Why Baptist?

What Does it Mean to be Baptist?

Beliefs are worthless unless they are translated into actions. Based on the Biblical Teachings, we feel very strongly about the seven following practices:

The Bible is Our Sole Authority
II Timothy 3:16 (NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

God's Word is the only completely reliable and truthful authority in the world, therefore we accept the Bible as our manual for living. Our first question when faced with a decision is, "What does the Bible say?" We should practice daily Bible reading, Bible study, and Bible memorization. The Bible is the basis for all we believe.

Autonomy of Each Local Church
Colossians 1:18 (NKJV) And He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have preeminence.

Christ is the recognized head of our church, not any person, group or religious organization. While we recognize the value of associating and cooperating with other groups of Christians, we believe every local church should be self-governing and independent from any denominational control.

Priesthood of Every Believer
Revelation 1:5-6 (NKJV) To Him (Jesus Christ) who loved us and washed us from our sins in His blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.

1 Pete 2:9 (NKJV) You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

The Bible teaches that every Christian is called to "full time" Christian service, regardless of his or her vocation. We practice the truth that every believer is a minister by encouraging every member to find a place of service and ministry. Every believer has direct access to God through prayer and Bible reading.

Tithing
Leviticus 27:30 (NKJV) And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's. It is holy to the Lord.

We practice tithing for the support of Christ's Body, the church, as God commands. We recognize that giving 10% of our income is the Biblical standard of giving.

Immersion
Colossians 2:12 (NKJV) ...buried with Him (Christ) in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him (Christ) through faith in the working of God, who raised Him (Christ) from the dead.

We practice baptism by immersion under water - the way Jesus was baptized, and the way the Bible commands.

Spirit-led Living
John 15:5 (NKJV) I am the vine, you are the branches. He abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

We believe the only way possible to live the Christian life is by God's power within us. So we seek to practice a daily dependence on God's Spirit to enable us to do what is right.

Telling Others About Christ
1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV) ...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...

It is the responsibility of every Christian to share the Good news with those God brings us into contact with. We practice personal sharing about Christ and inviting friends to church.