Growing up in a pastor's home, I was taught early on about the importance of Baptist doctrine and heritage. Many people don’t realize that being a Baptist is more than just a name—it’s about holding to biblical principles that have defined true New Testament churches throughout history. While we may not have seen a “First Baptist Church of Jerusalem” 2,000 years ago, the doctrinal distinctives we cherish today can be traced directly to Scripture and have remained consistent through the centuries.
My personal journey began when my parents found Christ during one of the darkest seasons of their lives. My father was an alcoholic, and my mother was just sixteen years old when they married. After losing their fourth child and heading for divorce, a Christian coworker named Bill Wickham shared the gospel with my father. That day, my dad trusted Christ—and incredibly, so did my mother.
Two years later, my father surrendered to preach, and I was born as the first child in our family to be raised in a Christian home. At five years old, during a revival meeting, I became deeply concerned about being left behind when Jesus returned. That night, I made the decision to personally accept Christ as my Savior.
What Makes a Baptist Church Baptist?
Historically, churches were not always called “Baptist,” but many held to core principles we now recognize as Baptist distinctives. These can be summarized using the simple acrostic: B-A-P-T-I-S-T.
B – Biblical Authority
Scripture is our final and only authority for faith and practice. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 states:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
The Bible is not just a historical document—it is the living, inspired Word of God. It is sufficient for equipping believers and guiding every aspect of our church life, preaching, discipleship, and even parenting.
A – Autonomy of the Local Church
The word “autonomy” means self-governing. In Acts 20:28–29, Paul exhorted the elders of the church at Ephesus:
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”
No outside body, denomination, or headquarters governs the local church. Each congregation answers directly to Christ as its Head. Baptist churches may cooperate for missions or fellowship, but they remain self-governed under Christ’s authority.
P – Priesthood of the Believer
1 Peter 2:9 teaches:
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
One of the foundational truths of the Baptist faith is that we do not need a human priest to go to God for us. When Christ died, the veil of the temple was torn in two—symbolizing that every believer now has direct access to the Father through Jesus Christ.
Each believer can boldly come before God in prayer. I can pray for you, and you for me—but we can also go to God personally, because Christ is our High Priest.
T – Two Ordinances
Baptists recognize two church ordinances, not sacraments:
- Baptism by Immersion – A public testimony of faith that pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It is only for believers and is necessary for church membership.
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
—Acts 2:41
- The Lord’s Supper – A solemn time of remembrance and examination for believers. It looks backward to the cross, inward for personal reflection, outward to the church body, and forward to Christ’s return.
“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.”
—1 Corinthians 11:26
I – Individual Soul Liberty
Every person is accountable to God. Romans 14:12 says:
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
Baptists believe in individual soul liberty—each person has the God-given right to read the Bible, be persuaded in conscience, and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading without coercion. I can teach and exhort, but I cannot force belief. Every soul is ultimately accountable to Christ alone.
S – Saved and Baptized Church Membership
Church membership is reserved for those who are saved and scripturally baptized by immersion. Again, Acts 2:41 gives the pattern:
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Historically, Baptists were called “Anabaptists” (meaning “rebaptizers”) because they insisted that infant baptism was invalid, and only believers should be baptized following salvation.
T – Two Church Offices
Scripture outlines two distinct offices within the local church:
- Pastor (Bishop/Shepherd) – The primary spiritual overseer and teacher.
- Deacons – Servants of the church who assist with physical and practical needs, especially caring for widows and those in need.
“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.”
—Philippians 1:1
These roles are not about status but service, both vital to the healthy operation of a New Testament church.
The Importance of Being a Biblical Baptist
There is a great need today for churches to be biblical Baptists—not just in name, but in doctrine, conviction, and practice. The local church is still God's chosen vessel to reach the world. Not institutions. Not celebrities. But faithful local churches in cities, towns, and villages.
When we stay rooted in these biblical distinctives, we honor Christ and continue the legacy of churches that have preserved and proclaimed the gospel for generations. May we never be ashamed to be Baptist—but more importantly, to be biblical in all that we believe and practice.
