Background, Ethos and Values
of Bethel Baptist Church
Our Background
Bethel Baptist Church (hereafter known as 'Bethel') has been a valued and active part of the Whitchurch community since 1865. It is affiliated to the 'Baptist Union of Great Britain' and enjoys positive relations with local churches across Cardiff and beyond. In the wider community, Bethel is also a member and partner of many social welfare groups such as WCVA (Welsh Council for Voluntary Action) and VAC (Voluntary Action Cardiff). Bethel has a strong concern for global issues, getting involved where it can, and also actively promotes Fairtrade products and activities.
Our history over time has been one of close involvement with the local area offering many community based activities serving a wide spectrum of need, reflecting the changing patterns of society. From Lunch Clubs for older folk to an innovative Holiday Club attracting over 150 children every morning during the first week of the summer break to involvement in the annual Whitchurch Festival, Bethel demonstrates its commitment to full engagement with the people of Whitchurch.
Our Ethos
"Our ethos expresses who we are, how we relate to each other and to the wider community whom we serve. By conviction, the love of God challenges us to demonstrate Christ's love to all people - a love that we believe to be life changing. Our work is motivated and inspired by the life, message and example of Jesus Christ, which shapes and guides all we do. We offer a welcome to everyone, accepting them for who they are, respecting their dignity as an individual."
Values and Principles
Bethel Baptist Church expects all those who work and serve there to implement the following values.
1. Community and Diversity
1.1 We believe that we are made for social relationships, in which we find the support and
encouragement we need to be ourselves, and the opportunity to develop in many ways.
1.2 We will aim to help those who are hurting to know that they are not alone by supporting them and
offering compassion and hope, catering for spiritual, emotional and physical needs.
1.3 We value each individual and will respect their right to freedom and choice and not impose our
Christian beliefs on them. We respect people of all faiths and those of no faith, and will aim to
provide a welcoming environment for all.
1.4 We believe in the family. We welcome all ages and seek to provide a variety of activities that
reflect this.
2. People and Partnerships
2.1 We believe in serving others with honesty, openness and respect.
2.2 We aim to meet community needs, working in partnership with other organisations as
appropriate.
2.3 We believe in accountable leadership and clear responsibility, providing those in these roles
with strong and accessible support to carry out those responsibilities.
2.4 We believe in teamwork and appointing staff and volunteers committed to our ethos,
demonstrating a shared approach and support for each other. While we value the work done by
individuals, together we can achieve more. We believe that people achieve the best when they
enjoy what they are doing and we will celebrate the contribution of others.
2.5 We value people as central to our vision and endeavour to provide effective and comprehensive
ongoing training to all staff and volunteers.
2.6 We seek to ensure that all staff and volunteers take responsibility for their own actions and
development, behave in a way that considers the needs of others and exercise appropriate self-
discipline.
3. Our Motivation
3.1 We believe that our faith is a vital part of our church life and experience.
3.2 We encourage creativity and innovation, and explore new ways of working in a fast changing
world.
3.3 We aim towards excellence in all we do.
4. The Environment
4.1 We believe it is our duty to respect and sustain the environment. We will therefore take advice
and be responsible in the use and management of all resources entrusted to us.
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