Here at St Ives Baptist Church are more questions than answers. But together we seek God. We seek Him in the biblical texts. We also look for Him in each other. We try to find Him in the world around us.
St Ives Baptist Church is a place to grow spiritually. The church wants to grow in understanding. It seeks to grow in compassion for others. It also aims to grow in love for God. The church loves everyone it meets. St Ives Baptist Church is a community of Christian believers.
Historically Baptists trace their beginnings to John Smyth. Thomas Helwys also contributed. They were English. Smyth and Helwys thought baptism should be based on faith. This contrasted with infant baptism. The first Baptist Church started in Amsterdam in 1609.
The Baptist denomination spread. It went from the Netherlands to England. Later it reached the U.S.. The movement grew there during revivals. These revivals occurred between the 18th and 20th centuries. Baptist Missionary organizations formed. Baptist Churches popped up worldwide. The first Baptists arrived in Australia in the 1830s.
St Ives Baptist Church held its first service on July 9th 1961. It was in the Community Hall on the Village Green. Members from Pymble Baptist Church supported them.
Three years later the church building opened. The date was November 21st 1964. The location is here at 28 Memorial Avenue in St Ives. The church has seen God’s work in many ways. It happened through St Ives Baptist Church. The church is excited about the future.
St Ives Baptist Church shares many Protestant beliefs. God’s love is central. It is expressed through Jesus Christ’s life death and resurrection. This is the center of the Christian faith.
The church believes in the Bible. They see it as the foundation of Christian faith. They strive to interpret scripture faithfully. They preach God’s love and kindness. They want to share truth with everyone.
To be Baptist means believing in religious freedom. Each person makes their own decisions. This includes beliefs and affiliations. The church practices believers’ Baptism.
The church is organized congregationally. Each local Baptist church is autonomous. This autonomy extends to finances organization and doctrine. The local church discovers its part in God’s story. It decides who its pastors and leaders are. The church also decides what is good teaching.
St Ives Baptist Church is democratic. Members are actively engaged. This happens at all levels of church life and ministry.
Benedikt Exner became the Lead Pastor in February 2023. He is originally from Germany. He traveled the globe. Eventually he settled in Australia. He enjoys good company and good food. Benedikt likes deep conversations about faith and theology.
He is married to Xheantelle. Together they explore Sydney’s multicultural world.
Hazel works with youth and children. She invests in the faith formation of young people. She works at St Ives Baptist Church and beyond. Hazel is married to Sam. She has a kitten named Ebi.
A team of deacons leads the church. They take responsibility for the community’s health. They also care for its vitality.
You are welcome to join St Ives Baptist Church every Sunday at 10am. The service helps people worship God. It also encourages spiritual growth. Services are in person and online. They are available via Live Stream. You are invited to stay for morning tea after the service.