About us
We strive to be a vibrant and active congregation where everyone can find an inclusive community and a meaningful role that brings joy. As the country's oldest Baptist church, we aim to be a congregation that welcomes and embraces all people.
What characterizes being a Baptist?
To be a Baptist is, above all, to be a Christian. We believe in the triune God, the resurrection of Jesus, the Bible as God's inspired Word, and that through faith in Jesus, we receive salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We also recognize other denominations as our Christian siblings.
Nevertheless, there are some distinctive characteristics that define us as Baptists. The term "Baptist" means "baptizer," and in a Baptist church, baptism is conducted based on the candidate’s own faith and confession. Throughout history, being a Baptist has often been challenging, with Baptists facing persecution and opposition. This experience has instilled in us a deep commitment to the values of religious and expressive freedom, which we hold dear.
Our church governance is independent and democratic, meaning that all members have a say, and the congregational meeting serves as the highest decision-making authority.
Who is Skien Baptist Church?
Skien Baptist Church, founded on April 22, 1860, is an independent congregation affiliated with the Norwegian Baptist Union, making us the oldest Baptist church in the country. We are devoted to fulfilling Jesus' mission, striving to share faith in Jesus through our local and international activities.
We are dedicated to providing community for all generations, expressed through Sunday worship services and small groups open to everyone. Our desire is to be an open and inclusive church where all are welcome to gather around faith in Jesus.
Additionally, we offer a wide range of weekly activities for people of all ages, with a special emphasis on children and youth.
What does it mean to be a member of Skien Baptist Church?
Anyone who believes in Jesus can become a member of Skien Baptist Church, as we practice open membership. This means that baptism in the Baptist tradition is not a prerequisite for membership, even though it is our preferred practice.
We aim to be a vibrant and active congregation where each member can find a sense of belonging and fulfill their role within our community to advance our mission and congregational objectives. As members, we strive to stand together and encourage one another in our service to Jesus.
