Baptist Church Structure and Beliefs

Study Notes

Baptist Church Structure and Beliefs

Baptist Church Definition: A congregation of baptized believers united by faith in the gospel, observing Christ's ordinances, governed by biblical laws, and exercising their divinely-granted gifts and privileges.
Articles of Faith (20): These cover various theological topics, including the Scriptures, the nature of God, the fall of humanity, salvation, the church, baptism, the Lord's Supper, and more.
Baptist Ordinances: Two - Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

Baptist Church Government

Church Government: A democratic, congregational type, with Christ as the head and the minister as a representative. Deacons assist the minister with congregational input. Trustees are elected to manage church property and finances as per legal requirements.
Bible Officers: Two - Pastor and Deacons. Other officers are assistants to these and deemed non-scriptural.
Ways into the Church: Four - Baptism, Letter of Recommendation, By Experience of Grace, By Restoration.
Ways out of the Church: Three - Letter of Dismissal, Exclusion, and Death.

Baptist Church Practices and Procedures

Church Handling of Offenders: Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process – private confrontation, witnesses, and church involvement.
Knowing Salvation: 1 John 3:14 – Loving Christian brothers is a sign of salvation.
Soul of a Man: The soul is the man, the spirit of God residing within.
Offenses in the Church: Two types – public and private.
Baptism of Infants: No. Baptism is for believers only. Babies are dedicated but not baptized
Regeneration: Regeneration is being "born again" through the Holy Spirit.
Sanctification: Sanctification means being set apart for God's service.
Deacons and Ministry: Deacons are not ministers, but rather helpers.
Deacons' Character: Deacons must have an honest reputation, be filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

Other Important Concepts

Church Councils: Two types – Mutual (both congregations agree) and Ex Parte (one congregation invites).
Christian Worship: Adoration, praise, and exaltation of God.
God's Attributes: God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (everywhere).
Jesus Christ: The second person of the Trinity, revealed as God's Son in human form. He is Redeemer, Mediator, and Revelator.
Holy Spirit: The third person of the Trinity; the Comforter, Regenerator, Teacher, Sanctifyer.
Church Consoles: Groups of advisors from sister churches to aid a struggling congregation resolve internal conflicts.
Bible Structure: The Bible has 66 books divided into two sections – Old Testament (39 books) and New Testament (27 books).

Description

Explore the fundamental beliefs and governance of the Baptist Church in this quiz. Learn about the Articles of Faith, Baptist ordinances, and the church's democratic structure. Test your knowledge on how the church operates and its core theological principles.