Resources Frequently Asked Questions What Makes a Baptist?
What Makes a Baptist?
(Baptist Union of Great Britain, 2008)
The Lordship of Christ
Jesus is Lord is the distinctive confession of faith. As individuals and as churches, Baptists seek to make Jesus Christ Lord of every aspect of their lives.
The Authority of the Bible
Baptists believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that the Holy Spirit through the Bible shows us God’s way for living. As radical believers, Baptists seek to root their lives in the revelation of God’s truth.
Believers Baptism
On the basis of the New Testament, Baptists claim that baptism is for believers only. Baptism is only for those who are able to declare Jesus is Lord. As a symbol of Jesus’ claim on their lives, Baptists practice baptism by immersion, in which candidates symbolize their desire to die to self and live for Christ.
A Believers Church
Baptists understand the church as a community of believers gathered in the name of Jesus Christ for worship, witness and service. There is no set Baptist liturgy. Each local church and community is free to determine its own pattern, though prayer and praise, listening and reflecting on scripture, and sharing Holy Communion will always be central.
The Priesthood of All Believers
In the Baptist model of a believer’s church every member has a role to play whether in teaching, faith-sharing, evangelism, social action, pastoring, guiding, serving, prophetic insight, praying, healing, administration or hospitality
The Church Meeting
When a person is baptised in a Baptist church, they normally become a church member. Church members are called to prayerfully discern God's will for their shared life. Final authority does not rest with the ministers, deacons or any other local, national or international body, but with the members meeting together under God's guidance. Church meetings will make significant appointments including ministers and church leaders, and agree financial policy and determine mission strategy.
Associating Together
Baptist churches have always come together in regional, national and international associations for support and fellowship. On the basis of the New Testament, Baptists believe that churches should not live in isolation from one another but rather be inter-dependent.
The Missionary Task
Baptists believe that each Christian has a duty to share their faith with others. We recognise that mission is not just evangelism, but also includes promoting justice, social welfare, healing, education and peace in the world.
Religious Freedom
Religious freedom for all has always been a keystone of Baptist understanding. Within Baptist churches, tolerance for differences of outlook and diversity of practice is encouraged.