Baptists are a fellowship of Christians who…by Dr. Bill Pinson
Hold certain beliefs
- God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- The Lordship of Jesus Christ
- The Bible as the sole written authority for faith and practice
- Soul competency, accountability, and responsibility
- Salvation only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
- The security of the believer who has responded to God's grace through faith
- The priesthood of each believer and of all believers in Christ
- Baptism of believers by immersion
- Church membership voluntarily entered only by baptized believers
- Baptism and the Lord's Supper as meaningful to, but not necessary for salvation
Cherish practices based on these beliefs
- Congregational governance of a church by the baptized believer members
- The autonomy of each local body of baptized believer priests
- Religious freedom and its corollary, the friendly separation of church and state
- Voluntary cooperation for the advancement of the cause of Christ
Champion causes based on these beliefs and practices
- Evangelism—sharing God's Good News of salvation with all people
- Missions—taking the Good News of salvation to all people in all places
- Ministry—caring for the spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs of all people
- Christian education—providing academically excellent Christ-centered teaching
- Social concern—acting to correct conditions of society contrary to the Word of God
Establish organizations to help carry out these beliefs, practices, and causes
- Churches
- Associations/Networks of churches
- Conventions, unions, societies, alliances, and fellowships
- Institutions, such as schools, medical centers, and homes for children and the aged
