Soul Freedom
We believe in the freedom and responsibility of every person to relate directly to God – without imposition of creed or control by clergy or by government. Baptist life is characterized by believer’s baptism – baptism not as an infant but baptism which is freely chosen by those old enough to make decisions about their own lives, beliefs, and behaviors. Believer’s baptism is the symbolic expression of soul freedom.
Bible Freedom
We believe the Bible is central to how we Christians see ourselves and our world, and how we believe and behave as Christians. The Bible is read and interpreted in public worship and by individuals in their own private Bible study. Baptists believe that everyone has the freedom to study the Bible and make God’s presence come alive in contemporary life by applying His word to their lives.
Church Freedom
Baptist churches are a part of the Free Church tradition within Christianity. Each local Baptist church runs its own church life and owns its own church building; it does this without the oversight or rule of a diocese, district, bishop, or presbytery. Each Baptist church determines its own membership, selects its own leadership, and chooses whether or not to affiliate with denominational associations. Each church can ordain those they perceive as gifted for ministry and define how it will worship.
Religious Freedom
We believe in freedom of religion, freedom for religion, and freedom from religion. We support the separation of church and state. Governments should not interfere with, favor, or support financially the religious life of individuals or churches. Likewise, all individuals and churches have a right to be free from religion, from having any particular religious views forced upon them. Baptists believe that such a separation is healthy both for the churches and for the state.
