What is a Baptist?

B iblical authority - The Bible is the written Word of God and is the only written revelation from God that is designed to govern our beliefs and our conduct. The Scriptures have authority over the traditions of men and human reasoning.

A utonomy of the local church. The local church is an independent and sovereign institution. The local church is not to be controlled by any outside organization. There is no hiearchical structure or authority over the actual members of the local church.

P riesthood of the believer. Each individual believer can approach God through our High Priest, Jesus Christ, without the aid of any other mediator. All believers are priests and can talk directly to and pray to God.

T wo ordinances. The Bible does not teach that there are sacraments which impart grace, rather there are two ordinances that we as believers are called upon to observe. These orginances communicate and picture important Bible truths. They are “Believers Baptism” and “The Lord’s Supper.”

I ndividual soul liberty. Baptists have historically been strong contenders for religious freedom. Baptists hold the positin that every individual believer must stand before his/her Master and answer for his understanding of Bible truth.

S eparation. Separation is clearly taught in the Scriptures. First we must have personal separation. We are not only to be separated from worldly practices and sinful attitudes, but should long and desire to live godly lives. We do not fellowship with apostates or those who compromise by fellowshipping with apostates.

T wo offices. There are only two church offices, pastors and deacons.

S aved church membership. The members of a local church are all individuals who profess to be saved and have been baptized by immersion after their salvation experience.