ABOUT US

Every several years, the BBC runs a detailed survey of religion in the UK (which has more in common with Australia than the USA re matters religious). Over the past decade or so,  data has revealed that although mainstream churches continue to lose members, there has been a substantial increase in those interested in spirituality. People are seeking something beyond Western consumerism and financial success. Averse to the promises and certainties of religious (or economic) fundamentalism, they intuitively know there is more to life. Many have been part of a church but have left.

As one person said, ‘I left the church to find God.’

At St Ives Baptist Church, we don’t have all the answers; we are flawed human beings who try  to make sense of life - and God. We are prepared to ask the hard questions - and often find there are no pat answers. We seek to reflect together on the Bible - which has more in common with a powerful biography to inspire than an encyclopedia or manual providing rules to live by. Yet despite honestly expressed doubts, fears and wrestling with Truth, confusing or frustrating paradoxes, we acknowledge the mystery of Life and God whose grace in Jesus still touches lives. We thirst and yearn after the echo of eternity planted deep within us.

As St Augustine exclaimed 1600 years ago,

“O God, you have created us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in you.”

We want to live authentic growing lives, seeking our true selves created in God’s image while paring away the false self. We want to share our sometimes messy, sometimes fruitful journeys with others so that we might mutually encourage one another.

If this resonates with you, come and check us out.