|
I. Priesthood of All Believers
We affirm the priesthood of all believers. Laypersons have the same right as ordained ministers to
communicate with God, interpret Scripture, and minister in Christ's name.
This doctrine is first and foremost a matter of responsibility and servanthood, not privilege and license.
It is of course, a perversion of this doctrine to say that all views are equally valid, that you can
believe anything and still be a Baptist or that the pastor has no unique leadership role.
II. Soul Competency
We affirm soul competency, the accountability of each person before God. Your family cannot save you.
Neither can your church. It comes down to you and God. Authorities can't force belief or unbelief.
They shouldn't try.
III. Creeds & Confessions
In some groups, statements of belief have the same authority as Scripture. We call this creedalism.
Baptists also make statements of belief, but all of them are revisable in light of Scripture.
The Bible is the final word.
Because of this distinction, we are generally more comfortable with the word "confession."
Still, we are "creedal" in the sense that we believe certain things, express those beliefs and order
our institutions accordingly. There have always been Baptist limits. And within these limits, there
have always been Baptist preferences.
IV. Women In Ministry
Women participate equally with men in the priesthood of all believers. Their role is crucial,
their wisdom, grace and commitment exemplary. Women are an integral part of our faculties,
boards, teams, and professional staff. We affirm and celebrate their Great
Commission impact.
While Scripture teaches that a woman's role is not identical to that of men in every respect, and that
pastoral leadership is assigned to men, it also teaches that women are equal in value to men.
V. Church and State
We stand for a free church in a free state. Neither one should control the affairs of the other.
We support the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, with its "establishment" and "free
exercise" clauses.
We do, of course, acknowledge the legitimate interplay of these two spheres. For example, it is
appropriate for the state to enact and enforce fire codes for the church day care center. It is also
appropriate for ministers to offer prayer at civic functions. Neither the Constitution nor Baptist
tradition would build a wall of separation against such practices as these.
VI. Missions
We ask the people of the world to conform to Christ and His Word, and not to our merely human traditions.
We seek to lift up national leadership in the countries where we serve, and to respect the cultural
expressions of their faith – we honor the indigenous principle in missions. We cannot, however,
compromise doctrine or give up who we are to win the favor of those we try to reach or those with whom
we desire to work. This would rob our efforts of their integrity and life.
The priority is evangelism which results in churches. This priority is consistent with strong social
ministries, including medical care, emergency famine relief, water projects and agricultural assistance.
VII. Autonomy
We affirm the autonomy of the local church. Each church is free to determine its own membership and to
set its own course under the headship of Jesus. It may enter into alliance with other churches as it chooses,
so long as those other churches are willing.
The same is true for other Baptist bodies – local associations; state conventions; national conventions.
They, too, may determine their membership and set their own course.
VIII. Sexuality
We affirm God's plan for marriage and sexual intimacy – one man, and one woman, for life. Homosexuality is not a "valid alternative lifestyle." The Bible condemns it as sin. It is not, however, unforgivable sin. The same redemption available to all sinners is available to homosexuals. They, too, may become new creations in Christ.
|
