"Why Are You A Baptist Church?"
Baptist Means We Believe...
- Biblical Authority
Baptists hold that the Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. It is divinely inspired, without error, and sufficient for guiding believers. This means that all teachings and practices should be derived from Scripture.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21) - Autonomy of the Local Church
Each local church is autonomous and self-governing, meaning it is not under the authority of any outside group or hierarchy. While cooperation with other churches is encouraged, each congregation is responsible for its own affairs.
(Acts 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5) - Priesthood of All Believers
Every believer has direct access to God through Jesus Christ and is able to interpret Scripture for themselves. There is no need for an intermediary priesthood. Each Christian is called to serve God and others, making their priesthood a personal responsibility.
(1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 1:6) - Two Ordinances
Baptists believe in two ordinances: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Baptism is by immersion, signifying the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of remembering Christ’s sacrifice.
(Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) - Individual Soul Liberty
Each person is accountable to God for their own decisions and beliefs. This includes the freedom to practice faith according to one’s understanding of Scripture.
(Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10) - Separation of Church and State
Baptists advocate for a clear distinction between the church and the state. This means that the government should not control or interfere with religious practices, and religious organizations should not have authority over the government. This principle ensures that individuals can freely practice their faith without government interference and that religious groups are free from political control. In other words, the church and the state should operate independently of each other.
(Matthew 22:21; Revelation 13:7-10) - Saved, Baptized Church Membership
Membership in a Baptist church is reserved for individuals who have made a personal profession of faith and have been baptized as believers. Baptism is considered the proper step after salvation.
(Acts 2:41-42; Matthew 28:19-20) - Two Offices
Baptists recognize two primary offices in the church: Pastor and Deacon. Pastors are responsible for the spiritual leadership and teaching of the church, while deacons serve the practical needs of the congregation.
(1 Timothy 3:1-13; Philippians 1:1)