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