Dunfermline West Baptist is committed to a network of about 160 churches across Scotland known as the Baptist Union of Scotland (https://scottishbaptist.com/). Although independent churches, we share a vision to support one another in our great commision. The Baptist Union of Scotland works with its churches to equip and accredit leaders and nurture collaboration.

We gather around the following Declaration of Principle:

• That the Lord Jesus Christ our God and Saviour 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 the Holy Spirit, of those who have professed repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for our sins according to the Scriptures; was buried and rose again the third day.
• That it is the duty of every disciple to bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to take part in the evangelisation of the world.

Covenant Membership

Brothers and sisters are in membership with the community in covenant, a covenant that should be regularly reaffirmed in the life of the church. When an individual desires to enter a covenant relationship with a Baptist church, the membership affirm their covenant promises to their new brother or sister in Christ.

It was agreed that our covenant encapsulates the constitution:

We profess our faith in Jesus Christ as saviour and Lord,
and have been baptised into Christ’s family

We will share the responsibility of Christ’s community as his disciples
By attending faithfully, by praying for its growth and health, by coming to the Lord’s Table, by giving regularly; and by using our gifts in the service of the good news of Christ’s Kingdom. (Acts 20.7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7, Matt. 28:19-20)

We will protect the unity of Christ’s Church
By maintaining the spirit of Christ’s love and unity, by supporting and encouraging each other, by evidencing the fruit of the spirit, and by referring to Christ as the source of all authority. (Romans 15:5, 1 Peter 1:22)

Believers Baptism

(The following excerpt is from: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/220594/Believers_Baptism.aspx)

Believer’s baptism is a very special moment on the journey of faith. It is a moment when God’s presence and blessing meets us, and when we make our personal commitment of faith in Jesus as Lord. It signifies the end of our old life and of being born again to new life in Christ. Normally taking place by full immersion in water, it speaks of repentance and cleansing, of being united with Christ in his death and resurrection, and of witnessing to the call of God upon our lives. Baptism is also about receiving God’s Spirit for service in the church and in the world.

Many Baptists will want to welcome and affirm those who have a different story to tell of how they have been baptised and come to faith, while still declaring our conviction that believer’s baptism is the pattern that is set out for us in scripture:

1. Jesus set an example: Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22).

2. Jesus commands us: In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”

3. The early church practised it: On the Day of Pentecost, Peter tells the people to “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-38).

There are other examples of baptism throughout the book of Acts which suggests believer’s baptism was an integral part of early church life.