Grace Baptist is a name used by various churches and associations, in different parts of the world, who would align with Reformed Baptists, who hold to Calvinistic doctrine, but would consider themselves distinct in their own right. This distinguishes them from General Baptists who instead hold to an Arminian theology.
History
editUnited Kingdom
editGrace Baptist churches in the UK have mainly derived from the Strict Baptists or Strict and Particular Baptists.[1] The Strict Baptist Assembly, established in 1964, held to beliefs outlined in the Baptist Affirmation of Faith 1966. The Assembly of Baptist Churches was established in 1976 and held to the Calvinistic doctrine of Sovereign Grace. Through discussions between the Strict Baptist Assembly and the Assembly of Baptist Churches came a conviction and desire to establish a single Assembly which in 1980 this gave rise to the joint Grace Baptist Assembly.[2]
Alongside the establishment of the Assemblies was the establishment of Associations of Strict Baptist Churches of which there were three.[1] These continue today under the updated titles of Associations of Grace Baptist Churches, listed below.
U.S. and Canada
editSome Churches in the U.S. and Canada adopt association with Grace Baptists in the United Kingdom. They do not share the historical developments which lead to Sovereign Grace Baptists.
Associations
edit- United Kingdom
- Association of Grace Baptist Churches (South East)[3]
- Association of Grace Baptist Churches (East Anglia)[4]
- Association of Grace Baptist Churches (West Anglia)[5]
Churches
editNotable churches which are members of Grace Baptist associations, or are known as Grace Baptist, include:
- United Kingdom
- Kew Baptist Church, Kew, Richmond, London
- Homerton Baptist Church, Homerton, Hackney, London
- United States
- Grace Baptist Church (Spokane, Washington), which is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
- Willis Presbyterian Church and Cemetery, which is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
- Grace Baptist Church of Philadelphia
Schools
editNotable schools named "Grace Baptist" include:
- United States
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "History of UK Baptists". London Baptist Association. Archived from the original on 6 October 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
- ^ "About GBA". Grace Baptist Assembly. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
- ^ Official website
- ^ Official website
- ^ Official website
External links
edit- Grace Baptist Assembly, United Kingdom
- "Strict Baptist". Theopedia. Retrieved 7 October 2016.