About Us
TO KNOW JESUS
AND TO MAKE HIM KNOWN
As christians we seek to work together to glorify God and to make the Lord Jesus known in the community here in Ashford. We want to be open and welcoming to all in our community. We want to share God's powerful love and to help with the needs that we see around us.
We believe that Jesus' death and resurrection was the most pivotal event in the history of humanity and forms the basis of God's good news (gospel) to the world. As a church we take the Bible seriously and look to learn together in discovering that faith in Jesus provides the answers to the most important questions of life.
As a church we continue to pray for each other in God's family here at Ashford Baptist, and for our wider community.
If you wish to speak to someone at the church please use the contact form available on the website or leave a message on the church phone.
vision
Our vision is to know Jesus and to make Him known. In doing this we follow God's word as written in the bible and we seek to be closer to God by talking to Him in prayer.
values
We believe that every person in our church is valuable and is created in the image of God. We all have an important part to play so we encourage everyone to join in, to discover their strengths in God and to use those for the benefit of us all.
OUR HISTORY
the story of aBc
1935
The origins
Ashford Baptist Church began as a mission project from an Acton Baptist Church in 1935.
They were a small group but soon settled into the local community, sharing their faith where they could and working hard in the local area.
1965
Independence begins
ABC (as we often call ourselves) became a fully independent Baptist church in 1965 and celebrated this with a special service.
We held our first wedding in 1967.
In 1978 we saw a milestone for our church in the appointment of the first full time pastor, Mr Terry Jones.
1991
Moving around Ashford
Through much of our church history we have been looking to find a building for the growing activities of the church. In 1991 ABC decided to move out of it’s Warwick road church building to have services at Clarendon school as numbers had grown to the point that we couldn’t fit into it any longer.
2015
Our new building was completed
In June 2010 we stepped out in faith to purchase a disused warehouse site and begin the process of building a new church close to the High street.
This build was completed in 2015 and we moved in to begin a new chapter in the life of ABC.
We want to welcome you to our church and hope you enjoy your
time here.
MEET OUR LEADERS
Our leadership team help oversee the decisions that direct the life of the church, they are elected every few years so there are always opportunities to get involved and help shape our future. Currently our leaders are:
CHURCH LEADER
Doris Higgins
Doris first attended Ashford Baptist Church in 2021 with her husband William. She is involved in preaching , teaching and in the prayer ministry at our Sunday services.
Together with William she leads a homegroup and serves as part of the refreshments team.
Doris also leads a women’s ministry called “Women on the move UK” both on zoom and in person. She also ministers in different churches and at conferences both in the UK and abroad.
Doris likes eating out, going for walks and travelling especially on missionary trips.
CHURCH LEADER
ROB BANTHORPE
Rob has attended ABC since just before his marriage to Jacquie (guess they are a package deal). Rob has served the church through preaching and leading worship, notably the monthly Learning Together services. Rob has also led holiday Bible clubs and still continues to use his puppet skills where possible (Charlie the puppet is a much valued member of the church). Rob also serves as our Church Treasurer as well as enjoying organising our church breakfasts, whether the monthly Saturday Stimulus or an Easter Sunday special. Outside of Church, Rob enjoys spending time with his family and the occasional session at the driving range.
CHURCH LEADER
steve sitton
Steve has been attending ABC since 2022. He helps on the tech team on all technical aspects in the church.
Steve frequently speaks and leads worship during our Sunday services. He also has the role of the Data Protection Officer.
Outside of church, Steve works as a leader in the tech industry. In his spare time he enjoys keeping fit, playing golf, and photography.
CHURCH LEADER
William Higgins
William started visiting ABC in 2021. Within a short time he together with his wife Doris felt this is where the Lord wanted them to settle.
William became part of the management team in 2022 and in July 2024 started a home group which he co-leads with Doris. He also leads the fitness class on Monday evenings.
William also runs a weekly men's Prayer ministry on zoom called "Men on the Move".
Outside of church William enjoys playing badminton once or twice a week and still has a small property services business.
CHURCH LEADER
jacquie banthorpe
Jacquie has attended ABC for many years (well since she was 18 so too many to count). Jacquie is involved with leading and preaching, in particular our monthly Learning Together services, and has been involved in children’s work and leading holiday Bible clubs. Jacquie continues to be actively involved with the church through serving on the leadership team and can often be found engaging with visitors serving them at the cake stall at ABC 2:10. Outside of Church, Jacquie enjoys spending time with her family and a good game of Sudoku.