Privacy Policy
Rockhampton Baptist Church (ABN 50 327 677 606) is committed to protecting and respecting the privacy of everyone we deal with, and handles personal information in line with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This policy is available free of charge on our website. We may collect information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, occupation, church roles, financial and bank details, Working with Children (Blue Card) information, and photos or video from our services and events. We take extra care with children's and vulnerable people's information, and won't collect it without appropriate consent. We collect information when someone registers with us, gives, attends an event, enquires, fills out a form, or corresponds with us, and sometimes from third parties such as working with children checks. Our website uses cookies and tools like Google Analytics to understand how it's used, this data isn't linked to your identity, and you can control cookies through your browser. We use your information to stay in touch, keep you informed about services and events, meet our legal obligations, produce our church directory, and provide pastoral care and follow-up. We don't sell your information, and only share it where needed, for example with insurers, auditors, Queensland Baptists, or where the law requires it. Information may be stored securely in Australia or overseas with trusted providers. You can access or update your information at any time, or make a complaint about how we've handled it, by contacting the church office: PO Box 9865, Frenchville QLD 4701, phone 07 49 113 113, email office@rockybaptist.org.au. We'll respond within 30 days. If you're not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (1300 363 992, www.oaic.gov.au).
Statement of Commitment
Rockhampton Baptist is committed to being a safe space for all and will provide a supportive environment by: ensuring staff and volunteers are appropriately screened and trained and behave in a manner that resembles and represents Christ's attitude and approach; providing safe environments and ministries that promote spiritual, social, and physical safety and personal growth and development; promoting a culture of safety throughout the church, constantly communicating and reinforcing our commitment across all aspects of ministries and activities. We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse or harm to children, young people and vulnerable adults, and are committed to actively seeking to prevent this abuse and harm, including maintaining an open and aware culture, treating all concerns and allegations raised seriously, not minimising the impact of abuse and harm on the victim, and promptly responding to all concerns and allegations. Rockhampton Baptist is dedicated to providing safe spaces for everyone and is committed to fulfilling our responsibilities under the eight Mandatory Requirements of a child and youth risk management strategy as set out by Queensland Government Blue Card Services.
Feedback & Testimonies
If you wish to provide feedback, share a testimony of what God's been doing, share a great experience, or make a complaint about your interaction with Rockhampton Baptist Church, you can do so in writing by post or email. We value feedback and will treat it confidentially and respectfully. Address any communication to the Feedback Team, Rockhampton Baptist Church, PO Box 9865, Frenchville QLD 4701, or email via the church office.
HOt Topics
We'd rather tell you where we stand on the questions people often ask than make you guess or find out awkwardly later. Wherever you land on these, you're welcome here, these are convictions we hold, not a checklist for who belongs. The positions below are a first draft, held loosely and subject to a final wording pass by church leadership before this section goes live, but ready to build against now.
Marriage and sexuality: We believe God's design for marriage is a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6), and that sexual intimacy is a gift for marriage. We hold this conviction alongside a genuine welcome for every person, everyone is made in God's image and welcome to belong here as they seek Him.
The role of women in ministry and leadership: Women serve across many levels of ministry at Rockhampton Baptist, including our staff and pastoral care teams. We value women's gifts and calling and want everyone to find their place using what God's given them.
Baptism and who it's for: We practise believers' baptism by immersion, for anyone who has put their trust in Jesus and wants to publicly declare that faith (Acts 8:36-38). We don't baptise infants, though we do offer a dedication service for parents who want to publicly commit to raising their child in faith.
Other faiths and the exclusivity of Christ for salvation: We believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, and that salvation is found through faith in Him alone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). We hold this conviction with love, not arrogance, and want to represent Jesus well to people of every faith and background.
Spiritual gifts and speaking in tongues: We believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including tongues, prophecy and healing, are for today and for the whole church (1 Corinthians 12-14). We make space for these gifts within our services in a way that's orderly and builds up the whole church.
Alcohol and lifestyle: We don't require total abstinence from alcohol, but we do ask for wisdom, moderation, and care for others whose conscience or story might be different from yours (Romans 14). Alcohol isn't permitted on our church property regardless.
Creation and science: We believe God created the universe and everything in it, and that Genesis 1-2 is true and trustworthy. We hold a range of views within our church family about exactly how God went about it, and we don't require agreement on the details to belong here.
Divorce and remarriage: We believe God's best for marriage is a lifelong covenant, and divorce is never something we take lightly. We also want to walk with anyone who's been through separation or divorce with grace and support, and to help those considering remarriage think and pray it through well.
Mental health and pastoral care around suicide: We take mental health seriously and don't believe struggling with your mental health is a sign of weak faith. If you're walking through anxiety, depression or thoughts of suicide, please reach out, to one of our pastors, to Lifeline (13 11 14), or to your GP. You are not alone, and we would love to walk with you.
Money and tithing: We believe generosity is part of following Jesus, and we teach tithing as a biblical starting point, not a legal requirement (Malachi 3:10, 2 Corinthians 9:7). Give freely and cheerfully, as you're able.
Church involvement in political and social issues: We don't align our church with any political party, and we won't tell you who to vote for. We do believe Jesus calls us to love our neighbour, care for the vulnerable, and pursue justice, so you'll hear us speak to issues where Scripture speaks clearly, always aiming to represent Jesus well rather than a political side.