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Associations have played a vital role in the foundation of Calvinistic Baptist ecclesiology since their inception. While maintaining the independence of the local church, which acknowledges that Christ has bestowed all necessary power and authority, these associations have never advocated for isolationism.

Instead, they have aimed to demonstrate the unity of the body of Christ through visible cohesion among groups of churches. The commitment of our forefathers to the Word of God and the reformation of churches led them to affirm both the congregational independence and the interdependency of churches. Thus, in the 17th century, the earliest particular Baptist churches formed regional associations as a means of expressing their communion with one another. In 1656, the Midlands Association drafted a formal agreement that emphasized this unity. In it they stated:

“we do therefore…mutually acknowledge each other to be true churches of Christ, and it is our duty to hold a close communion each to each other as the Lord shall give opportunity and ability, endeavouring that we may increase more and more in faith and knowledge and in all purity and holiness to the honour of our God, and it is the resolution, in the strength of Christ, to endeavour thus to do.”
 
During the reign of William and Mary, in 1689, churches in London, having acquired newfound freedom, sought to emulate the resolve of their predecessors by establishing a national association under the 2nd London Confession of Faith 1677/89. We wholeheartedly embrace this confession of faith, which underscores the necessity and benefits of church associations. Chapter 26, paragraph 14 of the confession states   “when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification.”  
 
 

Established in 2023

In a similar vein, a group of confessional Baptist churches today, relying on the strength of Christ, are determined to foster communion by establishing a biblical association of churches. We seek an association that remains steadfast in upholding the entirety of God’s counsel and wholeheartedly confesses the 2nd London Baptist Confession as the most comprehensive summary of our faith. Furthermore, we aspire for our churches to embody this associational life for the betterment and prosperity of all our congregations. We are committed to mutual accountability, love, and caring for one another in Christ.

With hearts filled with joy and gratitude, we offer praises to our glorious God for the establishment of the Association of Confessional Baptist Churches in the United Kingdom. On March 7th, a momentous occasion took place at Countesthorpe Baptist Church in Leicestershire, where our inaugural assembly was held to formally establish this association. We are truly thankful to God for hearing and answering our prayers, bringing our churches together in a united and official capacity. The birth of this new association is the culmination of many years of devoted prayer, thoughtful deliberation, and heartfelt discussions. It reflects the earnest desire of our churches to witness the revival of confessional reformed Baptist theology, piety, and practice among us.

During the assembly, nine churches sent messengers, with three formally constituting at this time. These three churches, Living Hope Bible Church in Lydd, Stanley Park Church in Liverpool, and Trinity Grace Church in Ramsbottom, stood as representatives of our collective commitment. Each messenger from these churches agreed to partake in communion with one another under the 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith 1677/89, in accordance with our constitution. A significant moment occurred when they signed a copy of the constitution, pledging their dedication to the following words:

We hold tenaciously to the inerrant and infallible word of God as found in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments in the Holy Bible. This is the one, only, full, final, and sufficient authority in all saving knowledge, faith, and practice. We embrace as our subordinate standard the 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689 as an accurate expression and summary of that system of doctrine taught in the Holy Bible. We are committed to associate with all other member churches according to the attached constitution, with prayerful and loving support.

As we embark on this new journey together, we fervently seek the blessings of our heavenly Father. May He guide and strengthen us as we faithfully uphold the principles of confessional Baptist churches in the United Kingdom. Let us unite in the pursuit of truth, worship, and discipleship, to the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.

 

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