About Us

We are a local church in the Gilmerton area of Edinburgh. The word evangelical in our title simply means that we try to spread the good news about Jesus Christ.

Over the years, Ferniehill Evangelical Church has become well known as an open fellowship welcoming all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and there is a strong tradition of enjoying fellowship with evangelical Christians of any denomination. There are currently 70-80 members with our all-age service seeing over 100 people gather. There is a warm and friendly atmosphere and hope that all who join us will feel part of our church family.

The people that meet at Ferniehill Church are part of an evangelical and independent church in the tradition of the 'Christian Brethren'. Brethren churches are autonomous and self-governing and can trace their roots back to the early 19th Century.

What do we believe?

• In one God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit who created all things and is in control of all things.
• The Bible, which is God’s word, is trustworthy and guides and directs us in all areas of our lives.
• That man, created in God’s image, through his disobedience has become a slave to sin and liable to God’s just punishment.
• Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who became man, lived a sinless life and died in our place, taking away our guilt. He rose physically from the dead and is alive and reigning in heaven today as Lord of all. He will one day come again to this world and judge all men, condemning those who do not repent and believe in him and taking those who have truly believed in him to be with him for eternity.
• The Holy Spirit, who works in the heart of sinners, enabling them to believe in Jesus Christ and to repent of their sins, and who is a living reality in the lives of those who are true believers.  
• The Church, which is the worldwide community of all who truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

What we practise

In common with a number of other independent churches, we have a group of elders responsible for the church government and spiritual welfare. As an autonomous and self-governing church, we recognise the Bible as its sole authority and Jesus Christ as its rightful head in all matters of faith, doctrine, and church practice.

A group of deacons are responsible for the fabric of the building and other practical matters.

We observe the two ordinances given by Jesus: believer’s baptism and the Lord's Supper (communion).

Believer’s Baptism

The church teaches and practises believer's baptism by total immersion on personal confession of faith in Christ. It also encourages all Christians both young and old who want to follow and obey Jesus to be baptised as a mark of their identification with Him and the people of God. It is recognised however; that there is a difference of opinion among Christians on the manner of baptism. It is right therefore to regard with respect the intelligent, spiritual and sincere conviction of others who may see things differently. When the question of membership arises, the elders reserve the right to decide each case on its merits.  

The Lord's Supper

The church meets each Sunday morning for worship and to celebrate the Lord's Supper or Breaking of Bread. Following the pattern of the early church as outlined in Acts 2: 42 we meet in a simple fashion around the Lord's table to which all Christians confessing Jesus as Lord are welcome whether or not baptised or in membership with us. The short service is not formally conducted and has no previously agreed order. The open worship style may seem casual and informal but it is not without structure. Participation is open to all men in the congregation to lead the worship in the giving out of a hymn, offering a prayer, or reading a scripture and perhaps making a brief comment on it. For practical purposes the duty elder is responsible for dispensing the bread and wine.

We are a Scottish registered charity. We are also members of the Evangelical Alliance.