Why are we a Baptist church?
B-Biblical Authority
The Bible is our only authority in all matters of faith and practice. No decree of men or of any council of churches can supersede the Bible!
2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:21
A-Autonomy of the Local Church
The local church is an independent body accountable only to the Lord Jesus Christ, The Head of the Church. No religious hierarchy outside the local church may dictate a church’s beliefs or practices.
Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 3:15; Acts 20:19-30
P-Priesthood of the Believer
Every believer today is a priest of God an may enter into His presence directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No human mediator is needed between God and man. Every believer may read, understand and fulfill God’s will for him from the Scriptures.
1 Timothy 2:5-6; 1 Peter 2:5-9
T-Two Ordinances
The local church should practice two ordinances - baptism by immersion in water and the Lord’s Supper.
Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
I-Individual Soul Liberty
Every individual has the liberty and responsibility to believe as his own conscience dictates, within he framework of the Word of God. No one is forced to assent to any belief against his will. However, this doctrine does not grant a license to sin or to continually oppose the practices of the church.
Romans 14:5-12
T-Two Offices
Only two Biblically mandated offices exist in the church: Pastor & Deacon
Acts 6:3-6; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:6-9
S-Separation of Church and State
God established both the church and the civil government, and He gave each its own distinct sphere of operation. Neither should control the other.
Matthew 22:15-22; Acts 5:29-31; Romans 13:1-4