What does it mean to be Baptist?

As Baptists, we adhere to a set of biblical distinctives:

1. Biblical Authority (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:21)

2. Autonomy of the local church (Matt. 18:17; Acts 6:1-7)

3. Priesthood of the believer (1 Pet. 2:1-9)

4. Two Ordinances

   1. Baptism (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:41)

   2. the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 11:23-25)

5. Individual soul liberty (Romans 14:5, 12)

6. Two Offices

   1. Pastor (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1-7)

   2. Deacons (Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:8-13)

7. Separation

   1. Personal – from wordliness (1 John 2:15-17)

   2. Ecclesiastical – from compromise (Acts 5:29; Galatians; Rev. 18:4)

   3. Governmental – from state religion (Matt. 22:21; Acts 5:29).

We are also an independent church meaning we are autonomous, independent, and self-governing. Church members vote on leadership in the church as well as other other pertinent church-related issues.

However, though we are independent, we believe in interdependency among churches. There is the unity within the whole body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6), and the cooperative efforts with like-minded churches increases our effectiveness in fulfilling the great commission and the great commandment (1 Corinthians 16:1).