What We Believe

The millions of American Baptists in the world share with other Christians the great doctrines of the church--believe in the triune God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; the redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ; the believer's resurrection made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ; and the ultimate triumph of our Lord over sin and death. In addition to those great truths, American Baptists stress the following beliefs:

THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST
Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity. He is the living Lord of the Bible and the living Lord of today. He is the head of the church.

THE SUPREMACY OF THE SCRIPTURES
The Bible, which can be read and understood by all believers, is our final authority in faith and conduct.

THE PRIESTHOOD OF BELIEVERS
Every person can approach God directly through Christ without the aid of human priests. Each believer should be a witness to others.

BELIEVERS' BAPTISM
Baptism should be administered only to believers and followers of Christ, and the mode is immersion, as taught in the New Testament.

REGENERATE CHURCH MEMBERSHIP
Church membership is only for baptized believers who bear witness to the new life for Christ.

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
The state should protect all religious groups and favor none.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Every person is responsible to God for his or her religious beliefs and practices. All persons therefore should have the right to worship God as their own convictions and consciences dictate.

THE AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
Each local church is self-governing, choosing its own pastor and managing its own affairs.

THE EVANGELIZATION OF THE WORLD
American Baptists take seriously the Great Commission of Christ. Therefore, they endeavor to win people to Christ at home and abroad.