About Us

Who are we?

Bourton Baptist Church has been in existence for over 350 years.  It is a small, friendly church with a core membership of about 30; we welcome many visitors throughout the year - many of whom might be enjoying the beautiful Cotswolds on holiday.  Wherever you are from, be it locally or from further afield, you are assured of a warm welcome.  We are part of the West of England Baptist Network (WEBNet) and an overall part of the Baptist Union of Churches in the UK. Further information is here: http://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/220 484/Who_are_Baptists.aspx For Baptists the concept of a family is important. The church is not so much a particular place or building, but rather a family of believers, committed to Christ, to one another and to the service of God in the world. We long for people to know Jesus, to be transformed by knowing Him, and bless our communities by His work within us. This is why we exist. It is summed up in our vision :

“To make Christ known, by

growing a healthy church in

relationship, for God's mission”.

We recognise that God is at work in this world, and it is our task to join His mission, wherever this may be. We know we are called to love our neighbour, and Jesus has a particular heart for the marginalised. That is why you’ll find us engaged in activities such as Foodbank and community groups, including Open4U on a Thursday.

Where are we?

The church is easy to find in Station Road, just a few yards north from the Post Office - click here to see a map of our location .  Parking is very limited at the church; however, the village is well served by public car parks and there is some on-street parking available nearby.

When to arrive:

If this is your first visit, the front doors of the church building are usually open about half an hour before ‘live’ services start but we suggest you might like to arrive about 10 minutes before the service begins (but please still come in, even if you’re late!). You will be greeted at the door by our stewards. Words for songs and readings are projected on the screen to reduce any risks associated with using books. For ‘streamed’ services we usually meet in the church hall at the rear of the building, and this is accessed through the door at the far end of the parking area to the right of the church.

What to wear:

We are an informal church, so please wear whatever you feel comfortable in. There is no requirement to "dress up".  Whether you feel more comfortable in a business suit, casual dress, or jeans, T-shirt and sweater - you are equally welcome.

What to expect:

Our Sunday morning worship is for all ages, although youth activities are currently limited (toys are available for young children). Communion is usually held on the third Sunday of each month as part of the morning worship. As is the custom within the Baptist Church, members of the congregation are served the bread and wine in their seats and our normal practice is to eat the bread as we receive it but retain the wine (served in individual communion cups) until everyone has been served so we can drink it together. We want to make you feel welcome - with no pressures - be you a regular church goer and Christian for many years or someone who is considering, perhaps for the first time, what Christianity is about.

What we believe:

We are a Christian church and believe that all can have a relationship with God. We believe that God sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to live on the earth 2000 years ago and that Jesus died so that our wrong-doing - our sins - might be forgiven.  For more information on the Christian faith visit www.rejesus.co.uk .  If you want to find out more about what Christianity is all about, you may prefer to join an Alpha group. Alpha is a great way to find out more about God and explore the meaning of life.  No question is too stupid and you'll find other people also exploring God for the first time.  Alpha is relaxed, non-threatening, friendly and fun.  You can find out a little more about Alpha here . For more information call Revd Ian Fowler on 01451 824225.

Our Mission:

Bourton Baptist Church are committed to intentionally developing a culture where we... SEEK TO BE A MOVEMENT OF SPIRIT LED COMMUNITIES: As those who have encountered the living Christ, to intentionally seek his will and purpose for our church and every expression of our shared life ( Gal. 5:22-25 ) FEEL LIKE ONE TEAM: Celebrating diversity; valuing, respecting and trusting each other as we work together in partnerships – making sure everyone feels included and listened to ( I Cor. 12:24b-27 ) EMBRACE ADVENTURE: Being serious about discipleship, willing to take risks, pioneer and move out of the comfort zone of familiar ways of doing things ( Matt. 28:18-20 ) INSPIRE OTHERS: With a generosity of spirit, energise and motivate people to be all that God created them to be ( Eph. 5:1-2 ) SHARE A HUNGER FOR GOD'S COMING KINGDOM: Nurturing a “holy discontent” that arises from our desire to give practical expression to our vision of God’s purpose for creation – confronting evil, injustice and hypocrisy and challenging worldly attitudes to power, wealth, status and security both within and beyond our church. ( Matt. 6:9-10 )