DISTINCTIVES - This body shall be known as a Baptist church and shall teach and instruct each member in the “Historic Baptist Distinctives”. These distinctive are as follows:

BIBLICAL AUTHORITY - The Bible is our sole authority for faith and practice. Psalm 12:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:20-21

AUTONOMY OF THE LOCAL CHURCH - Each local church is an independent body accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Head of the church. Each church is autonomous, or self-governing, and contains all human authority for leadership within its congregation. A Baptist church may choose to associate with other churches of like faith around mutual interests or ministry opportunities, but one church cannot exert authority over another. Colossians 1:18; Matthew 18:15-20; Acts 15:22-21; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 19, 23

PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER - All born-again believers have the privilege of direct access to God. Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and man. As God’s priests, we can study His Word, pray for our needs, intercede for others, offer worship, and serve in His work. Every child of God has equal access to their Heavenly Father. 1 Timothy 2:1-6; 1 Peter 2:5, 9; Revelation 5:9, 10

TWO ORDINANCES - The local church is mandated by God to practice two ordinances. 1. Baptism of believers by immersion in water symbolizes sincere faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection with the desire to walk in newness of life. 2. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, commemorates Christ’s broken body and shed blood giving each believer an opportunity for self-examination and rededication. These are not sacraments to earn salvation, but privileges granted by grace. Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 6:4; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32 

INDIVIDUAL SOUL LIBERTY - Every individual, believer and unbeliever, possesses the God-given privilege of free will having the liberty to choose what to believe.  Freedom of choice demands personal responsibility. John 3:36; Romans 14:4-12; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Titus 1:9

SAVED, BAPTIZED CHURCH MEMBERSHIP - Local church membership is restricted to individuals who give a believable testimony of personal faith in Christ and have publicly identified with Him in believer’s baptism. Church membership is a necessary privilege for believers who follow Christ.  Fellowship, guidance, and encouragement of the local church family are essential for believers to maintain an unwavering testimony and a meaningful life of service. Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 18; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Hebrews 10:23-25

TWO OFFICES - Scripture mandates two offices for the local church.  The pastor leads, feeds, guides, and guards the church at the direction of Christ. The Bible terms “pastor,” “elder,” and “bishop” refer to different responsibilities for the same office. Deacons help the pastor care for the flock so he can give priority to prayer and the ministry of the Word.  The Bible gives qualifications for each office. 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Acts 6:1-7; Philippians 1:1

SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE - God established both civil government and local church government.  Each has distinct responsibilities and operations. Neither should control the other..  A government should not interfere with the local church’s preaching, activities, and ministry. Matthew 22:15-22; 28:19-20; Romans 13:1-7