Why do you call your self an independent Baptist church?

By the term "independent" we simply mean that we are not part of any convention, association or union. All of the churches in the New Testament were self-governing, independent churches without any form of outside control. We do fellowship with other churches of like faith and practice, but our guidance comes from the Holy Spirit and the written word of God - not from an ecclesiastical body.

Are you part of the Baptist denomination?

Technically speaking, there is no such thing as a "Baptist denomination" - the "Baptists" do not have a human founder as such. The term "baptist" was first applied to local groups of believers in Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries who believe much like we do today. In fact, because we hold to a literal interpretation of God's Word, churches like ours can be found throughout church history, although by various names, all of the way back to the early New Testament churches, as well as around the world today.

So where did the "independents" come from?

At one time, ALL Baptist churches were independent assemblies. Though many formed unions and conventions for various reasons, many others have chosen to remain independent bodies throughout the centuries. Independent Baptist churches are not something new, but something very old and well established in church history. In Australia ,  all Baptist churches were independent until the official formation of the Baptist Union in 1926 (Although, in Victoria , the first Baptist Union was formed in 1862.) . We know of over 200 Independent Baptist churches in Australia today.
 

What do you mean by "non-charismatic"? Don't you believe in the working of the Holy Ghost?

We definitely DO believe in the ministry of the Holy Ghost as testified to in scripture. However, we do NOT believe that the apostolic sign gifts (such as speaking in tongues, the gifts of healing, etc.) are valid for local churches today. This is not a hastily arrived at doctrine, but a valid position based on clear teaching of scripture that we would be more than willing to discuss in detail with anyone who is sincerely interested. 

So you don't believe in divine healing either?

To the contrary, we DO believe in divine healing, but NOT that the apostolic sign "gift of healing" is valid for today. God can and does heal in response to prayer, but he does NOT work through so-called healers today with the same gifts of healing exercised by the apostles in the early church. Again, we would be more than glad to enter into correspondence with anyone on this point who is sincerely interested in what scripture has to say.

What do you do in your services?
Our mid-week Bible study consists of a time of prayer, fellowship and study of the word of God, verse by verse. Our Sunday services similarly involve fellowship with God's people and praising God in song, prayer, and the preaching of his Holy Word. In all our services, we open the word in such a manner that you can see and examine it for yourself.

Why did you start a church in Palmerston?

Over 80% of Australia does not go to church on a regular basis. The odds are that you are part of the 80% - YOU are therefore the reason why the Gateway Baptist Church exists in Palmerston!