We are a friendly, inter-generational church in the heart of Ballymena passionate about presenting Jesus Christ faithfully, in word and deed, for the building up of believers and to see individuals come to personal saving faith in Him. While we hope that we offer a welcoming space for the local community, our priority is to be a place where people experience the forgiveness, reconciliation and joy that comes through God’s unconditional love. We meet on Sundays, with repeat morning services at 10 and 12 as well as an evening service at 6.30. Find out more about Sundays and how to book tickets here. Our Sunday services at 10 and 6.30 are also streamed live on our website, Facebook and YouTube.
Aside from Sunday services, there are other regular gatherings, ministries and programmes. No matter who you are, you’re sure to find something for you! Discover what’s on for kids, youth, young adults, women, men and seniors. Our mid-week prayer meeting and prayer and care groups also provide opportunities to get connected. We’d love to see you at church and warmly invite you to join with us on Sundays either in-person or online. Please contact us if you want to discuss anything regarding either spiritual matters or those of a more practical nature.
HISTORY
This is a short outline of the history of our church. For a more detailed account please read “God in the Midst: The History of Ballymena Baptist Church from 1859-2009”. Copies are available in the church. Ballymena Baptist Church was established following a spiritual revival in the wider Ballymena are in 1859. The congregation met in a loft over a row of stables in Broughshane Street, which required walking through a stable yard and climbing a steep ladder to gain access. By October 1860 the church had grown to 90 members and Sunday congregations averaged four to six hundred.
As the numbers grew, the need for a permanent and more suitable meeting place became obvious. With support fr0m the Baptist Irish Society and Sir Shafto Adair, a new chapel able to seat 500 people was built and opened in August 1861. The new site was 200ft long and 90ft wide, stretching between Mount Street and Hill Street. In July 1863 the church joined the newly formed Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. In 1965 a new church hall suite was erected alongside the original building containing main and minor halls, a pastor’s vestry and kitchen. Two years later, a gallery able to seat 180 people was added to the church. In 2005 plans for a new church building were approved by the church. Work began in March 2007 and was completed in June 2008. The new building was opened by Mrs Molly Small on 17th June 2008.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
THE BIBLE God has revealed Himself to mankind through the Bible. It is the work of God to man and consists of the Old and New Testaments. Every word has been inspired by God through human authors and, as originally given, is without error. It is sufficient in all matters of doctrine and alone speaks with final authority in matters of belief and practice. GOD There is one God who exists eternally in three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God is unchangeable in His holiness, justice, wisdom and love. He is the Creator, Saviour and Judge who sustains and governs all things in accordance with His sovereign will for His own glory. JESUS CHRIST Conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin, the Lord Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life in obedience to the Father and taught with all authority. He died on a cross in the place of sinners, taking God’s punishment for our sin. He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to intercede for His people in the presence of the Father. THE HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit has been sent from heaven to glorify Christ, to apply His work of salvation, to convict people of their sin and to give spiritual life and a true understanding of the bible. He lives in all believers bringing assurance of salvation and producing an increasing likeness to Christ. In the church he empowers believers for worship, service and mission. HUMANITY Every man and woman has been created in the image of God and has equal dignity and worth. Their purpose is to glorify God in obedience, worship and love. As a result of the first man’s disobedience, every aspect of human nature has been corrupted. Every man and woman now lives in sin, is alienated from God and is under His just condemnation. To know and please Him, every person must individually seek God’s forgiveness and be reconciled to Him. SALVATION Salvation is fully the work of God in His grace and cannot be earned. It has been made possible because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is now freely offered to all who believe in Christ. They are justified by faith alone, adopted into His family and receive eternal life. BAPTISM AND THE LORD’S SUPPER Baptism is by immersion of believers on profession of their faith in Jesus Christ and is a symbol of their identification with Him in His death, burial and resurrection. The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of Christ until He comes and a renewal of commitment to Him.
As the numbers grew, the need for a permanent and more suitable meeting place became obvious. With support fr0m the Baptist Irish Society and Sir Shafto Adair, a new chapel able to seat 500 people was built and opened in August 1861. The new site was 200ft long and 90ft wide, stretching between Mount Street and Hill Street. In July 1863 the church joined the newly formed Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland. In 1965 a new church hall suite was erected alongside the original building containing main and minor halls, a pastor’s vestry and kitchen. Two years later, a gallery able to seat 180 people was added to the church. In 2005 plans for a new church building were approved by the church. Work began in March 2007 and was completed in June 2008. The new building was opened by Mrs Molly Small on 17th June 2008.
