FAQ
Baptist
Church
Baptist Churches are Christian churches just like Anglican (C of E)
Baptist Churches talk of the church "being a family" and therefore we aim to support and help each other in difficult times and celebrate together in good times. Baptist Churches aim to have no hierarchy such as Bishops or Arch-bishops. Instead we believe that local people are best placed to make decisions about local issues. We link with other Baptist churches through The Baptist Union of Great Britain. We work with other churches such as C of E locally.
Does that mean you don't have vicars?
We have ministers or pastors who are like vicars. Their role is to help facilitate local worship and decision making. In Levenshulme we have a part time minister called Ian who also works part time with M19 Urban Expression.
Are you only open on Sundays?
We aim to be a community focused church and many groups meet in the building during the week. See the home page for groups that meet regularly at LBC.
Was yours the church on Changing Rooms on TV?
Yes. Along with St Peters church on Stockport Rd. The brightly coloured worship area was the result of BBC TV's Changing Rooms programme. The colour scheme provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere to worship.
Can I see what Changing Rooms did?
Yes. Click the contact button and we can arrange for you to come and see.
What time is your main worship service?
We have a variety of worship options - See home page
Do you have Children's/Young People's groups?
Follow the links from the Home page for Toddler Church and mid week children's activities at LBC.
Does it matter if the children are noisy?
We understand that children and noise go together and we aim to be a church which is understanding and encouraging towards the needs of parents, children and young people.
Do you have to pay to come to LBC?
No. There is no obligation to give any money to the church. An offering is taken but this is completely voluntary. The money given is used to support the church's work in Levenshulme and to help other community focused projects world-wide.
What will happen if I turn up one Sunday?
As you come in, somebody will hopefully say hello and make you feel at home. You can join in or sit and watch from the back if you'd rather.
Do you have to be a certain type of person to come to church?
If you look at our vision statement you will see that we aim to be a church which includes and values all people.
What about Baptism?
While we do not dismiss infant Baptism, we prefer (as many other churches) that people make a decision to be Baptised when they request it personally. This is usually because they have had an experience of God in a personal way and want to follow Jesus' example. We Baptise by full immersion which means that the whole body is covered by water rather than just the head. The person remains fully clothed during a Baptism! It may sound strange, but it's not really... Good idea to come and see one some time.
Do I have to join the church?
You can come along as often as you like without becoming an official member. Membership is considered by the whole church on request of an individual. Members are able to have a say and vote on decisions about the local church.
Are you linked to any other group or are you completely independent?
While each Baptist Church is independent and locally run, we are linked together by the Baptist Union of Great Britain. Locally we are an active member of Churches Together in Levenshulme. We also partner with Manchester Vineyard for Kids Club and for other Children's activities with Sure Start, Levenshulme.
Will you try and convert me?
We aim to show in our actions and speak of a radical Jesus who invites individuals to have a close friendship with him. This Jesus was the friend of the socially deprived and excluded and often had run ins with the religious leaders of his time. He spoke of equality and a God of Love. He was sentenced to die because of his radical nature. We believe that in his death and resurrection we can be a part of his radical story BUT... we will not brainwash you with our message. We believe in individual choice and will aim to discuss and answer questions but not be judgemental of your choices.
