I always enjoy it when people ask me what Baptists believe. It gives me an opportunity to break party line expectations and share my religious and Bible convictions—the kinds that change lives. But it’s always been odd for me to hear how others define Baptist tradition. Baptist distinctives are usually described by what we do not believe—dancing, cussing, smoking, etc. However, no healthy organization has ever survived with a platform of what they are against {insert my political rant here}. You should know that the tenets that describe us are well-defined truths we should all be familiar with. Baptists, across all flavors, have organized these in an acrostic to help us retain and communicate our heritage.

B – Biblical Authority – No religious leader has the right to overrule the mandate of scripture. The Word is our sole source of direction.

A – Autonomy of the Local Church – Christ is our Head alone and answering to Him minimizes the political pressure denominationally.

P – Priesthood of the Believer – No other mediator is needed between a Christian and his God. We have direct access.

T – Two Ordinances – Baptism and the Lord Supper were given to the church to be exercised for the body—only two.

I – Individual Soul Liberty – You have the right and responsibility to discover truth for yourself, not because it is demanded of you.

S – Saved, Baptized Church Membership – We’re not a club, but an assembly of sinners who profess a life-changing encounter with Christ.

T – Two Offices – God has appointed pastors/elders/bishops to spiritually lead the local body and deacons to minister to it.

S – Separation of Church and State – Not that the churched can’t be involved in government affairs, but God works uniquely through church, government, and family. Each have their place and influence on society.

These principles are simple, but when considered as a whole, make us unique in denominational circles. I want to encourage you work to describe your religious platform not on what you are against, but what you are for.