What is a Baptist?
What does it mean to be a Baptist?
There are many thoughts about Baptists and who they are. Over the years, many have tried to outline what makes a Baptist church different from other churches, this has led to many to produce lists of "distinctives" that set a Baptist church apart from others.
What makes FBC a Baptist congregation?
We can sum this up with 6 basic beliefs
New Testament Authority
Baptists believe that the New Testament is the sole and final authority for faith and practice in the church. The teachings of Christ and the apostles establish the doctrines, ordinances, and structure of the local church, guiding its worship, leadership, and mission.
Believer's Baptism by Immersion
Baptism is only for those who have personally professed faith in Jesus Christ, and it is administered by immersion in water as a public testimony of their salvation. This practice follows the New Testament pattern, symbolizing the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).
Pure Church Membership
Church membership is reserved for those who have been born again through personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified with Him through baptism. This ensures that the local church consists of regenerate believers who seek to live in obedience to Christ and maintain doctrinal and moral purity.
Individual Christian Responsibility
Every believer is personally accountable to God for their spiritual growth, service, and obedience to His Word. While the church provides teaching and encouragement, each Christian is responsible for studying Scripture, making moral decisions, and using their spiritual gifts for God’s glory.
Congregational Church Government
The local church is an autonomous body governed by its members under the headship of Christ, with decisions made collectively rather than by an external hierarchy. This model follows the New Testament example, where churches appointed their own leaders and were responsible for discipline and doctrinal faithfulness (Acts 6:1–6; 1 Corinthians 5).
Seperation of Church and State
Baptists affirm that the church and civil government are distinct institutions with separate roles, meaning the state should not control the church, nor should the church wield political power. Religious liberty is a biblical principle that allows individuals to worship according to their conscience without government interference (Matthew 22:21).
First Baptist Church
206 Main St East, Brownsdale, MN 55918
507-567-2369
Links
Copyright © 2025 | Powered by 
churchtrac
churchtrac
