Bible-believing Baptist churches are and have been through history patterns of the apostolic churches. Below is a summary of historic Baptist Distinctives:

Biblical Authority

The Bible is the final authority for faith and practice.

Automomy of the Local Church

The local church is entirely independent of every other church or of any denominational hierarchy, being sovereign in all matters pertaining to its function as a church.

Priesthood of the Believer

Every believer is a priest and has direct access to God.

Two Ordinances

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two ordinances ordained by Christ, observed by the churches of Acts, and set forth as symbols of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Saviour.

Individual Soul Liberty

Every Christian has the right to interpret the Scripture and worship God as he feels the Bible teaches.

Separation of Church and State

The ideal relationship is a free and independent church within a free and independent state.

Two Officers

Pastor and Deacon are the two recognized offices today. The terms Pastor, Bishop, and Elder refer to the same office and are used interchangeably (Acts 20:17; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:12)

Saved Church Membership

The membership of the local church must be comprised of only those who have openly confessed Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.