meeting of the company.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to request affiliation with Open Baptists.
There is no fee for being affiliated with Open Baptists. The church will be able to make voluntary contributions to the Open Baptists budget. Open Baptists is just starting up and has a limited range of activities. Its costs are therefore low, and contributions required from churches will be small. This will change as the range of activities expands.
Canberra Baptist Church – website link
South Yarra Baptist Church – website link
Seaforth Baptist – website link
West Ryde Baptist Church – website link
Hamilton Baptist Church, Newcastle – website link
Avalon Peace Baptist Church – website link
There is a network for individuals and pastors.
Open Baptists acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live and their continuing connection to land, waters, and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures, and the Elders past, present, and emerging.
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