Who we are
We are a lively, growing Christian church on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park in SW England. So we enjoy some of the finest Devon scenery; and the local communities are friendly and varied. We are fairly close to Exeter and Newton Abbot, just off the main A38.
Sunday morning services are being held at 10.30am at Bovey in September 2010 due to temporary building works.
We usually hold two morning services (9.15 & 11.30). There is a programme of evening events and services hosted at Bovey (usually at 6.30pm). Details are given on local congregation pages. A warm welcome is offered to visitors to Devon as well as to residents; and we give a special welcome to anyone who is interested in discovering more about faith in Jesus Christ.
We have found out that our relationship with God is vital: it makes sense of the rest of life. Come and explore with us!
Enjoy the site, and contact us if we can be of further help.
We have been engaging in the process of vision searching over the last year or so, and after more than 30 years operating as a composite church, the individual congregations have begun to establish more of a local identity. During 2010, there will be changes in the way the churches function- but there will still be good relationships between the congregations.
Sunday worship services are only part of our pattern. Home groups meet regularly, and we hold a range of other events too. Youth and children’s groups are provided. Some events are local, others cover the whole area.
The excellent Sunshine PreSchool is run at our Bovey chapel.
The questions we are always asking-
Worshipping: how do we release people to love God wholeheartedly?
Belonging: how do we encourage people to join a church with our values?
Growing: how do we encourage people to become spiritually more alive?
Serving: how do we encourage people to identify and apply their gifts?
Going: how do we encourage people to be fruitful missionary disciples?
What makes us a “Baptist” church?
Baptists are distinguished by the way we mark the beginning of faith. When a person believes in Jesus, and commits to living as a Christian, they are baptised by immersion. After explaining WHY they believe, and what God has done in their lives, they are (briefly!) submerged under water in the same way Jesus was baptised - just as described in Mark’s Gospel (Chapter 1 v9-11)
Another characteristic is our "congregational government" which simply means that all the members have the privilege and responsibility of being involved in making the decisions about our life and work together. All Christians who have committed themselves to this local group can be part of the process of seeking God's purpose for us, and then help to work it out practically.
Every local Baptist church is independent, although linked to other Baptist churches and other Christian traditions. We are self-governing, but have a national "advisory" and support team to help us: and we are supported financially by the giving of the local membership.
EDBC also has good links with other Christian churches in the area. We work together and believe that it is important to demonstrate love and respect towards others. The things that draw Christians closer are stronger than the things that have kept us apart. We believe in co-operation not competition.
What are the “big ideas” that Christians stand for?
1. Jesus Christ is the Lord and Saviour of the whole world.
2. God’s revealed Truth needs to be known and obeyed.
3. God is LOVE and perfect love drives away fear.
4. Jesus died on the Cross so my sins could be forgiven.
5. We can enjoy a fresh start, a new life, through Jesus.
6. The Bible is God’s Word to us.
7. The Holy Spirit brings faith alive – God’s power on the INSIDE.
8. Being “religious” is not enough. Do I have a relationship with Jesus Christ that changes my life and my destiny?
Looking for life’s missing piece?
Try Jesus.
